“Don’t ever permit the pressure to exceed the pleasure.” It’s a famous Maddon-ism designed to keep players loose. With their 17-4 record this month and a cushy division lead, the boys in blue don’t seem to need the reminder. But some fans out there (you know who you are), definitely do. The dog days aren’t […]
Author: Leigh Coridan
Not Your Average Fans: The Curse of Caring
In the preseason optimism of early spring, I wrote an homage to Cubs fans and their legendary loyalty. I explored how psychologists define and explain such unwavering affiliation and how Cubs’ PR efforts have been carefully crafting this relationship for decades. It was lighthearted and positive (what else on the cusp of a new year […]
Game 101: Cubs 3 White Sox 1
In dropping both games on the Southside this week, the Cubs sentenced themselves to their first non-victorious series of the second half. Despite a brightened outlook of late, the blow seemed to recall the gloom of that pre-break slump. After a satisfying win in game three, the Cubs needed this one, too, not merely to […]
Bryant’s Sophomore Statement: Warm is the New Hot
“We have Kris Bryant, and you don’t.” Typically, it’s a trademark majestic bomb that motivates the popular fan jibe, but on June 27, 2016, it was three of them, plus two doubles thrown in for good measure. On that night, at least, Kris Bryant’s awesome offensive firepower was the story du jour. But closer observation revealed a more striking trend. Through a purposeful effort […]
Game 67 Recap: Cubs 10 Pirates 5
“It always seems one guy every year is that guy. On every staff there’s one guy that never gets any runs, regardless of how well that he pitches.” Maddon went on to commend the job Kyle Hendricks has done, improving both velocity and command this season, but through twelve starts he had nevertheless been that […]
Indomitable Kyle Schwarber Making the Most of It
When the Cubs brass initially encased the “Schwarber Ball” of 2015 NLDS fame atop the right field videoboard, it was cool and fun. When they removed it amid epic free agent signings and a torrent of offseason hype, it was understandable. Officially blamed on security concerns, one can easily surmise that memorializing the playoff victory […]
The Only Direction Ben Zobrist Sees is Up
Is that blistering heat coming from Ben Zobrist’s bat or the imposing collection of candles atop his birthday cake? This week, it’s definitely both. He is officially thirty-five, and in the abbreviated life span of a professional athlete, he has supposedly arrived at the waning. Well beyond his commonly understood peak, Zobrist has just transitioned, in […]
Game 40 Recap: Cubs 8 Giants 1
So much news. If only it was all good… Top Play (WPA): The Cubs’ big inning came early when they shelled Jake Peavy for a five spot in the second. Consecutive singles from Soler and Montero had the Cubs in business with no outs. Baez nearly legged out a bunt hit, but had to settle for […]
Powell, Maddon Have Cubs Running Wild Through National League
In a season that, by the day, whispers ever-more insistently about the glories in its future, the Cubs’ thrilling, walk-off sweep of a top NL contender last week seems a fitting conclusion to Chapter 1. Having logged thirty games of insane .800 ball, the hot start is turning historic and gaining significance by the win. Though […]
The Best is Yet to Come: Soler in Context
“I heard him say ‘thank you’ at Starbucks. I thought that was a big step.” Initially chuckle-inducing, it didn’t take long for the profound meaning behind Joe Maddon’s comment to sink in. Now four years into his contract with the Cubs, Jorge Soler’s adaptation to life in the U.S. is not only noteworthy, but still […]