North: Time to congratulate long-suffering Cubs fans
The World Series of all World Series between the Cleveland Indians and the Chicago Cubs is actually happening and starts Tuesday night on the road.
Let me first congratulate all the players on their outstanding performances, the coaches and manager for their leadership and direction, the organization for its solid choices and the time and effort that brought them to this very special spot in history.
Most of all, however, I must congratulate the millions of long-suffering die-hard Cubs fans who have been claiming “wait 'til next year” for their entire lives.
We all have personal stories of family and friends who are no longer with us who would be savoring this moment. I wish some people were still alive, like my father and my uncle Joe who passed away only a couple months ago.
When the Cubs finally get it done, so many of the beloved players of the past who didn't get it done will be put away with moth balls. There will be a host of young fresh-faced champions who will command the spotlight. Guys such as Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, Dexter Fowler, Javier Baez and all the rest.
They will take the place of adored players such as Ernie Banks, Ron Santo, Billy Williams, Ryne Sandberg and, Kerry Wood — players who couldn't take their teams to the Promised Land and will now be a footnote in history.
There will be a team of winners to glorify and celebrate.
Here's my take on the series itself: the Cubs will win the series, 4-1. The Indians, led by Terry Francona, a two-time World Series champion, are really good but they have been somewhat of a surprise. The Cubs were expected to get it done this year. Yes, that's right, expected, even though they hadn't won since 1908!
I believe they will be a more relaxed team in this series than what we have seen in the playoffs.
Kyle Schwarber, who hasn't played a game in over six months after a collision in the outfield with Fowler in the third game of the season, has been medically cleared to swing the bat, making him the perfect DH. Normally I don't think he would be considered, but with Jason Heyward an automatic out, Schwarber fills the bill.
I wouldn't take the chance and play him, but it's pretty hard to question Epstein and Joe Maddon at this point, so whatever they decide is fine with me.
Back in 1969, my father came home and told me he got me a job as a vendor at Wrigley Field through a union guy. I was sure I would work the World Series in 1969 or '70.
Of course, that never happened so I want to congratulate the vendors, security guards, ushers, scoreboard operators, Gary Pressy the organist and all the service people. Time for you to make some extra dough, and I know you'll earn every penny.
Listen up Cubs fans: you are undoubtedly the best fans in the world!
• Follow Mike North on Twitter @north2north. His column appears each Tuesday and Friday in the Daily Herald, and his video commentary can be found Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at dailyherald.com. For more, visit northtonorth.com.