As a Chicagoan living in Cleveland, this World Series is stressing me out. When I found out that both the Indians and the Cubs were on winning streaks, I didn’t think much of it. Given their history, I honestly didn’t think they would make it as far as they did. But here we are, underdog versus underdog. I didn’t think it would make such an impact on me. I’ve never been much of a sports fan, so World Series and Superbowls have never appealed to me, but this Series is different. Since it was revealed that it would be Cubs versus Indians, my Chicago friends have been asking me which team I’m rooting for. They know that I come from a White Sox family, so they want to see where my loyalty lies. My Cleveland friends don’t even bother asking because they assume I’ll be rooting for the Cubs. The truth is, I don’t know who I’m siding with. I know they just want to know which jersey I’ll be wearing come game time, but it feels like they’re asking me to pick a city.
Chicago is where my roots are planted. I was born and raised there, and both of my parents were too, so I have Chicago blood in me. I have a tremendous amount of pride for that city. Its architecture, its history, and its people (yes, even Cubs fans) make it one of the greatest cities in the world. I always thought that Chicago would be my forever home… until I went away to college. Upon arriving in Cleveland, I wasn’t initially impressed. At first glance, it just seemed like a smaller (microscopic, really) version of Chicago. As time went on, and I got to know the city more, I started to fall. Yes, the buildings are smaller, no it doesn’t have a skyline, but my god the people are amazing. Their pride and passion for their city is outstanding and so respectable. We’re talking about a city that supports the Cavs even though they don’t have a chance in hell of winning anything. In Chicago, we don’t suffer quite as many losses (thank you Blackhawks), so their hope for the underdog is truly inspiring.
When I tell my friends that I don’t know who I’ll be rooting for, they all look appalled. The truth is, I can’t choose between Chicago and Cleveland because I call both home. Chicago is where I got my start, sure, but Cleveland is where I found my stride. So, my plan is to sit quietly in my Sox jersey and watch and wait for one team to suck less than the other.