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One of the most enticing draws of being a Chicago Cubs fan is the rich history that surrounds the team and Wrigley Field.
To still draw impressive crowds despite a century of loss is a testament to the club’s tradition.
Tradition surrounds all of baseball. Whether it’s singing “Sweet Caroline” in Fenway Park or watching the President’s Race before a Washington Nationals game, anyone can feel the camaraderie and history at any baseball game.
After 104 years without a World Series championship, it’s this type of tradition that keeps Cubs fans excited and showing up day after day.
Following are five of the top traditions a fan could find themselves involved in during a game at Wrigley Field.
“It’s Gonna Happen”
The signs have shown up in other cities. They’ve followed the New York Mets and the Boston Red Sox and for several years now the Chicago Cubs.
It was 2007 when the sign first appeared in right field and before you know it the optimistic slogan was plastered on t-shirts all over Chicago.
So far, it hasn’t changed the Cubs fate, but a glass-half-full attitude can’t hurt? Right?
“White flag time at Wrigley”
A tradition dating back to 1937, any game at Wrigley where the Cubs win means a white flag will be hoisted in celebration.
Not the rowdiest of traditions, it’s a special moment when the white flag adorned with a giant blue “W” finds its way to the top of the pole.
“Go Cubs Go”
Written in 1984 by Steve Goodman, the song is now considered the Cubs official victory song.
The catchy upbeat tune is loved by some and loathed by others, but over 28 years it still continues to rear its head.
When Cubs players congratulate one another on the field and fans are cheering in the stands, you can expect to hear Goodman’s tune blaring throughout Wrigley Field.
“Throw it back!”
To catch a home run ball is for most people a once in a lifetime opportunity. To catch a home run ball at Wrigley Field hit by an opposing team, however, comes with some stipulations.
As the chants to “throw it back” begin, the pressure mounts. Do you throw back what is likely the only home run ball you will ever catch or do you risk being mauled?
While the idea is to show that one’s love for their team is above even the coolness of catching a baseball, throwing one back isn’t the greatest of ideas.
If you feel the ball is too tainted for you to touch, pass it to a kid down the aisle and create a lifelong baseball fan.
“Take Me Out to the Ballgame”
When broadcaster Harry Caray came to the Cubs in 1982, he brought with him a new tradition. Caray would each day sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the seventh innings stretch.
Following Caray’s death, the Cubs have worked hard to keep the tradition alive. Typically, a celebrity comes out and leads the crowd through the seventh inning staple.
Some have argued it is time for the tradition to be retired and just let the crowd sing together, but many still enjoy the tie to the days of Harry Caray.
While the Cubs may struggle on the field, the team is filled with deep tradition that has stood the test of time. Those traditions keep the fans coming and keep them interested in the game.
As much as the fans love all of what going to a game at Wrigley Field means, there is little doubt they would trade it all for another World Series Championship.
Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1418470-chicago-cubs-top-5-game-day-traditions
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