CHICAGO, Sept. 24 (UPI) — You could say things are pretty loose in the Chicago Cubs’ clubhouse.
First-year manager Joe Maddon has a young Cubs team playing better than anyone expected.
On Wednesday he had exotic animals, including a cheetah, snow leopard, sloth and flamingo at the ballpark. The Cubs are on the verge of clinching a playoff spot, so close in fact that Maddon is hinting at a big celebration.
“As big as it could possibly be,” Maddon told CSN Chicago. “You celebrate achievement all the time. So I love the fact that we celebrate every night. It has this bonding effect among the group. And then when you go beyond that, celebrate just a little bit harder.”
The Cubs (89-63) haven’t clinched a playoff berth since 2008.
“Listen, the word ‘party’ has taken on a negative connotation in our country these days,” Maddon told the Chicago Tribune. “It’s really bumming me out. There’s nothing wrong with having a good party.
“So if you have an opportunity to have a good party, go out and have one. All right? It’s OK to have a good time.”
The Cubs face the Pittsburgh Pirates at 2:20 p.m. Friday in Chicago.
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