'Twas The Night....
Twas the night before Christmas
And at Wrigley Field,
Not a creature was stirring
The gates were all sealed.
The outfield was empty,
The park quiet and alone,
There wasn't even a signal
On Jim Hendry's cell phone.
But then off in the distance
I saw in the left field bleachers,
A burly man with reindeer
And several kinds of North Pole features.
He was dressed in red and white
Spilling peanut shells on his lap,
But perched upon his head
Was a royal blue Cubs cap.
Hello! he rumbled warmly
As he waved me to his seat,
Don't mind me if I don't get up,
I'm really kind of beat.
And then I noticed his horned companions
Eating popcorn for their grazing,
And slurping down glasses of ice cold Bud
Which I truly found amazing.
He saw me glance at Rudolph and friends,
Then laughed and said "come near",
They're just like me, this is the place
We choose to rest each year.
They wouldn't let a goat in this park
From all the tales I hear,
But I don't think they'll mind playing host
To my eight bleacher bum reindeer.
We've getting ready for months now
And tonight is our big night.
But we always stop at Wrigley
To sit quietly in the moon's light.
As I look to the very near future
I see some really big things,
I hope next year comes to a close
with the Cubs winning shiny big rings.
From my view as I watch the games
On the way up North North Side,
I can tell we're very near something good
This season will be a wild ride.
You see I'm a Cub fan just like you
Every season I curse and cheer,
But as I rest at Wrigley tonight
Let me tell you - THIS is our year.
Father Lou has come to guide us
With his stern and fair hand.
Lou, throw some bases, have some fun
And take us to the promised land.
I see Kerry Wood our gunslinger
Throwing nothing but unhittable fire,
Shutting them down 1-2-3
As he dominates wire to wire.
I see Mark Prior back on the mound
Taking the ball every fifth day.
Breaking hitter's bats inside
And blowing them away.
I wish for Derrek Lee, that great guy
Full recovery on his wrist.
And hope to see a Golden Glove
And batting title on his season's list.
Carlos keep the fist pumps coming
Because you are our true ace,
Let's get you signed to a long-term deal
Then lead us back to first place.
For the stretch Jeff Gordon won't be back
So don't feel the need to worry,
We'll be glad to see Bonnie Hunt, Vince Vaughn
and maybe even Bill Murray.
Alfonse, Ted, Jason and Mark
Welcome to the Cubby Blue dream.
We're all so glad you've joined us here
to strengthen our favorite team.
Now Len & Bob they have their fans
From Maine to Oklahoma.
I just hope they never again have to say
Inter-scrotal-hema-toma.
Ryan Dempster please take the 9th
It's the role we know you crave,
We'll be on our feet screaming
As you pick up each day's save.
Aramis now you're back at third
hitting homers like only you can,
I hope you have your biggest year yet
When you truly become the man.
Finally - Ron Santo number ten
Our beloved golden boy,
I want to watch you hold that trophy
And share your ultimate joy.
With that Saint Nick paused a bit
And wiped away a tear,
And then he smiled and said once more
I'm telling you - THIS is our year.
Then he stood up, smiled and said,
I can't wait for 2007.
I think we'll have to sneak back down here
For a slice of ivy-covered heaven.
I turned away and then they were gone
But I heard his voice ring through,
He said "Merry Christmas Cub fans,
May all our dreams come true."
HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!