It was going to happen someday. They were going to leave. Maybe it was better they, or at least the three of them, left together. They played together. Maybe it’s right they left together.
This has happened before; I have seen teams leave. Obviously, the late 60s and early 70s. But 1977, too. And ’84 and ’89. 1998. 2003. It’s sad, but it’s what happens. You have heroes, and it’s tough when they leave. But those heroes, especially the real ones, they stay heroes. Ernie, Ron, Billy, and Fergie. The Reuschels. Sut and Ryno. Mark, Sammy, Woody. And then the Boys of ’16.
And that’s the thing. Because while the players are our heroes, it’s the team that’s always there. It’s hard when guys leave. But if you stick with it, it’s worth it. Because the team, the fans, and the players, become like family. And they create memories for your family. Which is the best. And what the Boys of ’16 did. So thanks. And best of luck. We’ll meet again.
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UPDATE (8/2/21 10:50 pm): An edited version of this post was published in the “Voice of the People” in Chicago Tribune. See here. In their version, the Tribune added a list of players at the end of the second paragraph. Unfortunately, they listed not only Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, and Javier Baez, who were the Boys of ’16 that I was referring to, but also Jake Marisnick, Craig Kimbrel, and Trevor Williams. These three were also traded on July 30, but they were obviously not “Boys of ’16.” I am sorry for any confusion.
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UPDATE (8/2/21 10:50 pm): An edited version of this post was published in the “Voice of the People” in Chicago Tribune. See here. In their version, the Tribune added a list of players at the end of the second paragraph. Unfortunately, they listed not only Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, and Javier Baez, who were the Boys of ’16 that I was referring to, but also Jake Marisnick, Craig Kimbrel, and Trevor Williams. These three were also traded on July 30, but they were obviously not “Boys of ’16.” I am sorry for any confusion.
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