We did it last year.
We were the underdogs.
We were the team people thought would never make it to the World Series.
We were the team people thought would never win the World Series.
It took us 108 years to win another World Series but we did it. After a small rain delay, we came out victorious in extra innings. The noise at Wrigley Field could probably be heard in a whole other continent. The winning moment has been viewed over one million times on the official MLB YouTube page. The Chicago Cubs World Series Champion gear was sold out in many parts of the country for months after the win. There was a parade that rallied in more than 5 million attendees, one of the biggest crowds on record.
After a well-deserved break, it's time to train again. Spring training is upon us and expectations, hopes and anticipations are high for Cubbie fans all over the country.
Dear Cubs,
You won't let us down.
Two wins in two years. One right after the other would be amazing but we know that might not be possible so we won't be disappointed. No matter how this season goes, remember that Cubs fans are fiercely loyal. Generations and generations of Cubs fan waited for that winning moment. Every year Cubs fans hope for a win but never expect a win. Wrigley Field is full at almost every game and the Cubs theme song can be heard playing from the months April to October.
This year will be more exciting than any other season. The tradition will still be there. The support will still be there. The hope will definitely still be there but there will be a whole other level of excitement.
The stadium will be fuller. The cheer will be louder. The lines will be longer. Everything will be amplified this season. Everything has changed but nothing has changed. The pressure to succeed will always be there but Cubs fans will be fine if you fail.
Everybody wants to win but nobody will ever forget what the Cubs accomplished in 2016. Even if Cubs fans have to wait another 108 years for a win, the 2016 team is the team that changed lives, hopes, and dreams.
Intense? Maybe. Factual? Yes. So, Cubs, when you start the 2017 season, don't feel the pressure. Don't feel like if you can't live up to last season you are letting down Cubs fans everywhere because there's no way you ever could. Cubs fans are proud to be Cubs fans.
Cubs fans will be sitting back waiting to see what spring season brings. No matter what happens, go Cubs go!