It's been 71 years since the Chicago Cubs have been in the World Series -- 71 years. Since then, the Cubs have gone through a rollercoaster of reputations, from being the worst team in baseball to the miraculous recovery of being the best team in baseball and even favored to win the 2016 World Series. Something that has not changed throughout the years is the fans of the beloved Chicago Cubs. We loved them when they were at their worst, and we definitely loved them when they were at their best. We are undoubtedly hoping we can "Fly the W" as our Cubs break the Chicago's World Series curse. Here are some of the emotions and thoughts that Cubs fans go through as we experience the World Series this year.
1. When we weren't even surprised the Cubs made it to The World Series
Although we didn't admit it because we didn't want to jinx it, we knew from the beginning of the season that the Cubs would make it to the World Series. They started and ended the season as the best team in baseball, which made us really believe it was our year. When the Cubs did finally make it to the World Series, although we were already expecting it, it made the dream of winning it all a close reality.
2. When we try to look for tickets to go to the game then we see the price for just one
This World Series is a bit more historic than most. The huge amount of meaning behind this series means you have to pay a huge price for a ticket to attend just one of the games at Wrigley Field. A World Series game hasn't been played in the infamous Wrigley Field since 1945. That, along with the fact that a few million people try to get tickets, adds onto the equation of having one ticket be anywhere between $2500-20,000. With this price tag, most Cubs fans can kiss their dream of seeing the Cubs play in a World Series game goodbye.
3. When all the Cubs fans are automatically best friends
There have been many times where, as individuals, we have gotten a lot of hate for being a Cubs fan. But now, all that hate goes to rest as all of the Cubs fans automatically have a special bond when we watch our team throughout the World Series. You can't help but give that random stranger who's wearing Cubs apparel a smile and head nod that says "Go Cubs." During the World Series, all the people who have been Cubs fans their whole lives or just follow the team with the best record are best friends.
4. When we make our friends who don't like baseball watch the games
Yes, we understand that not everyone loves baseball as much as we do. We also understand that some people may think baseball is boring and pointless and dare I say it, they might not be a Cubs fan. But as long as you're friends with us, you will be watching the World Series with us and love it.
5. When you know all the players' walk-up songs
There's nothing better than knowing what batter is hitting by just listening to their walk-up song. Whether it's Anthony Rizzo's catchy "Intoxicated" by Martin Solveig or the meaningful words sung by Ben Zobrist's wife in his walk-up song "Alive." No matter which player is approaching home plate, we have fun singing along to the songs of their choice.
6. When your favorite player comes up to bat
Although we love the Cubs as a whole, there is always one special player that we get a bit more excited when they get a good hit or make an amazing defensive play. When your favorite Cubs player steps up to the plate to bat, you feel as if they are representing you and hope they don't let you down.
7. When Rizzo and Bryant are the definition of friend goals
If there is any duo that represents friend goals more than Bryant and Rizzo, then...well, that's impossible. Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant are the what people strive for in a friendship. Both on and off the field, these two can never get enough of each other, and all of us Cubs fans absolutely love watching their bromance grow stronger and stronger as their season continues onto the World Series.
8. When you realize it's David Ross's last season in Major League Baseball
Yes, if you weren't aware the Cubs catcher David Ross (aka "Grandpa") will be retiring after the 2016 season. Ross is one of the most animated and enthusiastic players on the Cubs, and the team will definitely be much different without him. Since this is his last season in baseball and he has done so much for the Cubs, it is only fair the that the Cubs honor "Grandpa" and win the World Series. This way, Ross can happily retire and know his, and any other MLB player's, dream came true.
9. When the Cubs are losing
We all saw it in Game 1; there's nothing worse than watching the Cubs losing a game. It's not a secret that when the Cubs lose, they lose big. When the Cubs can't seem to get a hit and continue to let their opponent get as many hits as they wish, it is one of the most painful things to watch. It brings back memories of when the Cubs were one of the worst teams in baseball, and those are not good memories to be having flashbacks of. The only thing you can do at this point is put on your rally cap and hope for the best.
10. When the TV shows Joe Maddon expressionless
Joe Maddon is one of the most entertaining managers to watch during Cubs games. With his infamous phrase of "Try Not to Suck," he is a favorite of Cubs fans. Something that is the most entertaining and funny things about Maddon is his expressionless attitude during a game. Sure, the managers and coaches are supposed to be in a calm, cool, and collected state of mind while watching their team play, but Joe Maddon brings this state of mind to another extreme; he is always in "the zone." If you think it's funny when Joe Maddon is emotionless and calm during a game, crack open your peanuts and wait to see what happens when he gets rattled.
11. When the Cubs score a home run
The Cubs score home runs very frequently during a game, and there's nothing better than watching a ball fly right over the outfielder's head and hear the announcers say, "It's gone!" With each home run scored by the Cubs, or runs in general, we are even closer to keep winning games and keep our season going.
12. When the Cubs win a game
This is the proudest moment of being a Cubs fun and the moment we have all waited for: when the Cubs win games during the World Series. With any win comes a closer reach to win the 2016 World Series and to make MLB history. There are people who have waited over 50 years for these moments to come true, and Cubs fans throughout Chicago and the United States will await for the day when we can finally clench a win as the World Series champions.
And, what's a better excuse to be able to sing "Go! Cubs! Go!"?