How to be a Dad and a Chicago Baseball Fan

Baseball fans in Chicago are enjoying one of the best season starts in a very long time… maybe even the best ever!  If you think you know baseball rivalries think again this year the Chicago baseball clubs have the potential to turn baseball up to 11!  Now the first rule you have to understand about Cubs fans and Sox fans is that anyone who claims to be a fan of both teams isn’t a fan of either team! In Chi-Town you pick sides… and then you bleed with your team!

Because both teams have shown up to play this season you are going to have to defend your side when it comes time to argue about them at the park, at the bar, over the fence, or anywhere.  As Dads we need to be passionate about our team and still try to be role models for our kids.  With that in mind, I give you:

A 2016 Dad’s Guide to being a Chicago Baseball Fan (for dad’s who don’t want to be labeled jerks)

1. Pick a side and own it.  Don’t let your kids see you be wishy-washy true fans love their teams even when it is hard  to watch them on the field.
2. It’s not too early to be proud of your teams record. Both teams have gotten off to a great start do the math and be proud of it.  Both teams could play .500 ball from here on out and make the playoffs. This is also a great way to prove to your kids that math is important outside of school!
3. Brag about your pitching Ace. Both teams have Ace pitchers doing Hall-of-fame worthy feats.  Show your passion for your team as you wax philosophical about the virtues of Jake Arrieta or Chris Sale.  It’s anybody’s guess who will be the first to 20 wins, but a lengthy debate on their merits is no waste of time.
4. Don’t take cheap shots. Both teams are good this year that is a fact, so don’t remind Cubs fans about how long it has been since their last World Series… they know.  Don’t point out low attendance at Sox games because that just doesn’t matter.  Both teams know how to win and keep showing it.
5. The City Series should be circled on your calendar.  For four straight days in July (July 25-28) your team will be playing for the Crosstown Cup. Two games at each ballpark this is your moment to wear your pride loudly.  This is what makes baseball fun.  Take your kids to a game, or a family friendly sports bar and let them get hooked on the electricity of the series.  This is how they become fans for life.

Chicago is a sports fan’s kind of town.  This year Chicago’s baseball teams are electrifying. This is the kind of year you’ll be talking about with your friends, your family, and your kids for years to come.

Get out there and enjoy some baseball!

P.S.  Let’s go Cubbies!!!!