This is my first post, so I will try to keep it light and funny until I get into the flow. It's almost baseball season again, and I can't wait. However, I have to wonder if my husband will take me to anymore games. I'll take you back to last year.
We were planning our July wedding, and due to circumstances, the honeymoon needed to be put off until this year. I had never been to a Major League Baseball game, and I am a serious Chicago Cubs fan. That was what I wanted for our trip. My very first MLB game, and it was at Wrigley Field. It was the first weekend in August, and they were playing the Cincinnatti Reds.
My husband is a die-hard Reds fan, so the last weekend in August we went to Great American Ball Park. They were hosting the Cubs. Here's the story.
Preparing to head to Chicago, we start asking friends who had been before. All we got were warnings of "be careful", "don't ask directions", and "people aren't nice". We were also told that my husband would probably not want to wear his Cincinnatti Reds' attire. To our surprise, we had a fantastic time. MOST of Chicago was great. We walked in to Wrigley Field, with him in his Cincinnatti red (I had to buy my Cubbie blue when we got there). We took our seats, and enjoyed a great game. Everyone was friendly, and he was treated just fine. Yes, the Cubs lost. Still a great time.
A few weeks later, we head to Cincinnatti for two games. We plan on a very nice time. Cincinnatti has a decent reputation and it is pretty. However, let me tell you about THEIR baseball fans. I'm in by Cubbie blue, my husband in his Cincinnatti red. Before we even got into the park, I had been insulted multiple times. One man (he appeared to be about 60) even told me to break a leg, literally. He said he wasn't treated nice at Wrigley Field. You know what?! Get over it! You don't treat a fellow human being like that just becuase someone wasn't nice to you in the past. GROW UP!
Now I understand fans. I will be the first one to yell at that Cubs' batter who stands and watches that perfect pitch glide over the plate. In the heat of the moment, we get a little verbal. It's all good. Do not wish harm to another just becuase they're a fan of the opposing team. I think my husband was a little disappointed to be a Reds fan at that moment.
Here's the dilemma: We both agree that Wrigley Field was an experience we both want to share again. Chicago is a great city. Cincinnatti, however, is a different story. I love my husband, but if we go, we have to go when they are NOT playing the Cubs. I hate that!
I absolutely love the Cubs, but I would never treat a fellow human like dirt over a sport. Of course I want my boys in blue to win, but my life will go on the same tomorrow regardless. Do sports really have to make us act like barbarians?
About Me
- Sharon's spot
- I am a die-hard Cubs fan. I also love NHRA, a John Force Racing fan. I have very strong opinions about our legal system, and am very passionate about injustice. I want to do my part.
Hi Sharon!
ReplyDeleteI live about 30 minutes north of Cincinnati and can tell you that all I have ever heard was that fans from Porkoplis are the best in the world and beware if you travel to other cities as a visiting fan. Well, that just isn't true, as you so point out.
I am a Bears fan, and have been for well over...well...let's say I remember clearly the last game Dick Butkus played. While I have never been to Chicago to see the play, I have mase a few trips to Detroit (even ditched the family one Thanksgiving to have the best Turkey Day ever). One time in particular, I have my Bears starter jacket on, my Bears sweater and was actually a bit afraid as I walked into the dome. But, when I walked out, after the game, I felt like I had gained 40,000 new friends and family members. The lighthearted bantering was incredible and we all, Lions and Bears fans alike, enjoyed each other so much we were buying drinks...yeah, the Silverdome had real alcohol booths about every 100 feet (or so it seemed) and I got pretty tanked on Margaritas.
Conversely, I remember visiting Riverfront Stadium on many occasions and being embarrassed just to be part of the human race. One game in particular had so many bad events I would have left if it hadn't been for the one great career play made by Seattle's Steve Largent (his 100th career TD catch) and the comedy played out by the Bengal's head coach, Sam Wysche (yeah, the game he stopped and took the mic and chidded the fans for throwing snowballs, :Do you think you are in Cleveland?").
When visiting fans get close to a Cincinnati stadium, the huddle en masse, out of fear, and play the safety in numbers game. I know, I have witnessed it all too often.
BTW ~ The city of Chicago ROCKS! I have very fond memories of my visits there and really look forward to going back If for nothing else but to see if the German restaurant is still out on Halstead. Damn, those cream cheese stuffed green olives as big as my fist really did make the beer heavenly.