Levine: Fan Factor Can Influence Cubs-Cards Series
By Bruce Levine--
ST. LOUIS (CBS) -- The fan factor has to come into play any time the Chicago Cubs and St Louis Cardinals are involved.
The first time the clubs are playing in the playoffs against each other since division play was formed in 1969 means the fans will be at a fever pitch in both Chicago and St Louis like never before.
Cardinals manager Mike Matheny and Cubs manager Joe Maddon both agree the fans can have an impact on the games played in a hostile environment.
"It can be big, even making crowds quiet," Matheny said. "You want that exciting atmosphere, and you can get caught up in the buzz. The Cubs have a lot of fans that always show up here, and the same with our fans when we are in Chicago. That helps create a different feel. This rivalry is so much fun and so unique. I imagine this series will take it to another level."
The Cubs fan base has an impact all over the country when the team takes to the road. Even though Maddon is in the Chicago-St. Louis battle for the first time, he understands how special this playoff meeting is.
"It's about communication," Maddon said. "Even in the dugout it's hard to talk, it's hard to talk to the coach next to you. That is where it can be most bothersome. Playing back in the day at the old Metrodome (Twins ballpark) was difficult. Regarding impacting performance (negatively), I don't ever believe I have seen that. From the home perspective, it can be uplifting a little bit. From the opposition side, it's kind of crazy how you can block it out."
Matheny agrees.
"I really can't tell you I have seen a player get shook by a crowd," he said. "Maybe it has to do with the amount of games we play in baseball and the fact we are in road situations half the time during the season."
The Cubs and Cardinals fan bases are considered two of the best in all of sports. The fans in each city are mostly thought to be tough but fair by opposing players.
"Chicago is tougher because the bleacher fans are right on top of you," a former player who played for both franchises said. "The passion is very similar. The only major difference is the Cardinal fans have been able to celebrate championships and the Cub fans still dealing with if and when the next one will come."
Superiority will be on the side of one of these great historic franchises in just a few days. You can bet that at some point, the fan base of one or both teams will be identified as a factor in helping the momentum build for the eventual winner.
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.