I'll admit it, right off the bat (pun intended), that I'm a pseudo-bandwagon fan. What I mean by that, is that ever since I can remember, I've called myself a Cubs fan. In fact, I can still fit into the jersey that I've had since I was a kid. Some of my fondest memories of childhood include having a daddy-daughter trip to Wrigley Field, and getting chocolate malts when the vendor walked past. My dad taught me how to score baseball by hand using tiny golf pencils. I watched Sammy Sosa break Ernie Banks' home run record in 2004. But as I got older, I didn't watch as much baseball. Sure, I'd stop and watch for a few minutes whenever my dad had the game on the TV, but I couldn't name more than a couple of players. But now, I'm that person that keeps a tally of our teams' record and has the MLB At Bat app on her phone's home screen. I've bought two new Cubs shirts in preparation for this season, and I wear them proudly.
If my heartfelt anecdote didn't do it for you, here's four more reasons why you should be watching the Cubs this season (if you aren't already):
1. Their camaraderie.
The 2016 season is literally a yearlong retirement party for one of their players for David Ross, aka Grandpa Rossy. They even bought him a scooter! With having such a young team, an "old guy" like Ross (who's 38, by the way) seems to be the butt of their jokes, but it's all out of love.
2. Joe Maddon.
3. #BRYZZO.
I'm sorry, but have you ever seen a cuter bromance? Answer: no. These guys are literally #goals, and besides being adorable, they are both kings of the plate. I could spew their home run statistics at you, *cough* Rizzo with 31 and Bryant with 26 in 2015, *cough* but I won't bore you with numbers. Just watch a game and you won't be disappointed. I promise.
And "they put the "ding" in "dinger." They created a commercial for a home run ball souvenir company, stating that they "authenticate them with their bats." They took their first plane ride together last season, too. Oh yeah, and they also run the Instagram account for that aforementioned year-long retirement party.
They're just perfect. *heart eye emojis*
4. "There's always next year."
LIES. We've got a 9-3 record right now, and although I was a little worried after hearing that Kyle Schwarber is out for the season, I have faith in this team. Now, I'm not a sports expert by any means, but I know this team has what it takes to win it all (#WorldSeriesOrBust), after 97 wins last season and advancing to the National League Championship Series. So, no more next year. This year.
The 2016 Cubs are a different team; a better team. These guys are going places...like the World Series.
#GoCubsGo #WeAreGood
