EXPLAINED AWAY

True story. The names have been changed to protect the innocent as they used to say.

A Cub fan entered a tattoo parlor in Nashville, Tenn, in July this Summer. He wished, for whatever sordid reason, to have the Cubbie logo imprinted somewhere on his body. The tattoo artist, a Cardinal fan, added the "Go Cards" at the bottom of the C.

When he showed his customer the creation, they shared good nature ribbing and a laugh consummated by "You better fill that in with red ink now."

He did. But the "Go Cards" bled through, or was at least readable. He didn't charge him the $190 for his work.

Since the Cub fan saw his team go ahead and win the Central Division, he thought nothing about it. Until The Sweep by the Dodgers in the first round of the playoffs.

Now he feels he cursed the team and city.

Get in line, buddy. But I won't reveal your name. I won't even give a hint. It's not that I feel sorry for Steve Bartman, but I don't think another undercover Cub fan in the Witness Protection Program is good for the baseball.