BEFORE THE END OF TIME

Did you hear? The world is ending tomorrow. At least that's what the chosen ones from family radio would have you believe. Assuming its true, I had to get one more post in. So what better way to reflect on the end of time than talking about something that's timeless. Tonight the Chicago Cubs kick off a three game series against the Red Sox. While these teams played each other in 2005 at Wrigley Field, this is the first time since 1918 that the Cubs have visited Fenway. As someone who has a nostalgia meter every time I go out to a stadium, this match up is potentially the holy grail. Two teams, both over 100 years old, with stadiums that are nearly the same age, and some of the most storied pasts in all of sports. The last time they played each other in Boston, World War I was raging. daylight savings was invented, stamps were three cents, and one of the most revered players and power hitters of all time, Babe Ruth, was pitching. At the time, the two clubs were the premiere teams in baseball. To think it would be 86 years before the Red Sox won another title or 103 years and counting for the Cubs at the time would seem ludicrous. While the Sox have shaken off the curse with titles in 2004 and 2007, the Cubs may consider trading the outfield ivy for at least a winning record. Perhaps the most remarkable point of this series is how little has changed in some regards. Wrigley Field and Fenway Park still stand and operate in the exact same spot. With the exception of lights and added seats, they remain mostly untouched from their original construction. I have been to both stadiums in person, and the sense of history is what really stands out and separates these stadiums to the point that they are ultimately what defines their teams. As far as fans, ratings, and revenue go, baseball has slipped through the years. The one area where they have a huge advantage though is the history aspect, and they do an excellent job of holding on to it. Eventually, unless the world really does end tomorrow, the time will come when the buildings will simply be too old and obsolete to operate any more. Until then however, every person to consider themselves a sports fan should take part in events like this weekend series, be it on TV or in person, and use it as a direct window into a timeless past.