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Last week, the Crosstown Classic went down at U.S. Cellular Field. And it was ugly – well, for a Sox fan. With the help of superstar Alfonso Soriano (who had a home run in each game of the series, including lead off homers in Game 1 and 2), the Cubs swept the Good Guys. And though it’s humiliating, Sox fans were prepared for the sweep, since we had lost 19 of our last 24 games.

I bought a single ticket for Game 1, which was last Friday at 3pm. Taking public transportation was the way to go, though it still meant having to wait for a train to stop by that wasn’t filled to the brim. When I finally boarded, it was off to the South Side – Sox-35th stop on the red line. While getting off I caught a glimpse of this neutral fellow:

Let me tell you, he was in the minority.

By the time I made it through Will Call and into the stadium, I had missed the first inning, which was fine with me since it meant I was spared Soriano’s home run. Despite the Cubs early runs on the scoreboard, it would be a good day of pitching from Mark Buehrle. The Cubs wouldn’t get another run until the 9th when our horrible bullpen took over the game.

Unfortunately, the Cubs pitcher/hothead Carlos Zambrano also had a heck of a game, only allowing three hits for the Sox. One being a homer from Paul Konerko.

Now, I have attended other rival games in the past, but nothing compared to the Sox vs. Cubs. Despite being in the same city (and different leagues), these fans hated each other. A few sections from me in the upper decks, I saw several fights break out between men as well as women. In all, I probably saw eight people ejected from the stadium. I can tell you first hand that the Crosstown Classic does not bring the city “together”.

Before Friday, I had a bit of indifference feeling towards Cubs fans. However, I can now say that Cubs fans are some of the most obnoxious people I have ever had the displeasure sitting around. I think I’ll keep this blog G-rated, rather than repeat some of the things I heard shouted over and over from the Cubs fans. I will say that two of the Cubs fans that were sitting and screaming next to me (giving no regard to the five year old Sox fan in front of them) were the human equivalent of Beavis and Butthead, chuckling at themselves every time they opened their mouths. Ugh. *

Still, it was nice getting to go to the ballpark and enjoy a good ole Kosher dog:

Sure, it might look disgusting but it was perfectly cooked, charred without being burned. U.S. Cellular Field is known for having some of the best food in the major leagues.

Back to the game, is it curtain calls for the Sox? As much as it hurts to say, probably so. Even my favorite Sox blog, Southside Sox has been abandoned by its author and taken up by one of the blog’s readers. We’re not even at the all star break yet! My only hope for the Sox is that they can get back to playing tough games, and remain above the horrendous Kansas City Royals in the standings. Still, I think I need to lay off posting about all the games (which the Sox finally broke out a 5 game losing streak with a victory over Tampa Bay last night), since it’s too depressing.

As for the Cubs, I’m rooting for the “crosstown” Milwaukee Brewers to keep them far out of the wild card race. Bitter? Yes, I am. I know that my brother-in-law (and Cardinals fan) would be proud.

* Note: Of course, not every Cubs fan reminded me of a drunk, overly privileged frat boy. But those who didn’t were definitely in the minority. Another observation: I was struck by how many interleague couples I saw attending the game. How do these folks get along?