Cause for elation.

I have a losing mentality. That is, when it comes to baseball. Because I’m a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan. Losing, and adjusting to it, has become a solemn ritual. I find ways to find positive aspects. To losing. For instance, the Cubs have played four three-game series so far this season. They’ve lost all four. But have yet to get swept. They’ve consistently managed to salvage one game in each series. Which means that they have 4 wins and only 8 losses so far. Things could be worse. They could be 0-12. Which always is a possibility. For the Cubs. A few years ago, they opened the season 0-14. Anyway, there’s another bright spot. If I remember correctly, five of the Cubs losses this spring have been by one-run margins.  Close enough for the Cubs to have won. With a little bit of luck. And more baseball savvy, of course. Going back to last season, the Cubs have lost nine straight series. If and when the Cubs finally win a series, diehard Cubs fans such as me go into a celebratory dance. Often mistaken for a disease called St. Vitus  Dance.  Meanwhile, Cubs fans take notice. Of  other things. That another team in our division, the rival Milwaukee Brewers, just won their ninth straight game. An incredible feat. The Cubs have yet to win two games in a row. And may not. For the rest of the season. But for Cubs fans, winning even one game.  Occasionally. That’s cause for elation. –Jim Broede