Welcome to the 2023 November edition of the Cubs World Chatter!
ON DECK CIRCLE
There will be no December membership meeting in December. However, the Chatter will be published as usual.
JANUARY MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Monday January 8th Colony
There will be no December membership meeting in December. However, the Chatter will be published as usual.
JANUARY MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Monday January 8th Colony
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Mike Orchard
We were both born on the north side of Chicago and into being only a Cubs fan (never to mention that south side Chicago team). While we spent 30 years in Marietta, GA, and have now retired in The Villages, we continue to remain true blue to the Cubbies.
Donna Brown
Lived in the Chicago area for 42 years! Got to one of the playoff games during the 2016 World Series run!
Additional new members!
Georgia Schonauer
John and Sue Ludwicki
Mike Orchard
We were both born on the north side of Chicago and into being only a Cubs fan (never to mention that south side Chicago team). While we spent 30 years in Marietta, GA, and have now retired in The Villages, we continue to remain true blue to the Cubbies.
Donna Brown
Lived in the Chicago area for 42 years! Got to one of the playoff games during the 2016 World Series run!
Additional new members!
Georgia Schonauer
John and Sue Ludwicki
THE RED WORD GAME DETAILS
by Wayne Richards
Every month, the opportunity to win a gift card is found right here. The process is simple. Just enjoy reading the Chatter and look for a word printed in red. Write down the word on a card or piece of paper and bring it to the next membership meeting for a drawing. You just might win!
PLEASE NOTE.... Since there is no membership meeting in December, the red word in this edition as well as December will feature the very same word!
Sneaky eh?
by Wayne Richards
Every month, the opportunity to win a gift card is found right here. The process is simple. Just enjoy reading the Chatter and look for a word printed in red. Write down the word on a card or piece of paper and bring it to the next membership meeting for a drawing. You just might win!
PLEASE NOTE.... Since there is no membership meeting in December, the red word in this edition as well as December will feature the very same word!
Sneaky eh?
BOARD ELECTION RESULTS
Since this was our November meeting and, as such, our last meeting of the year, our annual election was held.
There were 5 board directors seats up for filling. The 2 officers who were elected were Wayne Richards as our new President, and Barb Beil as our returning Secretary. There were 3 at large positions available.
Dan Marx retained his at large position and Sam Pagoria became a new board member filling another at large position.
There is still one at large position available and we encourage any member to feel free to join this talented board.
Congratulations to the new board, also including Treasurer Sharon Adochio, Membership chairman Rick Baas, and Event chairman, Jim Guleserian. The board was elected unanimously !
Since this was our November meeting and, as such, our last meeting of the year, our annual election was held.
There were 5 board directors seats up for filling. The 2 officers who were elected were Wayne Richards as our new President, and Barb Beil as our returning Secretary. There were 3 at large positions available.
Dan Marx retained his at large position and Sam Pagoria became a new board member filling another at large position.
There is still one at large position available and we encourage any member to feel free to join this talented board.
Congratulations to the new board, also including Treasurer Sharon Adochio, Membership chairman Rick Baas, and Event chairman, Jim Guleserian. The board was elected unanimously !
A FIVE STAR MEMBERSHIP MEETING!
by Dan Marx
We had one of our biggest meetings of the year, when our members turned out in full force to see our featured speaker, Steve Trout. Our meeting started with a beautiful Thanksgiving dinner provided by Bob Evans restaurant. Thank you, Barb Beil, for providing a tremendous catered dinner for us.
Steve Trout was one of our most productive pitchers during the mid 1980s after coming over from the White Sox in 1983. He was a key part of the 1984 rotation that featured Rick Sutcliffe and Dennis Eckersley with Lee Smith as their closer. 1984 was the first season in 39 years that the Cubs made the playoffs, and unfortunately lost to the Padres in a a 5 game series. Trout told a funny story about the “Sandberg game” during the 1984 season. Trout started the game and got absolutely rocked. He was down 6-0 before he even knew it. After he got pulled and the Cubs started their comeback, Sandberg had his monster game that put him on the map throughout Major League Baseball. So, of course, to this day Trout ribs Ryno that if he didn’t stink so badly, there would not have been any major comeback, and Sandberg would not have had as much notoriety.
In Trout’s first year with the Cubs , he was pretty ordinary, but with 1984 coming, he decided he was going to make a major change in his life. He found out that he was going to become a father, and he took that very seriously. He took private lessons in karate, and took yoga lessons. All of this helped to make a major change in his pitching mechanics. He won 13 games that year, his best year ever.
In 1987 he was also having a very strong year. So strong, in fact, that he thought he was a shoo in to make the All Star game for the first time. And then, just before the team got picked, Steve ended up being traded to the Yankees. He was so disappointed.
Trout told us stories of almost making a comeback at the age of 40 with the Pirates, but he was a players agent at the time, and it made things very complicated. He also told us about his father, Dizzy Trout, who was a very talented pitcher in his own right. He was a pitcher with the Detroit Tigers who won 170 games and who pitched in the 1945 World Series against the Cubs.
by Dan Marx
We had one of our biggest meetings of the year, when our members turned out in full force to see our featured speaker, Steve Trout. Our meeting started with a beautiful Thanksgiving dinner provided by Bob Evans restaurant. Thank you, Barb Beil, for providing a tremendous catered dinner for us.
Steve Trout was one of our most productive pitchers during the mid 1980s after coming over from the White Sox in 1983. He was a key part of the 1984 rotation that featured Rick Sutcliffe and Dennis Eckersley with Lee Smith as their closer. 1984 was the first season in 39 years that the Cubs made the playoffs, and unfortunately lost to the Padres in a a 5 game series. Trout told a funny story about the “Sandberg game” during the 1984 season. Trout started the game and got absolutely rocked. He was down 6-0 before he even knew it. After he got pulled and the Cubs started their comeback, Sandberg had his monster game that put him on the map throughout Major League Baseball. So, of course, to this day Trout ribs Ryno that if he didn’t stink so badly, there would not have been any major comeback, and Sandberg would not have had as much notoriety.
In Trout’s first year with the Cubs , he was pretty ordinary, but with 1984 coming, he decided he was going to make a major change in his life. He found out that he was going to become a father, and he took that very seriously. He took private lessons in karate, and took yoga lessons. All of this helped to make a major change in his pitching mechanics. He won 13 games that year, his best year ever.
In 1987 he was also having a very strong year. So strong, in fact, that he thought he was a shoo in to make the All Star game for the first time. And then, just before the team got picked, Steve ended up being traded to the Yankees. He was so disappointed.
Trout told us stories of almost making a comeback at the age of 40 with the Pirates, but he was a players agent at the time, and it made things very complicated. He also told us about his father, Dizzy Trout, who was a very talented pitcher in his own right. He was a pitcher with the Detroit Tigers who won 170 games and who pitched in the 1945 World Series against the Cubs.
The evening had a bittersweet ending to it. We honored our retiring president, Don Mulder, after 6 years of his leadership. Don took the club basically since its infancy, and transformed it into the tremendously well rounded club that it is now.
Much to Don’s surprise, the rest of the evening was a tribute to Don and his accomplishments. There were video tributes from Bill McMahon and Gary Koca. A cameo from Ferguson Jenkins. Written tributes from David Gran and Wayne Richards, and spoken tributes from Jim Guleserian and Dan Marx.
Special guests who came to honor Don were Dave Rodgers, Pastor Bob Page, and Cody Hills. Dave Rodgers, whose wife Connie started the Chicagoland club in The Villages roasted Don and told us of the special relationship that they had together with Don and Carole. Pastor Page was grateful for the Mulder’s friendship, and for their help in starting the Live Oaks Community Church together. And. Cody Hills gave a very moving speech about how Don has made such a positive impact in his life.
At the end, Don was very humbled and gave a beautiful speech thanking all of us, and acknowledging how important this job has been to him and how much he treasured it. Afterwards , Don got a well deserved standing ovation.
Much to Don’s surprise, the rest of the evening was a tribute to Don and his accomplishments. There were video tributes from Bill McMahon and Gary Koca. A cameo from Ferguson Jenkins. Written tributes from David Gran and Wayne Richards, and spoken tributes from Jim Guleserian and Dan Marx.
Special guests who came to honor Don were Dave Rodgers, Pastor Bob Page, and Cody Hills. Dave Rodgers, whose wife Connie started the Chicagoland club in The Villages roasted Don and told us of the special relationship that they had together with Don and Carole. Pastor Page was grateful for the Mulder’s friendship, and for their help in starting the Live Oaks Community Church together. And. Cody Hills gave a very moving speech about how Don has made such a positive impact in his life.
At the end, Don was very humbled and gave a beautiful speech thanking all of us, and acknowledging how important this job has been to him and how much he treasured it. Afterwards , Don got a well deserved standing ovation.
A PERSONAL TRIBUTE TO DON MULDER
by Wayne Richards
True excellence is a quality that appears to be fading of late. Can you think of any politicians that are completely trustworthy? Are businesses operating at any level approaching excellence? I think not.
But in the midst of an organization called CUBS WORLD stands a man named Don Mulder who has guided our club with distinction and skill. His background in business was the perfect template to help develop Cubs World into the unique and popular club is has become.
One thing I can tell you is that Don Mulder puts himself into everything he does with heart-felt dedication. He is a great man to have in our midst. I value his talent and friendship as we all do.
by Wayne Richards
True excellence is a quality that appears to be fading of late. Can you think of any politicians that are completely trustworthy? Are businesses operating at any level approaching excellence? I think not.
But in the midst of an organization called CUBS WORLD stands a man named Don Mulder who has guided our club with distinction and skill. His background in business was the perfect template to help develop Cubs World into the unique and popular club is has become.
One thing I can tell you is that Don Mulder puts himself into everything he does with heart-felt dedication. He is a great man to have in our midst. I value his talent and friendship as we all do.
THE BLEACHER BUM REPORT
by Jack Herbon
Even though a lot of folks don’t believe it, the Cubs are going to be aggressive this offseason when it comes to adding free agents. I’d be willing to bet they exceed the first luxury tax penalty threshold of $237 million, though they’ll probably view the second level of $257 million as a hard cap. Jed Hoyer knows he needs star power to push his team into contention, and those players don’t come cheap.
Tom Ricketts knows the Cubs need a bigger draw to get butts in seats and Wrigley and to sell Marquee subscriptions. These aren't my Bleacher Bum days when Ernie Banks was making $100K a year. That said, the best fits requires a belief that the teams in question will at least be willing to entertain a massive deal or two. Here the five the Cubs must consider not just for their fans but for their Cubs TV network to thrive.
1. Shohei Ohtani – 10 years, $477 million
There are risks with him having his second elbow reconstruction since coming over to MLB, which limits him to just DH’ing next season, but Ohtani is the one player you can almost guarantee will earn his club more than his contract. Remember those Marquee subscription numbers? Imagine the revenue if the streamer is able to sell its subscriptions abroad.
2) Yoshinobou Yamamoto – 7 years, $211 million
It’s not often that 25-year-old aces hit the market, but that’s the case here as the BEST PITCHER comes to the States. Yamamoto is going to get top-of-the-rotation money, which could push him out of the Cubs’ price range given their current needs. Still, this is the kind of pitcher who could further solidify a fairly decent group that lacked dynamism in 2023.
3) Aaron Nolan – 5 years, $125 million
This prediction actually seems pretty light based on the eight years and $200 million Nolan was SEEKING LAST YEAR! But the righty didn’t have the best walk year and probably won’t come close to the figures many experts have suggested, which shouldn’t come as a surprise. With the Cubs presumably looking for more value outside of a potential Yamamoto pursuit, other teams will be more willing to outspend them on Nolan.
4) Cody Bellinger – 6 years, $144 million
This also feels light to me, both in years and total value. If Bellinger actually ends up at this figure, it’s a no-brainer for the Cubs will bring him back. The big problem, however, is that he may end up waiting until the last minute to sign. That’s especially likely at a lower figure than he’s targeting, and the Cubs can ill afford to center their offseason on a late decision.
5) Matt Chapman – 6 years, $127 million
A disappointing offensive campaign will hurt his asking price, but Chapman is one of the best defensive third basemen around and he could easily rebound at the plate. I mean, just look at Bellinger. The question for the Cubs is whether to prioritize Chapman as their key free agent addition after doing so with Swanson last winter. Both are excellent players with top-notch gloves, but neither is a bona fide star.
BONUS Pick I have to make!
Marcus Strohman – 1 year, $21 million
Rinse and repeat. Maybe just a one year contract is all that is needed to get us into the 2024 World Series. To be honest, I really hate long term baseball contracts. Remember what they gave Carlon Zombrano? He took the money and in my opinion lost all incentive for the game of baseball. Baseball players are so overpaid these days that one has to wonder how this can really hold up?
ATTENTION CUB WORLD MEMBERS. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO COMMENT ON THE PLAYERS LISTED IN THIS COLUMN. WE ALWAYS LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU.
by Jack Herbon
Even though a lot of folks don’t believe it, the Cubs are going to be aggressive this offseason when it comes to adding free agents. I’d be willing to bet they exceed the first luxury tax penalty threshold of $237 million, though they’ll probably view the second level of $257 million as a hard cap. Jed Hoyer knows he needs star power to push his team into contention, and those players don’t come cheap.
Tom Ricketts knows the Cubs need a bigger draw to get butts in seats and Wrigley and to sell Marquee subscriptions. These aren't my Bleacher Bum days when Ernie Banks was making $100K a year. That said, the best fits requires a belief that the teams in question will at least be willing to entertain a massive deal or two. Here the five the Cubs must consider not just for their fans but for their Cubs TV network to thrive.
1. Shohei Ohtani – 10 years, $477 million
There are risks with him having his second elbow reconstruction since coming over to MLB, which limits him to just DH’ing next season, but Ohtani is the one player you can almost guarantee will earn his club more than his contract. Remember those Marquee subscription numbers? Imagine the revenue if the streamer is able to sell its subscriptions abroad.
2) Yoshinobou Yamamoto – 7 years, $211 million
It’s not often that 25-year-old aces hit the market, but that’s the case here as the BEST PITCHER comes to the States. Yamamoto is going to get top-of-the-rotation money, which could push him out of the Cubs’ price range given their current needs. Still, this is the kind of pitcher who could further solidify a fairly decent group that lacked dynamism in 2023.
3) Aaron Nolan – 5 years, $125 million
This prediction actually seems pretty light based on the eight years and $200 million Nolan was SEEKING LAST YEAR! But the righty didn’t have the best walk year and probably won’t come close to the figures many experts have suggested, which shouldn’t come as a surprise. With the Cubs presumably looking for more value outside of a potential Yamamoto pursuit, other teams will be more willing to outspend them on Nolan.
4) Cody Bellinger – 6 years, $144 million
This also feels light to me, both in years and total value. If Bellinger actually ends up at this figure, it’s a no-brainer for the Cubs will bring him back. The big problem, however, is that he may end up waiting until the last minute to sign. That’s especially likely at a lower figure than he’s targeting, and the Cubs can ill afford to center their offseason on a late decision.
5) Matt Chapman – 6 years, $127 million
A disappointing offensive campaign will hurt his asking price, but Chapman is one of the best defensive third basemen around and he could easily rebound at the plate. I mean, just look at Bellinger. The question for the Cubs is whether to prioritize Chapman as their key free agent addition after doing so with Swanson last winter. Both are excellent players with top-notch gloves, but neither is a bona fide star.
BONUS Pick I have to make!
Marcus Strohman – 1 year, $21 million
Rinse and repeat. Maybe just a one year contract is all that is needed to get us into the 2024 World Series. To be honest, I really hate long term baseball contracts. Remember what they gave Carlon Zombrano? He took the money and in my opinion lost all incentive for the game of baseball. Baseball players are so overpaid these days that one has to wonder how this can really hold up?
ATTENTION CUB WORLD MEMBERS. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO COMMENT ON THE PLAYERS LISTED IN THIS COLUMN. WE ALWAYS LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU.
CONGRATS FROM CUBS WORLD!!!
THIS IS US
by Dan Marx
One of the highlights of our November meeting was a very moving tribute to our outgoing President, Don Mulder. Of all of outstanding talks praising Don, there was one speaker, Cody Hills that caught my attention.
Cody, of course, is one of our favorite speakers and is a true friend of our club. There was something in his talk when he addressed us that made so much sense to me.
He was telling us about the night where he was at a meeting, and he had to rush back to see the Cubs play the Giants in the 2016 playoffs. He went to Gators to watch the game on their bank of tv sets. When the Cubs won the game, Cody was so excited that we went to turn around to high-five people around him. But, alas, there was no camaraderie, no Cubs fans, and just total disinterest to be able to share his excitement with anybody. That actually took a little bit of the joy of the moment away from him.
Then it hit me. I have lots of friends! A number of them are casual sports fans. A number of them are baseball fans. Few of them outside of Cubs World are Cubs fans. So, if I were to tell them yesterday , for example, that Craig Counsell was our new manager, they would either say “that’s nice” or “ who’s Craig Counsell?”
BUT, using that same example, I walked into our Cubs World meeting that night, and right away, Sam Pagoria and I got into a nice discussion about the move. And, it was brought up as a topic of discussion during the meeting by Jim Guleserian. I also called Dave Gran immediately to talk about the managerial change. I talk to Dave once a week, and he frequently tells me that he likes his new friends in South Carolina where he moved to, but there are no Cubs fans that he can talk to.
So, thank you, Cody, for making it abundantly clear how important it is to have a Cubs fan club/ social club to share our love for the Cubs , the team we all love. The fact that we can get together at least once a month together through meetings and events and share our common bonds together is a point, Cody, that you could see was the vision that Don and the board and all of the members had in mind when the club was formed originally.
by Dan Marx
One of the highlights of our November meeting was a very moving tribute to our outgoing President, Don Mulder. Of all of outstanding talks praising Don, there was one speaker, Cody Hills that caught my attention.
Cody, of course, is one of our favorite speakers and is a true friend of our club. There was something in his talk when he addressed us that made so much sense to me.
He was telling us about the night where he was at a meeting, and he had to rush back to see the Cubs play the Giants in the 2016 playoffs. He went to Gators to watch the game on their bank of tv sets. When the Cubs won the game, Cody was so excited that we went to turn around to high-five people around him. But, alas, there was no camaraderie, no Cubs fans, and just total disinterest to be able to share his excitement with anybody. That actually took a little bit of the joy of the moment away from him.
Then it hit me. I have lots of friends! A number of them are casual sports fans. A number of them are baseball fans. Few of them outside of Cubs World are Cubs fans. So, if I were to tell them yesterday , for example, that Craig Counsell was our new manager, they would either say “that’s nice” or “ who’s Craig Counsell?”
BUT, using that same example, I walked into our Cubs World meeting that night, and right away, Sam Pagoria and I got into a nice discussion about the move. And, it was brought up as a topic of discussion during the meeting by Jim Guleserian. I also called Dave Gran immediately to talk about the managerial change. I talk to Dave once a week, and he frequently tells me that he likes his new friends in South Carolina where he moved to, but there are no Cubs fans that he can talk to.
So, thank you, Cody, for making it abundantly clear how important it is to have a Cubs fan club/ social club to share our love for the Cubs , the team we all love. The fact that we can get together at least once a month together through meetings and events and share our common bonds together is a point, Cody, that you could see was the vision that Don and the board and all of the members had in mind when the club was formed originally.
SOMETHING TO PONDER THIS MONTH
by Dan Marx and Wayne Richards
With Thanksgiving on the way, our question this month is a very simple one. WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR WITH REGARD TO THE CUBBIES?
Let's have some fun with this. Don't be shy. Members Corner was created so that we all can have a voice and be heard!
Actually, it would also be nice for any of our members to come up with a topic! This is a free forum...so join us and have some fun!
by Dan Marx and Wayne Richards
With Thanksgiving on the way, our question this month is a very simple one. WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR WITH REGARD TO THE CUBBIES?
Let's have some fun with this. Don't be shy. Members Corner was created so that we all can have a voice and be heard!
Actually, it would also be nice for any of our members to come up with a topic! This is a free forum...so join us and have some fun!
GRANDPA'S STORY
by Wayne Richards
When grandpa was a young boy growing up in Bainbridge Georgia he would walk down to the Flint River to watch men fishing along the shore line. It was something he witnessed often until moving to Tallahassee, Florida.
Grandpa's family was quite energetic and athletic in addition to being very close. His father played softball. Mother shot hoops. His uncles loved to play football.
It's only natural that grandpa was eventually awarded an athletic scholarship from Auburn University in Alabama. He very much looked forward to playing with the hometown Tigers.
Aside from sports, it was a beautiful high school sweetheart named Hyla that caught his eye. They wed in 2005 and raised three children...Landry, Cole and Harper. They, in turn, also developed a passion for sports.
Grandpa's increasing success approaching professional status in baseball took a toll on his relationship and they divorced after 15 years.
Grandpa did quite well through the years playing for Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, San Diego, Cincinnati, Boston, Atlanta and then finally Chicago.
There are many souls who never lived long enough to see the men in blue win the series in 2016. But this grandpa helped make it happen and upon retiring from the playing field, he put on a manager's cap for two years.
The game of baseball is a very unpredictable experience for any pro. Just ask the man who won the hearts of Chicagoans, hit the stage of Saturday Night Live and danced with the stars.
Grandpa is not ready to give up. In fact one gets the feeling that he's only getting started! THANK YOU GRANDPA ROSSY!!!!
by Wayne Richards
When grandpa was a young boy growing up in Bainbridge Georgia he would walk down to the Flint River to watch men fishing along the shore line. It was something he witnessed often until moving to Tallahassee, Florida.
Grandpa's family was quite energetic and athletic in addition to being very close. His father played softball. Mother shot hoops. His uncles loved to play football.
It's only natural that grandpa was eventually awarded an athletic scholarship from Auburn University in Alabama. He very much looked forward to playing with the hometown Tigers.
Aside from sports, it was a beautiful high school sweetheart named Hyla that caught his eye. They wed in 2005 and raised three children...Landry, Cole and Harper. They, in turn, also developed a passion for sports.
Grandpa's increasing success approaching professional status in baseball took a toll on his relationship and they divorced after 15 years.
Grandpa did quite well through the years playing for Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, San Diego, Cincinnati, Boston, Atlanta and then finally Chicago.
There are many souls who never lived long enough to see the men in blue win the series in 2016. But this grandpa helped make it happen and upon retiring from the playing field, he put on a manager's cap for two years.
The game of baseball is a very unpredictable experience for any pro. Just ask the man who won the hearts of Chicagoans, hit the stage of Saturday Night Live and danced with the stars.
Grandpa is not ready to give up. In fact one gets the feeling that he's only getting started! THANK YOU GRANDPA ROSSY!!!!
FUN TO PUTTER AROUND
by DAN MARX
Cubs World members turned out on a beautiful day Friday , October 20th for an afternoon of Putt and Play. Nine couples showed up at the First Responders Center near the Lopez championship course.
This was one of the most fun special events of the year. Couples hit alternate shots on the putting greens that had twists and turns that proved to be very confounding. Unlike miniature golf, real grass is used, and the greens are very looooong. If your golf balls don’t go through the doglegs, you can end up in the rough and under the tall grass. There was a lot of muttering, but also lots of laughing.
Anyways, let’s get to the results. Second place with a 70 for 18 holes was Don & Carol Mulder. And in First Place with a 65 was Dan & Dale Marx. You can see why I wanted to get to the results.
Afterwards many of the players went to the Lopez Legacy pool bar for lunch. Others hung out at the spectacular First Responders Center.
This event was quite popular, and I’m sure it will be repeated often in the coming years.
by DAN MARX
Cubs World members turned out on a beautiful day Friday , October 20th for an afternoon of Putt and Play. Nine couples showed up at the First Responders Center near the Lopez championship course.
This was one of the most fun special events of the year. Couples hit alternate shots on the putting greens that had twists and turns that proved to be very confounding. Unlike miniature golf, real grass is used, and the greens are very looooong. If your golf balls don’t go through the doglegs, you can end up in the rough and under the tall grass. There was a lot of muttering, but also lots of laughing.
Anyways, let’s get to the results. Second place with a 70 for 18 holes was Don & Carol Mulder. And in First Place with a 65 was Dan & Dale Marx. You can see why I wanted to get to the results.
Afterwards many of the players went to the Lopez Legacy pool bar for lunch. Others hung out at the spectacular First Responders Center.
This event was quite popular, and I’m sure it will be repeated often in the coming years.
YOU RESPONDED WELL
by Wayne Richards
During the October membership meeting All those in attendance were asked to fill out a questionnaire covering a myriad of subjects. The Cubs World Chatter board would like to thank everyone for all the ideas and suggestions you offered.
TOPICS
Dan Marx and I are very interested in how we should address topics in a continuously entertaining manner. One suggestion that really caught our eye is to feature some stories about great Cub players. We have presented a few along those lines, but we certainly could do more. We will do so beginning in the very near future.
We also love the suggestion that Cubs World members should present their own personal stories. Perhaps you played ball or someone in your family has. Please contribute to the Chatter!
The subject of "up and coming" players interests a great many people. We love stories about minor league players. After all, they are the future of baseball. We'll place a spotlight on this as Spring approaches. Actually, the Chatter has been in touch with the Iowa Cubs...so stay tuned!
As far as Cubbie news is concerned, our very own Bleacher Bum, Jack Herbon , faithfully gives insight and predictions about the season. Additionally, we can always count on a brilliantly put together presentations at our membership meetings, complete with video accents. Jim's true love for baseball comes through every time he addresses the crowd.
Some of our members crave a detailed explanation and demonstration of various pitches. Perhaps we could recruit the services of a college coach to shed light on this subject.
One of my favorite suggestions involves a Cubs World picnic featuring hot dogs, popcorn, a reasonable facsimile of a frosty malt and a variety of ballpark food items! This idea seems very palatable and certainly less expensive than the food at Wrigley.
Speaking of culinary considerations, our membership has a variety of opinions about the meals that are arranged. Some folks like the variety of items while others would prefer simple sandwich choices. I've attended some events where "pot luck" comes into play. Time will tell how this all plays out.
The main feature of any monthly membership meeting is our featured speaker. Through the years we've had some great ones who have shared personal accounts. Rest assured, we have a wonderful schedule of speakers for 2024. We're working on some big surprises!
Here is the bottom line. Cubs World is a family. Family members help each other out. We always appreciate when people step up with new ideas or extend a helping hand. Do not hesitate to do so.
by Wayne Richards
During the October membership meeting All those in attendance were asked to fill out a questionnaire covering a myriad of subjects. The Cubs World Chatter board would like to thank everyone for all the ideas and suggestions you offered.
TOPICS
Dan Marx and I are very interested in how we should address topics in a continuously entertaining manner. One suggestion that really caught our eye is to feature some stories about great Cub players. We have presented a few along those lines, but we certainly could do more. We will do so beginning in the very near future.
We also love the suggestion that Cubs World members should present their own personal stories. Perhaps you played ball or someone in your family has. Please contribute to the Chatter!
The subject of "up and coming" players interests a great many people. We love stories about minor league players. After all, they are the future of baseball. We'll place a spotlight on this as Spring approaches. Actually, the Chatter has been in touch with the Iowa Cubs...so stay tuned!
As far as Cubbie news is concerned, our very own Bleacher Bum, Jack Herbon , faithfully gives insight and predictions about the season. Additionally, we can always count on a brilliantly put together presentations at our membership meetings, complete with video accents. Jim's true love for baseball comes through every time he addresses the crowd.
Some of our members crave a detailed explanation and demonstration of various pitches. Perhaps we could recruit the services of a college coach to shed light on this subject.
One of my favorite suggestions involves a Cubs World picnic featuring hot dogs, popcorn, a reasonable facsimile of a frosty malt and a variety of ballpark food items! This idea seems very palatable and certainly less expensive than the food at Wrigley.
Speaking of culinary considerations, our membership has a variety of opinions about the meals that are arranged. Some folks like the variety of items while others would prefer simple sandwich choices. I've attended some events where "pot luck" comes into play. Time will tell how this all plays out.
The main feature of any monthly membership meeting is our featured speaker. Through the years we've had some great ones who have shared personal accounts. Rest assured, we have a wonderful schedule of speakers for 2024. We're working on some big surprises!
Here is the bottom line. Cubs World is a family. Family members help each other out. We always appreciate when people step up with new ideas or extend a helping hand. Do not hesitate to do so.
A QUICK REMINDER
The Cubs World Chatter will be presenting a special "ALL WOMEN'S EDITION" in January! What a wonderful way to kick off the new year.
We will have some great stories about current trend setting females and those who paved the road years ago. It will be an entertaining edition that is long overdue!
The Cubs World Chatter will be presenting a special "ALL WOMEN'S EDITION" in January! What a wonderful way to kick off the new year.
We will have some great stories about current trend setting females and those who paved the road years ago. It will be an entertaining edition that is long overdue!
FROM THE DESK OF WAYNE RICHARDS
First of all, I am honored to have become the new Cubs World president. I'm looking forward to working with Don and the entire board to keep our club vibrant and entertaining for all our members. Secondly, the month of November has been a difficult one due to a loss in the family that necessitated traveling to Chicago. But two things happened that really cheered us up.
We were introduced to a canine charmer. His Cubbie leash caught our eye as he hobbled toward us.
The dogs name is Wrigley! That's when we both wound up with a smile on our face thinking of our Cubs World family down South.
One other thing that happened took place in a very nice Italian restaurant near Harwood Heights, Il. There was a gentleman sitting at the bar wearing a cubs shirt and cap. I automatically walked up to him , introduced myself and handed him a Cubs World card. It took me about ten seconds to realize we weren't in the Villages.
We should be home by the 20th. If any of you would ever like to correspond with me personally, please feel free to write me at waynesongs@sbcglobal.net
In the meantime, please have a safe and meaningful Thanksgiving celebration!
First of all, I am honored to have become the new Cubs World president. I'm looking forward to working with Don and the entire board to keep our club vibrant and entertaining for all our members. Secondly, the month of November has been a difficult one due to a loss in the family that necessitated traveling to Chicago. But two things happened that really cheered us up.
We were introduced to a canine charmer. His Cubbie leash caught our eye as he hobbled toward us.
The dogs name is Wrigley! That's when we both wound up with a smile on our face thinking of our Cubs World family down South.
One other thing that happened took place in a very nice Italian restaurant near Harwood Heights, Il. There was a gentleman sitting at the bar wearing a cubs shirt and cap. I automatically walked up to him , introduced myself and handed him a Cubs World card. It took me about ten seconds to realize we weren't in the Villages.
We should be home by the 20th. If any of you would ever like to correspond with me personally, please feel free to write me at waynesongs@sbcglobal.net
In the meantime, please have a safe and meaningful Thanksgiving celebration!
