These are heady times for the Chicago White Sox. World Champions last season, they have given every indication of being in the thick of things all season long this year. And with the Cubs down (and talk after the All Star Game undoubtedly centered around "next season"), the Sox will likely be holding this town's whole attention in the meaningful later stages fo the campaign.
Is this a permananet change? Has the power switched in Chicago from north to south? Not really. All things being equal, Chicago is a Cub town. The Sox need success on the field to bring success at the box office; the Cubs don't. And more fans have the Cubs in their heart than the Sox.
Lots of factors and lots of intangible make it so: the lovable losers, that classic old ball park, the North Side location, the bars and the yuppies, WGN and a nation of Cub lovers, management that never threatened to move.....and perhaps, a classic rivalry in Cubs-Cards (only Yanks-Red Sox and Giants-Dogers are in this category).
But why not the White Sox? Why not, as they position themselves towards the goal of equal status in Chicago through placing the right team on the field, making the Cell more comfortable, cashing in on a rebuilding South Side, and all the other things that a franchise does to make itself viable, why not doing whatever it can to promote that one special rivalry that adds incredible interest and sparks the type of partisanship a baseball team needs?
I said promote, not create. Much of the excitement must come from players and fans alike...and be felt in the heart and the gut. What I'm suggesting is that the Sox management zeros in on the one "right" franchise that could draw passion among Sox fans....and push it.
Which team: take your pick of the T's.....Twins, Tigers, Tribe. Minnesota has been the closest rival for a number of years although I personally find the Twin Cities more progressive than passionate. A resurgent Tiger franchise offers promise; Detroit is Chicago-like in being a great sports town and its relationship with Chicago somewhat parallels Chicago and St. Louis. Meanwhile, you still have the remnants of the two former industrial giants going for you. Lakefront Cleveland is somewhat Chicago-like and offers promise (although it is no in our backyard Milwaukee).
[b]If the White Sox could develop something truly special with either the Twins, Tigers, or Indians...would this be one of those factors that play out with fan interest in Chicago between the Sox and the Cubs? Could a major rivalry really help the Sox?[b]> |
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