Reviewing The Brew
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Why I’m a Brewers Fan Rooting for the Chicago Cubs in NLDS

By Kyle Lesniewski

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Flat landers. FIBS. The so-called “lovable” losers.

We all know the names we call those who support the Chicago Cubs. Their fan base is generally considered to be a pariah around these parts, often taking the 90 minute trip north in droves and filling up Miller Park. They are one of the Brewers’ biggest rivals, given their standing in the NL Central and proximity to Milwaukee.

While the Brewers experienced their worst season in over a decade, the Cubs have enjoyed a renaissance in 2015, winning 97 games and defeating the Pirates in the NL Wild Card game. The Cubs now find themselves up against the juggernaut St. Louis Cardinals in the NLDS. It’s difficult for me to say this, but I will be throwing my full support behind the Chicago Cubs, at least for the next week or so.

While the Cubs’ fanbase is irritating, there’s nothing worse than Cardinals’ fans. I lived in Missouri for a few years while I was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, and Cardinals’ nation was insufferable. Never have I encountered a more arrogant, pompous bunch of people that call themselves “fans.” I have attended more than a few games at Busch Stadium, including a Cardinals-Blue Jays game that I wore a Brewers’ shirsey to. My girlfriend at the time and I were verbally harassed by eight different people throughout the game. It got worse after the Brewers lost to St. Louis in the 2011 NLCS. There is a even Twitter account dedicated solely to retweeting some of the most unbelievable thoughts that “Baseball’s Best Fans” spew on a regular basis. Here are some of the most recent ones:

Even the team plays into this crap. The “Cardinal Way” is supposedly the “right way” to play the game, upholding all of the so-called “unwritten rules” when it’s convenient for the Cardinals. Bean-ball wars, on field fights, and a general “we’re better than you” attitude can be expected anytime the Cardinals and their fans come to town.

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If I haven’t gotten my point across, I hate the Cardinals.

While I dislike the Cubs, I honestly cannot find it within myself to hold that same type of disdain. In fact, this year’s Cubs team reminds me a lot of those 2011 Brewers: a young ball club led by a powerful offense, an older, laid back manager, and plenty of big personalities in the clubhouse. I hate to admit it, but this team is very enjoyable to watch. Jake Arrieta might be the best pitcher on the planet right now. He simply dominates everyone. Dingers are aplenty in a lineup that features the likes of Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, and Kyle Schwarber. The team plays loose and has fun and aren’t afraid of what others think about it. Hell, they play “baseball golf” and throw footballs on the field during practice. They seem unencumbered by the fact that the Cubbies haven’t won a World Series since 1908. Joe Maddon brought zoo animals to Wrigley Field for the players and their families, for God’s sakes. How can you not love that stuff?

Oct 8, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant (17) and first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) play a round of baseball golf during NLDS workout day prior to game one of the NLDS against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

The Cubs are good. They are probably going to be good for a long time. Heck, the Cubs might even break their century plus long championship drought sometime soon, if not this season. They are going to be a thorn in the Brewers’ side for the next several seasons, and eventually Milwaukee will have to figure out how to beat them once they’re ready to compete again.

For now, though, the Cubs aren’t the St. Louis Cardinals. And that’s a good enough reason for me to root for them in the NLDS.

Next: How'd the Players the Brewers Traded Finish 2015?

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