According to a very unscientific, personally conducted poll among regular Rays’ fans at a recent Rays-Cubs game, there is a decided difference between Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cub followers at the Trop.
Red Sox fans, I was told, have this entitlement thing going now and are often intolerable. As in, “We’re good; you’re not; know your place.” As in, sit somewhere else.
Cub fans, on the other hand, are acutely aware that the franchise has gone a century without a World Series winner. It makes them – in their heart of hearts – fatalistic. They know another black cat, playoff meltdown or Son of Bartman awaits.
Cub fans may be loud, but it’s not personal. They may even feel some old Rays’ pain.