Harris: Root For Your Team, Chicago, Not Against The Other
By Adam Harris-
(CBS) It's time again for the Cubs and Sox, Crosstown BP Cup Classic, Red Line Rivalry, Chicago Baseball Series... or at least that's my name for it.
For the next three days, Cubs and White Sox fans will root for their team, and against the other team because of the direct impact each club has on each other. However, after the series is over, many fans will continue to root against the "other" Chicago team. I ask, why?
Both the Cubs and White Sox have nothing to do with each other, except for the six times they play a year. In fact, the teams can often help one another during interleague play by beating division rivals of the other team.
I realize I am writing to loyal Chicago fans who want their team to be the heart and soul of Chicago, and who think it is disloyal to root for the team across town. I am not, though, telling anyone to root for their cross town "rival," but just pleading to not root against them unless the teams are playing each other.
As a kid, and a die hard Cub fan, I would root against the White Sox every chance I got. Back then I had no clue why, it was just natural to do so. "I am a Cub fan so the Sox should lose every game, even if they don't play my team," I would think.
As I got older, however I learned that I was rooting against the White Sox out of jealousy and immaturity. I began to think rationally, instead of with my heart, and realized that the Cubs and Sox have no effect on one another unless they are playing each other. And, in fact, sometimes, they can help one another out.
This year, the White Sox have the potential to make the playoffs, and the Cubs have the potential to contend for last in the majors. After the upcoming series, I ask Chicago fans to focus on your team only. White Sox fans should enjoy their potential run this year and Cub fans should focus on the major, dismantling moves upcoming.
Pay no attention to the team across the city, unless they are playing your team's division rival. If you are a Cub fan rooting against the Sox or a Sox fan rooting against the Cubs then you are a "hater," and "haters" need to grow up.
Whether you are a 12-year-old Cub fan figuring out why you decided to root for this team, or an 80-year-old Sox fan jealous of the Cubs popularity, I say get over it and focus solely on your team.
Your energy as a fan is much better focused on rooting for your team and against your division rivals, than rooting for a team in your city that has very little effect on your playoff potential.
Grow up Chicago fans, and enjoy your own teams. I promise you will find being a fan of your own team instead of a "hater" against the other Chicago team is much more enjoyable.
Of course, for the next three days, "hate" all you want.
