Good morning, Thursday. Getting out of town for the day and looking forward to that. I so need a day away from the city. I could use a distraction.
And the best distraction from this election hands down- the World Series, in which the much beloved Chicago Cubs won in 10 epic innings, complete with a rain delay and 7 whole games. Winning for the first time since 1908, PS. Crazy. You know what else is crazy? Me talking about sports. But indulge me, would you? I promise to talk about shoes again.
It's hard not to lens this amazing series against the backdrop of another contest driving us insane, the election. Needless to say, it's been a harrowing year for America and boy did we need this series. In the election, we have two candidates, both polarizing for very different reasons. In the Series, we have two unlikely contenders, both well worth rooting for for different reasons.
I know, I know. I'm no sports maven. You know this. But I do love baseball and always love a good World Series, and this one was truly one for the books. Oh and my interest in baseball comes from where you may ask? I grew up with a grandfather that almost played professional baseball and my entire childhood soundtrack was filled with the sounds of a Phillies game on the radio or on TV. It's true nostalgia for me, and I love going to games in different cities. Something so nice and relaxing about going to a baseball game, and really- it's so very American in the best of ways.
Because in the seventh game, at the bottom of the 8th inning, something cuckoo happened. We all thought Chicago had it in the bag, and then Cleveland scores two runs and ties the game. The crowd outside the stadium went crazy. Cleveland- a city that fell upon hard times, after 2008 and even before. But then Lebron came back and made them champs and there you have it. Cleveland, a city who could easily stand for a disenfranchised working class, finally had something to cheer for. Even if they lost, there's hope. And promise of next year. And they've still got LeBron. (Strangely enough Chicago now has Dwayne Wade so there's that. )
A few things about Chicago and the Cubs:
They've been in seven world series and have lost each time. As I mentioned, it's been over 100 years since they became champions.
Chicago, hometown to some awesome celebs- Vince Vaughn, Bill Murray, our current POTUS. A warm hearted city gaga for their sports teams. They even have two baseball teams, but only one calls Wrigley Field home. I hope to see a game there one day, ps, and I loved watching Bill Murray be a superfan and cheer on his beloved Cubs. So much heart there.
So as this girl sat on the couch and watched the rain start at the top of the 9th in the final inning of the World Series, i could not help but feel that this country really needed this World Series, far beyond breaking curses and anything else. Because if anything, this series showed our resolve and all the good stuff we are about, amidst so much horror of late. Teamwork, persistence, positive competition. Our DNA as a country was threaded through this entire series. It was so nice to see people cheering and smiling and forgetting about crazy orange faced Putin puppets and Hillary losing her voice while fighting for her life. I for one enjoyed the brief respite each evening. And big mazel to the Cubs. They worked hard and played hard and I enjoyed every minute.
Two cities in need of a boost, and just add some rain, pain, and nail biting to the mix. A 7 game series. Everything you need for a great American story. Thank goodness. I never thought a sports team would make me feel patriotic but with the election shenanigans taking over my brain, nothing about to happen in Washington is inspiring my pride. I personally need a hero, a good old fashioned American hero. And last night, the Cubs became heroes for so many, as did Cleveland for staying in it to almost win it.
Because I wish to death that we had a candidate we could all cheer for and celebrate- because even though I'm with her all the way, when she gets elected there will be so much sludge and shit associated with her candidacy that I hope we can get past it as a country and carry on, just like these great players who made their hometowns so proud. And really, don't we all need someone or something or a whole damn team to root for?
I know I do.
Cause that's what's up this breaking from style to talk sports kind of Thursday in Brooklyn. Yours, in world champs and American dreams. Play ball. XO