I still remember so many things that happened twelve years ago tonight. I’ve relived some of them here so many times. But try as I might, I haven’t just let them go. I’ve been like Maverick in the movie Top Gun, wishing things had turned out differently than they did. And the only way to finally get past it is to wind up and let those dog tags go. Here’s the music that plays during the scene, if the audio experience is desired.
So goodbye, memories of a champagne bottle that was never acquired, much less consumed.
Goodbye, Bernie Mac singing “Root, Root, Root for the Champions” during the seventh inning stretch.
Goodbye, Moises Alou jumping up and down like a baby.
Goodbye, Mark Prior melting down at the worst possible moment
Goodbye, shortstop who couldn’t start the double play that would have ended the inning.
and most importantly of all, Goodbye Steve Bartman. I’ve written about you a dozen times and more without ever typing out your name. It was my way of trying to respect you as a person and a fan, and not make things any worse than they must already be. But dredging up that moment over and over again wasn’t helping anybody out, so I won’t do it anymore. May you find peace one day, if you haven’t already.
Great things are ahead for the Cubs in the coming two or three weeks. I predicted this early in the year, before Spring training even got started. And only through clearing away the past will this celebration be complete. This is my one last time of rubbing the dog tags, and
away…..
they……
go!
There! I feel better already.
GO CUBS!
Blue Batting Helmet 