Diane Pucin and her Cubs: Now it's Dad's turn
October 4, 2008 | 12:56
pm
John Pucin is 82 and loves his Chicago Cubs. No matter what.
He is the father of Times staff writer Diane Pucin, who simply can't watch her beloved team because, well, because they've let her down every time.
Before the series began between the Cubs and the Dodgers, we asked Diane's brother, also named John, to interview Dad about his memories of following the Cubs since he was a boy. Here is is, unedited. Thanks, John.
-- Debbie Goffa
Great video! My mom loved the Cubbies for so many years just like Diane's father, but I think she must have gotten tired of having her heart broken every year and transferred her devotion to the Padres...hmmm, traded one bad love affair for another one. Maybe that explains my multiple marriages...ah, sports information and psychological insight all in one blog - I'll stop now before all the guys that read this blog vote us women off...
Posted by: Lisa | October 04, 2008 at 05:48 PM
As a life-long baseball fan, (started out as a Dodger fan and am now a broken hearted Padres devotee) I still find myself asking the question---What is it about baseball? It brings together the best of who we are. Mr. Pucin's charm, love of the Cubbies and his memories touch a part of me that, I suspect, resonates only with other baseball lovers. It is October 4, 2008, and the Cubs are down 2-0 against the Dodgers in the division playoffs. Could you please let Mr. Pucin know that I will be rooting for his Cubs despite my early love of the Dodgers. It is, in fact, the right thing to do. Oh and please thank him for the delightful interview.
Posted by: Gloria Sterling | October 04, 2008 at 07:00 PM
i am one of the disfuncitional Pucin Cub fans. I can remember my dad watching them (he was usually sleeping) so I would go to change the channel & he would rise up & shout "don't touch that channel I'm watching the Cubs". So Needless to say I became a Cubs fan & even became a snowbird to Mesa so we could go to Spring training.I still am a fan & win or lose I don't care. I will always be a fan.
Donna Pucin Dugenske
Posted by: Donna Pucin Dugenske | October 04, 2008 at 07:32 PM
What a wonderful video to share with us. As an Angels fan, hope we'll see you in the series soon!
Posted by: Cathy | October 05, 2008 at 06:01 AM
I do not happen to be a Cub fan (I like the Angels) but I was in business with a fellow who was a Cub fan. We were in business together for 22 years and every year I had to hear him cheer or cry over what was going on with the Cubbies (as he called them).
One thing is for sure, I believe Cub fans are far and away the most loyal fans. No matter whether they win or lose their fans are always pulling for them, and do not give up on them. So I give three cheers to the Cub fans. .
Posted by: Jay Ohlund | October 05, 2008 at 12:34 PM
I enjoyed the story regarding the last Cubs World Series game.
Posted by: Tom McCabe | October 06, 2008 at 10:29 AM
What a great interview, it is nice to see a veiw point from a Fan that keeps the faith no matter how good or bad times the team is having. I also know that John and his son John are also fans of the Reds which is hard at times as well now days.
Thanks Diane
John Steller
Columbus Ohio
Posted by: John Steller | October 06, 2008 at 10:41 AM
It is nice to see that someone who has watched the cubs blow it time and time again still continues to come back every spring to cheer on the beloved lovable losers. Nice post!!
Posted by: Matt | October 06, 2008 at 11:06 AM
Very nice interview, thanks for sharing the memories. One thing John forgot to tell us Cub fans, WAIT TIL NEXT YEAR! (somethig we're used to hearing)
Posted by: Bob Cvik | October 06, 2008 at 01:11 PM
Certainly is a family disease. My dad (one of John's younger brothers) was I think at some point a die hard but doesn't get his hopes up any longer. I too am beginning to learn that lesson. The Cubs get you to the brink and deliver nothing. I was at the Cub-Brewer game on Sept. 18th when they scored 4 runs with 2 outs in the 9th and won in extra innings. Holy Cow... It was a miracle finish. "This is the year." I thought Santo was right. Three games with the Dodgers brought me back to reality. I have passed this disease on to my son right now stationed in Baghdad. He was able to brag to his army buddies about the Cub season to all kinds of fans from the Red Sox to the White Sox, the Reds, the Brewers. The Cubs were better than all of them.....That was until Saturday. Now he is learning at too young an age how disappointing it is to be a Cub fan. One good thing. My biggest fear was to have the Cubs get to the World Series and lose to the White Sox. At least that won't happen.
Posted by: David Pucin | October 06, 2008 at 01:12 PM
Great video about the CUBS and hearing the first hand history on this ball club!
Posted by: Michael Mockler | October 06, 2008 at 01:55 PM
I to have been a CUB fan as far as i can remember, but don't ever remember getting upset like most fans did, I knew after the Series loss, I would have to put on my pants the same way the next day., this year probably was the worst of all because they did have one of the best teams they ever had. Like they always say maybe next year
Posted by: Dick Pucin | October 07, 2008 at 03:25 PM