WRIGLEYVILLE — It’s September and the Cubs have a 94.4 percent chance of making the playoffs, according to sports nerds and bookies.
That, of course, is terrible news for the White Sox faithful — especially die-hard fans clinging to 1.5 percent chance of making it to the postseason — destined to suffer through a storm of North Side trash talk from fans of their crosstown rivals if the Cubs don’t choke.
The storm's already brewing in offices, job sites and at least one political speech, which doubled as a cautionary tale for Cubs fans prematurely jabbing at their South Side rivals because, among other reasons, they believe the Cubs will win the 2015 World Series because Marty McFly predicted it in the science fiction fantasy film, "Back To The Future II."
Just the other day, U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley (D-5th) carved out a little time during his City Club speech to take a dig at all White Sox fans — using Sox fan Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart as his foil.
“Every time I see Sheriff Dart, I thank him personally for letting so many Sox fans out on electronic monitoring so they can go to games,” the North Side congressman jabbed.
Some more sensitive soul, or angry Sox fan, might scold (or attack) Quigley for the off-color dig, but not Dart, a prudent 19th Ward resident with the smarts to support the only Chicago team to win a World Series in the last century.
When I called the sheriff, he politely declined my offer to publish any sharp retort that he might see fit, maybe a jab about the Cubs' 107-year World Series title drought.
Or a zinger referencing the seven times the Cubs made it to the championship series since 1908 and lost.
Or the 2003 National League championship choke job.
Or even a friendly reminder about the Billy Goat curse.
I can only suspect the seasoned politician realized trash talk is especially cheap; and until the Cubs win it all the only truth that matters is the Sox, his favorite team, won the World Series during his lifetime.
When I talked to Quigley about it, the congressman expressed reluctant regret for the wisecrack. He meant no harm, though some people did take offense, which frankly is a bush league response to what's clearly a joke.
Regardless, facts are facts, and when it comes to baseball allegiances Chicago is a city where fans are expected to pick sides, remain loyal to their teams and talk trash when they have the upper hand.
Let the record reflect that currently, given the White Sox possess a 21st Century World Series title and the BP Crosstown Classic Cup, Sox fans have the upper hand.
“Look, we haven’t won the World Series and all I have is my sense of humor,” Quigley said.
“I don’t believe in this ‘I’m a Sox fan and Cubs fan' B.S. I’m a Cubs fan and that’s fine, but I don’t have absolute hatred for the Sox."
As proof, he offered this example, "When the Sox won the World Series I congratulated [Cook County commissioner] John Daley on the county board floor by saying, ‘Why should we all be miserable.’ ”
Quigley confessed he’s not “goo-goo” about the Cubs' chances at winning the World Series this year, but he’s excited about the Cubs' long-term future.
And he’ll reconsider future digs against Sox fans until his favorite team ends its epic losing streak.
“My bottom line is if we win a World Series I’ll have something to talk about. For now I have my sense of humor and I’d like to keep it,” Quigley said. “Anyone can have a bad century.”
Certainly, die-hard Sox fans everywhere agree.
We're just glad it's not us.
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