America has Bravo to thank for its original obsession with housewives, and VH1 and E! for its specific fascination with WAGS – “wives and girlfriends” of pro athletes.
But in contrast to the hair pulling and drama of reality TV, the Cubs’ better halves opt for camaraderie and a sense of humor.
For die-hard fans, the WAGs’ social media accounts provide a behind-the-scenes look at players’ lives off the field. For instance, when we found out that Ben Zobrist had biked to work … er … Wrigley.
For Cubbie fans more energized by city pride and cute team attire, these ladies provide the ultimate inspiration.
Here are six reasons to cheer for the women behind the men.
They’re proud of Chicago. Pro athletes and their families typically don’t get to choose where they end up. Kris Bryant and his fiancee, Jessica Delp, are from warm-weather Las Vegas, yet she’s embraced the Windy City as home, from running on the Lakefront Trail to playing tourist with her third baseman. She and Bryant posed in front of the Chicago skyline during his first season with the team, posting the caption, “Spending our off day at the aquarium & the most beautiful view of the city.”
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They love Cubs fans. Darya Aliya Baghbani, Dexter Fowler’s wife recently posted this photo with the down-to-earth back story “Just taking a walk with Naya before the game and saw this guy with a Fowler shirt. I may or may not have scared him and screeched and asked for a photo.”
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They are full of ideas. When you’re expected to rock Cubs gear day after day, you have to get creative. On her Instagram account, Julianna Zobrist declares that she loves “honesty, chicks with brains, wearing weird things and kissing Ben Zobrist.” Her Cubbie manicure and playoff jacket creation are testaments to at least two of those things.
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They give back. A group Cubs wives (and one wife-to-be) recently visited the Maryville Center for Children to deliver supplies, diapers and toys for local children and their families. They also organize the annual Race to Wrigley event, which raises money for Cubs Charities. Jake and Brittany Arrieta talked to RedEye last year about wanting to get to really know the community and represent the Cubs in a positive way.
They have a sense of humor. Kristina Lackey, wife of pitcher John Lackey, tweeted this photo of the Cubs ladies, each wearing a shirt with her respective player’s face. Now that’s devotion.
They give a glimpse at daddy duty. We’re used to seeing the players on the field, suited up, totally in the zone. But when they’re not at the Friendly Confines or on the road, they’re at home. Brittany Arrieta, wife of Jake Arrieta, tweeted this pic, proving the pitcher is cable of propelling things forward slower than 95 mph.
They embrace the term and one another. Julianna Zobrist posted this positive message on her Instagram account during the regular season. Travis Wood’s wife, Brittany Wood, followed it up last week tweeting a photo collage and caption scattered with blue heart emojis, of course: “these girls. this boy. this team.”