One thing you learned as a Cubs fan: when you bought you ticket

Hearken, O seekers of patience and enduring hope, and attend the words of Joe Garagiola, who spoke with the nostalgia and insight of one who has witnessed the rhythms of sport: “One thing you learned as a Cubs fan: when you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth.” In these words lies a timeless truth: that loyalty, perseverance, and the full measure of commitment reveal themselves not only in victory, but in the unwavering dedication to the journey, even when triumph seems uncertain.

The origin of this insight rests in Garagiola’s experience as a player, commentator, and lifelong observer of the Chicago Cubs, a team renowned for decades of trials, near-misses, and delayed glory. Cubs fans learned to embrace the full duration of the game—the bottom of the ninth—as a ritual, a symbol of steadfast hope. This was not merely about witnessing baseball; it was about engaging fully with life’s uncertainties, understanding that every challenge deserves presence, attention, and commitment to the end.

Consider the story of Ernie Banks, the legendary Cub known as “Mr. Cub,” whose career was defined by both brilliance and the long stretches of disappointment that befell his team. Yet Banks never wavered in his dedication, famously declaring, “Let’s play two!” His joy, resilience, and commitment to the game exemplified the spirit Garagiola described: the faithful witness, present for every inning, embracing each moment with heart and resolve. In the bottom of the ninth, whether in triumph or trial, the essence of loyalty and hope is revealed.

The ancients understood this principle in their own arenas. In Greek athletics, spectators would remain through the entirety of contests, from the first footrace to the final wrestling match, knowing that true mastery and decisive moments often came at the end. To depart early was to deny oneself the culmination of effort, the thrill of resolution, and the full measure of engagement. Garagiola’s reflection on the bottom of the ninth echoes this ancient wisdom: patience, commitment, and presence are themselves virtues to be cultivated.

Yet there is a deeper metaphor here, beyond the confines of sport. Life often mirrors the unpredictability of a baseball game. Opportunities and resolutions frequently arise at the final moment, and rewards are earned by those who endure, who remain vigilant, and who invest attention and energy through to the end. To witness the bottom of the ninth is to embrace resilience and the possibility of transformation, whether in sport, labor, or the pursuit of personal aspirations.

From this reflection, a lesson emerges: cultivate patience, dedication, and the willingness to remain steadfast even when outcomes are uncertain. Success and fulfillment are often realized not in the early moments, but at the culmination of effort, persistence, and attention. To commit fully to the journey, regardless of immediate results, is to honor the essence of engagement itself.

Practical action follows naturally: attend to your responsibilities and endeavors in their entirety, resist the temptation of premature withdrawal, and embrace the moments of challenge, suspense, and uncertainty. Whether in work, relationships, or personal growth, commit to the “bottom of the ninth,” understanding that endurance and presence often reveal the true measure of achievement.

Thus, let the words of Joe Garagiola endure: to be a true witness to life, like a Cubs fan, is to embrace the entirety of the journey, to remain steadfast in hope, and to honor each moment, from first inning to last. In doing so, one cultivates patience, resilience, and the capacity to witness, participate, and ultimately triumph in the game of life itself.