Cubs fans get hopes up again

Not even a record plunge on Wall Street and looming economic doom can deter the optimism of Chicago Cubs fans.

Actually, another Great Depression just might be what the Cubs need to win a World Series for the first time since 1908.

During the Great Depression -- the worldwide economic decline that started in 1929, not the state in which most Cubs fans typically spend the offseason -- the club went to the World Series four times from 1929 through 1938.

On Tuesday, a noontime pep rally was held for the Cubs, who open the National League divisional playoffs today by hosting the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The event opened with emcee Jim Belushi singing "Sweet Home Chicago," and a parade of Cubs greats followed.

"I've got just four words for you: This is the year," said Ron Santo, who was joined by Ernie Banks and Billy Williams.

Any mention of the crosstown White Sox -- who played the Minnesota Twins later in the day in a tiebreaker for the American League Central title -- drew hearty boos.

• RAIDER-BRONCO LOVE -- Hatred subsides as time passes, especially when a beautiful woman is involved.

John Elway had tremendous disdain for the Oakland Raiders, his nemesis during a Hall of Fame career as quarterback of the Denver Broncos.

But that hate relationship turned to love once he met former Raiders cheerleader Paige Green a few years ago. Elway proposed a couple of weeks ago while they vacationed in Italy.

It must be love because both are in their 40s. Just don't expect Raiders owner Al Davis to be the best man.

• ROCKY MOUNTAIN LOW -- A year after a storybook run to the World Series, the Colorado Rockies have fallen to the level of General Motors' stock.

The Rockies finished with a losing record for the 11th time in 16 seasons.

"The year after The Year is over, disappointing but not surprising, confirming all the doubts and proving every suspicion," wrote Bernie Lincicome of the Rocky Mountain News in Denver.

"The Rockies were a hiccup, a passing glitch in baseball's routine, a bit of silk among the burlap."

Lincicome suggests retroactive Rockies team mottos of "This Was The Real Us" or "Wait Till Last Year."

• FUELING CONCERN -- Fuel mileage is critical in stock-car races, and now it's more important to those driving to races in the Southeast.

The gasoline shortage is having a big effect around Atlanta, Charlotte, N.C., and Nashville, Tenn.

NASCAR.com says the situation worries officials at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama, where the NASCAR Sprint Cup series will race Sunday before about 150,000 fans.

Because gasoline in the pipeline travels at no more than 5 mph, it could take up to 10 days to reach Atlanta.

Or at a faster pace than traffic leaving track parking lots after Cup races.

COMPILED BY JEFF WOLF REVIEW-JOURNAL