"Are sports important?"

Molly asked me that question yesterday, and my answer was "Yes. To some people, sports are very important. They are important to me and they are important to Dad."

I know she's asking because the Cubs are in the World Series (let me repeat that ... the Cubs are in the World Series!!!!) and the excitement in this town is just out of control.

I know there are MORE important things in life, certainly, but to me, sports have always been a really big deal and a source of so many happy memories. Even the losses give you something to talk about with your friends and family (Bengals ... I'm looking at you). 

I remember growing up and listening to Reds games on the radio while my parents did yard work outside. We had partial season tickets along the first base line (to this day, that's where I prefer to sit, in any stadium). I would check the stats in the paper every morning to see what was happening with Barry Larkin's batting average or to see which Nasty Boy was the pitching hero of the night. I can still tell you the line up from our 1990 World Series team.

But it's not just the big stuff. I also remember going to a game with my mom where we got so soaked running to our car in the rain that we ended up taking our jeans off in the parking garage. Laughing all the way ...

I remember the year the UC Bearcats went to the Final Four. Everyone else was talking about Michigan and the Fab Five, but to me, it was all about Nick Van Exel, our superstar junior college transfer from Kenosha Wisconsin. I can close my eyes and still feel the excitement of him draining 3 after 3 when we needed it most.

Or, as an adult, I'll never forget the magic of the Federer/Nadal Wimbledon 5 setter that had Jason and I on the edge of our seats, watching from a bar in Colorado.

Ah, sports. I know I'm not alone. Culturally, historically, sports of all types have mattered to all types of people. They're a way to get away from the worries and struggles for a few hours ... or weeks, as in the case of this current baseball postseason, where Cubs fans all over are walking around with a new sense of optimism and purpose.

I hope Molly ends up with happy memories from this World Series. I know Jason and I will :)

Jason and Kabance in Cleveland. Game 2. Cubs win!