Finally, a city series worth more than just bragging rights
The first-place Cubs take on the first-place White Sox today in the opener of the annual six-game Crosstown Showdown that, dare we say it, could have postseason consequences this year.
So does the rivalry of these games still matter now that the games in this rivalry really matter?
"Considering the Cubs whupped us 5-1 last year, well, let's put it this way, it matters," says Howard Jaffe, of Libertyville, half of a loyal Sox contingent in a suburban foursome attending today's game at Wrigley Field.
In most years, this Crosstown Showdown serves as a local oasis in a desert of mediocrity, notable only for dubious bragging rights along the lines of "my little sister is tougher than your little sister." This year, these games will affect the very top of the baseball standings.
"It's meaningful because it's Crosstown, but it's meaningful because it's games they need to win. That's different than it's been in the past," says Cubs fan Scott Hezner of Vernon Hills. "This isn't an end-all-catch-all by any means. But these are important wins. The Cubs can't afford to lose any series."
Neither can the slugging Sox, who come to Wrigley on an emotional high after pounding poor Pittsburgh in three straight games. The wounded Cubs limp home from a tough losing series at Tampa Bay.
"To me, a win is a win," says Sox fan Tom Miller of Libertyville. "At the end of the year, sometimes it's one or two wins that make the difference."
And no fans want to look back on a heartbreaking season and lament how they could have had a shot at the World Series if only they'd won one more game against that rival from the other side of town.
"It's always intense, whether they are both in first place, or both in last place," says Cubs fan Jeff Husserl of Oak Park. "Maybe this year, that electricity will just be heightened."
Having two top teams certainly adds a charge today for these four longtime friends and rivals.
"They're tough Sox fans. They are knowledgeable, and they throw it my face all the time. But it's all good, because this Friday they are my tickets, and we get to do what I want," Hezner says. "I make reservations at Tuscany (a restaurant near Wrigley). We sit on the patio, have a great lunch, multiple beverages and argue about what is going to happen."
Next Friday, they'll tailgate outside U.S. Cellular for the first of three games at Sox park, and continue the debate.
After that? Well, maybe these teams could meet again in October for a World Series and settle this year's argument for good.
"This seems to be their year, but I can't help but be skeptical," Sox fan Miller says of the Cubs' chances.
"I think the Cubs are going to be there. I don't think the Sox are going to last that long," counters Cubs fan Hezner.
But all four agree a Crosstown World Series really would be something for the ages.
"As a Cubs fan, the only way to erase the unpleasant memory of 2005 (when the Sox won the championship) would be to beat them in a series," Husserl says dreamily.
The four friends quickly note that the fall classic is still a long way away on this first day of summer. Jaffe notes that both teams are coping with key injuries (and maybe more to come), and could trade for clutch players down the stretch.
The Cubs and Sox teams that square off the next two weekends won't be the same teams that might meet in October.
The fans, however, always will be the same die-hard Cubs and Sox fans.
Let the games, and the arguments, begin.