In case you’ve been living under a rock or cut yourself off from all social media for the last 12 hours, the Chicago Cubs just snagged the World Series title with a nail-biting 8-7 victory over the Cleveland Indians, finally putting an end to the longest championship drought in the history of American sports. True to their style, the game was full of suspense, featuring extra innings and even a rain delay. Given that the Cubs hadn’t won since 1908 and have been haunted by various superstitions, we can all agree that today, irrespective of our usual loyalties, we’re all rooting for the Cubs.
What made the Cubs’ victory even more enchanting was the heartfelt moments throughout the game, particularly when star player Anthony Rizzo openly confessed to feeling like an emotional wreck. With the Cubs in the lead during the fifth inning, Rizzo placed an arm around his mentor, veteran player David Ross, admitting, “I can’t control myself right now. I’m trying my best.”
Ross, affectionately dubbed Grandpa Rossy for his age and wisdom, played the role of the calm sage we all need when anxiety creeps in. “That’s understandable, buddy,” he reassured. Rizzo replied, “I’m emotional. I’m an emotional wreck.” To which Ross offered a wise reminder: “Just continue to breathe. That’s all you can do, buddy.” Rizzo quipped back, “I’m in a glass case of emotion right now.”
This candid moment is not just delightful because it echoes Ron Burgundy, but also because it teaches our kids that showing emotions is perfectly acceptable. Often, children receive mixed signals about expressing their feelings. Girls face the stereotype of being overly emotional, while boys are told to “man up.” In a world where men are expected to conceal their feelings, Rizzo’s openness is a refreshing change. And Ross’s sage advice about simply breathing? Well, that’s exactly what we all need to hear in times of stress, and let’s be honest, who isn’t feeling a bit frazzled these days?
In a sports culture where questionable behavior can often overshadow athletic talent, Rizzo and Ross emerge as the role models we want for our kids. Just a few weeks earlier, during the NLCS game 4, Rizzo was caught on a mic apologizing to an umpire, a rarity in the competitive world of professional sports. After a call that he disagreed with, Rizzo didn’t hold a grudge; instead, during his next at-bat, he said, “My fault on that.” The umpire responded, “Come on. You’re good, bro. You’re awesome with us.” Can we just give Rizzo a Class Act Athlete medal already?
Whether you’re a baseball enthusiast or hail from Chicago, today we all share in the Cubs’ triumph—not just because the curse has been lifted, but because we have exemplary figures like Rizzo and Ross to remind our kids that being a great athlete pales in comparison to being a good person. If you’re interested in exploring more about home insemination or related topics, check out our other blog posts here.
In summary, the Cubs’ win not only breaks a long-standing curse but also provides a poignant reminder that vulnerability and emotional expression are vital lessons for our children. Rizzo and Ross exemplify the qualities we wish to instill in future generations, showcasing that it’s not just about winning, but also about kindness and authenticity.