More smiles than frowns at the ballpark

I was honored to have the Daily Herald publish my letter, “Enjoy the wins when you can get them” last spring. I had decided after two-thirds of a century as a Cubs fan, I didn’t want to worry anymore about World Championships or even playoff games. I was blessed to have seen their victory in 2016. I decided to simply enjoy the wins and tolerate the losses. And last year’s team treated us to a winning season — 83 happy days — more happy than “sad.”

I even had the pleasure of taking my grandsons and their fathers to Wrigley Field. We saw the Cubs defeat the mighty Atlanta Braves, winning the three-game series. Although both families live in suburban Milwaukee, all four grandsons are Cubs fans. We got to sing “Go Cubs Go” together that day — such a thrill.

I imagine no Major League Baseball team’s fan base finished the 2023 season completely satisfied. Even the then-World Champion Texas Rangers failed to win their division in the end.

As they begin the 2024 season, I’m confident the Cubs will achieve another winning record. (My childhood hero, Ernie Banks might say, “The Cubs will soar in ‘24”). Again, I won’t expect any playoff berths, let alone a World Championship, nor will I encourage my grandsons to. Let’s all just enjoy those winning days and shrug off the losses.

If, however, the Cubs treat us all to some postseason success, so much the better.

Bruce Bedingfield

Hoffman Estates