Maybe Sen Cunningham can get the entire GA into that bar,role up their sleeves,swill some brew, and get some work done. I understand the Gov. Is tending bar their today on account of a poker run..
If the Cubs can get one of the first two games, get to Arrieta with the series 1-1, I’d feel so much better about Cubs-Cards. If Arrieta has to play “stopper”, which he can, no problem, will that be enough to win 2 more? Will that momentum carry the Cubs?
If the Cards are down 0-2, then get Arrieta? That would be the best scenario, given the Cubs’ Ace can’t throw games 1 or 2.
When you grow up in Central Illinois it is almost even-steven odds whether you’ll be a Cardinals, White Sox, or Cubs fan. Unfortunately the Sox never clicked this year and personally, I think neither the Cards or Cubs will be standing in the end. But the Cards- Cubs ALDS games will be electric for their fans and there will be much drinking by both fan bases, I predict.
- Johnny Pyle Driver - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 9:58 am:
How about a place for a Cubs fan in Cards country?!?
For every Cardinal homerun hit (all season) , Honda dealerships in the St. Louis area collectively donate $1000 to Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in St. Louis. So free beer and a thosand dollars to Glennon Children’s Hospital - it doesn’t get any better than that!
=Having said that, some of these South Side Irish are only happy when they’re unhappy. They’d rather the Cubs lost than the Sox won.=
Well, seeing how I am one of the South Side Irish to which you refer, I understand this sentiment. The Cubs play mediocre ball for 107 years and you’d think they were heaven sent. Show me a “lovable loser”, to paraphrase Vince Lombardi, and I’ll show you a loser.
It’s been a long time since the Sox were “Chicago’s Team”. I curse thee, WGN-TV!
I’m a lifer and have been cautiously optimistic but I do think the Cubs can win the series. I’ve warned my dad away from wearing his Cubs stuff…they lose whenever he wears Cubs.
Cards vs. Cubs/Sox allegiance is pretty much a function of past media availability for codgers like me. Growing up in Southern Illinois, in an era of just newspapers, three- or four-channel TV and AM radio, who you got was who you rooted for. St. Louis TV came in over the air; no Chicago station availability. KMOX’s signal was strong; Chicago stations faded in and out. You could buy the Post-Dispatch, at least on Sundays; the Chicago papers weren’t sold there. So naturally, I became a Cardinals fan. The first game I ever attended was in 1967 at Busch Stadium: Cardinals vs. Cubs. I’ve been a fan of the rivalry – baseball’s best – ever since. All I can say is that this series is going to be great.
Interesting piece of info. Just heard on KMOX that ticket prices for the first 2 games in St. Louis average $150 while the prices in Chicago in Chicago are over $450. Apparently this was picked up from a Chicago source.
Go Cards!
And Willy, you still have a standing offer for cannoli on me any time.
First time the Cubs and Cardinals meet in the post-season. This is baseball at its best. Regardless of who you’re rooting for, this is going to be a great series.
The best thing about this Cubs team is that a lot of them are too young and dumb to realize that they’re supposed to lose.
Heck, some of them are too young to know about the choke of ‘93, much less ‘84 or ‘69. The Curse of the Billy Goat probably sounds like the next Marvel movie to them.
They’ve been winning all of their very short lives. Bryant played on a Little League team with Bryce Harper, for crying out loud. He expects to win every game.
I’m a Sox fan, but not a Cub hater. Certainly not enough to wish they lose to the Cards.”
Exactly right. When the Sox were going for the series, I rooted for them. I always find it perplexing that Sox fans feel such a strong need to bash the Cubs. Sure, I get that it’s frustrating that the Cubs fill their seats regardless of how bad the team is even as the Sox can’t fill the Cell regardless of how good the team is, but cmon. Be good Chicago fans and let the Cubs have their day once every 107 years…
As a Cards fan (I bleed red…oh, wait) it hard to cheer against the poor Cubbies as it was to cheer against the Red Sox in 2004. Sometimes ya just gotta let fate take its course…
A lot of talk about how young the Cubs are….but check the Cardinals roster. Most of them aren’t exactly near retirement. A lot of key contributors 25 and under.
It’s a rite of passage; the these Cubs need to beat the Cards to clear another hurdle to either build upon or build the right amount of momentum to get beyond the next two rounds.
The I-55 World Series will be a win -win for both cities. I’m expecting to see more beer trucks & traffic jams on I-55. Does anyone know how much the tickets are for the Cub/Cards games in Chicago & St Louis?
– “Word is Cunningham has turned into a bit of a beer snob. Probably drinking Lagunitas these days.” –
Lagunitas is made on the South Side of Chicago now.
Willy–Excellent metaphor comparing this Cubs/Cards series to the Bulls/Pistons battles in the late 80’s-early 90’s. That’s exactly what it feels like as a fan of both teams.
I’ve always gotten along well with Cards fans at games, but all this whining about injuries is goofy and annoying. What are you making excuses for, exactly?
Try and get over the heartbreak of 100 wins, best record in baseball. How many do you think you were entitled to, 130?
Enough, already. Next man up. You’ve had one of the best organizations in baseball for decades. That’s the way it’s supposed to work.
Okay, c’mon guys. You might not be a Chicago Cubs fan, but I think anytime a Chicago team is in their respective play-offs or post-season as a matter of Chicago civic pride you should wish them well.
Or check StubHub and see what individuals are selling tickets for. I did’t even pay $450 through StubHub for World Series tickets last time the Cards played.
==Willy–Excellent metaphor comparing this Cubs/Cards series to the Bulls/Pistons battles in the late 80’s-early 90’s. That’s exactly what it feels like as a fan of both teams.==
Except there’s a huge difference: Those Pistons teams were aging and near the end of their productive careers. This Cardinals team has been led by a significant number of younger players. It’s not the same team as 2011, they’ve gotten a lot younger since then.
I think I was making the point that the Cubs, like the Bulls, needed to break through, a hurdle. The Cards, and their franchise, has been a hurdle for decades.
I made no mention of the players, “Isaiah v. Jordan”, it’s about a franchise needing to clear the “next hurdle”, over a rival that’s “kept them down”.
It’s important the Cubs beat the Cards, so there’s no misunderstanding how they got to the next level, beating a bitter rival to get there, the first time they ever met in the Playoffs.
= You might not be a Chicago Cubs fan, but I think anytime a Chicago team is in their respective play-offs or post-season as a matter of Chicago civic pride you should wish them well.= Tried - mouth opened but the words won’t come out. And my wife is a Cubs fan.
“Except there’s a huge difference: Those Pistons teams were aging and near the end of their productive careers. This Cardinals team has been led by a significant number of younger players. It’s not the same team as 2011, they’ve gotten a lot younger since then.”
Point taken. I was mainly referring to the comparison that the Cards are a nemesis to the Cubs as the Pistons were to the Bulls. The Cubs must prove they can beat the Cards to get over the proverbial hump.
On the order of goofy history that means nothing to this series:
Impossible as it may be for anyone alive to believe, since 1901, the Cubs lead the Cards 1127 to 1097 in head-to-head play, according to Baseball Reference.
In addition, the Cards have won 19 NL pennants, while the Cubs are right behind them with 16.
Wordslinger - your reference to the head to head meetings is different from what I cited earlier ( so much for Wikipedia ).
NL Pennants are important, but World Series wins mean more in the long run. The Cards are working on #12, but if the Cubs prevail in this series they will have my continued support.
Sorry for my earlier typos - wasn’t wearing my glasses.
Illini - For Cubs fans, this is the biggest series they’ve had in a hundred years (This is certainly the best team the cubs have put on the field in my lifetime).
For Cardinals fans, this is preseason.
Illini - For Cubs fans, this is the biggest series they’ve had in a hundred years (This is certainly the best team the cubs have put on the field in my lifetime).
For Cardinals fans, this is preseason.
Lester vs. Lackey…..how the baseball gods have blessed us with this series. As a lifelong El Birdos fan, I must say I’ve wanted this series for a long time. Should be fun no matter who wins.
Illini - I believe the Cubs/Cards rivalry record you cited from Wikipedia goes back to the the Cardinals first season - 1882.
Wordslinger’s source just went back to 1901. I would expect both are accurate.
Anonymous - and, if memory serves me correct, each team has been swept by the other this year in 3 or 4 game series.
I will never disparage friends who are Cub fans ( yet if there were ever a Cards vs Sox WS it would be a different story ) - we just agree to disagree, but are still friends. And there is a small, but passionate, number of individuals here in So Ill and the Metro East that are loyal Cubs fans.
For me, this playoff series is about as big as it gets. After the 5th game ( and I am predicting 5 ) almost anything will seem, in some ways, to be anti-climactic.
This is as good as it gets. Only thing that could be better would be for the Fighting Illini to make it to the Final 4.
Here’s an interesting article from the New York Times last year (complete with interactive map) that attempts to delineate the “borders” of the various MLB fan “nations” based on Facebook team preferences:
The dividing line between majority/plurality Cubs fans and majority/plurality Cards fans is described in the article as “The Downstate Line”. It would probably be as good a means as any of determining where to divide Illinois into two states if that ever happened….
The reason I fear the Cubs: Momentum. They have it, we (Cardinals) don’t. Wild card teams have to scrap and claw to the final game of the regular season. They often don’t stop. E.g., 2011 Cardinals. We didn’t score a run in our last three games and haven’t had a do-or-die game in quite a while.
==Anonymous - and, if memory serves me correct, each team has been swept by the other this year in 3 or 4 game series.
==
The Cardinals swept the Cubs in late June/early July, but the Cubs didn’t return the favor. The Cardinals have only been swept once in a 3 or 4 game series since 2013, and that was the last series this year against the Braves when the Cardinals were playing most of their bench
Secret Square - very interesting graphic, not totally surprising, however-
Given the history of the Cards and their Broadcasting Partner on radio ( KMOX ), until cable TV and the internet, residents of 30 states were able to hear Carney and Buck broadcast the Cardinal games. They have a bigger following nationally than many teams could ever hope to have.
Up2: Generally agree about wild card teams, but, while the last three games the Cards played meant nothing (clearly noted by the “B”-team lineup in game one of that series), they went into Pittsburg for that last matchup needing to win at least one game, won it the first night and took two of three to put a nice period on the end of the season.
Cubs have the momentum of winning one playoff game so far. After the playoffs start, that’s all that matters. With Lackey and Garcia pitching as many as four of five against the Cubs - the first two at home, I like St. Louis’ chances.
WS - you can ignore the Cards injuries if it makes you feel better. I personally think it would be fun to say we beat the Cubs with our top two starting pitchers tied behind our back. The fact that they could speaks to how strong the ballclub is. Where would the Cubs be without Arrietta and Lester right now? Probably watching from home.
The Cubs have kept improving all season as their young core gained experience. I’m eager to see tonight’s Lackey v. Lester matchup! The downfall for the Cubs…Arrietta can only pitch Games 3 and 5* (*if necessary)
===And don’t forget…the Cardinals lead the majors in active FBI investigations…===
Not gonna lie, the snarkiness in me is rooting for an Astros-Cardinals World Series, but I have to keep burying it deep, cause I’m afraid I couldn’t hold back and blurt things out during those games…
If you go to the Tribune website, they have an interactive that compares the extent of fandom by County for both the Cubs and Cards.
@SecretSquare, the AM radio stations helped define the territories. Cardinals go up to LaSalle, and then to Bloomington, but more Cub fans than Cards. By the time you reach Springfield, more red than blue. Would love to be at Schooner’s in Bloomington tonight for a pork tenderloin, a beer and see the fans interact.
Quimby - Cubs have indeed been improving. I am impressed and I recognize them as being very worthy opponents in this series, but
bringing FBI investigations into this series is going a little overboard. Granted 3 or 4 people were fired, but after that 24 hour news cycle have you heard anything. Not apologizing, just saying!
In 2005, Frank Thomas, the best player in White Sox history and one of the best hitters in baseball history, went down after 35 games and never played for the Sox again.
The Sox won 99 games and the World Series.
I cant recall one Sox fan whining about Thomas’ injury going into the first playoff game.
And baby, if you’re whining more than Sox fans, you need to take some personal inventory.
Sports are the opium of the people. It is enjoyable opium though. Has often been, for most societies probably. Thinking of Mayan ball courts, Roman coliseum
==24 hour news cycle have you heard anything==
The investigation is still ongoing. I’m guessing they are waiting until after the season to announce the results. And during any Cubs v. Cards discussion, NOTHING is off limits! Shoot, we still get grief over the Brock for Broglio trade over FIFTY YEARS AGO…despite the Cubs making their own sweet deal for a HOFer (Sandberg) and the Cardinals giving one away (Carlton).
In ‘84, “Cubs Win!” was painted in Walker Hall Blue on the sidewalk on the north side of the dorm. Lots of cheering that night even during “Quiet Hours”;) Go Cubbies!
Bogey - I did not say that Cubs games were not broadcast into Central Illinois, nor am I ever going to deny that they have a great many fans throughout the Midwest.
My only point was that the signal strength of KMOX reached 2/3 of the lower 48 states ( especially in good weather ) and that there are Cardinal fans throughout the country.
And maybe we can have a pork tenderloin at Schooner’s sometime ( my niece is at ISU ), and talk sports and politics.
Speaking of White Sox Great Frank Thomas, he just picked the Cubs to win the NL. Reports are coming in from the South Side of black smoke clouds rising up as White Sox fans begin burning their Frank Thomas Jerseys….
Quimby @2:38 - I’m not going to get into speculating what will ultimately be determined - prosecute anyone found violating league rules or Federal law. Period. And your other points are well taken.
And Willy - you have to appreciate snark when you detect it ( you are the best when it comes to this, although typically it relates to politics rather than sports ). We could have some fun with this later - but do you actually think it could be an Astros-Cards Series?
Illini…. understand completely and the Cards GM was justifiably embarrassed and took immediate action. I lived within 20 minutes of Busch Stadium for 13 years and watched them win two titles. Just some good-natured ribbing!
I say “Play ball!” This will be epic! Good luck to both teams.
Sox fan here very enthusiastically supporting the Northsiders in this series. It’s time. Maddon has them playing fast and loose. They’ve got a chip. They look like guys ready to win. We’ll see, but I wouldn’t be chirping smack if I lived in St. Louie. The northsiders are a scary team to play right now. It’ll be a good series, and I’m a baseball fan. So, let’s go.
And for those commenters - it is not St Louie it is St Louis. I lived in the City for 15 great years before moving back to Illinois. And I have an appreciation for their heritage and history - please be respectful.
- Cubs in '15 - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 9:46 am:
With Lester pitching on a chilly night McNally’s isn’t exactly going out on a limb but good marketing nonetheless.
- blue dog dem - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 9:47 am:
Cubs in four.
- mcb - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 9:48 am:
Hope they stock up so they don’t run out.
- VanillaMan - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 9:50 am:
I’m a Sox fan, but not a Cub hater. Certainly not enough to wish they lose to the Cards.
- blue dog dem - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 9:52 am:
Maybe Sen Cunningham can get the entire GA into that bar,role up their sleeves,swill some brew, and get some work done. I understand the Gov. Is tending bar their today on account of a poker run..
- Wordslinger - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 9:54 am:
For years, I’ve enjoyed, immensely, going to ball games on both sides of town. There are only four metros in the country where you can do that.
Having said that, some of these South Side Irish are only happy when they’re unhappy. They’d rather the Cubs lost than the Sox won.
- RNUG - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 9:57 am:
They’re mostly young and hungry, which does make a difference.
Cubs in 2015 … just like in the movie.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 9:57 am:
If the Cubs can get one of the first two games, get to Arrieta with the series 1-1, I’d feel so much better about Cubs-Cards. If Arrieta has to play “stopper”, which he can, no problem, will that be enough to win 2 more? Will that momentum carry the Cubs?
If the Cards are down 0-2, then get Arrieta? That would be the best scenario, given the Cubs’ Ace can’t throw games 1 or 2.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers…
- 47th Ward - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 9:58 am:
Warm Old Style served in a plastic cup? Free is still too expensive.
- Responsa - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 9:58 am:
When you grow up in Central Illinois it is almost even-steven odds whether you’ll be a Cardinals, White Sox, or Cubs fan. Unfortunately the Sox never clicked this year and personally, I think neither the Cards or Cubs will be standing in the end. But the Cards- Cubs ALDS games will be electric for their fans and there will be much drinking by both fan bases, I predict.
- Johnny Pyle Driver - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 9:58 am:
How about a place for a Cubs fan in Cards country?!?
- Joe M - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 9:58 am:
For every Cardinal homerun hit (all season) , Honda dealerships in the St. Louis area collectively donate $1000 to Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in St. Louis. So free beer and a thosand dollars to Glennon Children’s Hospital - it doesn’t get any better than that!
- Stones - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 10:03 am:
I’m hoping the Cards run all over Lester. He can’t hold runners on.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 10:05 am:
I got cannoli riding on this series so I’m fully invested in the Cubs…
- West Side the Best Side - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 10:05 am:
From the song “South Side Irish” - “When it comes to basebal we have two favorite clubs, The Go-Go White Sox and whoever plays the Cubs.”
- Colin O'Scopey - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 10:06 am:
=Having said that, some of these South Side Irish are only happy when they’re unhappy. They’d rather the Cubs lost than the Sox won.=
Well, seeing how I am one of the South Side Irish to which you refer, I understand this sentiment. The Cubs play mediocre ball for 107 years and you’d think they were heaven sent. Show me a “lovable loser”, to paraphrase Vince Lombardi, and I’ll show you a loser.
It’s been a long time since the Sox were “Chicago’s Team”. I curse thee, WGN-TV!
- Politix - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 10:13 am:
I’m a lifer and have been cautiously optimistic but I do think the Cubs can win the series. I’ve warned my dad away from wearing his Cubs stuff…they lose whenever he wears Cubs.
- Wordslinger - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 10:13 am:
– It’s been a long time since the Sox were Chicago’s team.–
1919, I think.
- up2now - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 10:14 am:
Cards vs. Cubs/Sox allegiance is pretty much a function of past media availability for codgers like me. Growing up in Southern Illinois, in an era of just newspapers, three- or four-channel TV and AM radio, who you got was who you rooted for. St. Louis TV came in over the air; no Chicago station availability. KMOX’s signal was strong; Chicago stations faded in and out. You could buy the Post-Dispatch, at least on Sundays; the Chicago papers weren’t sold there. So naturally, I became a Cardinals fan. The first game I ever attended was in 1967 at Busch Stadium: Cardinals vs. Cubs. I’ve been a fan of the rivalry – baseball’s best – ever since. All I can say is that this series is going to be great.
- Centennial - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 10:15 am:
God bless the fighting 19th.
- illini - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 10:15 am:
Interesting piece of info. Just heard on KMOX that ticket prices for the first 2 games in St. Louis average $150 while the prices in Chicago in Chicago are over $450. Apparently this was picked up from a Chicago source.
Go Cards!
And Willy, you still have a standing offer for cannoli on me any time.
- Rollo Tamasi - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 10:16 am:
Is this the bar that the father and son duo who ran on the field and beat up the umpire drink at?
All of the Canaryville transplants socialize there. Di you know that a white sox fan from Canaryville invented the tooth brush!!!
Any place else it would have bee called the teeth brush.
- Cannon649 - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 10:25 am:
Jake may be MVP - but he is not pitching.
Good stunt - worth triple the price.
- M.O. - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 10:26 am:
== Warm Old Style served in a plastic cup? ==
I don’t know, 47th. Word is Cunningham has turned into a bit of a beer snob. Probably drinking Lagunitas these days.
- illini - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 10:29 am:
I’m not necessarily a huge fan of Wikipedia, but did a quick search on this rivalry - good reading with many interesting facts and details.
Actually the Cubs have won 1194 games to the Cards 1144 with 19 ties. Definitely the best rivalry in baseball. Can’t wait for the first pitch tonight.
- 47th Ward - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 10:29 am:
First time the Cubs and Cardinals meet in the post-season. This is baseball at its best. Regardless of who you’re rooting for, this is going to be a great series.
Go Cubs!
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 10:30 am:
- illini -,
If I get to Metro East…
OW
- Wordslinger - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 10:31 am:
The best thing about this Cubs team is that a lot of them are too young and dumb to realize that they’re supposed to lose.
Heck, some of them are too young to know about the choke of ‘93, much less ‘84 or ‘69. The Curse of the Billy Goat probably sounds like the next Marvel movie to them.
They’ve been winning all of their very short lives. Bryant played on a Little League team with Bryce Harper, for crying out loud. He expects to win every game.
- Hickory - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 10:44 am:
The Goat is currently crossing into Missouri on the Stan Musial Bridge.
- Chicago Cynic - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 10:45 am:
“- VanillaMan - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 9:50 am:
I’m a Sox fan, but not a Cub hater. Certainly not enough to wish they lose to the Cards.”
Exactly right. When the Sox were going for the series, I rooted for them. I always find it perplexing that Sox fans feel such a strong need to bash the Cubs. Sure, I get that it’s frustrating that the Cubs fill their seats regardless of how bad the team is even as the Sox can’t fill the Cell regardless of how good the team is, but cmon. Be good Chicago fans and let the Cubs have their day once every 107 years…
- Chicago Cynic - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 10:46 am:
Oh, and that last comment goes to you too Rich! (yea, I know, good luck with that).
- D.P.Gumby - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 10:49 am:
As a Cards fan (I bleed red…oh, wait) it hard to cheer against the poor Cubbies as it was to cheer against the Red Sox in 2004. Sometimes ya just gotta let fate take its course…
- Colin O'Scopey - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 10:49 am:
@Wordslinger
=1919, I think.=
You got that right.
- Anonymous - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 10:51 am:
A lot of talk about how young the Cubs are….but check the Cardinals roster. Most of them aren’t exactly near retirement. A lot of key contributors 25 and under.
- walker - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 10:52 am:
Too much overall talent on the side of the Cards.
Word has a point though, the Cubs might be too young to know better.
This might be the only time ever that “next year” really is the Year of the Cub.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 11:09 am:
I see this Cubs-Cards series like Bulls-Pistons.
It’s a rite of passage; the these Cubs need to beat the Cards to clear another hurdle to either build upon or build the right amount of momentum to get beyond the next two rounds.
- Wensicia - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 11:12 am:
Cubs in four.
- PolPal56 - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 11:13 am:
Go Cards!
- Colin O'Scopey - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 11:14 am:
I say Card in 2. And yes, I know it’s a best of 5 series.
- anon - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 11:29 am:
And, if the Cubs can’t beat this version of the Cardinals, they may never beat them. 1/2 the team is injured.
- Mama - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 11:30 am:
The I-55 World Series will be a win -win for both cities. I’m expecting to see more beer trucks & traffic jams on I-55. Does anyone know how much the tickets are for the Cub/Cards games in Chicago & St Louis?
- Suburbanon - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 11:33 am:
– “Word is Cunningham has turned into a bit of a beer snob. Probably drinking Lagunitas these days.” –
Lagunitas is made on the South Side of Chicago now.
- Mama - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 11:35 am:
++- walker - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 10:52 am:++
The Cubs just beat a very good team. I think those young Cubs will do well.
- illini - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 11:40 am:
Mama - look ta to my post at 10:15
- Cubs in '15 - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 11:42 am:
Willy–Excellent metaphor comparing this Cubs/Cards series to the Bulls/Pistons battles in the late 80’s-early 90’s. That’s exactly what it feels like as a fan of both teams.
- Wordslinger - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 11:45 am:
I’ve always gotten along well with Cards fans at games, but all this whining about injuries is goofy and annoying. What are you making excuses for, exactly?
Try and get over the heartbreak of 100 wins, best record in baseball. How many do you think you were entitled to, 130?
Enough, already. Next man up. You’ve had one of the best organizations in baseball for decades. That’s the way it’s supposed to work.
- Just Me - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 11:47 am:
Okay, c’mon guys. You might not be a Chicago Cubs fan, but I think anytime a Chicago team is in their respective play-offs or post-season as a matter of Chicago civic pride you should wish them well.
- illini - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 11:47 am:
Or check StubHub and see what individuals are selling tickets for. I did’t even pay $450 through StubHub for World Series tickets last time the Cards played.
- Anonymous - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 11:50 am:
==Willy–Excellent metaphor comparing this Cubs/Cards series to the Bulls/Pistons battles in the late 80’s-early 90’s. That’s exactly what it feels like as a fan of both teams.==
Except there’s a huge difference: Those Pistons teams were aging and near the end of their productive careers. This Cardinals team has been led by a significant number of younger players. It’s not the same team as 2011, they’ve gotten a lot younger since then.
- Prairiestatedem - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 11:54 am:
How is supporting a great Chicago brewery like Lagunitas being a beer snob again? Brewed with sparkling Lake Michigan water and South Side Proud
- Amalia - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 11:55 am:
Baseball season is over! Sox 2005!
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 11:58 am:
” - Anonymous - ”
I think I was making the point that the Cubs, like the Bulls, needed to break through, a hurdle. The Cards, and their franchise, has been a hurdle for decades.
I made no mention of the players, “Isaiah v. Jordan”, it’s about a franchise needing to clear the “next hurdle”, over a rival that’s “kept them down”.
It’s important the Cubs beat the Cards, so there’s no misunderstanding how they got to the next level, beating a bitter rival to get there, the first time they ever met in the Playoffs.
- Bogey Golfer - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 12:00 pm:
= You might not be a Chicago Cubs fan, but I think anytime a Chicago team is in their respective play-offs or post-season as a matter of Chicago civic pride you should wish them well.= Tried - mouth opened but the words won’t come out. And my wife is a Cubs fan.
- Cubs in '15 - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 12:02 pm:
“Except there’s a huge difference: Those Pistons teams were aging and near the end of their productive careers. This Cardinals team has been led by a significant number of younger players. It’s not the same team as 2011, they’ve gotten a lot younger since then.”
Point taken. I was mainly referring to the comparison that the Cards are a nemesis to the Cubs as the Pistons were to the Bulls. The Cubs must prove they can beat the Cards to get over the proverbial hump.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 12:04 pm:
- Cubs in ‘15 -
You were On It…
- Wordslinger - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 12:36 pm:
On the order of goofy history that means nothing to this series:
Impossible as it may be for anyone alive to believe, since 1901, the Cubs lead the Cards 1127 to 1097 in head-to-head play, according to Baseball Reference.
In addition, the Cards have won 19 NL pennants, while the Cubs are right behind them with 16.
Giants with 23 and Dodgers with 21 lead the way.
- illini - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 12:46 pm:
Wordslinger - your reference to the head to head meetings is different from what I cited earlier ( so much for Wikipedia ).
NL Pennants are important, but World Series wins mean more in the long run. The Cards are working on #12, but if the Cubs prevail in this series they will have my continued support.
Sorry for my earlier typos - wasn’t wearing my glasses.
- Anonymous - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 12:50 pm:
That sign is gentle compared to the first one.
http://imgur.com/Nr85ywu
- Ray del Camino - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 12:51 pm:
Word–
But how often have those other clubs won the whole enchilada?
- Anonymous - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 1:01 pm:
==since 1901, the Cubs lead the Cards 1127 to 1097==
Since the beginning of this year, the Cardinals lead 11 to 8
- Anonymous - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 1:03 pm:
Illini - For Cubs fans, this is the biggest series they’ve had in a hundred years (This is certainly the best team the cubs have put on the field in my lifetime).
For Cardinals fans, this is preseason.
- Anonymous - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 1:03 pm:
Illini - For Cubs fans, this is the biggest series they’ve had in a hundred years (This is certainly the best team the cubs have put on the field in my lifetime).
For Cardinals fans, this is preseason.
(- White Sox fan)
- Jorge - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 1:05 pm:
Lester vs. Lackey…..how the baseball gods have blessed us with this series. As a lifelong El Birdos fan, I must say I’ve wanted this series for a long time. Should be fun no matter who wins.
- Blue dog dem - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 1:07 pm:
.46-Wordslinger….entitlement programs are reserved for the windy city….
- jerry 101 - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 1:08 pm:
Illini - I believe the Cubs/Cards rivalry record you cited from Wikipedia goes back to the the Cardinals first season - 1882.
Wordslinger’s source just went back to 1901. I would expect both are accurate.
Also, Anonymous at 1:03 was me.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 1:09 pm:
Dear all the ” - Anonymous - ”
You can cite records and stats but can’t come up with a name?
Help out, drop a handle down.
- Wordslinger - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 1:17 pm:
Willie, I don’t think the Bulls-Pistons analogy holds up for the Cubs players. Maybe the fans.
The MJ/Scottie crew had years of losing epic playoff battles with the Pistons before they got over the hump.
This Cubs team doesn’t have a history with anyone. Or about anything, for that matter.
- illini - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 1:20 pm:
Anonymous - and, if memory serves me correct, each team has been swept by the other this year in 3 or 4 game series.
I will never disparage friends who are Cub fans ( yet if there were ever a Cards vs Sox WS it would be a different story ) - we just agree to disagree, but are still friends. And there is a small, but passionate, number of individuals here in So Ill and the Metro East that are loyal Cubs fans.
For me, this playoff series is about as big as it gets. After the 5th game ( and I am predicting 5 ) almost anything will seem, in some ways, to be anti-climactic.
This is as good as it gets. Only thing that could be better would be for the Fighting Illini to make it to the Final 4.
- Wordslinger - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 1:21 pm:
– entitlement programs are for the Windy City.–
LOL, I’ve been to St. Louis many times. I didn’t mistake it for Wilmette.
Geez, another 100-game-winning whiner.
- Slippin' Jimmy - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 1:21 pm:
Cardinals play baseball in October, Cubs……not so much!
GO CARDS
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 1:29 pm:
===Willie, I don’t think the Bulls-Pistons analogy holds up for the Cubs players. Maybe the fans.===
I can agree to that, that’s how I feel. My perspective is that, mine.
Your point is well made.
These kids on the Club, they might not have been “around” for ‘84, ‘89…
- Secret Square - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 1:33 pm:
Here’s an interesting article from the New York Times last year (complete with interactive map) that attempts to delineate the “borders” of the various MLB fan “nations” based on Facebook team preferences:
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/04/23/upshot/24-upshot-baseball.html
The dividing line between majority/plurality Cubs fans and majority/plurality Cards fans is described in the article as “The Downstate Line”. It would probably be as good a means as any of determining where to divide Illinois into two states if that ever happened….
- Anonymous - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 1:35 pm:
It’s going to be a great series and a lot of fun either way, But Go Cards!!!!
- Up2now - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 1:44 pm:
The reason I fear the Cubs: Momentum. They have it, we (Cardinals) don’t. Wild card teams have to scrap and claw to the final game of the regular season. They often don’t stop. E.g., 2011 Cardinals. We didn’t score a run in our last three games and haven’t had a do-or-die game in quite a while.
- Anonymous - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 1:50 pm:
==Anonymous - and, if memory serves me correct, each team has been swept by the other this year in 3 or 4 game series.
==
The Cardinals swept the Cubs in late June/early July, but the Cubs didn’t return the favor. The Cardinals have only been swept once in a 3 or 4 game series since 2013, and that was the last series this year against the Braves when the Cardinals were playing most of their bench
- illini - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 2:03 pm:
Secret Square - very interesting graphic, not totally surprising, however-
Given the history of the Cards and their Broadcasting Partner on radio ( KMOX ), until cable TV and the internet, residents of 30 states were able to hear Carney and Buck broadcast the Cardinal games. They have a bigger following nationally than many teams could ever hope to have.
And “two states” will never happen!!!!!
- Anon - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 2:04 pm:
Up2: Generally agree about wild card teams, but, while the last three games the Cards played meant nothing (clearly noted by the “B”-team lineup in game one of that series), they went into Pittsburg for that last matchup needing to win at least one game, won it the first night and took two of three to put a nice period on the end of the season.
Cubs have the momentum of winning one playoff game so far. After the playoffs start, that’s all that matters. With Lackey and Garcia pitching as many as four of five against the Cubs - the first two at home, I like St. Louis’ chances.
WS - you can ignore the Cards injuries if it makes you feel better. I personally think it would be fun to say we beat the Cubs with our top two starting pitchers tied behind our back. The fact that they could speaks to how strong the ballclub is. Where would the Cubs be without Arrietta and Lester right now? Probably watching from home.
- Vote Quimby! - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 2:12 pm:
The Cubs have kept improving all season as their young core gained experience. I’m eager to see tonight’s Lackey v. Lester matchup! The downfall for the Cubs…Arrietta can only pitch Games 3 and 5* (*if necessary)
- Wordslinger - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 2:13 pm:
– speaks to how strong the ballclub is.–
Duh — that’s my point, exactly. The Cards are the best team in baseball this year and you’re whining.
You have no way of knowing if they would have won 100 games with the other guys. It doesnt work that way. Whatever you have after 162 is earned.
Geez, be happy you have a great organization, the next guy steps up and you have the best record in baseball. Again, that’s how you want it.
- Vote Quimby! - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 2:16 pm:
And don’t forget…the Cardinals lead the majors in active FBI investigations…
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 2:19 pm:
===And don’t forget…the Cardinals lead the majors in active FBI investigations…===
Not gonna lie, the snarkiness in me is rooting for an Astros-Cardinals World Series, but I have to keep burying it deep, cause I’m afraid I couldn’t hold back and blurt things out during those games…
- Bogey Golfer - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 2:21 pm:
If you go to the Tribune website, they have an interactive that compares the extent of fandom by County for both the Cubs and Cards.
@SecretSquare, the AM radio stations helped define the territories. Cardinals go up to LaSalle, and then to Bloomington, but more Cub fans than Cards. By the time you reach Springfield, more red than blue. Would love to be at Schooner’s in Bloomington tonight for a pork tenderloin, a beer and see the fans interact.
- illini - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 2:26 pm:
Quimby - Cubs have indeed been improving. I am impressed and I recognize them as being very worthy opponents in this series, but
bringing FBI investigations into this series is going a little overboard. Granted 3 or 4 people were fired, but after that 24 hour news cycle have you heard anything. Not apologizing, just saying!
- Jaded - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 2:27 pm:
Game or no game, Schooner’s pork tenderloins are awesome!
- Wordslinger - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 2:28 pm:
In 2005, Frank Thomas, the best player in White Sox history and one of the best hitters in baseball history, went down after 35 games and never played for the Sox again.
The Sox won 99 games and the World Series.
I cant recall one Sox fan whining about Thomas’ injury going into the first playoff game.
And baby, if you’re whining more than Sox fans, you need to take some personal inventory.
- GA - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 2:30 pm:
Sports are the opium of the people. It is enjoyable opium though. Has often been, for most societies probably. Thinking of Mayan ball courts, Roman coliseum
- Vote Quimby! - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 2:38 pm:
==24 hour news cycle have you heard anything==
The investigation is still ongoing. I’m guessing they are waiting until after the season to announce the results. And during any Cubs v. Cards discussion, NOTHING is off limits! Shoot, we still get grief over the Brock for Broglio trade over FIFTY YEARS AGO…despite the Cubs making their own sweet deal for a HOFer (Sandberg) and the Cardinals giving one away (Carlton).
- Vote Quimby! - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 2:39 pm:
==And baby, if you’re whining more than Sox fans, you need to take some personal inventory==
Amen! Testify!
- Anon221 - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 2:50 pm:
In ‘84, “Cubs Win!” was painted in Walker Hall Blue on the sidewalk on the north side of the dorm. Lots of cheering that night even during “Quiet Hours”;) Go Cubbies!
- illini - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 2:51 pm:
Bogey - I did not say that Cubs games were not broadcast into Central Illinois, nor am I ever going to deny that they have a great many fans throughout the Midwest.
My only point was that the signal strength of KMOX reached 2/3 of the lower 48 states ( especially in good weather ) and that there are Cardinal fans throughout the country.
And maybe we can have a pork tenderloin at Schooner’s sometime ( my niece is at ISU ), and talk sports and politics.
- Jaded - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 2:53 pm:
Speaking of White Sox Great Frank Thomas, he just picked the Cubs to win the NL. Reports are coming in from the South Side of black smoke clouds rising up as White Sox fans begin burning their Frank Thomas Jerseys….
- Amalia - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 2:59 pm:
Love OW’s Astros-Cards World Series wish. would be the Feds Series.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:05 pm:
- Amalia -, you’re not helping, lol
“Some players are wired up, some are wearing wires…”
“They’re not arguing, that’s what’s called a plea negotiation…”
Boy, if I can’t have my Cubs, Astros-Cards…
- illini - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:15 pm:
Quimby @2:38 - I’m not going to get into speculating what will ultimately be determined - prosecute anyone found violating league rules or Federal law. Period. And your other points are well taken.
And Willy - you have to appreciate snark when you detect it ( you are the best when it comes to this, although typically it relates to politics rather than sports ). We could have some fun with this later - but do you actually think it could be an Astros-Cards Series?
I just want to get through these next 5 games!
- Robert the Bruce - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:18 pm:
Go Cardinals! And please no whining about injuries; we’ve done just fine with replacing them. The Cardinal fans I know don’t whine about this stuff.
The lineup today is the best offense the Cardinals can field…Yadi and Grichuk and Piscotty all healthy enough to play.
- anon - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:18 pm:
Folks, keep an eye on Lester’s glove. In game one of the 2013 World Series, he had this mysterious substance and he kept going to it.
Keep a close eye on Jonny!
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:21 pm:
- Illini -
Still sticking with my “noggin” belief; Dodgers-Jays, Dodgers win it all.
I just hope both Franchises, the cities of STL and Chicago, and all parts in between survive this 5 game series…
- Vote Quimby! - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:22 pm:
Illini…. understand completely and the Cards GM was justifiably embarrassed and took immediate action. I lived within 20 minutes of Busch Stadium for 13 years and watched them win two titles. Just some good-natured ribbing!
I say “Play ball!” This will be epic! Good luck to both teams.
- Vote Quimby! - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:26 pm:
==It’s going to be a great series and a lot of fun either way–
Definitely agree! Let’s everyone enjoy this!
- Vote Quimby! - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:27 pm:
I think the winner of Cubs/Cards series also wins the pennant. (Shameless comment to reach 100)
- Bill Cunningham - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:37 pm:
“Word is Cunningham has become a bit of a beer snob.”
Guilty as charged.
- illini - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:39 pm:
Willy - you may very well be right with your “noggin” beliefs - and I would also agree with Quimby - lets “Play Ball”. Could not be better.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:45 pm:
Agreed, Agreed! Let’s do this! Can’t wat.
Senator, I appreciate you owning your alleged beer snobbery. As a Cubs fan, if you kindly stay away from AB products, I’d be really cool with that.
Your microbrew bud,
OW
- A guy - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 4:08 pm:
Sox fan here very enthusiastically supporting the Northsiders in this series. It’s time. Maddon has them playing fast and loose. They’ve got a chip. They look like guys ready to win. We’ll see, but I wouldn’t be chirping smack if I lived in St. Louie. The northsiders are a scary team to play right now. It’ll be a good series, and I’m a baseball fan. So, let’s go.
- anon - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 4:10 pm:
Cards will be the ones playing loose, they’ve been there, many times.
Now, the injuries will be the deciding factor.
- illini - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 4:35 pm:
And for those commenters - it is not St Louie it is St Louis. I lived in the City for 15 great years before moving back to Illinois. And I have an appreciation for their heritage and history - please be respectful.
- A guy - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 4:44 pm:
Illi,
Make that “Saint Louis”. Thank you. /s
- A guy - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 4:46 pm:
Funny thing here: even free beer might not be enough to get people to McNally’s. lol