Cubs, Dodgers, Angels, Red Sox, Phillies: the choke's on you
There was a time when a Cubs fan and an Angels fan could sit down at a bar, have a few (too many) beers and make a strong case for their team being the most pathetic.
Cubs fan: "1969. Any bleacher bum worth his weight in Old Style beer will tell you that was the worst regular season choke of all time."
Angels fan: "Yeah, well, 1995. Only 'Waterworld' got a bigger thumbs down that year."
Cubs fan: "1984. The Padres! Are they even in the league any more?"
Angels fan "1982. The Brewers! They aren't in our league any more."
Cubs fan: "Steve Bartman."
Angels fan: "Dave Henderson."
Cubs fan: "Lou Brock for Ernie Broglio."
Angels fan: "Nolan Ryan for two 8-7 pitchers."
It's a conversation that can't happen these days. The Angels got the gorilla off their backs in 2002. The Cubs? Well, the 2008 baseball playoffs seem a tribute to hall of fame chokers. The Dodgers in 1951 ( "... The Giants win the pennant, the Giants win the pennant ... "). The Phillies in 1964 (So certain were the Phillies' pennant chances that TV Guide went to bed with a photo of Connie Mack on the cover). The Red Sox (did you just say "Bucky Dent?").
But all of those teams have redeemed themselves for their faux pas. Even Bill Buckner gets cheered at Fenway Park these days.
The Cubs? Well, if there is anyone alive who can still remember 1908, they probably can't remember 1908.
-- Chris Foster
Photo: Randy Johnson celebrates after the Seattle Mariners beat the California Angels on Oct. 2, 1995, to move into postseason play. Credit: Robert Sorbo / Associated Press Photo
