In a season marred by disappointment, the Chicago Cubs find themselves in a position where sympathy is hard to come by. After a series-opening 11-1 loss to the Mets on June 21, a low-key sentiment of empathy towards the team started to float around. However, it seems that the majority of fans and observers are unwilling to feel sorry for the Cubs, firmly believing that their struggles are entirely self-created.

The Cubs currently sit in last place in the NL Central, a daunting 11 1/2 games out of first. Their record reflects the self-imposed damage and wounds they have caused themselves. There is no shade or blame from the outside; the Cubs' 25th rank in MLB batting average (.229) and 24th rank in bullpen ERA (.455) speak for themselves.

Despite a recent four-game losing streak coming to an end, it is expected that the team will face more challenges in the coming months. The Cubs' lackluster performance in June, with a 10-15 record, is likely to repeat in July. Even the presence of manager Craig Counsell, who was brought in from the successful Milwaukee Brewers, has not yielded the desired results, raising questions about his bullpen management skills.

The Cubs had entered the 2024 season with high hopes, dreaming of a successful campaign that would be the complete opposite of what it has turned out to be. However, their aspirations have crumbled, and the "lovable losers" culture, which defined the team for decades, has returned. For the first time since their 2016 World Series victory, the Cubs expect their fans and the city to feel a certain way about their disappointments, despite their arrogant display.

It would have been easier to sympathize with the Cubs' struggles if they had built upon their World Series success and clinched additional championships. However, their underachievements over the past few seasons have become their identity. Now, both the team and their core fan base are seeking understanding and support while battling the consequences of their own shortcomings.

The article concludes by highlighting that there is a stark contrast with the city's other team, the Chicago White Sox, who have also endured a challenging first half of the season. However, unlike the Cubs, the White Sox and their fans have accepted their situation without wallowing in sorrow, instead embracing the reality and focusing on improvement. The Cubs need to face the hard truth that their losing streak is no longer endearing or worthy of sympathy.

As the second half of the season approaches, the Cubs' best hope for improvement lies in other teams performing worse. However, they must also come to terms with the fact that their struggles are of their own making. The Cubs must abandon their whining and self-pity and instead focus on rectifying their managerial issues, hitting inconsistencies, and relief pitching woes. Only then can they hope to regain the trust and support of their fans and the baseball community at large.