WELCOME BACK TO BASEBALL!
After a 99 day lockout, it appears that we will be having baseball this season after all! There are suddenly smiles throughout Cubs World.!
Please check out Jack Hebron's offering. We also would love to hear your opinion about this lockout and its ramifications. What are your feelings? We are always interested in your comments.
Cubs World Chatter would like to thank our good friend Tony in Arizona who was prepared and excited to once again report to us from Sloan Park. He even had tickets for several games. Your insights are always welcome Tony!
After a 99 day lockout, it appears that we will be having baseball this season after all! There are suddenly smiles throughout Cubs World.!
Please check out Jack Hebron's offering. We also would love to hear your opinion about this lockout and its ramifications. What are your feelings? We are always interested in your comments.
Cubs World Chatter would like to thank our good friend Tony in Arizona who was prepared and excited to once again report to us from Sloan Park. He even had tickets for several games. Your insights are always welcome Tony!
ON DECK FOR CUBS WORLD!!!!
APRIL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
GUEST SPEAKER...Cody Hills (Sportswriter for the Daily Sun)
MAY MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Cubs Trivia by Greg Golden
APRIL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
GUEST SPEAKER...Cody Hills (Sportswriter for the Daily Sun)
MAY MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Cubs Trivia by Greg Golden
OPENING DAY GAME WATCH!!!!!
Cubs World members- get your pencils and scorecards ready for the opening lineup for the first game of the year. We’re playing Milwaukee Thursday April 7th at City Fire restaurant in Lake Sumter Landing. Game time is 2:20. We always start arriving as early as 1:30. We always have 50/50 raffle, pick a Cub, and pick the score to add fun to the watch.
Look forward to seeing you all there.
Cubs World members- get your pencils and scorecards ready for the opening lineup for the first game of the year. We’re playing Milwaukee Thursday April 7th at City Fire restaurant in Lake Sumter Landing. Game time is 2:20. We always start arriving as early as 1:30. We always have 50/50 raffle, pick a Cub, and pick the score to add fun to the watch.
Look forward to seeing you all there.
LOOK FOR THE RED WORD!
After a long winter's hibernation and visiting relatives in the Ocala National Park, Clark the Bear has sprung to life and is here to remind us to search for a word printed in red placed somewhere within this newsletter. Once you find it, write it down on a piece of paper or a card and bring it to our next regular membership meeting so that you will be eligible for a gift card!
We'd like to thank Clark for participating with the Cubs World Chatter. We hope the season begins for you and the entire baseball loving world. If not, we wouldn't blame you if you felt compelled to sleep a little more.
After a long winter's hibernation and visiting relatives in the Ocala National Park, Clark the Bear has sprung to life and is here to remind us to search for a word printed in red placed somewhere within this newsletter. Once you find it, write it down on a piece of paper or a card and bring it to our next regular membership meeting so that you will be eligible for a gift card!
We'd like to thank Clark for participating with the Cubs World Chatter. We hope the season begins for you and the entire baseball loving world. If not, we wouldn't blame you if you felt compelled to sleep a little more.
DAN SCHLOSSBERG WOWS MEMBERSHIP MEETING
by Dan Marx
Cubs World members who are able to attend our monthly membership meetings are always privy to tremendous insight into the game of baseball, and more specifically the colorful history of our beloved Chicago Cubs.
Dan Schlossberg is an author who has written over 40 books relating to baseball. During our meeting , March 7th, he told us many stories and shared his strong opinions with us.
He had a particular interest in the goings on in the broadcast booth. He was particularly interested in the relationship between Milo Hamilton and Harry Caray. In his book, he recollected how Hamilton and Caray both started their career in the same booth with the legendary Cardinals announcer, Jack Buck. I can’t imagine those 3 egos worked well together. Caray and Hamilton were at odds with each other ever since.
Schlossberg related to us how one of the greatest experiences of his life was participating in Cubs fantasy camp that Randy Huntley ran for years. There were so many of the Cubs from the 1969 team at the camp, and he was surprised at how helpful and “real” so many of the ball players were.
He thought that Derek Jeter would make a great arbitrator to settle the lockout, and he hated Manfred and Tony Clark for the way they were totally disregarding the fans and not getting the lockout settled quickly. He then ended the evening by throwing out many Cubs trivia questions. I also think he was surprised at how many of the answers our members knew.
But the evening would never be complete without Let’s Play Too with Jim Guleserian. And, it was a special evening in that we all went straight to the seventh inning stretch. Jim showed a dozen of the greatest ( funniest) 7th inning stretches ever at Wrigley. From Harry Caray’s very last stretch to Mike Ditka’s speed singing to Eddie Vedder’s drunkenness to Ozzy Osbourne’s total incoherence. It was hysterical.
by Dan Marx
Cubs World members who are able to attend our monthly membership meetings are always privy to tremendous insight into the game of baseball, and more specifically the colorful history of our beloved Chicago Cubs.
Dan Schlossberg is an author who has written over 40 books relating to baseball. During our meeting , March 7th, he told us many stories and shared his strong opinions with us.
He had a particular interest in the goings on in the broadcast booth. He was particularly interested in the relationship between Milo Hamilton and Harry Caray. In his book, he recollected how Hamilton and Caray both started their career in the same booth with the legendary Cardinals announcer, Jack Buck. I can’t imagine those 3 egos worked well together. Caray and Hamilton were at odds with each other ever since.
Schlossberg related to us how one of the greatest experiences of his life was participating in Cubs fantasy camp that Randy Huntley ran for years. There were so many of the Cubs from the 1969 team at the camp, and he was surprised at how helpful and “real” so many of the ball players were.
He thought that Derek Jeter would make a great arbitrator to settle the lockout, and he hated Manfred and Tony Clark for the way they were totally disregarding the fans and not getting the lockout settled quickly. He then ended the evening by throwing out many Cubs trivia questions. I also think he was surprised at how many of the answers our members knew.
But the evening would never be complete without Let’s Play Too with Jim Guleserian. And, it was a special evening in that we all went straight to the seventh inning stretch. Jim showed a dozen of the greatest ( funniest) 7th inning stretches ever at Wrigley. From Harry Caray’s very last stretch to Mike Ditka’s speed singing to Eddie Vedder’s drunkenness to Ozzy Osbourne’s total incoherence. It was hysterical.
BLEACHER BUM REPORT
by Jack Hebron
Well, guess what? Yes, we will have a 2022 season after all and it will include all 162 games. This will be accomplished thanks to what is known as a ''doubleheader". You remember those don't you? Back in the day, when all of us were much much younger. The Cubs would have a doubleheader on every holiday like the 4th of July and Labor Day. Wrigley Field would also have two games on most Sundays. With the first game played at noon. You could always count on seeing Bob Gibson vs Ferguson Jenkins in game two. The upper deck seats would only be opened for those games. The rest of the season there would be no butts in those seats.
Now who have the Cubs signed very recently? Signed to a minor contract are pitched Kevin McCarthy and pitcher Eric Stout. We also signed Andrelton Simmons for one year. He plays shortstop. I see him on the bench with the Cubs signing another player real soon for that position. Could it be Carlos Carrea? He's been with Houston for seven years with a career batting average of .277 with 133 home runs. Not too shabby if you ask me! There will of course be more signings before Opening Day.
If your still thinking about Anthony Rizzo coming back to our Cubbies, so am I. He still has not signed with any team and rumors persist the Cubs would still love to have him back at first base.
Finally, hidden deep in the recent players and owners proposal is this little nugget. If the All Star game is tied after nine innings it will be decided by HOME RUN DERBY! I like that idea, And I think the fans will love it too! PLAY BALL!
by Jack Hebron
Well, guess what? Yes, we will have a 2022 season after all and it will include all 162 games. This will be accomplished thanks to what is known as a ''doubleheader". You remember those don't you? Back in the day, when all of us were much much younger. The Cubs would have a doubleheader on every holiday like the 4th of July and Labor Day. Wrigley Field would also have two games on most Sundays. With the first game played at noon. You could always count on seeing Bob Gibson vs Ferguson Jenkins in game two. The upper deck seats would only be opened for those games. The rest of the season there would be no butts in those seats.
Now who have the Cubs signed very recently? Signed to a minor contract are pitched Kevin McCarthy and pitcher Eric Stout. We also signed Andrelton Simmons for one year. He plays shortstop. I see him on the bench with the Cubs signing another player real soon for that position. Could it be Carlos Carrea? He's been with Houston for seven years with a career batting average of .277 with 133 home runs. Not too shabby if you ask me! There will of course be more signings before Opening Day.
If your still thinking about Anthony Rizzo coming back to our Cubbies, so am I. He still has not signed with any team and rumors persist the Cubs would still love to have him back at first base.
Finally, hidden deep in the recent players and owners proposal is this little nugget. If the All Star game is tied after nine innings it will be decided by HOME RUN DERBY! I like that idea, And I think the fans will love it too! PLAY BALL!
DICK STONE IS ROCK SOLID AND BUSY!
by Wayne Richards
Detroit is many things. It is known as the "Largest city in Michigan" , the home of "Motown" and according to our good friend Dick Stone, the bowling capital of the nation! Stone grew up in Detroit sharpening his skills in the alleys of the "Motor City".
"After earning an mba degree in college, I started work for a consulting firm," said Stone. "It seems like I was on the road all the time. I couldn't help but think that there must be more to life than work."
This is exactly why Dick focuses on the passions in his life such as his wife Cathy, seven children and 14 grandchildren. His love for baseball materialized during a move to the Chicago area. "Since we were north-siders, we became interested in the Cubs," said Stone. "You might say, we were bitten by the bug!" It was a bit of a jaunt from Libertyville to the "friendly confines" but they made the trek at least a few times a year.
Dick has memories that will remain forever. "I was at the Bartman game." he said. "I was actually on a roof top in right field! I remember seeing a police calvary gathering outside. I was also there when Greg Maddux was pitching and it started snowing in the middle of the game. Finally, the sun came out and there was a standing ovation!"
In 2010, the Stones moved to the Villages. In addition to softball, pickle ball and golf, Stone has left an indelible mark with regard to his three night per week passion for bowling, He has an amazing seven 300 games under his belt!
It is only fit and proper that Dick eventually met two other enthusiastic individuals named Dave Gran and Dan Marx. Together, they pieced together the concept for Cubs World and sent out feelers to see how people would react and if they would be interested. With 400+ members, that question has definitely been answered.
by Wayne Richards
Detroit is many things. It is known as the "Largest city in Michigan" , the home of "Motown" and according to our good friend Dick Stone, the bowling capital of the nation! Stone grew up in Detroit sharpening his skills in the alleys of the "Motor City".
"After earning an mba degree in college, I started work for a consulting firm," said Stone. "It seems like I was on the road all the time. I couldn't help but think that there must be more to life than work."
This is exactly why Dick focuses on the passions in his life such as his wife Cathy, seven children and 14 grandchildren. His love for baseball materialized during a move to the Chicago area. "Since we were north-siders, we became interested in the Cubs," said Stone. "You might say, we were bitten by the bug!" It was a bit of a jaunt from Libertyville to the "friendly confines" but they made the trek at least a few times a year.
Dick has memories that will remain forever. "I was at the Bartman game." he said. "I was actually on a roof top in right field! I remember seeing a police calvary gathering outside. I was also there when Greg Maddux was pitching and it started snowing in the middle of the game. Finally, the sun came out and there was a standing ovation!"
In 2010, the Stones moved to the Villages. In addition to softball, pickle ball and golf, Stone has left an indelible mark with regard to his three night per week passion for bowling, He has an amazing seven 300 games under his belt!
It is only fit and proper that Dick eventually met two other enthusiastic individuals named Dave Gran and Dan Marx. Together, they pieced together the concept for Cubs World and sent out feelers to see how people would react and if they would be interested. With 400+ members, that question has definitely been answered.
KEEPING UP APPEARANCES
by Wayne Richards
If you are an individual that has never had the pleasure of visiting Wrigley Field, you have missed one of the most breathtaking vistas your eyes will ever fall upon! Only the Grand Canyon can top the sheer beauty within the "friendly confines".
The lush quality of the field and the green ivy on the wall doesn't just happen! It takes a crew of 75 turf and landscaping specialists to get the job done.
by Wayne Richards
If you are an individual that has never had the pleasure of visiting Wrigley Field, you have missed one of the most breathtaking vistas your eyes will ever fall upon! Only the Grand Canyon can top the sheer beauty within the "friendly confines".
The lush quality of the field and the green ivy on the wall doesn't just happen! It takes a crew of 75 turf and landscaping specialists to get the job done.
Don't let any photos of individuals hosing a bit here and there confuse you. It takes an irrigation system of 99 spouts strategically placed throughout the field to get the job done.
Then, when it rains, the tarps must be rolled out within minutes. To remove them, at least 15 to 20 people are needed to get the job done quickly and efficiently. (Do any Cubs World members ever dream of using these tarps as a "slip and slide?")
Then, when it rains, the tarps must be rolled out within minutes. To remove them, at least 15 to 20 people are needed to get the job done quickly and efficiently. (Do any Cubs World members ever dream of using these tarps as a "slip and slide?")
Many of us who live in the Villages are interested in maintaining lawns in a manner in which are appealing and attractive. But if you wish to bring your lawn to the luster of Wrigley there are some things you must do.
First, plant Oregon four blend bluegrass at the start of March. Just to confuse you this grass is processed in Wisconsin.
Next, it's important to aerate and inject air several inches below the surface. At wrigley there is a $40,000 machine used to do this called the "AIR2D2".
Now if you actually play baseball on your lawn it is very important to pay close attention to the dirt. It needs to be soft as possible to get the proper bounce off a ball. Also, tell your landscaper to cut the grass every day to ensure it is 11/8th of an inch tall.
If you're planning to hold a concert on the lawn, please do it on your driveway instead. The groundskeepers will deeply appreciate it.
First, plant Oregon four blend bluegrass at the start of March. Just to confuse you this grass is processed in Wisconsin.
Next, it's important to aerate and inject air several inches below the surface. At wrigley there is a $40,000 machine used to do this called the "AIR2D2".
Now if you actually play baseball on your lawn it is very important to pay close attention to the dirt. It needs to be soft as possible to get the proper bounce off a ball. Also, tell your landscaper to cut the grass every day to ensure it is 11/8th of an inch tall.
If you're planning to hold a concert on the lawn, please do it on your driveway instead. The groundskeepers will deeply appreciate it.
DO YOU REMEMBER THIS BEACH BOYS SONG WRITTEN FOR THE CUBBIES?
In 1987 the ever popular and legendary Beach Boys were hired by WGN in Chicago to compose and record a tune for the men in blue. HERE COMES THE NIGHT sparked some interest among fans, but never really took flight.
Not all the Beach Boys were on hand to piece together this recording intended for a musical kick off for radio broadcasts. Do you remember it?
click here
In 1987 the ever popular and legendary Beach Boys were hired by WGN in Chicago to compose and record a tune for the men in blue. HERE COMES THE NIGHT sparked some interest among fans, but never really took flight.
Not all the Beach Boys were on hand to piece together this recording intended for a musical kick off for radio broadcasts. Do you remember it?
click here
THINGS MAY BE GETTING BIGGER IN BASEBALL
Here is something Cubs World members may want to ponder and respond to. Major League Baseball is proposing to increase the size of bases. Maybe it is only a matter of time before they want to add dimension on balls, bats and other items.
Last year, minor league fields were used to experiment with different sized bases. The bases , usually 15 inches, were expanded to 18. Why was this done?
The theory is that the larger the base is, the less likely there would be collisions with runners. It also is thought that these new bases will generate more successful and numerous stolen base attempts.
During last season, it was reported by MLB that there were less injuries.
Here is something Cubs World members may want to ponder and respond to. Major League Baseball is proposing to increase the size of bases. Maybe it is only a matter of time before they want to add dimension on balls, bats and other items.
Last year, minor league fields were used to experiment with different sized bases. The bases , usually 15 inches, were expanded to 18. Why was this done?
The theory is that the larger the base is, the less likely there would be collisions with runners. It also is thought that these new bases will generate more successful and numerous stolen base attempts.
During last season, it was reported by MLB that there were less injuries.
HITTING THE BIG TIME!
by Wayne Richards
I've always felt that BIG IS BETTER...except, of course, during tax time. When it comes to baseball, everything seems big... particularly admission and concession prices!
I remember driving around Chicago serving as a tour guide when we had visitors from out of town. I drove them on Sheffield and they looked quite confused as to why I was taking them through a residential area. My route was intentional. I smiled with satisfaction as their faces beamed when big, beautiful Wrigley Field came into view!
Many people love surprising sights and unusual attractions, particularly when they are baseball related. So please, let me be your tour guide.
Our first stop is at the LOUISVILLE SLUGGER MUSEUM in (you guessed it) Louisville, Kentucky. Right against the old building you will find the world's largest baseball bat. It is made of carbon steel and stands a mere 120 feet tall!
by Wayne Richards
I've always felt that BIG IS BETTER...except, of course, during tax time. When it comes to baseball, everything seems big... particularly admission and concession prices!
I remember driving around Chicago serving as a tour guide when we had visitors from out of town. I drove them on Sheffield and they looked quite confused as to why I was taking them through a residential area. My route was intentional. I smiled with satisfaction as their faces beamed when big, beautiful Wrigley Field came into view!
Many people love surprising sights and unusual attractions, particularly when they are baseball related. So please, let me be your tour guide.
Our first stop is at the LOUISVILLE SLUGGER MUSEUM in (you guessed it) Louisville, Kentucky. Right against the old building you will find the world's largest baseball bat. It is made of carbon steel and stands a mere 120 feet tall!
Next we head to Muscotah, Kansas (I hear the food is good) to see the world's largest baseball standing in a lonely field. The ball is twenty feet wide and was erected as a tribute to hall of famer Joe Tinker, who helped the Chicago Cubs win the 1908 World Series.
The city fathers of Muscotah have been doing their level best to keep the ball in good shape. There is a lot of metal involved since it was constructed using an old water tower. There are plans to eventually convert the structure into a museum.
The city fathers of Muscotah have been doing their level best to keep the ball in good shape. There is a lot of metal involved since it was constructed using an old water tower. There are plans to eventually convert the structure into a museum.
While we stop at a rest area, please relax in this very comfortable glove chair made by Rawlings. This is a real item and can be purchased in addition to sports equipment.
As far as the world's largest mitt is concerned, we'd have to travel up to Alberta, Canada. Its a beautiful up there and I've visited many times, but I'm concerned about their size perception skills.
It is called Heisler's mitt and stands tall. Heisler is a sweet little town with horses, churches and wide open fields. Local baseball is very popular there. Heisler is just as, if not, more difficult to find than the field of Dreams in Iowa.
Next, we head for the airport because we need to head to South Korea. Why?
We are going to feast our eyes on the world's largest score board.
As far as the world's largest mitt is concerned, we'd have to travel up to Alberta, Canada. Its a beautiful up there and I've visited many times, but I'm concerned about their size perception skills.
It is called Heisler's mitt and stands tall. Heisler is a sweet little town with horses, churches and wide open fields. Local baseball is very popular there. Heisler is just as, if not, more difficult to find than the field of Dreams in Iowa.
Next, we head for the airport because we need to head to South Korea. Why?
We are going to feast our eyes on the world's largest score board.
Welcome to SK Wyverns Munhak Baseball stadium in Incheon, South Korea! The world's largest score board is adorned with LED technology.
Designed by Samsung, it is specially designed to handle bad weather. The sign not only features scores and stats, but will also display personal text messages from fans!
Wow! I wonder if they have bleacher bums!
Now there's a thought!
Designed by Samsung, it is specially designed to handle bad weather. The sign not only features scores and stats, but will also display personal text messages from fans!
Wow! I wonder if they have bleacher bums!
Now there's a thought!
LETS GO CUBBIES!!!
With the world seemingly so tense, it is a relief that baseball is returning. America's pastime is an important element in our lives and offers diversion from a troubled world.
As for how the Cubs will do this season, statistical experts and analysts are not painting a pretty picture. But we've gone through all this before.
Here is one final question to ponder. Dave Ross has been signed to a multiple years deal. Opinions?
In the meantime....LET'S PLAY BALL!!!!!
With the world seemingly so tense, it is a relief that baseball is returning. America's pastime is an important element in our lives and offers diversion from a troubled world.
As for how the Cubs will do this season, statistical experts and analysts are not painting a pretty picture. But we've gone through all this before.
Here is one final question to ponder. Dave Ross has been signed to a multiple years deal. Opinions?
In the meantime....LET'S PLAY BALL!!!!!