Chicago should be depressed or angry or embarrassed about sports at this point in time, but I have a better idea.
Chicago should just be condemned. If it weren’t for Michael Jordan and the Bulls, you could hang a “quarantine” sign on every athletic arena in the city.
It’s bad enough what happened Sunday, when the Bears went into that prevent defense with a lead to protect against the bomb in the closing minute. Most teams do that, but Minnesota was at the Bears’ 9-yard line. For the Vikings to go deep, they would have had to call a fly pattern to McCormick Place.
Then on Monday, Richard Duchossois announced he’s closing down Arlington International Racecourse. Everything smells like fertilizer around here, but the horses are moving out anyway. Even they can’t stand the aroma.
But here’s the clincher. I have in my hands a postseason ticket order from the White Sox. The best seat for the American League Championship Series is $50, and for the World Series, $75. Game times to be announced later.
The Sox require that payment in full by noon next Monday. But after their weekend surrender in Cleveland, the Sox are nine games behind the Indians. What if the Sox are eliminated mathematically by Sunday? Do we get our money back, plus an autographed gopher ball from Jaime Navarro?
The Cubs didn’t waste any stamps to remind fans what a disaster this summer has been. No, the Cubs already are looking forward to spring training. Jim Riggleman, their manager, confirmed as much the other day, just before the Cubs lost their 84th game, most in the National League.
Riggleman promised that when the Cubs gather in Arizona next February, they’ll be drilled in basics and fundamentals. Now, isn’t that swell? Maybe next year, when an opposing batter has to be gunned down at first base on a dropped third strike, the Cubs can figure out how to keep the runner on third from scoring.
Remember that gem against Colorado last April, when the Cubs, not wanting to peak too soon, started off 0-14? Won’t happen next April, not after basics and fundamentals. But until then, the best baseball team in the area will be the Kane County Cougars, who play Game 3 of the Midwest League championship series at home Tuesday night.
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Don’t get too giddy, though. The Cougars, naturally, have nothing to do with Chicago. Kane County is a farm team of the Florida Marlins. When the Cougars grow up, you’ll see them in Wrigley Field, beating the brains out of the Cubs.
The Blackhawks? They’re trying to make a deal, a big deal. Until then, however, fans will have to hope that rearranging the furniture in the dressing room will lead the Hawks to their first Stanley Cup since 1961.
I am not making this up. Craig Hartsburg, a solid coach, has decided to change things around in the Hawks’ quarters at the United Center. True, the Hawks do this every two years or so, about as often as they change coaches. Mike Keenan was the best. He knocked down all sorts of walls at the old Stadium. That might be why the Hawks can’t afford to buy free agents. They spend so much money on cement.
But take heart. Raymont Harris will play more against Detroit Sunday, when there probably won’t be a blimp over Soldier Field. I would settle for a wrecking ball, but let’s not be too harsh. Dave Wannstedt says his players are playing hard. Tell me, since when is that a bonus? At these prices, aren’t they supposed to play hard? For three hours a week?
Sorry, I’m drifting. Says here in the letter from Comiskey Park that the World Series will start Oct. 18, just like you hoped back in April. Game times to be announced later.