I was at Billy Goat’s (The one under Michigan Ave.) watching the last game of the 2016 World Series. The place was packed. Owner Sam Sianis brought out a goat to end the curse of the goat his uncle placed on the Cubs for refusing his goat entry to the ballpark. The crowd roared as Sam paraded the goat through the restaurant.
I was sitting at the bar. Two reporters were sitting next to me, one from Australia the other from New Zealand. They asked about the goat. I explained about the curse and how this would be a great side story. They did not get it. Others tried to explain what a great story the goat would be if the Cubs won. Some people are just dense. They ignored the goat and kept taking pictures and videos of the crowd and televisions.
The curse of the goat ended when Anthony Rizzo caught the throw at first base, tagging and ending a long dry spell for the “Loveable Losers.”
Rizzo, Kris Bryant, and Javier el Mago Baez exhibited sheer joy jumping and hugging each other. This was their moment, along with the rest of the team.
We knew it was coming, though we did not want to admit it. There were credible rumors that the Cubs would trade Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, and Javier Baez. They were the Three Musketeers of the 2016 World Series win. Aside from their athletic abilities and skills, they brought fun to the game. They not only loved to play baseball but showed us they loved to make the game fun for them and the fans.
The trades angered many fans when they were announced. We did not have to like it, but we had to accept it. That’s life. The Cubs are building for the future. We get that. We wish all three well with their new teams. They will bring the same dedication and passion to the game they brought here.
Where are you going to see a play like this again?
A lot of fans used humor on social media over the trades. A batboy was traded to Stan’s Donuts for lifetime free donuts. Clark, the Cub’s mascot, was traded to Build a Bear. Ronnie Woo was traded to the White Sox for two bat boys and a Sox fan. The ivy was traded for two starter plants and a bush to be named later.
The unofficial Cubs motto is, “Wait till next year.” We will miss Rizzo, Bryant, and el Mago. But life will go on. The Cubs will go on. We will see what next year brings.