Chicago Cubs: “Embrace the Suck” is the club’s new mantra

Mar 14, 2017; Mesa, AZ, USA; (EDITORS NOTE: caption correction - Brewers player misidentified in original) Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon (70) waves to fans prior to a spring training game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 14, 2017; Mesa, AZ, USA; (EDITORS NOTE: caption correction - Brewers player misidentified in original) Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon (70) waves to fans prior to a spring training game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon revealed the team’s new mantra – “Embrace the Suck” – on Friday afternoon while speaking with reporters.

The story behind it is simple. The club hasn’t played to it’s potential yet. According to Maddon, this mantra is a way of recognizing that fact so they can move forward.

To Maddon, “Embrace the Suck” is a combination of last year’s mantra, “Try Not To Suck “, and a military saying, “Embrace the Target”, which Maddon learned of during spring training.

“Josh Lifrak, our minor league mental skills coach brought it to my attention,” Maddon said.

In military speak, “Embrace the Suck” means the situation is bad, but you have to deal with it. It’s a very fitting transcription of the Cubs start to the season.

A Giving Theme

In true Maddon fashion, the mantra also has a philanthropic side.

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The Cubs are working with the military to sell the phrase as Chicago’s team phrase, with proceeds split with Maddon’s Respect 90 Foundation as well.

Maddon is well known for his generous nature. After winning his 1,000th game on Wednesday, he donated 1,000 meals to homeless children and families at the Salvation Army Evangeline Booth Lodge in Chicago. His Foundation also works with the Hazelton Integration Project (HIP), a community-based project which Maddon created to unite the people of many different cultures who now call Hazleton, Pennsylvania home.

In 2014, Maddon and HIP won the Human & Civil Rights Award from the Pennsylvania State Education Association because of their efforts.

Cubs Charities

The Cubs were the second-most charitable team in the League last season. One of the club’s signature programs, Cubs Scholars, offers Chicago inner-city high school students financial contributions and a team-sponsored mentorship program, according to their website.

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Upcoming charity events for the Cubs include the Sixth Annual Hot Stove Cool Music Chicago benefit concert. Also, the Third Annual Kerry Wood and Friends Battle of the Bats Charity Home Run Derby takes place this summer.