My father, the lifelong Cubs fan

The Chicago Cubs made history on November 2, 2016, by winning their first World Series in 108 years. As I watched the games between the Blue Jays and Cubs for the Globe and Mail, memories of my father, Ernie, flooded my mind. He was a lifelong Cubs fan, despite their frequent losses. He seemed to relish in their suffering, almost anticipating defeat from the jaws of victory.

During a game against Toronto, the Cubs found themselves behind 2-1 in the eighth inning with runners in scoring position. Unfortunately, they couldn’t capitalize on the opportunity, ultimately losing the game. I couldn’t help but imagine my father’s reaction to the outcome, as he had a knack for predicting the Cubs’ misfortunes.

Growing up in Chicago, just a block away from Wrigley Field, my father’s love for the Cubs ran deep. He would sneak into the stadium as a young boy, often getting caught by ushers but always managing to catch a glimpse of his beloved team. He witnessed some of baseball’s greatest stars, like Hack Wilson, who set records with the Cubs.

Despite the Cubs’ lackluster performance over the years, my father never wavered in his support. He passed on his love for baseball to my brother, Jeff, and me, instilling in us a passion for the game that we would later pass down to our own children. Watching the Cubs play was a bonding experience for our family, filled with moments of joy, frustration, and unwavering loyalty.

After serving in World War II, my father settled in Miami, where he continued to root for the home team, even in the absence of a Major League franchise in the city. He took us to see Minor League games and spring training matches, instilling in us a deep appreciation for the sport.

As the Cubs finally clinched the World Series title in 2016, ending a 108-year drought, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of closure. I watched the final game with tears of joy, knowing that my father would have been overjoyed by this long-awaited victory. The next day, my brother and I visited my father’s grave, leaving a Cubs hat and a heartfelt note to honor his memory.

Dad, the Cubs did it. This one’s for you.