I have friends who will choke on that headline. They may stop talking to me, call me a traitor, tear up my holiday newsletter. But why should I miss the party?

It’s true that I have been a Sox fan since the hazy days of my childhood. My first visit to a ball park was the old Comiskey Park. But old Comiskey morphed into new Comiskey, followed by Cellular One, then into Guaranteed Rate and the Downward Red Arrow. Nothing lasts forever. Even Robin Ventura’s tenure as manager only seemed to stretch to infinity.

So what has attracted me to the Cubs this year? The easy answer is the obvious one. The team is a winner, something the South Siders have forgotten how to be. Joe Maddon has a personality and knows how to lead. The players are likeable and conversational, though management may have made an unnecessary misstep with one signing this summer. The team has the capability to bounce back from loses, as they showed in the National League Championship Series. They even have a pitcher named Lester.

Off the field, the radio and TV broadcast pairings are competent without being oppressive “homers.” (Yes Hawk, I am comparing them to you.) One thing I can do without is the hype for Wrigley Field. Yes, I know all the nostalgia the place stirs. But my memories of Wrigley are of a dilapidated, out-dated park, and I am not planning of spending a few thousand dollars for a ticket to “discover for myself” that things have changed.

Jumping baseball loyalties may have a genetic component as well. I was stunned back in the 90’s when young Michael announced he was converting from a Sox fan to a Cub fan. He was overwhelmed by the allure of a juiced up Sammy Sosa–apparently it wasn’t only chicks that dug the long ball. And now I see that there is nothing wrong with learning from our children.

I will never forget 2005. And there is no guarantee that this is a permanent defection. The White Sox may make some major deals this winter and revitalize the snoozing ball club. The Cubs may get sloppy from their own celebrity.  But while it is here, I am jumping on the bandwagon. When the circus comes to town, what are you going to do except go see the elephants? Oh right, never mind the elephants. But Go Cubs, Go!
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Remember still time to get in on our music trivia contest with a $25 Amazon Gift Certificate Prize. Here is a recap of the rules:

• For each state in the union, name one song whose lyrics mention either a state or a city in that state.
• If a song names more than one state, only one state in that song counts.
• Official state or city songs, sports team anthems and school/university fight songs do not count.
• One point for each state named. Maximum score is therefore 50 points!
• 3 Top Entrants will get a shout out in a future column.
• ALL entrants will be eligible for a $25 Amazon Gift Card. Winner will be chosen by random selection of all entrants.

To enter, send an email to les.raff@post.com with your responses. You will also be added to our mailing list for future blog posts. Entries will be accepted until Midnight October 30th.

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