White Sox fans have the reputation of being blue collar and more knowledgeable about the game. I'm still waiting to have a friendly, intelligent discussion about the game with a White Sox fan - and I'd be willing to put money on the notion that this reputation comes as a response to the perceived makeup of the Cubs' fanbase. The Cubs have a reputation of attracting more white collar, former fraternity members, less interested in the game itself than the scene at Wrigley Field. As a Cubs fan, I'd like to believe that this isn't always true. Heck, when you listen to John Cusack visit the booth on WGN - you know that it isn't always true. The guy knows his stuff, plain and simple.
All this said, every team's fanbase does tend to have a particular personality, which is likely to be subjected to stereotype and cliche. In order to look cool at a baseball game in Chicago, try to avoid the common pitfalls that so many fans fall into. Figure out a way to stand out without over doing it.
Quick Tip: If you attend a game at Wrigley Field, avoid wearing anything pink. Serious baseball fans constantly mock female Cubs fans wearing their pink jerseys, t-shirts and hats. Besides, Cubbie blue looks good on most women.
Well Dressed Sports Guy: This guy does pretty much everything correctly, right up to the point where he gets smoked by a dude twice his age employed to wear a children's batting helmet and shag foul balls. You've got to hand it to the guy, his jersey fits him correctly (not too baggy), his shorts aren't outrageously long and he isn't wearing a dorky hat. A Cubs franchise hat or Cubs New Era 5950 hat would also work here.
Well Dressed Sports Guy: Fukudome has been a fan favorite this season, so a lot of bandwagon jumpers have picked up his jersey. Don't get me wrong, I've got one hanging in my closet, but I would hesitate before going overboard. The Cubs alternate blue jersey works well here, but I would ditch the silly armband. It says, "I wanted to go clubbing with Justin Timberlake in early 2003," not, "I'm a serious baseball fan."
Well Dressed Sports Guy: It is hard to put into words how terrible this get-up is, but I'll try. This isn't just a crime against sports, this is a crime against humanity.
Well Dressed Girlfriend: Agreed. Although honestly, if some pigtailed brunette was wearing that to be adorable, I'd hate it even more. Balancing the surplus testosterone is usually a good idea, but this is not the right way to do it. How about try some bright blue sunglasses or something equally kitchy, but not furry.
Well Dressed Sports Guy: This guy does pretty much everything correctly, right up to the point where he gets smoked by a dude twice his age employed to wear a children's batting helmet and shag foul balls. You've got to hand it to the guy, his jersey fits him correctly (not too baggy), his shorts aren't outrageously long and he isn't wearing a dorky hat. A Cubs franchise hat or Cubs New Era 5950 hat would also work here.Well Dressed Girlfriend: He looks normal. If you're looking for a second glance, spice it up a bit. If you are just looking to not make waves, but still exhibit fandom, this look's for you.
Well Dressed Sports Guy: Fukudome has been a fan favorite this season, so a lot of bandwagon jumpers have picked up his jersey. Don't get me wrong, I've got one hanging in my closet, but I would hesitate before going overboard. The Cubs alternate blue jersey works well here, but I would ditch the silly armband. It says, "I wanted to go clubbing with Justin Timberlake in early 2003," not, "I'm a serious baseball fan."
Well Dressed Girlfriend: Really, it says 'first 500 fans get a free t-shirt" to me. Even if you're a Fukudome fan from the beginning (I know, I know), you've got to let it go. This kind of thing happens all the time to hipsters who swear-to-god-listened-to-that-band-in-a-loft-in-Queens-in-99, and they dutifully step aside to allow the general population their simple pleasures. Fukudome fans, it's your turn.
Well Dressed Sports Guy: Ummm, yeah?
Well Dressed Girlfriend: I'll bet you $12 she's from New Jersey. Nice work, though, getting some cleavage out in the open without being tasteless. Seriously, that's hard to do at a day game.
Final Take: Baseball tickets in Chicago are hard to come by because the city is filled with both serious and casual fans. We recommend breaking the mold a bit if you want to look good at Wrigley or the Cell. For White Sox fans, check out this Negro League Chicago American Giants jacket. In fact, the color scheme for American Giants throwbacks works for both teams, depending on whether you are looking at road or home threads. Their home jerseys from 1919 would look great with a Cubs hat. The same is true for their 1926 duds.
The Chicago Whales, the city's Federal League team, also had jerseys possessing elements of both the White Sox and Cubs color schemes. Their road jersey from 1914 is pretty spectacular, but the 1915 Chicago Whales home jersey takes the cake as possibly one of the sweetest jerseys I've seen in awhile. Try rocking this with a Chicago Cubs 5950 road hat and be prepared to have an intelligent baseball conversation with a north sider.
