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		From Our Founder by Robert J. Wichlinski  Well what do you know, the Chicago White Sox have not only made it to "the big show," they're giving their National League challengers one heck of a run for their money. A great deal is being made about how Cub fans are reacting to the White Sox success.  Speaking as a diehard Cub fan, I can report that I could not be happier for the White Sox organization, White Sox fans, and the City of Chicago (o.k. Mayor Daley too).  Their success is well deserved.  White Sox fans are to be commended for their dedication and support of their team.  However, I do not feel it is appropriate for me to don the White Sox garb and hoist their flag over my farm.  In my heart I feel it would be a disingenuous act.  But that does not mean I cannot support their efforts and defend their record of achievement.  In a way, it's like defending your cousin.  He may not be your brother and live under the same roof, but he lives next door, he's family... and as family he deserves your support and admiration.  I would expect the same from White Sox fans if the shoe were on the other foot.  If they invited me to their celebration, I would graciously accept.  But I do not expect an invitation and my feelings are in no way hurt if I am not invited. I do have one selfish reason for hoping the Sox win the series.  The White Sox's success serves to mitigate the "Mother Wrigley" effect on the Cubs organization.  The "Mother Wrigley" effect describes the phenomena in which the Cubs enjoy financial success irrespective of their field performance.  "Mother Wrigley" suggests that fans make the pilgrimage to baseball's shrine on Chicago's north side to enjoy the ambience, the history and ice cold beverages.  But they're more a fan of the organization (it's history, it's pin stripes, it's famed announcer and select players, it's venue and the celebration), then they are of the active team.  Performance becomes secondary to the fact that both teams show up and a game occurs on the storied field. So if the "turnstiles keep spinning and the fannies fill the chairs" then what is the motivation to increase performance?  All the owners have to do is make certain "the show goes on" and that it is reasonably entertaining (and, of course, to make certain that plenty of cold beverages and souvenirs are on hand).  I'd argue that it's more disappointing to fans if a game is rained out then if the team loses.  This gives rise to the label "lovable losers."  When they do finally win the series, what will we look forward to? With any luck, Cubs fans will become more demanding because the White Sox have raised the bar.  It's tough to endure mediocrity when you are forced to watch your cousins celebrate across the fence from your yard. I have supported the Cubs for my entire life and I can assure you that while I am affected by the "Mother Wrigley" effect, I long for the team to win the series in my lifetime.  If not them, then I must be satisfied with living vicariously through my White Sox cousins. Celebrate the Sox success!  I am as a Cub fan.  As always, I can be reached via e-mail at b@219.com
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