North Vancouver writer Barry Jakel may not have been there in Chicago to celebrate the first World Series win for his beloved Cubbies since 1908, but at least his words made it into The Friendly Confines for the historic moment.
Jakel’s 2014 self-published book Follow the Heron’s Flight Home contains a poem called “The Love of Ivy” that expounds on his life-long relationship with the loveable team that never seemed to be able to win the big one. A copy of the book is housed in the team’s administrative office, and through that connection Jakel feels a little closer to the epic celebration that is going on in the Windy City following the heart-stopping 8-7 extra innings win for the Cubs over Cleveland Wednesday night.
“My book made it to Wrigley,” Jakel said with a laugh. “It was there for the World Series. That feels pretty special.”
The 69-year-old former radio broadcaster said he got hooked on the Cubbies after seeing them on the Wide World of Sports game of the week on his family’s black and white TV when he was seven years old.
“I can’t tell you if they won or lost – they probably lost,” he said. “But I remember the ivy, I remember Ernie Banks at the plate and I remember it just seemed like such an incredible atmosphere and people having so much fun. It drew me right away to Wrigley and the Cubs.”
He’s passionately followed the team for the next 60+ years without ever seeing them win the ultimate prize, a decision that he does not regret at all.
“They’ve given me a lot of joy over the years,” he said, adding that the wait made the win all the more sweet. “It’s in the back of your head, waiting for the party to finally happen knowing that it’s going to be a good one. I still can’t believe it.”
At the end of Wednesday’s rollercoaster Game 7, Jakel was inundated with messages of congratulations from friends from all over the world who knew his team’s dreams had finally come true. The occasion was so overwhelming that he forgot to toast the magical moment.
“I was so excited I never did end up having a drink,” he said. “That tells you how crazy it was.”
