Born and raised in Chicago, Alex Pancoe didn’t pay much attention to the Cubs until Sammy Sosa’s reign. Following Sosa and McGwire’s race to beat the home run record* in the late 1990s, Pancoe was hooked. In the ensuing years, the Cubs took a run at the NL Pennant and almost broke the curse. Fully committed to the team, Pancoe familiarized himself with sabermetrics and learned how to analyze and appreciate the minutiae of the game. He began to understand the quantifiable strengths and weaknesses of individual players and how they impact the team as a whole. Pancoe keeps up with all the latest on the Cubs and the team’s ongoing quest for redemption and glory.
The 2015 Cubs season ended without a World Series title, but it was a bright spot in a long line of disappointing seasons. Making the playoffs for the first time since 2008 means progress. Many Chicagoans were pulling for the Back to the Future II prophecy, as it appeared to be happening before our eyes! It just was not meant to be. The Cubs ultimately lost to a strong New York Mets team. The good news is this team continues to grow. We are a young squad that will undoubtedly get better. This year gave us a glimpse of our team’s potential, and Cubs fans everywhere are certainly looking forward to the start of next season.
As for the Chicago Bulls, Alex Pancoe grew up surrounded by the majesty of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Horace Grant, and everyone else who made the team’s legendary rosters in the 1990s. These days, Pancoe enjoys seeing the Bulls put the pieces back together again. With Joakim Noah, a potentially healthy Derrick Rose, and the courtship of big name stars, the Bulls could go far this year. The Bulls’ season got off on the right foot last night, as Derrick Rose and company captured a victory over LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Of course it is only one game, but let’s hope Rose stays healthy and the Bulls continue moving in the right direction.
A lifelong Bears fan as well, Alexander Pancoe hopes that Jay Cutler, who is close to surpassing Hall of Famer Sid Luckman for most TD’s in Bears history, and a dynamic receiver’s corps can take Chicago into the post-season this year. Currently sitting 3rd in the NFC Northern Division, let’s hope the Bears can keep climbing the standing.
Originally from Highland Park, Alex Pancoe has always called Chicago home. Chi City is rich with amazing people, history, tradition, and some of greatest sports teams ever. Growing up in Illinois naturally lends itself to sports traditions that few cities can compete with. Pancoe has, and will always bleed blue and red for his beloved Chicago Cubs and of course, purple for his beloved Northwestern University Wildcats.
Like most of us, Alex Pancoe enjoys life away from the daily work grind. If he’s not exploring new cocktails and cuisines, Alex is spending time with family and friends, or evening skiing. Pancoe remains involved with Northwestern University, the JUF, the SAE Fraternity, and the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital. Alex remains employed with Morgan Stanley in Chicago, recently passing his 5th anniversary with the company.