Cubs or Sox? Students split as spring training concludes
By Saundrine Lanouette
Sports Editor
Baseball season is officially here and fans at Harold Washington College have a lot to look forward to already.
On the South Side, the Chicago White Sox are in a rebuilding state of mind. The White Sox have not made a playoff appearance since 2008 when they lost in the AL Division Series to the Tampa Bay Rays and they are looking to change that this season. This off-season the White Sox have not been afraid to shake things up trading big names Chris Sale and Adam Eaton. The team in return is beefing up on young talent.
The White Sox finished up spring training with a record of 16 wins and 17 losses.
Speaking of rebuilding, the 2016 World Series Champions, Chicago Cubs, are getting a ballpark facelift. Cubs fans can anticipate a bit of a new look next time they visit Wrigley Field. Field surface, structural assets, restrooms, grandstand seating and relocation of the bullpens are just a few of the improvements being made around the park.
The Cubs saw fans flock in record breaking numbers to catch this year’s spring training action. It is reported that they drew a total of 226,933 throughout the month and those numbers do not include the two games vs WBC teams.
Despite the large support, the Cubs did not fare well in spring training this year. The team finished with the second worst record in the Cactus league going 13-18.
Here is what Harold Washington Students have to say about the upcoming baseball season in Chicago:
“I am a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan and have been since I was a kid. I cannot wait to see the changes that are made to Wrigley this year,” said Alexis Timm, second semester student at HWC. “I think the Cubs have a great shot at winning the World Series again this year despite their spring training troubles.”
“Cubbies all the way,” said Madeline Moreno. “Baseball season is definitely my favorite time of year. There is nothing like attending a game on a nice summer night. I am looking forward to the Cubs defending their title.”
“My team is the Chicago White Sox. My dad grew up on the South Side and so he raised me to be a big fan of them from a young age,” said Dwayne P. “I am bummed to see Chris Sale and Adam Eaton go but I think it is for the best.”
The Chicago Cubs dropped their opening-day matchup against the St. Louis Cardinals 4-3 on Sunday, April 1. Wilson Contreras made the game interesting when he tied it up with a 3-run blast in the top of the 9th but the Cardinals would go on to score in the bottom of the 9th sealing the win.
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