Must we mock other teams?

by Shanghai Badger on Sep 15, 2008 10:28 AM CDT

As has been mentioned several times this year, this is quite possibly the best Cubs overall team that anyone alive has witnessed. I'm old enough to remember the early 1980's, and it's certainly been the best team that I've seen them have so far.

There have been plenty of ups and downs and the team is far from perfect. But, they have a legitimate shot (curses be damned, I'm saying it) win the World Series this year. Anything can happen in a short series, and the competition will be tough, but I like their chances if they are healthy.

In response to some of the posts/comments this morning taunting the Brewers -- can we knock it off? As some others have said, root for your team to win, not someone else's team to lose. For all the mocking that goes on at BCB about, say, White Sox fans, claiming that's what they do, how is it any better if a Cubs fan does it?

Yes, fans of other teams rip on Cubs fans. So what? Rise above it. Some of it probably is because there are times when the Cubs fans act like they're the center of the universe -- we aren't.

When you win a game, be gracious. I can't imagine Maddux, Sandberg, Dawson, Banks, Williams, etc. mocking the opposition -- why do the fans need to?

I'm not saying that we shouldn't celebrate if the season ends the way we all hope it does -- but shouldn't the focus be on the Cubs winning, and not someone else losing?

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, editor-in-chief (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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Indeed

Well said Shanghai. Revel in our own victory, not the failures of others. Some of the comments and/or stories about our fans’ actions towards Brewers fans are disappointing, to say the least.

by polly on Sep 15, 2008 10:36 AM CDT 0 recs

it is not just important to mock other teams

it is a moral imperative!
Are you a communist- This is America!

by Andre Fonseca on Sep 20, 2008 11:25 PM CDT up 0 recs

Thanks for weighing in to class up the discussion

I see you’ve moved beyond antagonizing in game threads.

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Sep 21, 2008 10:05 AM CDT up 0 recs

yup

no reason to talk about or worry about any other teams. The Cubs are in control.

---AC 00 00 00 - Believe

by mjk83 on Sep 15, 2008 10:42 AM CDT 0 recs

I wholeheartedly agree with you

But the problem is that there will always be a few jackasses who do that sort of thing, no matter how many calls there are for them to show a little class. I think that the majority of us here are with you, Shanghai Badger, but the few who aren’t simply don’t care what any of us have to say. It’s unfortunate that, at the moment, fans of a lot of other teams are judging Cubs fans based on the words and actions of a few very immature idiots, but that’s just the way it is.

"I see great things in baseball. It's our game - the American game." - Walt Whitman

by hip2bsquare on Sep 15, 2008 10:45 AM CDT 0 recs

Agree - real baseball fans pay attention to the actual game

rather than acting like morons. Last night we were right next to a jerk with a Bears shirt on who started swearing and threatening a young man in a Houston Jersey. Fortunately the police came quickly before anything happened and hauled the moron off post haste.

Is that really a Hatori Hansu bat?

by Hey Moe on Sep 15, 2008 10:47 AM CDT 0 recs

Moe -- missed your note about Monday's game.

Sorry I didn’t see it sooner — hope you’re enjoying it.

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Sep 15, 2008 1:18 PM CDT up 0 recs

Yeah...

That practice of laughing at others demise isn’t funny or interesting. Thanks for posting this. It’s something I’ve noticed and winced at over the past weeks.

We know what it’s like to be the “doormat” of the National League. It’s no fun.

But now they only bring fatigue To the home of the brave The land of the free And the doormat of the National League. — Steve Goodman

Let’s enjoy our moment as OURS, not because others are suffering because of our success.

Proud recipient of a hot dog shot from the Iowa Cubs hot dog gun.

by IowaCubs- on Sep 15, 2008 11:06 AM CDT 0 recs

Yes

Even the fans who refuse to give the Cubs credit for having a good year…. attributing it to luck, MLB bias, and playing the Pirates.

I always hold my tongue, because it’s not worth wasting the energy arguing and mud slinging. Guys like Maddux mock other teams by winning.

by daeviant on Sep 15, 2008 11:07 AM CDT 0 recs

I agree

I go to Cub/Brewer games a lot and I have to admit that the people in that area are awfully nice despite the fact that I’m dressed head-to-toe in Cubby Blue. And when I’m in the park, the banter is always good natured.

This sounds corny but I almost wish we could have a “fan exchange program”, to make it easier for Brewer fans to come to Chicago.

by coral on Sep 15, 2008 11:15 AM CDT 0 recs

No, THIS is corny

"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/

by lostinthevines on Sep 17, 2008 3:05 PM CDT up 0 recs

Or this, even

"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/

by lostinthevines on Sep 17, 2008 3:07 PM CDT up 0 recs

+1

White sox fans worry about that crap. Who gives a damn about what other teams do. Take care of your own business and things will work out.

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Sep 15, 2008 11:19 AM CDT 0 recs

Here in St Louis

there are a ton of anti-Cub shirts and slogans, and I for one don’t understand it. I would never wear a shirt to denounce another team when I could just wear one supporting mine.

make/art

by neverAcquiesce on Sep 15, 2008 11:20 AM CDT 0 recs

just like

the people who wear the “Cards like it in their Pu-holes” shirts or the “Sox Suck” shirts that are constantly for sale around Wrigley?

DmL

by dmlichte on Sep 15, 2008 11:51 AM CDT up 0 recs

It's always great to hear from the intelligent elite of the fan base.

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Sep 15, 2008 11:54 AM CDT up 0 recs

And I would never wear those.

make/art

by neverAcquiesce on Sep 15, 2008 12:25 PM CDT up 0 recs

I always see those for sale

and almost NEVER see them being worn by someone who ISN’T trying to sell it.

Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!

by drewishdrewid on Sep 15, 2008 4:35 PM CDT up 0 recs

Sometimes I wonder about those

My theory is that they are bought by drunken idiots who think they are funny while inebriated, then once they get the shirt home, they realize how embarrassing it would be to actually wear it, and it rots in the closet.

by SuperContext on Sep 15, 2008 8:15 PM CDT up 0 recs

I'm With You

When the White Sox won I heard from several of their fans that were much more interested in rubbing it in the faces of CUBS fans than simply enjoying their triumph. I just couldn’t understand it. If I’m ever lucky enough to be in that situation, the LAST thing I’m going to think about is saying “nya nya” to other teams/fans.

a win is a win.

by JoToPo on Sep 15, 2008 11:21 AM CDT 0 recs

I remember Astro players commenting about that during the World Series

One of their relievers said something like- Its amazing that they are playing in the World Series and the fans are more worried about the fact that the Cubs aren’t there.

Your 2008 Missouri Tigers! #5 3-0 (0-0). Next up Saturday home vs. Buffalo. Chase Daniel and Jeremy Maclin for Co-Heisman!

by nji232 on Sep 15, 2008 11:27 AM CDT up 0 recs

Every time I go back

to Chicago to visit family, the first thing out of my brother in law’s mouth,who is a Sux fan, is about the Cubs. I always tell him to worry about the Twins, not us…yet ;)

"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse

by BigJohnAZ on Sep 16, 2008 12:47 PM CDT up 0 recs

Good post, Shanghai

I agree completely.

The game threads last week have sunk to new lows as well, in my opinion. Everyone sucks. WTF is whong with DLee? He should be DFA’d. Theriot sucks. Lou sucks. He single-handedly lost this game, etc.

This crap is nauseating to me when we should be celebrating the most entertaining season in my memory (b. 1953). Seasons have high points (witness last night) and low points. Perspective, like power pitching, is king :)

I wish everyone would pause for a second before spilling on others, be it in Milwaukee, St. Louis, or amongst our own.

Rant over. Thanks for reading.

by leothelip on Sep 15, 2008 11:29 AM CDT 0 recs

ABOSUTELY AGREE!

I have been a bit distressed by some of what I was reading last night and today. I know it’s hard not to enjoy the moment and we SHOULD enjoy it- but not by tearing down others.

We’re Cubs fans. We’ve known the other end of the stick. Far too often I’m afraid.

Reminds me of a piece of advice I heard once was given to a football player who had just scored a touchdown and went into a gyrating end zone dance ("NOTICE ME!!!!, etc.).

Once he got back to the bench, the head coach pulled him aside and said “the next time you score, hand the ball to the referee and come back to the bench. Act like you’ve been there before”.

Classy and amen.

Go Green! Go White! GO STATE! (#13031 on the Cubs season ticket waiting list...)

by Zeke on Sep 15, 2008 11:29 AM CDT 0 recs

+1

Let the Cubs do the talking for us.

by ak123 on Sep 15, 2008 11:37 AM CDT 0 recs

agree

I hate when i get ripped for being a cubs fan. And when people care more about another team losing then their own team winning

by Kchance on Sep 15, 2008 11:38 AM CDT 0 recs

Well said SB.

This needed to be said and I hope people will take it to heart.

by sue369 on Sep 15, 2008 11:39 AM CDT 0 recs

There was one poster from this board

over at the “other BCB” taunting Brewer fans last night.

I’ll give you one guess as to who the loser was.

http://www.brewcrewball.com/2008/9/14/614408/your-double-header-postgam#comments

And no, we do not need to be doing crap like that.

by Josh77 on Sep 15, 2008 11:47 AM CDT 0 recs

Great. I hate even being associated with that knucklehead. I guess that is one

of the drawbacks of a public domain.

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Sep 15, 2008 12:02 PM CDT up 0 recs

almost as bad as this

i was there tonight, and i would like to say that i indeed, raped and pillaged miller park…..
as i went to get food in the 5th inning, there were 4 brewers fans watching the brewers/phillies game on a tv in the concession area. at that time it was 6-0 phillies in whatever inning it was. as i walked by i pointed at the tv and was laughed obnoxiously. i in turn recieved the 4 dirtiest looks i have ever recieved. but it felt great!!!!

by polly on Sep 15, 2008 12:04 PM CDT up 0 recs

Oh man...further evidence that BlueMike...

…is a troll cloaked in Cubbie blue. I have no love for the Evil BCB, but I wouldn’t stoop so low as to mock them right now – especially considering that the Cubs still haven’t clinched anything yet.

"I see the playoff schedule posted in the paper, and that stuff makes me nervous because you can't take anything for granted. We have a great team. We have a really good team. We're playing well, but we haven't won yet." - Jim Edmonds, 8/31/08

by dat cubfan daver on Sep 15, 2008 12:26 PM CDT up 0 recs

While that was silly for him to go over there....

the Northern Illinois University comments were way uncalled for in my opinion.

MDBNIU may have made an ass out of himself and the cub fan base – but there is no need to bring the shootings into it. Just childish.

"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"

by HIGGY on Sep 15, 2008 12:29 PM CDT up 0 recs

I definitely agree.

Based on my experiences over there, though, I’m not surprised by that kind of remark.

by dat cubfan daver on Sep 15, 2008 12:37 PM CDT up 0 recs

I swear I wish I knew who that idiot is in person....

Don’t talk that kind of shit about NIU, or any other place for that matter.

As a current student those distasteful comments made my blood boil…..

DeRosa: And who is the best and who is the worst card player?

Dempster: I think the best is yourself. [ . . .] I think the worst player is D-Lee. I think he bets every time just to bet.

by EJThunder on Sep 15, 2008 5:13 PM CDT up 0 recs

I happen to be an NIU alum myself...

…and, yeah, it saddens and annoys me to no end that NIU will seemingly forever more be associated with that horrible and tragic event. And weak-minded idiots like that Evil BCBer will always be able to pull crap like that whenever someone mentions our school.

by dat cubfan daver on Sep 16, 2008 9:17 AM CDT up 0 recs

Can't speak for others.

But please don’t associate all of us Brewer fans with that kind of taunting. I would never do that, and I am sure that most others at our BCB would refrain from that also.

I don’t judge all of you from MDBNIU’s—or anyone else who trolls on our sites—comments. I have had some downright pleasant conversations with Cubs fans, including one with Shanghai badger a month or two ago. (Great post, by the way, Shanghai).

Anyway, just wanted to say best wishes with the playoffs and (fingers crossed) hopefully we’ll see you there.

Bye Ned!

by NoahJ on Sep 17, 2008 7:15 PM CDT up 0 recs

Thanks for weighing in -- and the kind words

I’ve enjoyed talking to you, SgtLou and a host of other Brewer fans that have posted here — even the one that only stops by when things are going better for the Brewers than the Cubs. Hopefully enough fans of each team can visit the other’s site and be cordial (and the hosts cordial in return) so that it can be what it should be — a fun rivalry with it’s share of good natured razzing.

I know not all Brewers fans are like that. I’m sure most Brewers fans realize not all Cubs fans are like the trolls. At least, I hope so . . .

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Sep 17, 2008 9:30 PM CDT up 0 recs

The one big problem with the good natured ribbing

is that we are in the internet. Our words for the most part are completely devoid of actual emotion, save using caps, italics, etc…

Yes, often we can tell how one’s emotions are, due to generally knowing what would be making someone upset or happy. However, peoples personalities dictate what could be good-natured or what could be malicious. Of course much of the malicious stuff can be picked out, but some people may be getting worked up over nothing sometimes.

Bye Ned!

by NoahJ on Sep 19, 2008 4:37 PM CDT up 0 recs

You're right -- tha'ts a problem in the professional world, too

A lot of it in this “world” is timing. I know a few have gone over “there” after a tough Brewers loss, and that’s probably not going to be seen as friendly — even if it isn’t intended to be mean.

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Sep 19, 2008 6:56 PM CDT up 0 recs

Definitaly true.

I remember after we swept the Cards in that four game series, we were all surprised that they were so pissed at us, or about the Crew untucking their shirts. Than someone (I don’t remember who) told us to think about how receptive we would be if we were the ones who got swept. I think that cleared it up for most of us. I suppose you really have to pick your spots.

For instance, right now would not be a good time to go over to our BCB. Seven homeruns given up, good lord. What a game.

Bye Ned!

by NoahJ on Sep 19, 2008 9:11 PM CDT up 0 recs

Yeah, that was ugly

Watched with a buddy of mine — Brewers fan. He gave up on Tuesday.

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Sep 19, 2008 10:54 PM CDT up 0 recs

this post sez it all about the trolling "incident"

Hmm So you spend the last inning of your team pitching a no hitter waiting on a rival team’s message board with your finger over the enter key?

Yeah, that’s a real baseball fan…

I'll have a dry light ice amber lager bockfest--red!

by kentmeister on Sep 15, 2008 12:35 PM CDT up 0 recs

This does not surprise me at all.

He wants to brag about his baseball knowledge but his mannners are sorely lacking. Reminds me of middle school behavoir.

by sue369 on Sep 15, 2008 12:37 PM CDT up 0 recs

it's hard to believe he's a purportedly grown man

but then,

The next step will be the World Series -- Carlos Zambrano

by Emelie on Sep 15, 2008 12:40 PM CDT up 0 recs

Hey...

my dog takes exception to that… :^)

I just read some of that other thread. What a pinhead.

Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.

by blackhawk24 on Sep 15, 2008 7:17 PM CDT up 0 recs

I don't even want to look.

I’m tempted to link this post over there to let them know that not all of us are like that.

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Sep 15, 2008 1:09 PM CDT up 0 recs

SgtClueLs already did.

Though not how I would have worded it, nor on a very good thread for it…

Link

Bye Ned!

by NoahJ on Sep 17, 2008 7:17 PM CDT up 0 recs

It wasn't very flattering wording, was it?

And I’ve had nice chats with him. Oh, well . . . at least he linked it.

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Sep 17, 2008 9:23 PM CDT up 0 recs

Honestly, I wouldn't mind seeing you post this exact thread word for word on our BCB.

Well, I guess with a disclaimer saying this is what you posted here, otherwise people may be confused by all the Cubs jargon.

Bye Ned!

by NoahJ on Sep 19, 2008 4:39 PM CDT up 0 recs

Hmm. I wouldn't mind trying it, but

would it be received better if you posted it and referenced it?

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Sep 19, 2008 6:58 PM CDT up 0 recs

Perhaps. I'll try it.

Not tonight though. I have a funny feeling people will be much less receptive after our game against the Reds. Though I think we feel more defeated than pissed in general, I’ll wait until the hurt from this game cools off a bit.

Bye Ned!

by NoahJ on Sep 19, 2008 9:12 PM CDT up 0 recs

Sorry about the Reds game

I’ll admit it was nice to see Votto finally kill someone else. I thought it was a Cub thing.

Heres hoping y’all bounce back real soon!

"He's a pro. Me? I just try not to swear on the air.'' Bob Brenly talking about Len Kasper

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Sep 19, 2008 9:42 PM CDT up 0 recs

That bounceback looks lie 2010 for us.

At least, I think so. I have given up hope for this season. Next season will be a “reloading” season, in my opinion. Without Ben or CC probably, we’ll let our young guys mature, hopefully let Gamel and Escobar get nice and comfy (ma, thats a wierd looking word) and get a couple of our high-ceiling pitching prospects (like Jeremy Jeffress) get up to the majors. I’m hoping to compete for the division/wild card again next season, but our pitching doesn’t look to great. At least we get Gallardo back.

Bye Ned!

by NoahJ on Sep 20, 2008 7:23 PM CDT up 0 recs

Yeah, I figured tonight wasn't the night.

It was 5-0 when I saw your comment. No way I was going to try it then.

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Sep 19, 2008 10:55 PM CDT up 0 recs

Another disheartening loss today.

Will we ever have a win so I can post it?

Bye Ned!

by NoahJ on Sep 20, 2008 7:24 PM CDT up 0 recs

Yes. I just don't know when.

It’s really snowballed, hasn’t it?

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Sep 21, 2008 10:06 AM CDT up 0 recs

Oh well.

Posted.

Bye Ned!

by NoahJ on Sep 21, 2008 10:12 AM CDT up 0 recs

Well, you tried

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Sep 21, 2008 12:45 PM CDT up 0 recs

what happened?

did they take it down?

"He's a pro. Me? I just try not to swear on the air.'' Bob Brenly talking about Len Kasper

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Sep 21, 2008 5:39 PM CDT up 0 recs

Unbelievable.

I didn’t get a chance to read the post before they deleted it, but it absolutely stuns me that they’d take down a post asking to respect other teams.

Oh, wait. Consider the source.

Noah, you are always welcome here.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Sep 22, 2008 4:23 AM CDT up 0 recs

Yeah, I was taken aback, too

Talk about irony . . . that action was the strongest refute against my argument. I didn’t see that coming.

It isn’t representative of all Brewers fans, though.

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Sep 22, 2008 9:35 AM CDT up 0 recs

True

but whoa.

There's magic in the ivy...

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Sep 23, 2008 6:43 PM CDT up 0 recs

I was so embarrassed when I saw that.....seriously.

"When I got to Chicago, fans came to Wrigley Field just to have fun, now they come to see us win. The expectations have changed, for the players and for the fans. It’s about winning." Kerry Wood, 7/14/08

by JB 23 on Sep 15, 2008 3:56 PM CDT up 0 recs

my thoughts exactly

thank you

by MOCubsfan on Sep 15, 2008 12:07 PM CDT 0 recs

I disagree

Now before everyone freaks out, let me explain. I agree we shouldn’t be ripping other teams fans on websites. That is just plain dumb. However, when it comes down to the end of the season and the team you are rooting for is about to clinch (like our Cubbies) you need to root for the teams behind them to lose as well as your team to win. Also, now that I think about it, even if it is early in the season, I find comfort in seeing the Brewers or Cards lose. That’s what makes rivalries so much fun.

by nmrudge on Sep 15, 2008 12:12 PM CDT 0 recs

right

We all can want and hope a team loses, but you don’t go and shove it in their faces after it happens.

by polly on Sep 15, 2008 12:17 PM CDT up 0 recs

+1

by sue369 on Sep 15, 2008 12:38 PM CDT up 0 recs

I agree that you want your competition to lose, but not

to throw it in their faces. I haven’t been reading, “Hey, the Brewers lost, so our magic # went down.” I’ve been reading sentiments akin to, “Haha, they’re such losers. We’re up and they’re down.”

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Sep 15, 2008 12:56 PM CDT up 0 recs

I don't want to mock any team

And I would NEVER think of going on their web sites except when I need some information which people have always been good about providing but I still HATE several teams. I hate the Mets, Cards, White Sox and Yankees. You young folk seem to hate Brewers and Astros but I don’t at all. I LIKE the Brewers and feel bad for their fans but I do of course want to beat the crap out them when we play. Now I DO root for the OTHER team when I go to Yankee games and I used to do the same when I went to games at the old Comisky but I am not trying to mock anyone. I do enjoy some of the silly photos of broken bear bottles but I think on our own web site this is OK. People who go and post trash on OTHER teams web site are no better than the idiots here in fact they are the SAME idiots.

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry

by Doggie Stalker on Sep 15, 2008 1:38 PM CDT up 0 recs

Free speech

I think we are forgetting another key fact in all of this. While attacking other fans on websites is childish and well, just plain stupid, we do have a right to free speech in this country. Last I checked anyway.

by nmrudge on Sep 15, 2008 2:38 PM CDT up 0 recs