One of the greatest atmospheres I've ever seen for any sporting event
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 29, 2008 3:14 PM CDT
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PrintThe game Monday night was unbelievable, and had the Cubs lost, I would have said exactly the same thing. Games very often don't live up to the hype -- it's possible this game actually exceeded it.
Miller Park was absolutely electric -- more of a postseason feel than Arizona had last season in an actual postseason game. The game was full of drama -- back and forth, missed and made plays, good calls and bad, it was a tour de force, literally from the first pitch to the last. I can't remember the last time I felt so worn out after watching a game. I'm not sure I can take three more days of this, but if the Cubs come out on top, it'll have been worth it.
Although there were a ton of Cubs fans in attendance, as usual, I think Brewers fans made up the majority of the crowd. When Braun homered in the sixth, it became so loud I literally could not hear what my buddy was saying, and he was standing right next to me. One of the loudest crowds I've ever heard. Of course, he who is loud last is loud best ... or something like that.
Contrary to what I've heard and seen from previous Miller Park visits, the Brewers fans I encountered were great. We were talking to the guys in back of us for most of the game -- they were knowledgable, gave credit to the Cubs where it was due (and we did the same for the Brewers). Saw a lot of good-natured jabbing back and forth, but nothing ugly. Sometimes Brewers fans can have a huge chip on their collective shoulders, but it wasn't in evidence Monday night.
Listened to WTMJ-AM this morning, and virtually all the callers agreed it was a great game and great atmosphere. I'm sure that will only intensify as the series progresses. If you can find a ticket and a way to get up here any of the next three days, do it. Even if the Cubs lose, I think you'll agree it was worth it.
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.
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I wish I could be there
It felt like the playoffs last year when I was watching it. That’s how excited I was!!!
"Check the magic of a winning season and there are always reasons beyond the talent." Ned Colleti
by wrigleyrocker12 on Jul 29, 2008 3:27 PM CDT reply actions
Thanks Bruce!
Have a blast and keep it going up there!
Made it up there last year once, myself, only to see WADE MILLER throw his last game I think. And, they lost. See how far things have come? Wade Miller, LaTroy Hawkins, and Glendon Rusch replaced with Rich Harden, Sean Marshall, and the New and Improved Ryan Dempster.
I'm glad to hear the Brewers fans were cool about everything.
Maybe they’re finally growing into the rivalry.
Amazing, too—only a year ago Wade Miller was starting games for this team.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Since moving to the National League this has been our rivalry
It’s the Cub fans who have been rivals with the cards that have not allowed this new rival to blossom. It definitely helps that both teams are the best in the NL and that the cities are so close.
Agreed
I believe Milwaukee and Chicago are the closest cities mile wise of cities with MLB teams in the same division. (Oakland and San Fran Does not count, AL/NL). This could be a rivalry for the ages and who knows, 50 years from now it can eclipse the Cardinals/Cubs rivalry.
I think it's sort of silly to say we've thwarted the rivalry
First, we already had a long time established rival in the Cards. It isn’t meant to be a slight or anything, it’s just what we all grew up with. Second, it’s taken a while for the games to have any meaning. I’m not saying this ISN’T a burgeoning rivalry but the undertones of this comment just bug me.
For what it’s worth, I’ve enjoyed your posts brewfan2, and don’t mean this in a tone of animosity or anything, but this idea that we’ve “not allowed” a rivalry to develop just isn’t true. These things happen over time, naturally.
These are the saddest of possible words: "Tinker to Evers to Chance"
That's exactly my point
I was commenting to Al’s post which seemed to insinuate that it was the Brewer fans who need to be more involved for the rivalry to grow.
I can't speak for all
but I know for some people like my brother and I it’s hard to think of the Brewers as the enemy. Growing up the Brewers were in the AL and even after you switched up until last year there was really nothing on the line between us except for pride.
The Cubs – Cardinals on the other hand dates back to 1892. That’s a lot of history. I do truly believe that Cubs-Brewers will develop into something great in time, but it’s going to take awhile.
---AC 00 00 00 - Believe
Awe....heck.....
Growin up the Brewers were our friends…they played the White Sox…..I know people who were Braves Fans (MILWAUKEE BRAVES).....who hate the Brewers and became Sox fans….AND opposite….like the Brewers and “dislike” the Sox
The best defense is a good offense
More Brewers Fans Now
A lot of the Brewers fans weren’t even born yet during their playoff years of 1981 and 1982. These last two seasons with the Brewers contending has had to be exciting for them. The Brewers now have a majority of the fans at their home games against the Cubs on Milwaukee’s side. I know the Cubs had a lot of fans there, but the Brewers have to be happy that the moniker of “Wrigley North” for Miller Park isn’t as appropriate as it used to be.
Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati can be still be called “Wrigley South”. I know the Reds would love to have the kind of resurgence the Brewers have had recently. The Cubs fans have outnumbered the Reds fans at Reds-Cubs games since GABP came into existence.
"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray
Sorry
...but since 2003, Wrigley Field South will ALWAYS be associated with Turner Field, where Cubs fans simply DOMINATED the scene against Atlanta…..
Agreed
I was a freshman at DePaul that year, and I was visting my roommate at his home in Tampa. We decided, on a whim, to drive to Atlanta for Game 1 and see if we could get any tickets.
We ended up paying face for pretty good seats in the 100s. I’v never seen such a partisan Cubs crowd outside of the Confines as I did that evening.
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
by Curtain Jerker on Jul 29, 2008 4:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Wrigley Field Far South
I’ve never seen the Cubs in Atlanta. I’ve seen the Phillies play the Braves there. Wrigley Field Far South could apply to Turner Field. I love Turner Field but hate the Atlanta traffic. I’ve made more trips to Cincinnati than Atlanta because of that.
"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray
Just wait...
It’s going to be brutal in two week here in Atlanta when the Cubs show up. Braves down, Cubs up. I think Cubs fans can get 50% plus for the games. I can’t wait. Can not wait.
I was at game 5
in 2003 playoffs in Atlanta. Drove down from Nashville, TN at the time. I would guess that 2/3 of the crowd was rooting for the Cubs. Wood threw a gem and as we were walking out of the stadium a Braves fan was standing at the exit to the ramp holding up a sign that I will never forget and never stop laughing at: “Cuck the Fubbies.”
Beg to differ....
At Game 4 of the NLCS…....there wasn’t a Marlin fan to be found anywhere near that stadium….OK..an exaggeration…...BUT close to 75-80% Cubs…and the whole 3rd base side stayed after the game for an hour + wanting a curtin call…..1 gamee from the series…..arrrggghhhh
The best defense is a good offense
Only thing NOT cool...
Was the Brewers fans cheering (loudly) when D-Lee fouled that ball off his knee and looked to be in immense pain. You never cheer when another player gets hurt.
"Remember each day this year, where you were, what you were doing, who you were with, how you felt as the Cubs win their way through it. Because if this does turn out to be the promised land we have all been waiting for, you will want to remember, savor, cherish every moment..."
I agree with that too
D-Lee is really the only Cub that I respect, but I would never root for any player to get hurt.
WIth that being said, the Brewers still owe the Cubs for Gallardo ;)
I think you mean
They owe Prince Fielder for Gallardo. That’s who Gallardo tripped over.
Fontenot (fon-te-no): Cajun for "scrappy"
Fielder tagged the guy out
Johnson was the guy diving into first. Gallardo had to jump over Johnson. It was a very awkward play, but Johnson is more too blame than Prince.
Ah the beauty of video.
Maybe Gallardo is more to blame for making a poor jump?
Nonetheless, tough break. Doesn’t deserve retribution.
by cubsonWGN4ever on Jul 29, 2008 5:59 PM CDT up reply actions
Johnson is to blame?
Please explain what Johnson did wrong on that play.
My next sig line quote will also be from Lou Piniella, and the first word will be either "Look", or "Listen", followed by a comma.
Head first dive into first base in a manner that didn't even allow him to touch the first base.
I really don’t think anyone is too blame, but the video was more meant for Zambranofan who said that Gallardo jumped over Prince.
I also don’t think retribution is in order for whatever its worth.
He was trying to avoid the tag
which is a legitimate reason to slide into first base. Reed Johnson was doing his job. I’m sure you’re not suggesting that once he was tagged he should have somehow gotten out of Gallardo’s way.
If you “really don’t think anyone is to blame”, then don’t say that he is. Plenty of legitimate ways to tweak us Cub fans, if that’s what you want to do.
My next sig line quote will also be from Lou Piniella, and the first word will be either "Look", or "Listen", followed by a comma.
Glad to hear that cause to say that playing baseball
this way is cause for blame would be ridiculous. It’s baseball. This crap happens. I too thought is was classless to cheer for DLee’s pain.
Calm down.
by Kinky Reggae on Jul 30, 2008 8:01 AM CDT up reply actions
My experiences...
Monday night’s game, not so good. Granted, I went to the game with a group of Brewers fans, but everyone around me was not very cordial. I had beer spilt on me in the parking lot, names called my way, and when I left in the 9th, was told “F-you” straight to my face. My ticket for this game was SRO.
Tonight, on the other hand, was a much better experience. Sat in the 300 section, good mix of both teams, and had a great time. The game was a lot less stressful from a Cubs fan experience, but the Brewers fans behind us were nice.
I’d love to go again tomorrow night but don’t know if I have the energy to fight the traffic for a third night in a row!
We didnt have any problems with were we were sitting.
WAY better expience than last year. There was one idiot who in the beginning of the game made some rude comments about Dome, but that was only vulgar think I heard all night. Where we were sitting it wasnt as loud as I expected. Parking lot helped that lots of Brewer fans left early. So when tons of Cubs fans were singing GO CUBS GO it was a pretty much Cub crowd.
"We've had our ups and downs, but as long as you have a reason, something to fall back on and a plan, that's all there is to it," Soto said.
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 30, 2008 12:21 AM CDT reply actions
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