Still on the “Pope high”… Now that Chicago has the Pope, we’re expecting great things from our sports teams… haha, as if the Pope has nothing else to do but put the good word in with the Big Man about bringing success to Chicago sports. It’s still fun to think about. So, like a genie, let’s pretend we get three wishes that will go on the Pope’s list of things to wish for in the world of Chicago sports.
The first wish could be related to the NBA draft lottery on Monday. If the Bulls and their 1.7% chance to land the number one pick, actually won the lottery, and Cooper Flagg was coming to Chicago, well, that would be pretty cool, but… I don’t think I want to waste a wish on that. After all, there is no guarantee of a title with that wish. If we’re going to do this thing properly, the three wishes MUST correlate to a Chicago championship(s). With 5 teams in town, and the Pope being a Sox fan instead of the initially thought Cubs fan, well, we have to be careful, thoughtful with these requests. I think there is an easy place to start though…
Bring the Bears a Super Bowl. This one was a no-brainer. Out of all of our teams, the Bears are experiencing the longest championship drought, and, I don’t think this would be much of an argument, they are closer to accomplishing something than any of our other teams; you could make the argument the Cubs are in better shape… that’s fair. But the Cubs did win in 2016, and the Pope is a Sox fan, so… we’re not going to wish for anything for the Cubs with these 3 wishes. But Da Bears… Da Pope… it’s happening!!!
Next up is championship #7 for the Bulls. Sure, we’re not asking to get the #1 pick, but we are asking to finally get that elusive 7th title. It’s been the Jordan dynasty and that’s it for our basketball franchise. Ever since the team left their own separate ways thanks to Krause’s desire to rebuild, we’ve got nada. It’s been quite the drought here too… 27 years?!?! Selfishly, I’d like for both the Bears and Bulls to win titles because my son has never seen one. Although he may not remember much, we do have pictures; he was alive for the last 2 Cups and the Cubs championship.
Finally… just to show the Pope how unselfish I am being a Cubs fan, I’ll ask for another Sox World Series; after all, that is his team. At this point, this does truly feel like it would take a miracle; the Sox are closer to moving to another city than they are the World Series. But now… anything is possible. First American Pope, from Chicago, caught on video at the 2005 World Series Game 1?!?! This is crazy. And you know what, I’m not jealous at all. Sure, I love the thought of him being a Cubs fan, but that’s OK; I’m sure he’s got the other teams covered. And like I said out of the gate, the Sox definitely need more help than the Cubs. This completes the list of 3 wishes. Heck, I’d be happy if just the first one came true… we are a Bears town after all…
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This is such a fun and lighthearted take on Chicago sports! I love the idea of the Pope being involved in sports wishes—it’s such a creative twist. I agree that the Bears definitely deserve a Super Bowl win after such a long drought. But why stop at just the Bears and Bulls? What about the White Sox or even the Blackhawks? Do you think the Pope would prioritize one team over the others? Also, do you really think the Bulls can win another championship without a major roster overhaul? I’m curious to hear your thoughts on how realistic these wishes are. Let’s hope the Pope has some divine intervention up his sleeve!