Gotta get back in time

Ok kids, time to jump in the time machine and head back, way back, to 1983. At six years old I hadn't swung anything more than a Wiffle bat or even held a real baseball. Based on the fact that I was more concerned with Big Bird and chocolate milk than Jody Davis it's safe to say that what was happening over at Wrigley Field was of little importance in my world...

We know that in 1984 the Cubbies pulled it together and won the division, but a year before we had some major fucking problems. Why the F-bomb you ask? Oh, I'm just prepping you for what's to come.

Nowadays, regardless of how the Cubs play, it's near impossible to get a ticket unless you've made arrangements far ahead of time or have some big bucks to work with. Wrigleyville is considered hip and fun. So families, frat boys, tourists and Chicagoans alike make a whole day out of browsing around the neighborhood to feel a part of it all. I've got no problem with that. Although I prefer a back porch pregame party as opposed to a sports bar it's still an electrifying feeling to be in the mix.

But not always.

Back in 1983 the Cubs started out their season at a dismal 5-14. As the team went on to yet another loss the home town crowd showered the players with a chorus of boos. Oh yeah, there were less than 5,000 people in the stands that afternoon. Cubs manager Lee Elia was none too pleased with the locals' lack of support for his struggling club.

Lee Elia's post-game rant, April 29, 1983

Please note: I in NO WAY condone the website this clip comes from, it's just the only place I could quickly find the complete audio for it. But Cubs fan or not, this is classic. (and note: if you listen to this at work, use headphones)
Times, they have a' changed. The Cubs could start out next year 5-14 and still sell out every home game; that's how it's gonna be for the unforseable future. But maybe it will take a complete meltdown somehow, some way to fix all of the problems. I think it's going to have to get way worse before it can get better.