Editor's note: It's a question many Chicagoans can answer at length: Why did you choose to root for the Cubs or White Sox? While both teams will find it difficult-if not impossible-to reach the postseason in 2014, this summer's a good time to count your baseball blessings. To that end, RedEye asked contributors Andy Frye and Evan F. Moore to explain how their allegiances formed, and to step out of their comfort zone and compliment the "other" team.
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Like many kids who grew up in the city, I didn't immediately develop a rooting interest in either the Cubs or White Sox.
My father didn't sit me down and say, "This is what we're going to watch. This is our team." I developed my allegiances on my own.
For most of my childhood, I was a Chicago fan. That's what we call it these days. I loved both teams equally. My favorite players from childhood were Andre Dawson, Ryne Sandberg, Shawon Dunston, Harold Baines and Frank Thomas. I also owned apparel from both teams.
As I got older, I knew a decision had to be made. I didn't want to be Archie, going back and forth between Betty and Veronica for the rest of my life.
I decided to be a full-fledged fan of the South Side baseball team.
Former team owner Bill Veeck once said, "If there is any justice in the world, to be a Sox fan frees a man from any other form of penance." That's how I feel since I decided to commit to one ballclub.
After all, I am a South Sider. The franchise represents my side of town.
Being a Sox fan means staying committed even when things don't go your way. It also means ignoring what other people may think based on your support of the team. However, I believe some within our ranks have a loose interpretation when it comes to commitment.
The attendance numbers along with the constant chirping at Cubs fans is a cause for concern. Who cares about what Anthony Rizzo is doing when we have such an amazing player in Jose Abreu? Instead of worrying about what goes on up north, maybe we can focus on getting to the park to see a player near the top of the major leagues in home runs, RBIs and total bases.
Like the Sox, the South Side has had its ups and downs. The school closings and the heartbreaking acts of violence come to mind.
We may not have the glamour, glitz or national fan base of the Cubs, but we have something no one can take away: tailgating. Even Cubs fans tailgate during the Crosstown Classic.
My faith in the Sox was rewarded when I saw the team win the World Series in 2005.
The team won its first and last game of that season by the same score: 1-0. They went through three closers, coughed up a sizable division lead and Thomas got hurt. It didn't look good. Then they woke up in time to win the division. The run the starting pitchers made continues to be the stuff of legend.
I always believed the Sox would be the team to bring a championship to Chicago. Most important, they brought the title to the South Side. I loved the fact the team had its championship parade through some of the neighborhoods that represent the Sox's diverse fan base.
That was a cool thing to see.
Evan F. Moore is a RedEye special contributor.
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Don't sleep on Wrigleyville
If you are a White Sox fan, you might have bought into every stereotype of Wrigley Field and the neighborhood surrounding it.
You've seen the "Wrigley Field: World's Largest Gay Bar" T-shirt and thought it was funny. But you're missing out on a valuable experience.
Let's be real here: Wrigley is one of America's iconic ballparks. It's OK for Sox fans to make the trip north to see a ballgame. No one will think any less of you for taking in the history of your hated rival.
While you're there, you can see why the rooftop owners are fighting so hard to keep their view. After all, once the signs go up, business for them will be hard to come by.
The neighborhood-Wrigleyville, Lakeview, Boystown, depending on who you're talking to-can be distraction, in a good way. You might find the love of your life. You never know.
Unlike the area surrounding the Cell, Wrigleyville has options. You could take in a show at the Metro or grab a beer at one of the many bars in the neighborhood.
Take it from a fellow Sox fan. It's OK to branch out and do something different.
E.M.
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In Tuesday's paper, we heard from Andy Frye on what makes being a Cubs fan special. You can read his argument for the North Side way of life at redeyechicago.com.