HAPPY SEPTEMBER FROM CUBS WORLD
Welcome to the September edition of the Cubs World Chatter. We know this month will be nerve-wracking for many due to the fact that the destiny of the Cubs will soon be known. Looking back to the early part of this year before the season began, the Vegas gambling estimates painted a less productive year than has actually transpired. All we can say at the Chatter is.....GO CUBBIES!
OCTOBER EVENT!
MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Monday, October 6th
IN PERSON!!!
RUI FARIAS
Executive Dir. of Little Cooperstown
Home of the LARGEST baseball collection in the world!
ALSO....AN EXTRA ADDED SURPRISE ATTRACTION VIA ZOOM!
COLONY COTTAGE
DOORS OPEN 5:30
MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Monday, October 6th
IN PERSON!!!
RUI FARIAS
Executive Dir. of Little Cooperstown
Home of the LARGEST baseball collection in the world!
ALSO....AN EXTRA ADDED SURPRISE ATTRACTION VIA ZOOM!
COLONY COTTAGE
DOORS OPEN 5:30
RIGHT WHERE HE BELONGS!!!!
by Wayne Richards
For the past year or so, the inter-webs have been buzzing about the possibility of Rizzo returning to the "MEN IN BLUE". You may not realize, but many of the Cubs based Facebook pages have spewed out what I like to call, "WISHFUL THINKING" stories.
One story announced that Rizzo was returning to serve as a first base coach. It never materialized because it wasn't even a consideration he thought about.
But now, retiring from recent injuries, REAL news comes that he will be retired as a Cub, joining other classy and beloved players that serve as ambassadors. I am overjoyed that this is really happening! Wrigley needs positive vibes and this extraordinary man can bring them.
I now admit something I didn't think I'd ever reveal in this newsletter. I was a fanatic over Tony's cereal. I ate RIZZOS like they were going out of style. I know one other thing. His spirit and support will add momentum to Chicago through hi love for the the city...but more importantly...the great game of baseball!
by Wayne Richards
For the past year or so, the inter-webs have been buzzing about the possibility of Rizzo returning to the "MEN IN BLUE". You may not realize, but many of the Cubs based Facebook pages have spewed out what I like to call, "WISHFUL THINKING" stories.
One story announced that Rizzo was returning to serve as a first base coach. It never materialized because it wasn't even a consideration he thought about.
But now, retiring from recent injuries, REAL news comes that he will be retired as a Cub, joining other classy and beloved players that serve as ambassadors. I am overjoyed that this is really happening! Wrigley needs positive vibes and this extraordinary man can bring them.
I now admit something I didn't think I'd ever reveal in this newsletter. I was a fanatic over Tony's cereal. I ate RIZZOS like they were going out of style. I know one other thing. His spirit and support will add momentum to Chicago through hi love for the the city...but more importantly...the great game of baseball!
ITS RED WORD SEARCH TIME AGAIN
by Wayne Richards
Every month, we encourage readers to search carefully through this newsletter for a word printed in RED. We then ask that you write down that word on a sheet of paper along with your name and bring it to our next membership meeting (September 1st) and place it a special jar for a drawing. If your entry is picked, you will walk out with a very handsome Publix gift card! Good luck to each and every one of you!
by Wayne Richards
Every month, we encourage readers to search carefully through this newsletter for a word printed in RED. We then ask that you write down that word on a sheet of paper along with your name and bring it to our next membership meeting (September 1st) and place it a special jar for a drawing. If your entry is picked, you will walk out with a very handsome Publix gift card! Good luck to each and every one of you!
WE ALWAYS GET EXCITED WHEN NEW PEOPLE JOIN OUR CUBS WORLD FAMILY!
DAVID AND AMY WEPFER
PATTI AND SHARI MORAN
RUSTY ALBAN
JOSEPH AND CAROL REISENBUCKLER
LEE SHANNON
DAVID AND AMY WEPFER
PATTI AND SHARI MORAN
RUSTY ALBAN
JOSEPH AND CAROL REISENBUCKLER
LEE SHANNON
TRIVIA NIGHT WAS WELL ATTENDED
by Wayne Richards
On the evening of Monday, September 1st, over 60 people attended our annual TRIVIA night. As usual, Gregg Golden and his team conducted the games that featured some very interesting and well thought out questions.
However, there is a bit of controversy regarding SHARI LEWIS and her puppet...lamb chop and the time in which they first appeared on children's television. I think I can straighten this situation out, or perhaps confuse the matter more.
The question intimated that Shari and Lamb chop first appeared on tv in the early 50's. That led some people to suggest the popular ROMPER ROOM, which first aired in 1953. (I was only two years of age and busy with my toy Polk Brother's truck.)
However, Shari and her puppet partner were first introduced on Captain Kangaroo in 1955! The only thing I remember about Captain Kangaroo was that he carried around a giant key chain and hung around with some dude named Mr. Green Jeans. Being as dumb as I was, I thought his name was Mr. Cream Cheese.
So, as you can see, the question was misleading by the phrase, "EARLY FIFTIES." Personally, I first saw Shari and Lamb Chop on the Ed Sullivan show.
by Wayne Richards
On the evening of Monday, September 1st, over 60 people attended our annual TRIVIA night. As usual, Gregg Golden and his team conducted the games that featured some very interesting and well thought out questions.
However, there is a bit of controversy regarding SHARI LEWIS and her puppet...lamb chop and the time in which they first appeared on children's television. I think I can straighten this situation out, or perhaps confuse the matter more.
The question intimated that Shari and Lamb chop first appeared on tv in the early 50's. That led some people to suggest the popular ROMPER ROOM, which first aired in 1953. (I was only two years of age and busy with my toy Polk Brother's truck.)
However, Shari and her puppet partner were first introduced on Captain Kangaroo in 1955! The only thing I remember about Captain Kangaroo was that he carried around a giant key chain and hung around with some dude named Mr. Green Jeans. Being as dumb as I was, I thought his name was Mr. Cream Cheese.
So, as you can see, the question was misleading by the phrase, "EARLY FIFTIES." Personally, I first saw Shari and Lamb Chop on the Ed Sullivan show.
PIZZA ANYONE?
by Wayne Richards
The staff of the CUBS WORLD CHATTER would like to know if any of our members have ever ordered food from this venue. Perhaps you have actually dined there. It was quite a journey to Rockford in those days. So if you have ventured out...was it worth the trip?
I once heard a story that this shop was often times understaffed. As a result, it was not uncommon to find Ron Santo himself ringing at your door for a delivery! Evidently, one resident didn't believe it was him and called the place to make sure. Ron was probably lucky she didn't call the police!
Ron Santo Pizzeria opened its doors just blocks from a historical place called Beyer's Stadium. Currently, the facility is used for high school events. But, its real claim to fame is that it once was home to the world famous ROCKFORD PEACHES! However, I don't know if many team members ever frequented Ron's since it didn't open until 1967!
I'm taken by the hours of operation. It must've been nice to have a decent meal delivered to your home around midnight! I don't know of many real baseball legends delivering for Uber Eats.
by Wayne Richards
The staff of the CUBS WORLD CHATTER would like to know if any of our members have ever ordered food from this venue. Perhaps you have actually dined there. It was quite a journey to Rockford in those days. So if you have ventured out...was it worth the trip?
I once heard a story that this shop was often times understaffed. As a result, it was not uncommon to find Ron Santo himself ringing at your door for a delivery! Evidently, one resident didn't believe it was him and called the place to make sure. Ron was probably lucky she didn't call the police!
Ron Santo Pizzeria opened its doors just blocks from a historical place called Beyer's Stadium. Currently, the facility is used for high school events. But, its real claim to fame is that it once was home to the world famous ROCKFORD PEACHES! However, I don't know if many team members ever frequented Ron's since it didn't open until 1967!
I'm taken by the hours of operation. It must've been nice to have a decent meal delivered to your home around midnight! I don't know of many real baseball legends delivering for Uber Eats.
THE BLEACHER BUM REPORT
by Jack Herbon
by Jack Herbon
- Okay, Cubs World buckle up because this is crunch time and the odds are looking good that our team will be in the playoffs. I really like the fact we end the season with a six game homestand.
- It is very important that we can some how setup a good rotation schedule. Our offense has been hit and miss since the Allstar break. But, the playoffs always seems to bring out a hitter that we least expect. I sure would like to see that red ivy on those outfield walls again.
Here is how the playoffs work in case your not familiar with the format:
In the 2025 MLB playoffs, three division winners and three wild card teams from each league compete in a 12-team format. The top two seeds in each league receive a bye to the best-of-five Division Series, while seeds three through six play in a best-of-three Wild Card Series. The winners of the Wild Card Series then face the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds in the Division Series, followed by the best-of-seven League Championship Series (LCS) and the best-of-seven World Series.
As of now it's starting to look like this: The Brewers and Philadelphia will be seeded one and two and they will get a first round bye. The Dodgers will probably beat out the Padres and get the third seed. The Cubs will get the 4th seed and seeds 5 and 6 will go to the Mets and San Diego Padres. So I think the Cubs will get the the Mets in the wild card round while the Dodgers get a I-5 interstate series with the Padres. In this scenario the Cubs get the home field advantage in the brief 3 game series. If the Cubs do advance they will then most likely have to play the Brewers. Unless the Dodgers get upset.
Baseball wants a longer playoff system after getting fan feedback a few years ago. This is so much different then it was when we were all teenagers that's for sure! So get the beer and popcorn ready the playoffs are here!!
A BLEACHER BUM EXTRA
by Wayne Richards
Cubs World is fortunate to have an original "Bleacher Bum" in our midst. Jack Herbon has provided endless essays for the CUBS WORLD CHATTER in a brilliant and well-informed style.
The original bums have been and always will be a big part of Wrigley Field history. I think they're even celebrated to an extent on special "FRIENDLY CONFINES" tours.
But it is a new day with another generation of bums, currently headed by a colorful and well liked gent named Jeff. Whenever Wrigley is filled with the sounds of, '"GO CUBS GO", he lovingly pounds the stadium structure. The Marquee television crew capture him in action quite often and as a result he has become a kind of silent celebrity!
As a matter of fact, he's even generated a bit of profit because Ian Happ tossed him a baseball wrapped in a one hundred dollar bill!
by Wayne Richards
Cubs World is fortunate to have an original "Bleacher Bum" in our midst. Jack Herbon has provided endless essays for the CUBS WORLD CHATTER in a brilliant and well-informed style.
The original bums have been and always will be a big part of Wrigley Field history. I think they're even celebrated to an extent on special "FRIENDLY CONFINES" tours.
But it is a new day with another generation of bums, currently headed by a colorful and well liked gent named Jeff. Whenever Wrigley is filled with the sounds of, '"GO CUBS GO", he lovingly pounds the stadium structure. The Marquee television crew capture him in action quite often and as a result he has become a kind of silent celebrity!
As a matter of fact, he's even generated a bit of profit because Ian Happ tossed him a baseball wrapped in a one hundred dollar bill!
DIRECTOR TO VISIT CUBS WORLD!
by Wayne Richards
Within the magical walls of the St. Peterburg Municipal Museum stands a group of rooms celebrating the history of baseball. It is the WORLD'S LARGEST COLLECTION of baseballs, as officially sanctioned by the Guinness Book Of World Records! The director of this amazing facility will visit Cubs World on October 6th
by Wayne Richards
Within the magical walls of the St. Peterburg Municipal Museum stands a group of rooms celebrating the history of baseball. It is the WORLD'S LARGEST COLLECTION of baseballs, as officially sanctioned by the Guinness Book Of World Records! The director of this amazing facility will visit Cubs World on October 6th
It is best to think of these special galleries as a walk through history! You will find signed baseballs by Babe Ruth, Franklin Roosevelt, Kennedy and even Castro!
As one who has visited this amazing place, I want to do everything I can to encourage Cubs World fans to take a trip to experience what I did. There actually is a kind of energy flowing through this place. Call it magic if you wish. Just experience it when you can!!
As one who has visited this amazing place, I want to do everything I can to encourage Cubs World fans to take a trip to experience what I did. There actually is a kind of energy flowing through this place. Call it magic if you wish. Just experience it when you can!!
Yes. Even Fidel is represented here. As it turns out, he was a very good ball player and actually gave getting into the majors a go for it! He almost made it too!
With such an amazing collection, it takes a very talented and responsible individual to oversee its operation and act as caretaker. His name is Rui Farias. His official title is executive director.
When you walk through these halls, you will note how carefully the rooms are designed in sections to enhance your exploration.
With such an amazing collection, it takes a very talented and responsible individual to oversee its operation and act as caretaker. His name is Rui Farias. His official title is executive director.
When you walk through these halls, you will note how carefully the rooms are designed in sections to enhance your exploration.
There are very special surprises here, such as a baseball signed by the last survivor of the Titanic! She probably doesn't remember much about that horrible night because she was only two months old!
This amazing collection of baseballs was started by a gentleman named Dennis Schrader who became inspired after attending a spring training game and managed to get a ball autographed by Mickey Mantle. I guess its like getting a tattoo. You just can't stop after getting one. (Not me though)
This amazing collection of baseballs was started by a gentleman named Dennis Schrader who became inspired after attending a spring training game and managed to get a ball autographed by Mickey Mantle. I guess its like getting a tattoo. You just can't stop after getting one. (Not me though)
Believe me when I say there are surprises on display with every corner you turn and every room you enter! You will leave the Little Cooperstown section of the museum feeling enriched and even more enthusiastic for the game of baseball.
Above all, this well orchestrated maze demonstrates just how much baseball has touched the hearts of billions around the world.
Above all, this well orchestrated maze demonstrates just how much baseball has touched the hearts of billions around the world.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE IS ONE TO REMEMBER
by Wayne Richards and Dan Marx
Anyone who attended Jim Guleserian's Celebration of Life will remember this event for some time. It was unique, touching and well attended!
Dan Marx and I now offer our individual observations of this special event!
by Wayne Richards and Dan Marx
Anyone who attended Jim Guleserian's Celebration of Life will remember this event for some time. It was unique, touching and well attended!
Dan Marx and I now offer our individual observations of this special event!
DAN: Sunday Morning. August 24th. A beautiful day for a celebration of life!
WAYNE: I couldn't sleep the night before. My mind was too busy to relax because, as emcee, I wanted this amazing man to be honored correctly.
DAN: There was a big turnout from many different directions at Laurel Manor.
WAYNE: Even getting to know Jim during these past years, I had no idea just how many clubs he was involved with!
DAN: There was big participation from Cubs World in their Chicago Cubs jerseys, a turnout from Clown alley in their clown outfits, representation from the Vietnam Vets. Honor flight representatives and folks from the Chicagoland and Chicago Bears clubs.
WAYNE: The celebration began with the spirit of clowns flowing wistfully and respectfully throughout the room. I personally think his involvement with these colorful mimes was simply to spread joy to people that needed to be reminded about how to celebrate life. They marched through the room with respectful dignity. This was a wonderful way to begin a heart-felt celebration.
DAN: A celebration of life is really a redundancy about Jim because he was a celebration of life every day!
WAYNE: I couldn't sleep the night before. My mind was too busy to relax because, as emcee, I wanted this amazing man to be honored correctly.
DAN: There was a big turnout from many different directions at Laurel Manor.
WAYNE: Even getting to know Jim during these past years, I had no idea just how many clubs he was involved with!
DAN: There was big participation from Cubs World in their Chicago Cubs jerseys, a turnout from Clown alley in their clown outfits, representation from the Vietnam Vets. Honor flight representatives and folks from the Chicagoland and Chicago Bears clubs.
WAYNE: The celebration began with the spirit of clowns flowing wistfully and respectfully throughout the room. I personally think his involvement with these colorful mimes was simply to spread joy to people that needed to be reminded about how to celebrate life. They marched through the room with respectful dignity. This was a wonderful way to begin a heart-felt celebration.
DAN: A celebration of life is really a redundancy about Jim because he was a celebration of life every day!
WAYNE: I was very impressed with the number of various groups that attended this special event.
DAN: There were folks from Vietnam Vets, honor flight representatives, Chicagoland group enthusiasts along with the Chicago Bears.
WAYNE: Part of the magic of Jim is that he had the unmistakable ability to make friends wherever he traveled. If a human being could be a lighthouse, his warmth glowed very bright!
DAN: There were folks from Vietnam Vets, honor flight representatives, Chicagoland group enthusiasts along with the Chicago Bears.
WAYNE: Part of the magic of Jim is that he had the unmistakable ability to make friends wherever he traveled. If a human being could be a lighthouse, his warmth glowed very bright!
DAN: I was a very good friend of Jim's and just looked at him in awe as he would captivate all of the Cubs World members during his informative LETS PLAY TOO sessions. He was our treasure and we were so lucky to have him.
WAYNE: I was told that he would spend hours putting his presentations together, double -checking his facts...etc. I can honestly say that at least two of our guest speakers, after hearing Jim speak passionately, really enjoyed his offerings.
Jim was a natural in front of people. I discovered that when the two of us gave a performance of the great Abbott and Costello routine, WHO'S ON FIRST!
That experience inspired me to ask him to audition for a part in my musical, DREAM ROAD. He not only excelled in the challenge, but earned the respect of the entire cast!
WAYNE: I was told that he would spend hours putting his presentations together, double -checking his facts...etc. I can honestly say that at least two of our guest speakers, after hearing Jim speak passionately, really enjoyed his offerings.
Jim was a natural in front of people. I discovered that when the two of us gave a performance of the great Abbott and Costello routine, WHO'S ON FIRST!
That experience inspired me to ask him to audition for a part in my musical, DREAM ROAD. He not only excelled in the challenge, but earned the respect of the entire cast!
I had to take a photo in the dressing room that I believe demonstrates just what kind of a man he was. While everyone concentrated on their lines and waiting for their cues, Jim was already going over baseball stats and figures! This photo proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that this incredible man has always been a step ahead of everyone!
DAN: As Dale and I were leaving, I had to go over to Jim's son (Jim) and tell him that I feel so much better knowing there is another Jim Guleserian in this world. Rest well my friend.
WAYNE: Mourn the loss...celebrate the life!
DAN: As Dale and I were leaving, I had to go over to Jim's son (Jim) and tell him that I feel so much better knowing there is another Jim Guleserian in this world. Rest well my friend.
WAYNE: Mourn the loss...celebrate the life!
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FROM THE PREZ’S OFFICE
I want this chair!!!!!!
Usually, the final piece in this newsletter requests and encourages readers to share thoughts, comments, recipes…etc. It is a place for you to express yourself.
I can’t think of a better time to put your voice to good use because I know this is a very frustrating time for Cubs fans. We’re biting nails! We know the clock is ticking! WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?
In my mind (whatever is in there) I think of this season as being bittersweet. There’s a lot of yin and yang!
For instance…Pete Crow Armstrong has added something special to the Cubs. It’s a refreshing energy nobody expected to build to hurricane proportions. But, the wind has blown out of his "AT BATS" in the second half. In addition, his recent knee injury has me concerned.
We lost a Cubbie ambassador and gained another. The loss of Ryno faded the colors of this season. But, good news has arrived regarding Rizzo's retirement as a Cub.
Cubs World Chatter reported earlier this year that Ronnie "WOO WOO" has an extremely serious lung issue. In a very respectful gesture, management brought him from his special facility directly to a luxury box for a game!
Of course, we lost our good friend, Jim Guleserian. Early this year, he gave a wonderful fin- filled and energetic performance in my musical, DREAM ROAD. Soon after, he was gone. Yes. Life can be very bittersweet.
In conclusion, some of you have asked about the whereabouts of our official mascot, CHIEF IWANAWIN. He attended our last membership meeting. He will join us at events. But, other than that, he stands proudly in my office/studio.
I recently put him to work as an assistant producer whenever I record. He looks rather handsome with headphones...don't you agree? GO CUBBIES!!!!!!
I can’t think of a better time to put your voice to good use because I know this is a very frustrating time for Cubs fans. We’re biting nails! We know the clock is ticking! WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?
In my mind (whatever is in there) I think of this season as being bittersweet. There’s a lot of yin and yang!
For instance…Pete Crow Armstrong has added something special to the Cubs. It’s a refreshing energy nobody expected to build to hurricane proportions. But, the wind has blown out of his "AT BATS" in the second half. In addition, his recent knee injury has me concerned.
We lost a Cubbie ambassador and gained another. The loss of Ryno faded the colors of this season. But, good news has arrived regarding Rizzo's retirement as a Cub.
Cubs World Chatter reported earlier this year that Ronnie "WOO WOO" has an extremely serious lung issue. In a very respectful gesture, management brought him from his special facility directly to a luxury box for a game!
Of course, we lost our good friend, Jim Guleserian. Early this year, he gave a wonderful fin- filled and energetic performance in my musical, DREAM ROAD. Soon after, he was gone. Yes. Life can be very bittersweet.
In conclusion, some of you have asked about the whereabouts of our official mascot, CHIEF IWANAWIN. He attended our last membership meeting. He will join us at events. But, other than that, he stands proudly in my office/studio.
I recently put him to work as an assistant producer whenever I record. He looks rather handsome with headphones...don't you agree? GO CUBBIES!!!!!!
