World Series dreaming does number to this Cub fan's health

I have Cubs fever. Symptoms are severe. In recent weeks I have had fifth inning sweaty palms, seventh inning headaches and ninth inning pains in my stomach.

My blood pressure is up and my tolerance is down. I'm in pretty bad shape and I know there is only one cure.

I know I will get better when the Cubs are in the World Series.

For many of us, the Cubs are a part of who we are. We grew up, as kids, boarding the church bus, and making our way into the big city to see the team play. If we were lucky, we got to stay late and try to get the autographs of our favorite players -- Ernie Banks, Billy Williams and Ron Santo.

We would munch on hot dogs and eat more peanuts than we had ever eaten in our lives. We would wave to Jack Brickhouse, in hopes that the man with the familiar voice would wave back.

When we got older we would try to sneak to the seats behind the Cubs' dugout to get closer to the action. We would keep track of the hits, the RBIs and the runs on our rumpled programs. And when the game was over, we would wait to catch a glimpse of our favorite players.

The Cubs games were something to look forward to. They were the big event in our lazy summers.

When I became an adult, my loyalty to the Cubs remained strong. I would often go to games with college friends or business associates.

For one game, I took my aunt, a die-hard Cubs fan, because I knew she would enjoy the game. My sales rep was very respectful and attentive. When she started spewing statistics and cheering for her favorite players, she wowed my rep. By the fifth inning, the two were comparing stories and having a great time. My aunt is now a nonagenarian and never misses a game.

For George Von Hoff, a big day at Wrigley Field happened in 1967 when his son, Bruce, took the mound for the Houston Astros and pitched against the Cubs. It was the one time when George wasn't rooting for the Cubs.

"I was so nervous for Bruce," George said. "But I was so proud that he made it that far to pitch in Wrigley Field."

Many Batavians attended the game. Others watched on television.

"It was the biggest time of my career," said Bruce Von Hoff. "My parents and my brothers were all there to see me pitch."

George Von Hoff is a Cubs fan but his sons are loyal to the Sox, the Brewers and the Giants. He may not have family support but he knows he isn't alone in cheering for the Cubs.

"Cubs fans have waited a long time for this," said George. "It's good to see so many people cheering them on."

Like so many Cub fans, I'll be glued to my TV watching the playoffs. I just hope I don't need any antacids to get me through the game.