Bad behavior
LOMBARD–I’m a Cubs fan who was glad to see LaTroy Hawkins traded earlier in the year. I thought it would be best for the Cubs as well as for Hawkins, who obviously needed a change of scenery and a new start elsewhere. But I cannot believe the over-the-top mistreatment Hawkins endured when he came in to pitch in relief for the Giants on Tuesday at Wrigley Field.
I cannot understand the mentality that produced such boorish behavior. What did Hawkins do that is worthy of such treatment? Is he a serial killer, a rapist or a child molester? No, he failed as a closer–that’s his great “crime.” Come on, don’t we all fail in many ways? Does anyone think he tried to fail or wanted to? Perhaps a child would not understand this, but it was not children who were brutally taunting Hawkins.
A little booing may be part of the game–it’s the way fans express their dissatisfaction with the players’ performance or management’s decisions. But what went on Tuesday night was disgusting in its intensity, its cruelty, and its duration–it was absolute bullying.
I never thought I would say this, but the bad behavior of so many made me almost ashamed to be a Cubs fan.
Joy Veinot
He’s a gentleman
CHICAGO–When will the two-year-old behavior stop at Wrigley? Tuesday night was the latest installment with the crowd giving abuse to LaTroy Hawkins.
Razzing Sammy Sosa, the world’s biggest egomaniac, is one thing, but Hawkins has been nothing but a gentleman. Around here, though, nothing except the bottom line matters. And don’t tell me booing is just part of the game. What’s part of the game, unfortunately, is a bunch of spoiled North Side brats who just can’t see that everything is not about themselves.
Ever since the Bartman escapade, Cubs fans have behaved as if their toy has been taken from them, and they are having the longest tantrum on record. If I were a Cubs player, I would be embarrassed to play in front of such a group.
Support your team. And while you’re at it, grow up.
Martin Dula
