THE BULLPEN

     There's no crying in baseball! There is if you're Mrs. Black-N-Gold and our Pittsburgh Pirates aren't playing in the World Series. Again. But the Fall Classic gets under way tonight as the Chicago Cubs clash with the Cleveland Indians. Either way, one team is going to end a looong World Series drought when they win. Or, can MLB go on strike before the 1st pitch? Wishful thinking but that's doubtful. Today Mrs. Black-N-Gold breaks the matchup down scientifically to give you her thought-provoking prediction for the 2016 World Series.

FANS

Chicago-If Mrs. Black-N-Gold doesn't have to see Bill Murray's mug adorned in Cubs garb again, it will be too soon. Same with Pearl Jam singer Eddie Vedder. Then there's comedian Bob Newhart, he wasn't alive when the Cubs last won in 1908, but it's close. 

Cleveland-Comedian/game show-host Drew Carey has worn his Cleveland fandom for years, even before it was considered cool. NBA star LeBron James won't get to make it to opening night in Cleveland, he's got a little ring ceremony of his own to participate in as his Cavs receive their rings the same night. One fan that should be available for the game is former late-night talk show host Arsenio Hall. 

Advantage-Cubs

MUSIC

Chicago-While Vedder is originally from Chicago, his band Pearl Jam rose from the ashes of Mother Love Bone and the Seattle grunge scene. Of course, there is the band Chicago. They were alright until they let Peter Cetera get behind the mike. But you can't deny Chicago Blues. All of that makes up for Styx, Survivor and REO Speedwagon. 

Cleveland-Only Cleveland would have a song called "Cleveland Rocks" that was written by an English musician (Ian Hunter and Mott the Hopple). Mrs. Black-N-Gold remembers the Michael Stanley Band opening up for Donnie Iris. Joe Walsh was in the James Gang before he became a hired hand for the Eagles. Nine Inch Nails got their start in Cleveland. And Bone Thugs-n-Harmony are from the Mistake by the Lake. Cleveland does have this little tourist trap in their town that you may have heard of: The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. 

Sorry, Cleveland. To quote Muddy Waters-"The blues had a baby and they called it rock & roll." Without the Blues (Chicago) there would be no rock & roll (Cleveland). 

Advantage-Chicago

FOOD

Chicago-One of the most famous delicacies to hail from the Windy City is their deep dish pizza, a delectable combination of pizza dough, tomato sauce and cheese. Another culinary classic is the Chicago-style hot dog. It's a dog dressed in mustard, relish, tomatoes, a dill pickle spear, onions and sports peppers. Hmmmmm. Mrs. Black-N-Gold will stick with the pizza. 

Cleveland-Mrs. Black-N-Gold read that Cleveland is famous for its city chicken. There isn't even chicken in city chicken. They're also known for a sandwich that's called the Polish Boy. It's kielbasa on a bun covered with barbecue sauce or hot sauce and french fries and coleslaw. This sandwich sounds a little too familiar to Mrs. Black-N-Gold. 

Advantage-Chicago

PITTSBURGH

Chicago-The Cubs have turned former Pirates C David Ross into a Chicago icon thanks to Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant and the "Grandpa Rossy" moniker. 

Cleveland-We all know that Cleveland manager Terry Francona was raised in the 'Burgh. His father Tito is from Aliquippa. But did you know the Indians had little-used and light-hitting Pirates INF Michael Martinez on their roster this season? They also have former Pirate OF Rajai Davis. 

Advantage-Cleveland (or Disadvantage, depending how you look at it).

     And there you have it. Now the only thing left for Mrs. Black-N-Gold to do is make here pick. What's it gonna be? Cubs? Indians? Awww, you already know the answer to that 'cause I sold my soul for Black-N-Gold. Wait till next year! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!