Last year, my husband, Mark, and I made the decision to let our eldest son, Lucas, skip school for a chance to see a game between the Cubs and the Cardinals. While they reveled in the excitement of a win that evening, I found myself home, listening to the game on my old AM radio, tears streaming down my face. It was a moment of connection, knowing that father and son were sharing something so special.
Fast forward to last Sunday when our family gathered to witness the Cubs secure their first World Series victory at Wrigley Field since 1945. Once again, I felt tears welling up, but this time it was the sheer joy on Mark’s face that struck me. His dream of seeing the Cubs in the World Series was coming to fruition, and he was surrounded by those he cherished the most.
On Wednesday morning, Mark and his brother set off for Cleveland to watch Game 7, which many consider one of the greatest baseball games ever. I was a bundle of nerves, not just because of the game itself but also because I knew how much this meant to Mark, the biggest Cubs fan I know, sharing this experience with his brother, who is also his best friend.
While they cheered at Progressive Field, Lucas and I watched from home, our excitement bubbling over each time the Cubs scored. When my younger son, Ethan, dozed off on the couch, Lucas and I took turns comforting each other, whispering that everything would be fine. As the eighth inning grew tense, I rubbed his back, trying to soothe my own anxiety, while Lucas calmly reassured me, “We got this.” When the final out was made in the bottom of the 10th inning, we jumped and hugged, caught up in the moment, even as Ethan remained blissfully unaware on the couch.
Some might dismiss this as “just a game,” but that perspective misses the heart of it. It’s not merely about baseball; it’s about the bonds we forge, the memories we create, and the shared experiences that define us. Winning feels great, especially after decades of waiting, but the real treasure lies in the connections built through hope and shared passion.
I grew up listening to baseball on my grandmother’s tinny old radio. Even now, with Pat Hughes calling the games for over a decade, I can’t help but think of her and her love for the Brewers whenever I tune in. The beauty of baseball transcends the game itself; it’s about the moments crafted while the action unfolds. Just as I have cherished memories of my grandmother, my boys will remember walking into Wrigley Field, debating pitching changes with their dad, and hearing me mutter under my breath while I tune into games on my own vintage radio.
Regardless of your team or the outcome of any game, the memories created and the relationships strengthened through these experiences are irreplaceable.
While I may not have grown up as a Cubs fan, my love for Mark, a lifelong supporter of the team, has made me one by association. Being a Cubs fan means nurturing hope without expectation, embracing humility born from years of disappointment, and sharing joy with loved ones. It’s about building relationships that endure and crafting memories that go beyond wins and losses.
The year 2023 has undoubtedly brought its share of challenges, often leaving me feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world. Yet, on that Wednesday night, all of it faded into the background when the Cubs clinched the World Series. It was a reminder that dreams can materialize, even after a long wait. It showed me that, despite the chaos, life can be beautiful when spent with those we love.
And there’s nothing “just” about that.
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Summary
This article reflects on the deeper significance of sports, particularly baseball, in forging relationships and creating lasting memories. Through personal anecdotes, it explores the emotional connections that arise from shared experiences, emphasizing that the essence of sports transcends mere competition and victory.