WELCOME TO THE APRIL EDITION OF CUBS WORLD CHATTER
by Wayne Richards
It's April and the baseball season has kicked in. The last snow or ice storm should've vanished from Wrigley while the rainy season begins in the Villages. (We hope).
Here's hoping our bullpen improves because we need it. However, there seems to be some good hustle on this team. Let's hope everything can mesh together.
NOTE FROM THE PREZ...."Every single time Pete Crow Armstrong steps up to the plate, my wife shouts out...HE'S SO CUTE!!!" Is this also happening in the homes of Cubs World fans everywhere?
by Wayne Richards
It's April and the baseball season has kicked in. The last snow or ice storm should've vanished from Wrigley while the rainy season begins in the Villages. (We hope).
Here's hoping our bullpen improves because we need it. However, there seems to be some good hustle on this team. Let's hope everything can mesh together.
NOTE FROM THE PREZ...."Every single time Pete Crow Armstrong steps up to the plate, my wife shouts out...HE'S SO CUTE!!!" Is this also happening in the homes of Cubs World fans everywhere?
UPCOMING EVENTS FOR THE MONTH OF MAY
MONDAY MAY FIFTH MEMBERSHIP MEETING
COLONY COTTAGE
Guest Speaker (via zoom) WAYNE MESSMER
HOWEVER...DON'T FORGET!
SATURDAY APRIL 19TH WATCH PARTY
Gators in Brownwood
Gather 1:30 Game at 2:20
CUBS VS. DIAMONDBACKS
MONDAY MAY FIFTH MEMBERSHIP MEETING
COLONY COTTAGE
Guest Speaker (via zoom) WAYNE MESSMER
HOWEVER...DON'T FORGET!
SATURDAY APRIL 19TH WATCH PARTY
Gators in Brownwood
Gather 1:30 Game at 2:20
CUBS VS. DIAMONDBACKS
A thought from the Prez ....
A BLAST FROM THE PAST! I THINK THAT'S MY GRANDPA'S CAR! AFTER ALL...HE LIVED NEARBY ON
GRACE ST.
RED IS THE WORD!
By Wayne Richards
As many of you know, there has been considerable concern about our famous RED WORD CONTEST. The process is simple. Read through and enjoy this newsletter and while doing so search for a word printed in RED. Write it down, bring it to the next membership meeting and you just might win a PUBLIX gift card!
However, recently, due to a technical glitch, there has been no red word to be found. However, we now have the methodology worked out to ensure that a red word will be placed in this newsletter.....clear as a bell!
If this method doesn't work than I will be hiding under my office desk!
(There's not a lot of room under there!)
By Wayne Richards
As many of you know, there has been considerable concern about our famous RED WORD CONTEST. The process is simple. Read through and enjoy this newsletter and while doing so search for a word printed in RED. Write it down, bring it to the next membership meeting and you just might win a PUBLIX gift card!
However, recently, due to a technical glitch, there has been no red word to be found. However, we now have the methodology worked out to ensure that a red word will be placed in this newsletter.....clear as a bell!
If this method doesn't work than I will be hiding under my office desk!
(There's not a lot of room under there!)
BLEACHER BUM REPORT
By JACK HERBON
I think it's safe to say without question our two favorite Cub teams of all time are the 2016 and 1969 Cubs. This month I'm going to give you 12 trivia questions about the 1969 Chicago Cubs. Next month watch for twelve about the 2016 team. So put on that blue thinking cap and let's see how you do. The answers are the bottom.
1/ The Chicago Cubs won 14 of their first 15 games in '69 including a dramatic opening day extra-inning victory over Phillies 7-6. Which Cub hit the game winning home run.
2/ Who led the 1969 Cubs in home runs?
3/ Joe Niekro was a young pitcher with the Cubs in '69. On April 25, he was traded to the expansion San Diego Padres for which player?
4/ Which Cub player wore the number 18?
5/ Kenny Holtzman threw a no-hitter against the Atlanta Braves on August 19. What was so unusual about the no-hitter?
6/ What did Ron Santo do after each Cub victory at Wrigley Field that infuriated opponents?
7/ What significant event happened on July 8 at Shea Stadium that some say this was the turning point for the Mets in '69?
8/ Who led the Cubs in RBIs in '69?
9/ What was Phil Regan's nickname?
10/ The Cubs sent 5 players to the all-star game in 1969. Who were they?
11/ What number did manager Leo Durocher wear?
12/ What was the Cubs' final record in 1969?
Here are the answers to the above. 1/Willie Smith, 2/Santo, 3/Selma, 4/Beckert, 5/Holtzman didn't have any strikeouts, 6/ Clicked his heels, 7/ Don Young dropped the ball, 8/ Santo, 9/ The Vulture, 10/ Hundley, Santo, Banks, Kessinger and Beckert, 11/ Two, 12/ 92-70
QUESTION FROM THE CUBS WORLD CHATTER STAFF....Was the bleacher photo at the top of this article taken before or after a game?
By JACK HERBON
I think it's safe to say without question our two favorite Cub teams of all time are the 2016 and 1969 Cubs. This month I'm going to give you 12 trivia questions about the 1969 Chicago Cubs. Next month watch for twelve about the 2016 team. So put on that blue thinking cap and let's see how you do. The answers are the bottom.
1/ The Chicago Cubs won 14 of their first 15 games in '69 including a dramatic opening day extra-inning victory over Phillies 7-6. Which Cub hit the game winning home run.
2/ Who led the 1969 Cubs in home runs?
3/ Joe Niekro was a young pitcher with the Cubs in '69. On April 25, he was traded to the expansion San Diego Padres for which player?
4/ Which Cub player wore the number 18?
5/ Kenny Holtzman threw a no-hitter against the Atlanta Braves on August 19. What was so unusual about the no-hitter?
6/ What did Ron Santo do after each Cub victory at Wrigley Field that infuriated opponents?
7/ What significant event happened on July 8 at Shea Stadium that some say this was the turning point for the Mets in '69?
8/ Who led the Cubs in RBIs in '69?
9/ What was Phil Regan's nickname?
10/ The Cubs sent 5 players to the all-star game in 1969. Who were they?
11/ What number did manager Leo Durocher wear?
12/ What was the Cubs' final record in 1969?
Here are the answers to the above. 1/Willie Smith, 2/Santo, 3/Selma, 4/Beckert, 5/Holtzman didn't have any strikeouts, 6/ Clicked his heels, 7/ Don Young dropped the ball, 8/ Santo, 9/ The Vulture, 10/ Hundley, Santo, Banks, Kessinger and Beckert, 11/ Two, 12/ 92-70
QUESTION FROM THE CUBS WORLD CHATTER STAFF....Was the bleacher photo at the top of this article taken before or after a game?
CUBS WORLD WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME OUR NEWEST MEMBER
WILL GEIST
"I was born into a Cubs family. My parents took me to games at an early age. I live and will die a Cubs fan!"
WILL GEIST
"I was born into a Cubs family. My parents took me to games at an early age. I live and will die a Cubs fan!"
OPINIONS NEEDED
by Dan Marx and Wayne Richards
Once again we invite you to join us on this special corner for a breath of fresh pollen along with your answer to the following question. Ready?
IF YOU COULD BE MANAGER OF THE CUBS, WHAT CHANGES WOULD YOU MAKE? PUT YOURSELF IN A MANAGER'S SHOES. HOW WOULD YOU STEER THE GOOD SHIP S.S. CUBBIE TO MAKE SURE IT REACHES PORT?
Come On! Join in the fun! Let's hear from you!
by Dan Marx and Wayne Richards
Once again we invite you to join us on this special corner for a breath of fresh pollen along with your answer to the following question. Ready?
IF YOU COULD BE MANAGER OF THE CUBS, WHAT CHANGES WOULD YOU MAKE? PUT YOURSELF IN A MANAGER'S SHOES. HOW WOULD YOU STEER THE GOOD SHIP S.S. CUBBIE TO MAKE SURE IT REACHES PORT?
Come On! Join in the fun! Let's hear from you!
THE CODY AND KYLE SHOW
by Dan Marx
A big crowd was assembled Monday night to listen to our featured speakers, Cody Hills and Kyle Farnsworth. The night started with a lasagna dinner from Olive Garden. Of course, we had the usual salad and breadsticks and topped off by cake for desert.
Fast forward to getting ready for the red word presentation. I had ducked out to go to the men’s room, and when I came back in the meeting room all eyes were focused on me. Then the room exploded into a standing ovation, and I was thrilled that I had the Publix gift cards to give away to the 2 lucky winners.
Our meeting started off as an introduction to our lucky Cub totem. After quite some time, it was given a name. Chief Iwanawin. Everyone loved the name. Then during Let’s Play Too, Jim went over Cubbie occurrences . As he explained , these things only seem to happen to the Cubs. We saw videos of Lee Elia’s *#&%*@ rant and Kyle Farnsworth’s takedown of Paul Wilson of the Reds. Kyle took a bow afterward. We heard of Cubbie occurrences good and bad ranging from Merkle’s Boner ( good ) to Babe Ruth’s called shot ( bad) to college of coaches ( weird).
by Dan Marx
A big crowd was assembled Monday night to listen to our featured speakers, Cody Hills and Kyle Farnsworth. The night started with a lasagna dinner from Olive Garden. Of course, we had the usual salad and breadsticks and topped off by cake for desert.
Fast forward to getting ready for the red word presentation. I had ducked out to go to the men’s room, and when I came back in the meeting room all eyes were focused on me. Then the room exploded into a standing ovation, and I was thrilled that I had the Publix gift cards to give away to the 2 lucky winners.
Our meeting started off as an introduction to our lucky Cub totem. After quite some time, it was given a name. Chief Iwanawin. Everyone loved the name. Then during Let’s Play Too, Jim went over Cubbie occurrences . As he explained , these things only seem to happen to the Cubs. We saw videos of Lee Elia’s *#&%*@ rant and Kyle Farnsworth’s takedown of Paul Wilson of the Reds. Kyle took a bow afterward. We heard of Cubbie occurrences good and bad ranging from Merkle’s Boner ( good ) to Babe Ruth’s called shot ( bad) to college of coaches ( weird).
Kyle Farnsworth was back to speak to us again as he did last February. He will be moving soon to Georgia to be with his mom. Kyle lost his dad recently, and he became very emotional talking about it.
Kyle is a very large man, but he is as sweet a guy as you ever want to meet. He loves Cubs World and was so happy for us that we have a way to share so many memories together, and to enjoy many great times as a family.
Georgia isn’t that far away, Kyle, and we do hope that you will come back to see us again.
Cody Hills, a great friend of the club, came to speak with us again as he does every April. He loves his job as Sports Information Director for The Villages High School. I spoke with Cody after the meeting about the basketball championship, and how we almost beat the #3 high school in the country. He is very bullish on next year’s team, since we only had 1 graduating senior.
But he also loves his Chicago Cubs. He went through every position on the team, and had very positive reaction to just about every player, except he implied ( generously speaking) that our bullpen was a work in progress. BUT, he does love Porter Hodge. He’s thrilled with our starting pitchers, and really likes our starting outfield. We have a great catching duo so far. His pick for best pitching prospect is Cade Horton, and his best hitting prospect is Moises Baillesteros. With all of that said , he predicts we can win anywhere between 87-93 wins, enough to win the NL Central. That gets us into the playoffs. Once you’re in the playoffs any team can beat any other team.
Thank you so much for your Cubbie insight, Cody. We look forward to giving you MANY people for you to give high-fives to when we start winning playoffs. We look forward to seeing you again next April.
Kyle is a very large man, but he is as sweet a guy as you ever want to meet. He loves Cubs World and was so happy for us that we have a way to share so many memories together, and to enjoy many great times as a family.
Georgia isn’t that far away, Kyle, and we do hope that you will come back to see us again.
Cody Hills, a great friend of the club, came to speak with us again as he does every April. He loves his job as Sports Information Director for The Villages High School. I spoke with Cody after the meeting about the basketball championship, and how we almost beat the #3 high school in the country. He is very bullish on next year’s team, since we only had 1 graduating senior.
But he also loves his Chicago Cubs. He went through every position on the team, and had very positive reaction to just about every player, except he implied ( generously speaking) that our bullpen was a work in progress. BUT, he does love Porter Hodge. He’s thrilled with our starting pitchers, and really likes our starting outfield. We have a great catching duo so far. His pick for best pitching prospect is Cade Horton, and his best hitting prospect is Moises Baillesteros. With all of that said , he predicts we can win anywhere between 87-93 wins, enough to win the NL Central. That gets us into the playoffs. Once you’re in the playoffs any team can beat any other team.
Thank you so much for your Cubbie insight, Cody. We look forward to giving you MANY people for you to give high-fives to when we start winning playoffs. We look forward to seeing you again next April.
TONY COMES THROUGH!
by Wayne Richards
For years, my good friend Tony (from Chicago, now in Arizona) has graciously provided yearly reports from Spring Training at Sloan Park in Mesa. Along with his better half, he was all set to once again give his observations and thoughts about the experience.
Unfortunately, Tony became quite ill and could not attend the games. However, in the open roof comfort of Chase Field on a sunny Sunday march 30th afternoon, he decided to put on his reporter's cap. I admire dedication like that!
It is important that Tony is a "says it as he sees it" kind of guy. Here's our actual texting conversation.....
PREZ: Tony I'm glad you're feeling better! How are things at the old ball park?
TONY: THIS IS A JOKE! Did you see the game?
PREZ: I was at church, so I was saved!
TONY: The bullpen was awful!
PREZ: Where are your seats?
TONY: We're in the right field upper deck. We can see the whole ballpark!
PREZ: Do they pass out parachutes?
TONY: YES!
PREZ: What's the vibe in that joint?
TONY: It was ROCKIN! With the Cubs up 6-2 in the 8th inning things were looking good and then the $U)(&^$!!!!() wheels fell off!
PREZ: How are the concession prices this year?
TONY: They actually have VALUE DOGS for $2.99.
PREZ: Value dog? What is it a cocktail wiener? I bet you washed it down with a $15.00 dollar beer!
TONY: Yes. The dog was small, but actually very good. By the way, there's a lot of Cubs fans here!
PREZ: How hot is it?
TONY: With the roof open, its very nice about 80-85.
PREZ: How many games do you think the Cubs will win this year?
TONY: About 80-85. I'm hungry! We're going to get some dinner and chill.
PREZ: I've been out there...the chili is fantastic!
TONY: I SAID CHILL! I'm thinking either Portillos or Malnati's.
PREZ: MMMMMMMM...THE BEEF SANDWICH IS CALLING TO YOU!
TONY: Yeah man ! I'm trying to convince my friends to try some Chicago food.
PREZ: Let me try to convince them. "ATTENTION TONY'S FRIENDS. FORGET ABOUT IN AND OUT BURGERS AND TRY A REAL TASTE OF CHICAGO! IT'S GOOD FOR YOUR SOUL. LET TONY TAKE YOU ON A CULINARY JOURNEY YOU WON'T SOON FORGET!
TONY: PORTILLOS HERE WE COME!
(Tony is also quite intelligent!)
by Wayne Richards
For years, my good friend Tony (from Chicago, now in Arizona) has graciously provided yearly reports from Spring Training at Sloan Park in Mesa. Along with his better half, he was all set to once again give his observations and thoughts about the experience.
Unfortunately, Tony became quite ill and could not attend the games. However, in the open roof comfort of Chase Field on a sunny Sunday march 30th afternoon, he decided to put on his reporter's cap. I admire dedication like that!
It is important that Tony is a "says it as he sees it" kind of guy. Here's our actual texting conversation.....
PREZ: Tony I'm glad you're feeling better! How are things at the old ball park?
TONY: THIS IS A JOKE! Did you see the game?
PREZ: I was at church, so I was saved!
TONY: The bullpen was awful!
PREZ: Where are your seats?
TONY: We're in the right field upper deck. We can see the whole ballpark!
PREZ: Do they pass out parachutes?
TONY: YES!
PREZ: What's the vibe in that joint?
TONY: It was ROCKIN! With the Cubs up 6-2 in the 8th inning things were looking good and then the $U)(&^$!!!!() wheels fell off!
PREZ: How are the concession prices this year?
TONY: They actually have VALUE DOGS for $2.99.
PREZ: Value dog? What is it a cocktail wiener? I bet you washed it down with a $15.00 dollar beer!
TONY: Yes. The dog was small, but actually very good. By the way, there's a lot of Cubs fans here!
PREZ: How hot is it?
TONY: With the roof open, its very nice about 80-85.
PREZ: How many games do you think the Cubs will win this year?
TONY: About 80-85. I'm hungry! We're going to get some dinner and chill.
PREZ: I've been out there...the chili is fantastic!
TONY: I SAID CHILL! I'm thinking either Portillos or Malnati's.
PREZ: MMMMMMMM...THE BEEF SANDWICH IS CALLING TO YOU!
TONY: Yeah man ! I'm trying to convince my friends to try some Chicago food.
PREZ: Let me try to convince them. "ATTENTION TONY'S FRIENDS. FORGET ABOUT IN AND OUT BURGERS AND TRY A REAL TASTE OF CHICAGO! IT'S GOOD FOR YOUR SOUL. LET TONY TAKE YOU ON A CULINARY JOURNEY YOU WON'T SOON FORGET!
TONY: PORTILLOS HERE WE COME!
(Tony is also quite intelligent!)
FROM MY FAVORITE BOOK
by Dan Marx
Many people aren’t sure if Nolan Ryan belongs in the top 5 or 10 pitchers in baseball history with Walter Johnson or Cy Young , Sandy Koufax or Warren Spahn, but he certainly is one of the most awesome pitchers ever.
He might be considered the most unhittable pitcher ever throwing 7 no hitters ( one at 43 years old) . He didn’t give up that many hits because he struck out more batters than anyone. He also walked more batters than anyone. He threw more wild pitches than anyone, allowed the lowest batting average, and made more fielding errors than anyone else. Ryan walked SIX or more batters 135 times, way more than anyone else. He also allowed 3 or more stolen bases 77 times, way more than anyone else. He threw 242 pitches against Detroit one game, and physicists insist that he once threw a ball 108 mph.
One game in Detroit in 1973, Ryan decided that he was going to throw a no hitter. He had thrown his first one a few months earlier, but had this feeling that he knew he would throw one again today. His control had been poor lately, but this was the day he was going to turn it around.
Ron Luciano was umpiring that day and saw the first pitch of the day, a curveball, literally fall off a cliff and he knew the Tigers were in trouble right away. After 7 innings, Ryan had a no hitter and 16 strikeouts out of 21 outs. The strikeout record then was 18 , and he was sure to beat that. But then the Angels had a half hour long inning, and Ryan’s arm stiffened up. Nolan wasn’t even thinking of coming out in the 8th, but he knew that none of his pitches were working the same way as earlier, but he still got out of the inning getting strikeout number 17, and no hits. And his arm was seriously throbbing.
In the bottom of the 9th, Ryan was running on fumes but still managed to get the first 2 batters out, when Norm Cash came up to the plate. Cash was outgoing and fun loving and wacky. And at 39 years old, still a very strong threat at the plate, EXCEPT for the fact that Cash comes up to the plate with a table leg in his hand. The umpire yelled at him that he can’t come to the plate with a table leg, to which Cash retorted that it doesn’t make any difference because he wouldn’t be able to hit him with anything else. Cash ended up tossing the table leg, grabbing a bat, and dutifully popping up to the shortstop to secure the no hitter.
Frank Robinson quipped afterwards that Ryan struck him out 3 times and Robinson wasn’t even playing.
by Dan Marx
Many people aren’t sure if Nolan Ryan belongs in the top 5 or 10 pitchers in baseball history with Walter Johnson or Cy Young , Sandy Koufax or Warren Spahn, but he certainly is one of the most awesome pitchers ever.
He might be considered the most unhittable pitcher ever throwing 7 no hitters ( one at 43 years old) . He didn’t give up that many hits because he struck out more batters than anyone. He also walked more batters than anyone. He threw more wild pitches than anyone, allowed the lowest batting average, and made more fielding errors than anyone else. Ryan walked SIX or more batters 135 times, way more than anyone else. He also allowed 3 or more stolen bases 77 times, way more than anyone else. He threw 242 pitches against Detroit one game, and physicists insist that he once threw a ball 108 mph.
One game in Detroit in 1973, Ryan decided that he was going to throw a no hitter. He had thrown his first one a few months earlier, but had this feeling that he knew he would throw one again today. His control had been poor lately, but this was the day he was going to turn it around.
Ron Luciano was umpiring that day and saw the first pitch of the day, a curveball, literally fall off a cliff and he knew the Tigers were in trouble right away. After 7 innings, Ryan had a no hitter and 16 strikeouts out of 21 outs. The strikeout record then was 18 , and he was sure to beat that. But then the Angels had a half hour long inning, and Ryan’s arm stiffened up. Nolan wasn’t even thinking of coming out in the 8th, but he knew that none of his pitches were working the same way as earlier, but he still got out of the inning getting strikeout number 17, and no hits. And his arm was seriously throbbing.
In the bottom of the 9th, Ryan was running on fumes but still managed to get the first 2 batters out, when Norm Cash came up to the plate. Cash was outgoing and fun loving and wacky. And at 39 years old, still a very strong threat at the plate, EXCEPT for the fact that Cash comes up to the plate with a table leg in his hand. The umpire yelled at him that he can’t come to the plate with a table leg, to which Cash retorted that it doesn’t make any difference because he wouldn’t be able to hit him with anything else. Cash ended up tossing the table leg, grabbing a bat, and dutifully popping up to the shortstop to secure the no hitter.
Frank Robinson quipped afterwards that Ryan struck him out 3 times and Robinson wasn’t even playing.
WE ARE THE CUBS SHUFFLIN CREW...OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT
by Wayne Richards
I'm sure we all remember the Bears famous hit single, THE SUPERBOWL SHUFFLE. Not to be outdone, Jody Davis, Leon Durham, Keith Moreland Gary Woods and Rick Sutcliffe rendered an epic of their own called MEN IN BLUE. To hear..CLICK HERE
by Wayne Richards
I'm sure we all remember the Bears famous hit single, THE SUPERBOWL SHUFFLE. Not to be outdone, Jody Davis, Leon Durham, Keith Moreland Gary Woods and Rick Sutcliffe rendered an epic of their own called MEN IN BLUE. To hear..CLICK HERE
LORD OF THE RING!
by Wayne Richards
During the days when Jack Brickhouse hit the television airwaves, he would conclude his broadcasting chores with a post game show called THE TENTH INNING!
During that broadcast, which I remember seeing from time to time after rushing home from school, one could hear a symphony of noises, including an occasional loud pop as if firecrackers were going off.
That, my dear Cubs World, was the sound of beer cups being placed upside down and crushed! Our Vice President, Terrence Burke, was part of that Cacophony of noise!
However, that part time clean up duty was something young people did to get tickets for future games back in the day. You don't get a WORLD SERIES RING for putting seats in their proper position.
So how did this ring get into Mr. Burke's possession?
It happened when he procured a job at the friendly confines between 2015, 16 and 17. Talk about being at the right place at the right time! But more on this in a bit.
Terrence Burke was born in 1951. Let's just say he has been both a North and South sider! The family moved quite a bit and Burke's educational experience took him to a number of schools such as St. Clements, St. Sebastian and St. Charles College. However it was at the University of Houston where he procured a masters degree in law.
Terrence's father was very much into sports baseball, as well as other sports. This passion was passed on to his son who would eventually coach high school football and basketball. But before that, he would become one of many youngsters would hang out after the game to maybe procure a free pass for another game or meet the players. "This was during the days when Jack Brickhouse was broadcasting," said Terrence. "Back then they didn't have sky boxes, so they used that area for tv cameras. When Jack did his post game broadcast, they would swing around. All the noise you heard in the background were us kids making a racket with the seats...etc."
Terrence's wife Angela (another one of our proud board members), shared a humorous little tale. Said she, "Terrence and I were at an airport on our way to a Spring training game. The great Billy Williams was right near me. However, I had no idea who he was. I thought he was just some guy on his way to a game!"
The real magic years came in 20 15, 16 and 17. This was when Terrence Burke was hired to work in the GUEST SERVICES department at Wrigley Field! "That really means I was an usher, "he proclaimed. It must've been a wonderful experience meeting so many people in the "Friendly Confines". In 2016, Burke was about to receive a surprise he never expected!
As if a World Series win wasn't enough of a thrill, Terrence was presented with a World Series ring! "The Cubs organization gave out rings to all employees," said Burke. "Of course, people at the top of the organization received much more elaborate jewelry."
But it is a cherished token representing special times at Wrigley. How many of us possess such a special page in the book of life!
by Wayne Richards
During the days when Jack Brickhouse hit the television airwaves, he would conclude his broadcasting chores with a post game show called THE TENTH INNING!
During that broadcast, which I remember seeing from time to time after rushing home from school, one could hear a symphony of noises, including an occasional loud pop as if firecrackers were going off.
That, my dear Cubs World, was the sound of beer cups being placed upside down and crushed! Our Vice President, Terrence Burke, was part of that Cacophony of noise!
However, that part time clean up duty was something young people did to get tickets for future games back in the day. You don't get a WORLD SERIES RING for putting seats in their proper position.
So how did this ring get into Mr. Burke's possession?
It happened when he procured a job at the friendly confines between 2015, 16 and 17. Talk about being at the right place at the right time! But more on this in a bit.
Terrence Burke was born in 1951. Let's just say he has been both a North and South sider! The family moved quite a bit and Burke's educational experience took him to a number of schools such as St. Clements, St. Sebastian and St. Charles College. However it was at the University of Houston where he procured a masters degree in law.
Terrence's father was very much into sports baseball, as well as other sports. This passion was passed on to his son who would eventually coach high school football and basketball. But before that, he would become one of many youngsters would hang out after the game to maybe procure a free pass for another game or meet the players. "This was during the days when Jack Brickhouse was broadcasting," said Terrence. "Back then they didn't have sky boxes, so they used that area for tv cameras. When Jack did his post game broadcast, they would swing around. All the noise you heard in the background were us kids making a racket with the seats...etc."
Terrence's wife Angela (another one of our proud board members), shared a humorous little tale. Said she, "Terrence and I were at an airport on our way to a Spring training game. The great Billy Williams was right near me. However, I had no idea who he was. I thought he was just some guy on his way to a game!"
The real magic years came in 20 15, 16 and 17. This was when Terrence Burke was hired to work in the GUEST SERVICES department at Wrigley Field! "That really means I was an usher, "he proclaimed. It must've been a wonderful experience meeting so many people in the "Friendly Confines". In 2016, Burke was about to receive a surprise he never expected!
As if a World Series win wasn't enough of a thrill, Terrence was presented with a World Series ring! "The Cubs organization gave out rings to all employees," said Burke. "Of course, people at the top of the organization received much more elaborate jewelry."
But it is a cherished token representing special times at Wrigley. How many of us possess such a special page in the book of life!
THINGS ARE GOING BATTY!
by Wayne Richards
Ladies and gentlemen, it seems that innocent baseball bats are suddenly on steroids! How did this happen?
They're called "Torpedo Bats". This new design evidently meets major league requirements. There seems to be a battle of the bulge from some baseball executives who do not like bringing the , so called "sweet spot" six inches closer to the batter's hand.
Some minor league and winter ball teams have already given them a try, but no club, major or minor, has decided to use them full time.
Time will tell. It doesn't look like the torpedo is going to explode on the scene any time soon.
by Wayne Richards
Ladies and gentlemen, it seems that innocent baseball bats are suddenly on steroids! How did this happen?
They're called "Torpedo Bats". This new design evidently meets major league requirements. There seems to be a battle of the bulge from some baseball executives who do not like bringing the , so called "sweet spot" six inches closer to the batter's hand.
Some minor league and winter ball teams have already given them a try, but no club, major or minor, has decided to use them full time.
Time will tell. It doesn't look like the torpedo is going to explode on the scene any time soon.
ANOTHER WRIGLEY OFFERING
by Wayne Richards
Do you realize that had you been around Wrigley on either April 11th or 12th, you might've had the opportunity to play golf in the FRIENDLY CONFINES! (For a price of course.)
The $109.00 VIP package includes the following.....
by Wayne Richards
Do you realize that had you been around Wrigley on either April 11th or 12th, you might've had the opportunity to play golf in the FRIENDLY CONFINES! (For a price of course.)
The $109.00 VIP package includes the following.....
- Extra Golf Balls (Mulligans!)
- Free Entry to Driving Challenge
- Free Entry to Putting Challenge
- Free Entry to Closest The Pin Challenge
- Complimentary Meal & Beverage Item!: (Includes Beer, Wine or Well Drink for ages 21+)
FOR A SHORT PRESENTATION COURTESY OF NBC NEWS CHICAGO.....CLICK HERE
FROM THE PREZ'S DESK!
I would like to inform all Cubs World Members that my office is open to you all the time. Of course, I'm not here all the time, but I love reading your e-mails.
I particularly enjoy talking on the phone with individuals who are considering joining our Cubs World family. We should all be doing what we can to OUTREACH potential members.
I will bring more business cards to the membership meeting. Take some. Present them to people wearing Cubs shirts. Give one to a St. Louis fan just to drive him crazy!
I also would like members to be aware of the the fact that in the months to come, we will be ZOOMING some guests. I have some real baseball legends contact info on my desk and most of these fine individuals will not be near Florida anytime soon.
Certainly, we will attempt to arrange as many live guests as possible. For instance in June former Cubs pitching coach Dick Pole will grace our microphones with wonderful stories. I love talking to him on the phone.
Also joining us in person will be Sue Zipay during our movie outing in July! Keep in mind she is very old and things may change. But with the help of an incredible group of folks who serve on our board, we are looking forward to what develops in the future.
Go Cubbies!
I would like to inform all Cubs World Members that my office is open to you all the time. Of course, I'm not here all the time, but I love reading your e-mails.
I particularly enjoy talking on the phone with individuals who are considering joining our Cubs World family. We should all be doing what we can to OUTREACH potential members.
I will bring more business cards to the membership meeting. Take some. Present them to people wearing Cubs shirts. Give one to a St. Louis fan just to drive him crazy!
I also would like members to be aware of the the fact that in the months to come, we will be ZOOMING some guests. I have some real baseball legends contact info on my desk and most of these fine individuals will not be near Florida anytime soon.
Certainly, we will attempt to arrange as many live guests as possible. For instance in June former Cubs pitching coach Dick Pole will grace our microphones with wonderful stories. I love talking to him on the phone.
Also joining us in person will be Sue Zipay during our movie outing in July! Keep in mind she is very old and things may change. But with the help of an incredible group of folks who serve on our board, we are looking forward to what develops in the future.
Go Cubbies!
OK! ENOUGH OF THIS MONKEY BUSINESS!!!!!
It's time for you, dear reader, to tell us what's on your mind.
Anything goes here because we love to afford you the opportunity to have the last word! Please don't be shy.
GO CUBBIES!!!!!!!
It's time for you, dear reader, to tell us what's on your mind.
Anything goes here because we love to afford you the opportunity to have the last word! Please don't be shy.
GO CUBBIES!!!!!!!
