LOSING STREAK

Chicago Cubs Close Disappointing Season With A Whimper

CHICAGO SPORTS FANS SUFFERED ANOTHER BLOW SUNDAY WHEN the Chicago Cubs closed its disappointing season with a 5-2 loss against the Arizona Diamondbacks. And the sign discarded outside the field's northeast entrance summed up one fan's dismay: "Watching the Cubs Blow Another Season…Worthless."

If misery loves company, residents mourning the city's failed bid of the 2016 Summer Olympics could find solace among Cub fans. The team ended its season with an 83-78 record, down from 97-64 last year, according to the Associated Press.

The franchise has been up for sale since 2007 by the Tribune Co., which filed for bankruptcy last year.

Last Thursday, a judge approved sale of the team and its "storied" Wrigley Field to the family of billionaire Joe Ricketts for $845 million. That sale price breaks the $660 million record set by the 2002 sale of the Boston Red Sox, the AP reported.

Two years is a long time to wait for leadership, and perhaps the pending sale contributed to the team's slump.

But let's not kid ourselves: next year when the ground is wet and the tulips are blooming, Cub fans will trek enmasse to the ballpark decked out in red, white and blue.

Because real Cubbie fans don't care about them winning or losing. They love their team in the same way that a mother loves its ugly baby: warts, burps, farts and all.