Letters

Cursed Out?

When my wife and I saw that the Cubs were on your cover, our hearts sank. We should have immediately canceled our plane tickets to Chicago to save ourselves the time, cash and misery. The black cat at Shea, the billy goat and Bartman were a few of our top excuses, but Sports Illustrated is next.
Al Maag, Scottsdale, Ariz.

I speak for all Cubs fans when I ask you to please never put us on the cover again (Are You Ready for a Howling, Pagan, YouTube Oktoberfiesta?, Sept. 29). In fact, don't even mention us in the magazine at all. When the 2009 baseball preview comes out, pretend we don't exist.
Todd Lokken, Franklin, Wis.

I have finally figured out what Cubs fans meant by their constant proclamation, It's Gonna Happen. They were obviously referring to being swept out of the postseason in the first round.
Kevin Kauffman, Johnstown, Pa.

The Cubs were eliminated just after appearing on your cover. That's not the SI jinx; that's the Cubs.
Colin Streng, Greensboro, N.C.

I must compliment Gary Smith's story on life in Wrigley's bleachers. I have spent dozens of afternoons sunning, sweating and cheering in rightfield, shouting raves to Kosuke and insults to every visiting team outfielder. As a lifelong Mets fan enjoying his fourth year in Chicago, I feel a twinge of guilt every time I sing Go Cubs Go. But this team—and more important, this stadium—provide a baseball experience that is purely delicious.
Matthew Smith, Chicago

If you weren't moved to tears by the part of the story about Ron Santo, you ain't a Cubs fan. Thanks, Gary.
Bob Eaton, Gibson City, Ill.

Chicago Cubs fans have had to wait 100 years for a championship—so what! At least in the meantime that city had Michael Jordan and the Bulls. It had the Bears and the Super Bowl Shuffle. Pity Philadelphia and its loyal fans. Outside of the Mummers New Year's Day strut, we haven't seen a parade down Broad Street in more than 25 years.
Tim Griffiths, Phoenixville, Pa.

When will the Chicago Cubs win the World Series again? According to the 1989 movie Back to the Future Part II, it will be in the year 2015. So far, that's right on track.
John Krueger, Grand Rapids

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