Land of Lime

It’s been an unusally good week for Chicago sports teams. It’s rare that Cubs, White Sox and Bulls all go on a five-six game winning streak, simultaneously. Cubs and White Sox have begun the new season quite well and Bulls made it to the NBA playoff.

It’s not merely winning but the manner of winning too has been quite impressive. Yesterday, Greg Maddux, who has been my favorite player even during his Atlanta days, pitched masterfully as he has throughout his career. Maddux, the finest craftsman of his era, never had overpowering stuff, but he had to rely on location and movement, especially with a fast ball that barely touches mid to upper 80s. Watching him pitch is almost as much fun as watching Warne, the magician, bowl. Chicago teams are now filled with fine pitchers and good hitters, which makes following these teams not just fun but an aesthetically pleasing experience. While one may not say the same for the Bulls, their effort, grit and competitive spirit would make even Michael Jordan happy.

Speaking of aesthetics in sports, the greatest sporting spectacle for my money, the European Cup semifinals just began today. Arsenal play tomorrow (well, against Villarreal, but do we care?) and I am hoping they would win this year. Their game, with Henry, Bergkemp and their young stars like Helb and Fabergas, gives a good name for soccer, with their flowing, attacking game plan. We all wait eagerly for the World Cup but for the sheer quality of play, there is nothing like European Cup in all of Sports. I have lived through the Jordan era in Chicago and have watched many MLB, NBA and NFL playoffs but what we will get to see in the next four weeks will be special. Here is hoping for a Arsenal - Barcelona finals.