I’m not sure why I cluttered the grabber section with a countdown to Opening Day at Sox Park.
I didn’t go down there for a single game last year. I haven’t been to a home opener since before Covid. Let’s be honest about Opening day... the lines are longer than the innings: the pisser line, the beer line, the polish sausage line, and then the slow shuffle out the gates after another loss.
This team has dropped one hundred games two years in a row. The only reason to get excited right now is that we have the Pope on our side.
Most of the teams I follow suck ass.
The Blackhawks have been horrible since they dismantled the Stanley Cup roster.
The Bears have been a rolling circus since they fired Lovie Smith. This year finally feels different, a breath of fresh air, but my expectations aren’t sitting out there bare-assed and begging for disappointment.
I have been an Indiana Pacers fan since the ABA days. They made the championship last year, they lost. Just another brick added to the disappointment pile.
And speaking of Indiana...
I have no idea what the hell is happening with their football program. They bring a Bobby Knight-type football coach to Bloomington and suddenly they start winning. Winning football games like the Hurryin' Hoosiers once won basketball games.
I have my checkbook out for the Hoosiers now. My expectations are spending real money on this remarkable team, and I know exactly how dangerous that could be.
Here’s a surprise for you, Chalkheads. I even have a favorite soccer team...
…and they suck too.
I have followed West Ham United for years. Yesterday they lost to the team in dead last place. West Ham is sitting third from the bottom on the table themselves. In the English Premier League, the bottom three teams get relegated. In American terms, they get sent down to the minors.
Can you imagine if we did that here?
The Bears, Blackhawks, and White Sox would be playing teams from Peoria, Fort Wayne, and Grand Rapids.
Now here’s the thing... I am not giving up hope, because I don’t believe in hope. When it is all said and done, my teams end up losing their last game. Maybe I’m the common denominator here. I’m the guy hitting every red light. I’m the guy who picked the wrong drive-up lane.
And still…
I will continue to cheer for the Bears.
The Blackhawks.
The White Sox.
The Pacers.
The Hoosiers.
And the Hammers.
Like Brian Wilson once said, "so be true to your school, like you would to your girl or guy. Be true to your school now and let your colors fly."
Here we go, the first full week of 2026. Like sports, I am not expecting much going into the year. I am Preparing for the worst, but ready for the best.
Now go perform some astounding things this week, you deserving Chalkheads.
