ON DECK (March and April)
Be sure to attend the next membership meeting on March 7th. Our guest speaker will be award winning author Dan Schlossburg, "THE BASEBALL GURU" He has penned 33 books and thousands of articles.
Dan will have plenty of interesting stories and will provide a focus on the Cubs.
Then, On April 4th the Daily Sun's sports reporter, Cody Hill, will once again enlighten us with insight and stories. He is a big time Cubs fan and we are happy to have him in our midst. Both meeting will be held at Colony.
Be sure to attend the next membership meeting on March 7th. Our guest speaker will be award winning author Dan Schlossburg, "THE BASEBALL GURU" He has penned 33 books and thousands of articles.
Dan will have plenty of interesting stories and will provide a focus on the Cubs.
Then, On April 4th the Daily Sun's sports reporter, Cody Hill, will once again enlighten us with insight and stories. He is a big time Cubs fan and we are happy to have him in our midst. Both meeting will be held at Colony.
SPEAKER SET FOR MARCH MEMBERSHIP MEETING
by Dan Marx
Kudos always go out to Gary Koca, our speaker seeker, for always finding these diamonds in the rough. This month's speaker, Dan Schlossberg, is a renowned baseball author. With all of the books he has written , one can only imagine all of the great stories that he has to tell us.
Besides, with a first name of Dan, you know he has to be good!
by Dan Marx
Kudos always go out to Gary Koca, our speaker seeker, for always finding these diamonds in the rough. This month's speaker, Dan Schlossberg, is a renowned baseball author. With all of the books he has written , one can only imagine all of the great stories that he has to tell us.
Besides, with a first name of Dan, you know he has to be good!
The author of 40 baseball books, Dan Schlossberg is an award-winning writer who has written over 40 books about baseball. He also launched the baseball theme cruise format, aboard Cunard’s QE2 in 1981, and has created, coordinated, and hosted more than two-dozen since.
A full-time freelancer since 1986, Dan has been published by Baseball Digest, Baseball Illustrated, the official World Series and All-Star programs, and many other on-line and print periodicals. He has also won numerous awards, including the first-ever Journalist of the Year for Historic Hotels of America in 2015, and is a member of the 2021 edition of Who’s Who in America.
His book, Making Airwaves, covers the career of former Chicago Cub announcer Milo Hamilton, including his controversial working relationship with Harry Caray.
Don't miss this event! March 7th at Colony.
A full-time freelancer since 1986, Dan has been published by Baseball Digest, Baseball Illustrated, the official World Series and All-Star programs, and many other on-line and print periodicals. He has also won numerous awards, including the first-ever Journalist of the Year for Historic Hotels of America in 2015, and is a member of the 2021 edition of Who’s Who in America.
His book, Making Airwaves, covers the career of former Chicago Cub announcer Milo Hamilton, including his controversial working relationship with Harry Caray.
Don't miss this event! March 7th at Colony.
LOOK FOR THAT RED WORD!
Here it is! The February edition of our newsletter. At this publishing, baseball is still on lockdown mode. There seems to be little or no progress trying to resolve this issue.
In the meantime, we hope these publications bring you a little bit of light in a dark baseball world. We could all use some.
As you peruse our offerings, please remember to watch for a word printed in RED. That word could mean a prize for you. All you have to do is write it down on a piece of paper and bring it to our next regular membership meeting.
Here it is! The February edition of our newsletter. At this publishing, baseball is still on lockdown mode. There seems to be little or no progress trying to resolve this issue.
In the meantime, we hope these publications bring you a little bit of light in a dark baseball world. We could all use some.
As you peruse our offerings, please remember to watch for a word printed in RED. That word could mean a prize for you. All you have to do is write it down on a piece of paper and bring it to our next regular membership meeting.
ESPN'S STEVE RUSSELL ADDRESSES CUBS WORLD
by Dan Marx
Cubs World members have been fortunate enough to to have listened to ESPN commentators in the last few months. They are so articulate and so comfortable speaking and are happy to share their strong opinions with us. This makes for a great question and answer period after their talk.
Our speaker at the February meeting was Steve Russell. Steve grew up in the New York area, but has spent most of his career in the Gainesville area. Steve has been the ESPN Gainesville sports director for almost 25 years, and also hosts a call in radio talk show. He knows David Ross quite well, and even shared a text that he received from Rossie that evening.
He has interviewed many famous athletes, and one of his favorite memories is his connection with the Maris family. Growing up in New York, he was a huge fan of Roger Maris. And he was thrilled when he heard that Maris had acquired a Budweiser dealership in Gainesville.
He was pretty frank about the prognosis for our Cubbies this season ( if there is one), and it wasn’t pretty. He thought that unless we had good luck during free agency, it was going to be a long season for us.
He also shared his strong views on Bonds, Schilling, Clemens, Sosa etc. not getting into the Hall of Fame. He thinks they should all be in.
And, of course,Jim Gulesarian chipped in with his Let’s Play Too edition. He went over HIS top 25 baseball movies. Interestingly enough, there was no number 25 movie. And then we fast forward to his number 1 movie, It Happens Every Spring. Alas, Pride of the Yankees came in second.
by Dan Marx
Cubs World members have been fortunate enough to to have listened to ESPN commentators in the last few months. They are so articulate and so comfortable speaking and are happy to share their strong opinions with us. This makes for a great question and answer period after their talk.
Our speaker at the February meeting was Steve Russell. Steve grew up in the New York area, but has spent most of his career in the Gainesville area. Steve has been the ESPN Gainesville sports director for almost 25 years, and also hosts a call in radio talk show. He knows David Ross quite well, and even shared a text that he received from Rossie that evening.
He has interviewed many famous athletes, and one of his favorite memories is his connection with the Maris family. Growing up in New York, he was a huge fan of Roger Maris. And he was thrilled when he heard that Maris had acquired a Budweiser dealership in Gainesville.
He was pretty frank about the prognosis for our Cubbies this season ( if there is one), and it wasn’t pretty. He thought that unless we had good luck during free agency, it was going to be a long season for us.
He also shared his strong views on Bonds, Schilling, Clemens, Sosa etc. not getting into the Hall of Fame. He thinks they should all be in.
And, of course,Jim Gulesarian chipped in with his Let’s Play Too edition. He went over HIS top 25 baseball movies. Interestingly enough, there was no number 25 movie. And then we fast forward to his number 1 movie, It Happens Every Spring. Alas, Pride of the Yankees came in second.
THE BLEACHER BUM REPORT
by Jack Hebron
Zip, Zilch, and Nothing! Those three words sums up the current status of baseball and the players union for a new contract. Both sides are not even talking right now. I doubt they will even do so for at least another month. Both sides as usual will use Opening Day as a bargaining tool. It's a tired act that has been used countless times before in all professional sports. As each week goes by the probability of a shortened season will increase. Both sides look dug in as of now!
Baseball expert, Bruce Levine thinks the Cubs are licking at their chops for the free agency to start. And they will offer a brand new contract to Anthony Rizzo that will keep him at the Cubs for a longer period. But, for that to happen a new contract must be signed by both sides. Everything is in a holding pattern right now. I wouldn't hold my breath.
Fun facts: What's in the Hall of Fame! Caray's oversized, dark-rimmed eyewear came to be inextricably linked with the Hall of Fame broadcaster, as much as his exclamations ("Holy Cow!") and renditions of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" during the seventh-inning stretch of games played at Wrigley Field. You can see this in Cooperstown.
Glove worn by Hall of Fame second baseman Johnny Evers.
Cap worn by Greg Maddux during his 300th victory.
Andre Dawson's cap he wore during his 1987 MVP year.
Ernie Banks' Hall of Fame plaque and his #14 jersey.
Watch fob and medal from 1907. Back in the day the winners of the World Series didn't get a ring. They got a gold watch fob and medal. In previous years the champs of baseball would had received belt buckles and stick pins.
The actual second base that was Ben Zobrist's destination when he smacked a tie-breaking double in the 10th inning of Game 7 of the 2016 World Series in Cleveland.
Twenty years ago when I visited Cooperstown I tried to donate my yellow Bleacher Bum helmet to the hall. They handed me a dozen pages to fill out and then send them back to them for review. Sad to say, I never heard back from them.
Spring is now just around the corner so let's hope for the best that we will have baseball in 2022.
by Jack Hebron
Zip, Zilch, and Nothing! Those three words sums up the current status of baseball and the players union for a new contract. Both sides are not even talking right now. I doubt they will even do so for at least another month. Both sides as usual will use Opening Day as a bargaining tool. It's a tired act that has been used countless times before in all professional sports. As each week goes by the probability of a shortened season will increase. Both sides look dug in as of now!
Baseball expert, Bruce Levine thinks the Cubs are licking at their chops for the free agency to start. And they will offer a brand new contract to Anthony Rizzo that will keep him at the Cubs for a longer period. But, for that to happen a new contract must be signed by both sides. Everything is in a holding pattern right now. I wouldn't hold my breath.
Fun facts: What's in the Hall of Fame! Caray's oversized, dark-rimmed eyewear came to be inextricably linked with the Hall of Fame broadcaster, as much as his exclamations ("Holy Cow!") and renditions of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" during the seventh-inning stretch of games played at Wrigley Field. You can see this in Cooperstown.
Glove worn by Hall of Fame second baseman Johnny Evers.
Cap worn by Greg Maddux during his 300th victory.
Andre Dawson's cap he wore during his 1987 MVP year.
Ernie Banks' Hall of Fame plaque and his #14 jersey.
Watch fob and medal from 1907. Back in the day the winners of the World Series didn't get a ring. They got a gold watch fob and medal. In previous years the champs of baseball would had received belt buckles and stick pins.
The actual second base that was Ben Zobrist's destination when he smacked a tie-breaking double in the 10th inning of Game 7 of the 2016 World Series in Cleveland.
Twenty years ago when I visited Cooperstown I tried to donate my yellow Bleacher Bum helmet to the hall. They handed me a dozen pages to fill out and then send them back to them for review. Sad to say, I never heard back from them.
Spring is now just around the corner so let's hope for the best that we will have baseball in 2022.
HAVE AN OPINION? LET'S HEAR FROM YOU!
The staff of CUBS WORLD CHATTER would like to thank the wonderful folks who have given us their opinions and insight. We are encouraging everyone to join in the fun and contribute to our blog. Your opinions are important!!!
The staff of CUBS WORLD CHATTER would like to thank the wonderful folks who have given us their opinions and insight. We are encouraging everyone to join in the fun and contribute to our blog. Your opinions are important!!!
IMPORTANT FOLKS TO RECOGNIZE
by Dan Marx
When all of our members attend our meetings, I wanted to make you all aware of all the names behind the faces involved in the whole process. I like to think of this as our honor roll of unsung heroes.
Before you first enter the room, you are greeted by Chuck Lindsoe, who checks your ID card, and then Sharon Adochio (our treasurer), and Rick Baas ( membership director) and his wife Coral. They are all there to help and answer any questions you might have.
When you enter the room, along the back wall we have Barb Lindsoe and Angie Pagoria who are there to sell the 50/50tickets and collect your tickets for the red word drawing.
Then we have our very knowledgeable librarian, Cindy Bellovary, ( a REAL librarian) who has laid out our very extensive collection of Cubs books and baseball related books that are there for you to check out. You won’t find a better collection any place else in The Villages. You really should take out some of these books. You never know when you might read something that could help you and your table win prizes during Jim Gulesarian’s Cubs IQ test.
And last but not least along the back of the wall , we have our food servers, Dan and Mary Ellen Marrello , and Ron and Sandy Plano. They are not only our servers, but they are also involved in finding the restaurants and planning the menu.
Also special thanks to Carole Mulder who helps us out wherever she can as a rover. 50/50. library, meal preparation, and water and coffee setup.
These members are all selfless volunteers who do a great job. Because of the work that they do, they don’t always get to sit in at a table during dinner time and socialize with the rest of the members. Please know that your outstanding work is always appreciated.
HATS OFF TO ALL OF YOU !!
by Dan Marx
When all of our members attend our meetings, I wanted to make you all aware of all the names behind the faces involved in the whole process. I like to think of this as our honor roll of unsung heroes.
Before you first enter the room, you are greeted by Chuck Lindsoe, who checks your ID card, and then Sharon Adochio (our treasurer), and Rick Baas ( membership director) and his wife Coral. They are all there to help and answer any questions you might have.
When you enter the room, along the back wall we have Barb Lindsoe and Angie Pagoria who are there to sell the 50/50tickets and collect your tickets for the red word drawing.
Then we have our very knowledgeable librarian, Cindy Bellovary, ( a REAL librarian) who has laid out our very extensive collection of Cubs books and baseball related books that are there for you to check out. You won’t find a better collection any place else in The Villages. You really should take out some of these books. You never know when you might read something that could help you and your table win prizes during Jim Gulesarian’s Cubs IQ test.
And last but not least along the back of the wall , we have our food servers, Dan and Mary Ellen Marrello , and Ron and Sandy Plano. They are not only our servers, but they are also involved in finding the restaurants and planning the menu.
Also special thanks to Carole Mulder who helps us out wherever she can as a rover. 50/50. library, meal preparation, and water and coffee setup.
These members are all selfless volunteers who do a great job. Because of the work that they do, they don’t always get to sit in at a table during dinner time and socialize with the rest of the members. Please know that your outstanding work is always appreciated.
HATS OFF TO ALL OF YOU !!
NO HALL OF FAME FOR SOSA
What do Sami Sosa, Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds have in common? They all have been refused entry to the Baseball Hall of Fame. This, of course, has caused a very strong debate amongst fans.
There is no denying that Sosa's home run race with Mark McGwire was an incredible moment in the history of baseball. The year was 1988 when McGwire and Sosa broke the home run record of 61 held by Roger Marris. When the race was over, Mcgwire had 70 and Sosa had 66.
The unfortunate use of steroids has darkened the brightness that these two brought to the game, particularly for the Cubs.
What are your feelings about this? Please write to us and let us know!
Your opinions matter!
What do Sami Sosa, Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds have in common? They all have been refused entry to the Baseball Hall of Fame. This, of course, has caused a very strong debate amongst fans.
There is no denying that Sosa's home run race with Mark McGwire was an incredible moment in the history of baseball. The year was 1988 when McGwire and Sosa broke the home run record of 61 held by Roger Marris. When the race was over, Mcgwire had 70 and Sosa had 66.
The unfortunate use of steroids has darkened the brightness that these two brought to the game, particularly for the Cubs.
What are your feelings about this? Please write to us and let us know!
Your opinions matter!
25 YEARS HAVE PASSED!
by Wayne Richards
It is hard to believe that this year marks the 25th year that the radio and television airwaves have been devoid of the familiar vocal tones of Harry Carey. He was a beloved figure in Chicago and a respected broadcaster around the world. Even during my numerous trips to Europe, I discovered that people knew who he was, primarily because of Will Farell's appearances on Saturday Night Live, which wasn't live overseas, but still very popular.
by Wayne Richards
It is hard to believe that this year marks the 25th year that the radio and television airwaves have been devoid of the familiar vocal tones of Harry Carey. He was a beloved figure in Chicago and a respected broadcaster around the world. Even during my numerous trips to Europe, I discovered that people knew who he was, primarily because of Will Farell's appearances on Saturday Night Live, which wasn't live overseas, but still very popular.
Harry inspired many imitators. Among the best was comedian / actor John Campanera. Two Cubs legends also rendered respectable versions...Ryan Dempster (not too bad) and Brendan Ryan (who....um....tried.) Another ball player not even on the Cubs roster gave it a whack...Orioles reliever, T.J Mcfarland. This makes complete sense since he grew in Palos Park. Another gentleman named Elliot Johnson did his best. He played for the Rays, Braves and Indians (oops I mean the Guardians.)
I'm sure we all have grandfathers, uncles , aunts and other assorted family members and friends who probably do better imitations than all the aforementioned. Here is an idea! At one of these membership meetings, let's have a Harry Carey imitation contest! Perhaps a first and second prize could be awarded.
I'm sure we all have grandfathers, uncles , aunts and other assorted family members and friends who probably do better imitations than all the aforementioned. Here is an idea! At one of these membership meetings, let's have a Harry Carey imitation contest! Perhaps a first and second prize could be awarded.
As a special treat for you, here is (in my opinion and for all intents and purposes) the funniest treatment of Harry Carey I've ever seen! It makes me laugh every time I view it and I hope it does the same for you.
click here
click here
ALL IS QUIET IN ARIZONA
By Wayne Richards
(with special guest Tony Diliberto)
Despite the baseball lockout, there still is an air of optimism that things will be settled and baseball will begin to fill our lives with enjoyment again. There is at least one individual out West who thinks everything will be fine. For two seasons, my good friend Tony Diliberto and his wife have been kind enough to file reports on Spring training for Cubs World.
By Wayne Richards
(with special guest Tony Diliberto)
Despite the baseball lockout, there still is an air of optimism that things will be settled and baseball will begin to fill our lives with enjoyment again. There is at least one individual out West who thinks everything will be fine. For two seasons, my good friend Tony Diliberto and his wife have been kind enough to file reports on Spring training for Cubs World.
"I'm very optimistic that spring training will begin," said Tony. But that's the way my buddy and his wife Kathy have always been since I've known them.
Said Diliberto, "They've been working on the field and getting things ready. They are selling tickets." So far he has tickets for two games.
My friends love the lawn seats. "They cost between $15.00 and $25.00. All the rest of the seats are $30.00 and higher. It's a good deal. But they really get you at the concession stands. Beer and sandwiches are in the $10.00 to $12.00 range and parking is $25.00.
The Dilibertos absolutely adore Sloan Park and look forward to every visit. "My favorite area at the facility is place where you can get autographs, " Tony boasted. "Sometimes, a few of the old players gather there."
Tony has about a dozen autographed balls from the likes of Ryan Sandburg, Ernie Banks, RonSanto, Billy Williams and Fergy Jenckens. I think he is the proud owner of other Cubs artifacts. He is a true fan and collector.
I asked Tony if he could hear the games from his house. He revealed that he lives 30 minutes from Sloan. I told him to open his window.
Finally, I asked if he would like to say anything to the membership of Cubs World. "Just one thing, " said he. 'LET'S PLAY BALL!
Said Diliberto, "They've been working on the field and getting things ready. They are selling tickets." So far he has tickets for two games.
My friends love the lawn seats. "They cost between $15.00 and $25.00. All the rest of the seats are $30.00 and higher. It's a good deal. But they really get you at the concession stands. Beer and sandwiches are in the $10.00 to $12.00 range and parking is $25.00.
The Dilibertos absolutely adore Sloan Park and look forward to every visit. "My favorite area at the facility is place where you can get autographs, " Tony boasted. "Sometimes, a few of the old players gather there."
Tony has about a dozen autographed balls from the likes of Ryan Sandburg, Ernie Banks, RonSanto, Billy Williams and Fergy Jenckens. I think he is the proud owner of other Cubs artifacts. He is a true fan and collector.
I asked Tony if he could hear the games from his house. He revealed that he lives 30 minutes from Sloan. I told him to open his window.
Finally, I asked if he would like to say anything to the membership of Cubs World. "Just one thing, " said he. 'LET'S PLAY BALL!
CUBS WORLD LIBRARY IS GROWING!
Ok. So our library isn't quite as big as pictured here. But it is filled with great titles. It is a collection to be proud of and we encourage all Cubs World members to peruse the volumes and check them out if you wish.
Cindy Bellovary is our librarian and has asked that those who do check out books to please return them in a timely manner!
Ok. So our library isn't quite as big as pictured here. But it is filled with great titles. It is a collection to be proud of and we encourage all Cubs World members to peruse the volumes and check them out if you wish.
Cindy Bellovary is our librarian and has asked that those who do check out books to please return them in a timely manner!
RIDICULOUS BALL PARK FOOD
Red hots. Popcorn. Nachos. There's something special about ball park food. But did you know that there are those who work hard to dial up things a notch, as famous chef Emeril Lagasse used to say.
Here is a fascinating video featuring 30 food items that are completely ridiculous and available at ball parks throughout the country. Some of the prices are also ridiculous.
click here
Red hots. Popcorn. Nachos. There's something special about ball park food. But did you know that there are those who work hard to dial up things a notch, as famous chef Emeril Lagasse used to say.
Here is a fascinating video featuring 30 food items that are completely ridiculous and available at ball parks throughout the country. Some of the prices are also ridiculous.
click here
