March 26--Jake Johnson has a message for Cubs fans: Have faith.
The "New Girl" actor and Evanston native -- who can be seen in the upcoming "Jurassic World" -- believes it's OK to let your guard down and get excited about this year's promising team. He certainly has.
"I think what Tom Ricketts has done is remarkable, coming in and saying 'We're not lovable losers,'" said Johnson over the phone. "He bought the team because he wants to win the World Series. I think (Cubs president of baseball operations) Theo Epstein is an absolute genius after seeing what he's done with our minor league system. The Cubs are becoming a wildly fun team to watch."
Johnson understands the skepticism among fans. The Cubs haven't won a playoff game since 2003. But he believes this loser's mentality among fans is contagious and affects the team.
"I went to a couple Yankees games in New York and, if they blow it in the top of the ninth, their fanbase expects them to comeback and win," said Johnson, who occasionally writes about Chicago sports for grantland.com "Cubs fans are the opposite. If we're up by five runs and blow it in the top of the ninth: 'Here we go again.' That's bull (expletive). You don't think the players feed off of that? The guys are obviously regular people. They can feel fans getting anxiety attacks.
"It's time to say this team is a great group. They might not win the World Series, but they've got the talent."
Is Johnson always this positive?
"Only in sports," Johnson said. "In life, everything is dog (expletive)."
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