Cubs are making my summer more fun

Yes, the dog days of summer are here. Fans of the four major sports -- and I don't include NASCAR -- are limited to watching baseball games in the middle of a 162 game schedule. I know that every game counts, but it is easy not to care about what team is winning or losing right now with so much time left in the season.

But, this year, I eagerly anticipate the Chicago Cubs' games and realize they need every win they can get to make the playoffs. Being in first place this time of year seems almost impossible with the offensive team that they have. Don Baylor is doing a great job with the players he has, and with the injuries he has had to deal with. Andy MacPhail has put together a great pitching staff that includes good starters, middle relievers, and closers. I really didn't have high expectations for this team, but they are proving me wrong and hopefully, will continue to do so.

I have been a Cubs fan since the mid-70's. My dad ordered cable TV for our house and actually let me have it in my room. This was the start of my love affair with the Cubs and Wrigley Field. At that time, the Cubs were on television every afternoon. I couldn't wait to get home from school in the early part of the season and listen to Jack Brickhouse announce the game with his "Hey Heys!" coming out after every home run. The fans in Wrigley always looked like they were having a great time. I finally got to see the "friendly confines" when I went to visit a friend of mine who just started a job near Chicago. That was about 15 years ago, and I haven't missed my yearly ritual since.

Watching the games at Wrigley Field are fun no matter what the Cubs' record is. But this year, the "Bleacher Bums" can set down their beers and actually watch a good team in a pennant chase. There is no need to just get drunk and watch the people around you instead of the game. The Chicago Cubs have brought excitement back to Wrigleyville.

Although I would not consider myself a diehard fan, I root for the Cubs no matter who they play, even when they played my hometown team, the Detroit Tigers. The Cubs seem to be doing it with mirrors. I can't believe they are winning with only Sammy Sosa as their legitimate power hitter. I enjoy watching the pitching staff mow down opposing team's hitters instead of having runs scored by the dozens.

Can they keep it up? Only time will tell. I am just going to sit back and enjoy the summer and into the fall with the Cubs, hopefully, staying on top of their division. As I listen to many sports talk shows in Chicago, the question of the day is always -- "Can the Cubs win the World Series?" Although I do understand the enthusiasm, the fans should just take each game day by day and enjoy the run. Don't pressure them to win something that is a couple of months and many games away.

Realistically, the Cubs may need one or two more players to have a legitimate shot at making the playoffs. It is hard to believe Fred McGriff does not want to leave Tampa and their concrete field for maybe the best ballpark in the major leagues -- Wrigley Field. Most players would have jumped on that trade, going from worst to first place. Sosa needs protection, which McGriff or Tony Clark would provide. No matter what happens, this is one ride that I hope doesn't stop until October. I will enjoy the uphill and downhill rollercoaster ride for as long as it lasts.

Whenever I think of the Cubs, I think of long time broadcaster Harry Caray. I wish he could be around to see what is going on. Love him or hate him, he loved the Cubs and always spoke his mind. I can almost hear the excitement in his voice and see the happiness in his eyes, even through those thick glasses of his.

Thank you Cubbies for the 2001 summer of fun you are giving me and keep the ride going.