Meaning:
The quote "Now, 0 for 50 would be a historic achievement on any other team, but on the Cubs it is usually called September" by Bernie Lincicome is a humorous and somewhat self-deprecating remark about the Chicago Cubs, a professional baseball team based in Chicago, Illinois. The quote reflects the long-standing reputation of the Cubs as a team that has historically struggled to achieve success, particularly during the final month of the regular season, which is traditionally referred to as September in baseball.
The Chicago Cubs have a rich and storied history in Major League Baseball, but they also have a well-documented history of futility and disappointment. The team endured a famous championship drought that lasted over a century, finally broken in 2016 when they won the World Series for the first time since 1908. This history of struggle and near-misses has contributed to the team's reputation as lovable losers, and the quote captures the resigned acceptance of failure that has often been associated with the Cubs.
The reference to "0 for 50" in the quote is a hyperbolic expression of failure, suggesting a prolonged period of futility and ineffectiveness. In baseball terminology, "0 for 50" would indicate that a batter has gone hitless in 50 consecutive at-bats, an extreme and unlikely scenario. By juxtaposing this extreme hypothetical with the idea that it is "usually called September" for the Cubs, Lincicome highlights the perception that the team's struggles are so ingrained in its identity that they are almost expected, especially during the final stretch of the regular season.
The humor in the quote lies in the contrast between the notion of a historic achievement on any other team and the resigned acceptance of such a performance as typical for the Cubs. It reflects the self-awareness and wry sense of humor that fans and observers of the team have developed as a coping mechanism for enduring the team's perennial struggles. The quote also plays on the idea of lowered expectations and the normalization of failure, suggesting that what would be remarkable for other teams is simply business as usual for the Cubs.
Bernie Lincicome, the author of the quote, is a well-known sports columnist who has covered a wide range of sports, including baseball. His use of humor and irony in this quote captures the essence of the Cubs' historical struggles and the resigned, yet affectionate, attitude that many fans and observers have adopted towards the team.
In conclusion, the quote "Now, 0 for 50 would be a historic achievement on any other team, but on the Cubs it is usually called September" by Bernie Lincicome encapsulates the long-standing perception of the Chicago Cubs as a team that has historically struggled to achieve success. Through humor and irony, the quote reflects the resigned acceptance of failure that has become ingrained in the team's identity and the wry sense of humor that fans and observers have developed as a coping mechanism. It serves as a lighthearted acknowledgment of the team's historical struggles and the unique place it holds in the hearts of its fans and the wider baseball community.