It has been awhile since I posted a hitting article on this site. Rest assured, I didn’t run out of hitting topics. Rather, I have been too busy rooting for the Cubs throughout their long and successful playoff run that ended with a World Series Championship! I had the privilege of attending many of the games in Chicago and on the road. While watching this young and exciting team endure the ups and downs of high-pressure playoff games, I thought of several new hitting topics for future posts.
I am looking forward to sharing my thoughts on many topics, including how to hit when the pressure is on, situational hitting, and even the benefits of choking up on the bat. The playoffs, especially the World Series was a showcase of great hitting and equally poor hitting. Thankfully, baseball and softball hitters can learn from both the good and bad.
I began going to Cubs games when I was in grade school with my father and my siblings. When I was a teenager, I actually worked at Wrigley Field as a vendor selling Coca-Cola. During and immediately after college, I enjoyed Wrigleyville the same way this new generation of Cubs fans enjoy the day games and the nightlife. As a young father, I often brought my children to Wrigley Field, so I could begin sharing my love for the Cubs, while teaching them reverence for the great game of Baseball. I have been a season ticket holder since 1988, which has allowed me to share the highs and lows of Cubs games with friends, business associates, and my family. I am a Cubs fan!
Like many fans, I have waited a long time for the 2016 Cubs. I was blessed yesterday to finally watch the Cubs walk off the field in Cleveland as World Series Champions (It even feels good to write that!). I yelled with excitement after the last out, I hugged everyone in the room, I celebrated with champagne, and I let out a huge sigh of relief. The experience was everything I hoped it would be.
Some baseball pundits claim Cubs fans will now change after winning the World Series. All I can say is this Cubs fan will still go to Wrigley Field because it is the most beautiful ballpark in the world. I will continue to love the Cubs because this is the team I grew up rooting for. I will still look forward to going to games with my friends because watching baseball over a few cold Old Style beers is simple and therapeutic in a world that can be so complex and stressful. Finally, I will continue to cherish Cubs games with my wife and my young adult children. As we keep score together during the thrilling wins and the frustrating losses in 2017 and beyond, our time together will continue to be precious and ageless.
After all the celebrations are over and snow blankets Wrigley Field, the memories will keep Cubs fans warm until the 2017 Cubs receive their championship rings, raise the championship flag, and take the field again next April. Hope does indeed finally spring eternal!
