LINCOLN PARK — The Cubs insist they ain't afraid of no goats, and in backing them Chicago's scrappiest hot-dog stand ain't afraid of no Cleveland Indians' voodoo god neither.
In its first message on the World Series between the Cubs and Indians, the Wiener's Circle posted a simple, rhyming statement on its marquee sign Wednesday: "F--- You Jobu." Only the only letter it left out was "u."
The sign refers to the idol worshipped by the fictional baseball slugger Pedro Cerrano in the 1989 "Major League" movie.
Those movies feature a fictional bunch of Cleveland Indians, leading actual players on the team this year to adopt Jobu as an inspirational talisman of sorts. Current players Mike Napoli and Jason Kipnis set up a shrine to Jobu in an empty locker between them.
In dialogue from the movie, Cerrano explains how he calls on Jobu to get him out of a slump: "Bats, they are sick. I cannot hit curveball. Straightball I hit it very much. Curveball, bats are afraid. I ask Jobu to come, take fear from bats. I offer him cigar, rum. He will come."
When a God-fearing teammate suggests he try praying to Jesus instead, Cerrano says, "Jesus, I like Him very much, but he no help with curveball."
The Wiener's Circle, 2622 N. Clark St., known for its abrasively caustic way with customers, especially in the late-night, post-bar hours, moved on to the World Series after taking one last shot over the weekend at the Los Angeles Dodgers, vanquished by the Cubs in the National League Championship. Addressing Justin Turner, the Dodgers' redheaded Wildling of a third baseman, the dog stand posted the message: "Justin Turner is a 'Game of Thrones' extra."
The dog stand also allowed that Cub bullpen catcher Chad Noble had won its heart by wearing a hot-dog Speedo during the Cubs' clubhouse celebration after clinching a spot in the World Series Saturday night, even coming out on the field in it, complete with protective goggles for the eyes.
Chad Noble, the @Cubs bullpen catcher is wearing a Hot Dog speedo! He is our true hero and MVP tonight! 👙🌭 @PeteRose_14 pic.twitter.com/p2mSYnVPAY
— The Wiener's Circle (@TheWienerCircle) October 23, 2016
The Cubs renew the World Series with the second game in Cleveland Wednesday night after losing the opener of the best-of-seven series Tuesday. The series comes to Wrigley Field for the middle three games on Friday.
For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here.
