Marty Brennaman Rips Cubs Fans...

You guys who come here regularly know that I often steer clear of the controversies and focus on the game between the lines. That is my personality; I don't love this game because of who said what, I just want to watch these games and I want the Cubs to get that World Championship.

But this Brennaman thing is a BIG deal. He's talking about US, guys. First - this is not the guy who used to work here; this is his dad, who has been working for the Reds forever. Now on to what he said, and his repeated comments the next day.

The fact that Brennaman got so tightly wound up about this incident only shows how uptight and formalized American culture has become. The Reds' Adam Dunn hit a homer and Cub fans, in a bit of spontaneity and fun, launch 15 balls on to the field instead of just throwing the one back, as we often do.

Mr. Brennaman, this is our secret. Cub fans have turned Wrigley in to a place that allows actions like this; it gave everyone a good laugh. I think that anyone who thinks this disrespects the game has forgotten that the game is about having fun, at its very essence.

This sort of thing is what makes Wrigley the temple of baseball, not the sticky, ancient, wooden seat (though they certainly help). What else is it all about?

Its about throngs of people entering and leaving the stadium in random directions, ignoring traffic rules, and weaving around hucksters selling all things Cubs and many other items.
Its about insisting on day baseball as often as possible, sitting out in the sun on a day off or a half day from work, rather than rushing to the nice modern stadium after work in time for a 715 game.
Its about bars operating just outside the stadium, because some people just love being in Wrigleyville.
All this and so much more. Other stadium experiences are corporate and bland. Somehow, when the Cubs cram more ads in to Wrigley and stick some more screens where they can fit them in, it only makes it better. Why? Because it is all so chaotic. When I see those little signs that show the scores and count electronically along the upper deck, I am aware that they are on the margins, unlike at some stadiums where the big jumbotron IS the game. If I wanted to watch a huge screen, I could buy one and stay at home.
I've done some other stadium experiences and the conveniences are nice. But none of them have been worthy after Wrigley. And its fans have not forgotten the point of the whole deal.