Next year is here



"Forget about being lovable losers, the Billy Goat Curse and the Bartman jinx. Cubs fans view the return of Maddux as an omen that will end a nearly century-long World Series victory drought... Still, after decades of futility, Cubs fans can't help but be paranoid.



MSNBC will carry live coverage Thursday of the destruction of the Bartman ball at Harry Caray's Restaurant... The baseball spent the winter in a high-security display case at the restaurant beneath Caray's trademark black glasses. When the ball it is no more, Cubs fans hope to finally reach the Promised Land."