If Not Now When?

I am a Cubs fan. The Chicago Cubs.

Other than a couple brushes with greatness in the late 60s and mid 80s, the Cubs have been perennial losers in my lifetime.

But still...I love the Cubs. I've watched them through the lean years--such is the burden of the Cubs fan.

So the past couple years have been a delight. It's a revelation--having hope for a comeback when the Northsiders are down by 2 in the 8th. Not too long ago I would have switched the channel. Down by 2 in the 8th? It's over.

No longer. Now I'm in disbelief if they don't come back and win. It's almost not fair. After so many years of low expectations, I now have hope.

But dang, along with the hope, now comes anxiety. The Cubbies are in the NLCS. Against the Dodgers. They've split the first two games at home. I know it's a seven game series. It's so far from over.

But I'm a Cubs fan. The Chicago Cubs. Who haven't won a World Series in 108 years.

I know they have the best record in the MLB this year. There's no reason to think they won't continue to play well. Win the NLCS. Dare I say it--win the World Series?

But I'm a Cubs fan. It's in our genes to think: "Well, it's not meant to be."

But no. I'm going to stay positive. I'm going to expect that they'll play well and win the NLCS. The World Series.

If Not Now, When?