Cubs Fandom: Riding the Digital Wave Without Losing Our Soul"

Cubs Nationwide Fandom:

Riding the Digital Wave Without Losing Our Soul

Picture the 1980s, a pivotal era for baseball fandom, especially for the Cubs. Thanks to WGN becoming a nationally televised channel, the Cubs' games and iconic Wrigley Field charm were broadcast across the U.S., alongside the Atlanta Braves on TBS. This exposure uniquely positioned the Cubs in the hearts of fans far beyond Chicago, creating a national following unmatched by most teams. As someone who's moved away from the Chicagoland area, I've found camaraderie with MLB fans of various stripes—though, admittedly, I draw the line at St. Louis fans. This rich tapestry of baseball fandom, painted over decades, now faces the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.

The Old Guard: Regional Loyalty

The Cubs, like many teams, initially built their fanbase on regional loyalty. Being close to Wrigley Field wasn't just about geography; it was about community. Local TV and radio broadcasts, especially through WGN's national reach, solidified this bond, turning local Cubs fans into a nationwide family.

Forces of Change: Technology and Fan Behavior

The game changed with the advent of MLB.TV and other streaming platforms, erasing the need to rely on broadcast schedules or geographic luck to catch a game. Social media and fantasy baseball have further shifted focus from teams to individual players, broadening fans' horizons but also has the possibility of diluting the once ironclad loyalties to local teams.

Case Study: Shifting Allegiances

Teams like the Tampa Bay Rays and the San Diego Padres illustrate how performance can attract a fleeting national audience, something the Cubs and Braves pioneered with their national broadcasts. This shift suggests that success on the field can create temporary but intense spikes in popularity, challenging the notion of lifelong team allegiance.

The Spectrum of Fandom

Conversations with fans range from those who've bled Cubbie blue their whole lives to those who follow the sport with a more player-centric view. These discussions reveal the complexity of modern fandom, where traditional ties based on geography and broadcast reach are now just one part of a much larger story. 

The Heart of Cubs Fandom in a Changing World

The evolution of baseball fandom is nuanced, particularly as we ride the waves of the digital era. It's never been easier to follow any team or player, a double-edged sword that brings the world to our fingertips but also tests the bounds of traditional loyalty. Yet, within this vast landscape, the Cubs' national fanbase stands out—a testament to the enduring legacy of WGN's broadcasts and the unique charm of Wrigley Field. This foundation has fostered a community of loyalists, lifers who embody the spirit of "ride or die" with the Cubbies, through thick and thin.

As we navigate a future where team allegiance seems more fluid than ever, the essence of being a true Cubs fan remains unshaken. It's a bond that transcends the convenience of digital access, rooted in a shared history and the collective highs and lows that define our experience. Whether facing a tough season opener or basking in the glory of “The Greatest Game Every Played was on a Wednesday in Cleveland”, our passion is unwavering.

This newsletter celebrates you—the lifers, the loyalists, the heart and soul of the Cubs' fanbase. Together, we'll continue to find new ways to connect with our team and each other, preserving the passion that made us fans in the first place and ensuring it thrives for generations to come.