Welcome to the May edition of the Cubs World Chatter. Yes...it's May already and time marches on! How do you think things are going with the Cubs? Once again...to all Cubs World members, we invite you to send in comments. Let us know what's on your mind. AND NOW....ON WITH THE NEWSLETTER!
ON DECK CIRCLE...UPCOMING EVENTS!!!!
CUBS / PIRATES WATCH PARTY
Saturday, May 18th
Gators in Brownwood
Gather 1:30 Game at 2:20PM.
MONDAY, JUNE 3RD MEMBERSHIP MEETING
with special guest speaker, Franz Beard ( sports media expert)
Colony Cottage 6pm.
TAMPA RAYS BUS TRIP SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 13TH
SOLD OUT!
CUBS / PIRATES WATCH PARTY
Saturday, May 18th
Gators in Brownwood
Gather 1:30 Game at 2:20PM.
MONDAY, JUNE 3RD MEMBERSHIP MEETING
with special guest speaker, Franz Beard ( sports media expert)
Colony Cottage 6pm.
TAMPA RAYS BUS TRIP SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 13TH
SOLD OUT!
ABOUT OUR GUEST SPEAKER
In the 48 years that Franz Beard has been writing about sports, he has covered Super Bowls, World Series, NCAA basketball championships, BCS championship games, heavyweight title fights and what seems like thousands of college football, baseball and basketball games. For a good part of his career, he has been a columnist and special assignments editor for Gator Country, the voice of the University of Florida Gators.
He also does a lot of research on major league baseball teams. For CubsWorld, he will look at the Chicago Cubs top minor league prospects and gave an analysis of each of the top prospects.
SEARCH FOR THE RED WORD
by Wayne Richards
As we do with every edition of the CUBS WORLD CHATTER, we invite you to search through our newsletter for a word printed in RED.
When you find it, write it down on a piece of paper or something and bring it to the next membership meeting on Monday, June 3rd at Colony Cottage. We'll place it in a drawing and you just might win a gift card from Publix! Plus...on occasion...we might present the winners with a little extra prize on occasion.
by Wayne Richards
As we do with every edition of the CUBS WORLD CHATTER, we invite you to search through our newsletter for a word printed in RED.
When you find it, write it down on a piece of paper or something and bring it to the next membership meeting on Monday, June 3rd at Colony Cottage. We'll place it in a drawing and you just might win a gift card from Publix! Plus...on occasion...we might present the winners with a little extra prize on occasion.
WATCH PARTY TIME AGAIN!!!!
This coming May 18th, you are invited to spend a Saturday afternoon at Gators in Brownwood for our next watch party! Our men in blue will be playing the Pirates. Gathering time is 1:30. Game time is 2:20. Great food and drinks! Great company! We'll also have our usual selection of games such as 50/50, predict the score and (if there are enough folks) pick a Cub!
This coming May 18th, you are invited to spend a Saturday afternoon at Gators in Brownwood for our next watch party! Our men in blue will be playing the Pirates. Gathering time is 1:30. Game time is 2:20. Great food and drinks! Great company! We'll also have our usual selection of games such as 50/50, predict the score and (if there are enough folks) pick a Cub!
Let's all drink a toast to our most literate and personal bleacher bum for his continued fine literary contributions to Cubs Chatter!
THE BLEACHER BUM REPORT
by Jack Herbon
Well, as of this writing the Cubs and Brewers are already neck and neck right out of the gate! Which already means that when these two teams face each other this season it will be must see baseball.
We've been lucky so far with some timely hitting (IGNORE THAT 17-0 LOSS) and the injury bug has hit but the recovery time has been fast for a change.
The Cubs World trivia night sure was fun and I got to thinking I would try and test you once again with just ten trivia questions about the Cubs and Wrigley Field. Scroll down for the answers.
1/ What was the original color of the centerfield scoreboard?
2/ Who wore number 14 before Ernie Banks?
3/ What did you also get when you purchased a Frosty Malt?
4/ After Hall of Fame Cubs catcher Gabby Hartnett left baseball, what business did he open up?
5/ What Cubs WGN announcer died in a car crash in 1965?
6/ Name THREE advertising signs that you could see on the rooftops on Sheffield Avenue in the 70's?
7/ Who threw the pitch to Babe Ruth when he "called his home run shot" in 1932 at Wrigley Field?
8/ Name the last three Cub players who won the ROOKIE OF THE YEAR award?
9/ What was the nickname for Cubs reliever Mitch Wiliams in 1989?
10/ Where is the Jack Brickhouse statue located?
Answers: 1/ Brown 2/ Paul Schramka 3/ Wooden Spoon 4/ Bowling Alley 5/ Jack Quinlan 6/ Torco, Miller Lite, Baby Ruth 7/ Charlie Root 8/ Kris Bryant, Geovany Soto and Kerry Wood 9/ "Wild Thing" 10/ 401N Michigan Avenue
Less then 5 right your a minor leaguer, 6-8 right your on the bench, 9 right your a starter, 10 right ALL STAR
THE BLEACHER BUM REPORT
by Jack Herbon
Well, as of this writing the Cubs and Brewers are already neck and neck right out of the gate! Which already means that when these two teams face each other this season it will be must see baseball.
We've been lucky so far with some timely hitting (IGNORE THAT 17-0 LOSS) and the injury bug has hit but the recovery time has been fast for a change.
The Cubs World trivia night sure was fun and I got to thinking I would try and test you once again with just ten trivia questions about the Cubs and Wrigley Field. Scroll down for the answers.
1/ What was the original color of the centerfield scoreboard?
2/ Who wore number 14 before Ernie Banks?
3/ What did you also get when you purchased a Frosty Malt?
4/ After Hall of Fame Cubs catcher Gabby Hartnett left baseball, what business did he open up?
5/ What Cubs WGN announcer died in a car crash in 1965?
6/ Name THREE advertising signs that you could see on the rooftops on Sheffield Avenue in the 70's?
7/ Who threw the pitch to Babe Ruth when he "called his home run shot" in 1932 at Wrigley Field?
8/ Name the last three Cub players who won the ROOKIE OF THE YEAR award?
9/ What was the nickname for Cubs reliever Mitch Wiliams in 1989?
10/ Where is the Jack Brickhouse statue located?
Answers: 1/ Brown 2/ Paul Schramka 3/ Wooden Spoon 4/ Bowling Alley 5/ Jack Quinlan 6/ Torco, Miller Lite, Baby Ruth 7/ Charlie Root 8/ Kris Bryant, Geovany Soto and Kerry Wood 9/ "Wild Thing" 10/ 401N Michigan Avenue
Less then 5 right your a minor leaguer, 6-8 right your on the bench, 9 right your a starter, 10 right ALL STAR
THE GAMES PEOPLE PLAY
by Dan Marx
One of the most fun nights of the year was our monthly membership meeting, May 6th. It was a night to clear the cobwebs, and go into deep thinking mode for our annual trivia night.
The show was hosted by Gee Whiz Productions, and was great entertainment. Gee Whiz is produced by our very own member, Greg Goldin, and his fellow trivia masters Lauren and Charles.
Periodically, Charles would tote this very large basket through the crowd, and someone would pick out an object. For instance , one of the members picked out a stuffed pig. The question was “ What is miss piggy’s last name”?
Our answer was “pen”. Alas, the real answer was “ Lee” .
There were Cub trivia questions, such as who were listed 3 and 4 in home run production after Sosa and Banks. The answer to that was Billy Williams and Ron Santo. Even though the rest of the answers were about general knowledge, none of them were related to generals.
At the end of the evening, the winner was the team We Miss Rizzo. The members were Jack and Liz Herbon, Joe and Pam Stevens, and Alana and Chris Benton. They each won $5 scratch off lottery tickets, and have bragging rights until next year.
The dinners were delivered to each table, and were delicious footlong Publix subs with choices of cole slaw, potato salad, and macaroni salad. To top it off we had potato chips and 2 chocolate chip cookies.
Thank you Gee Whiz Productions for another fun night.
by Dan Marx
One of the most fun nights of the year was our monthly membership meeting, May 6th. It was a night to clear the cobwebs, and go into deep thinking mode for our annual trivia night.
The show was hosted by Gee Whiz Productions, and was great entertainment. Gee Whiz is produced by our very own member, Greg Goldin, and his fellow trivia masters Lauren and Charles.
Periodically, Charles would tote this very large basket through the crowd, and someone would pick out an object. For instance , one of the members picked out a stuffed pig. The question was “ What is miss piggy’s last name”?
Our answer was “pen”. Alas, the real answer was “ Lee” .
There were Cub trivia questions, such as who were listed 3 and 4 in home run production after Sosa and Banks. The answer to that was Billy Williams and Ron Santo. Even though the rest of the answers were about general knowledge, none of them were related to generals.
At the end of the evening, the winner was the team We Miss Rizzo. The members were Jack and Liz Herbon, Joe and Pam Stevens, and Alana and Chris Benton. They each won $5 scratch off lottery tickets, and have bragging rights until next year.
The dinners were delivered to each table, and were delicious footlong Publix subs with choices of cole slaw, potato salad, and macaroni salad. To top it off we had potato chips and 2 chocolate chip cookies.
Thank you Gee Whiz Productions for another fun night.
ANOTHER OUTING COMING UP IN JUNE!
by Wayne Richards
Our events director, Jim Guleserian, is one of the hardest working people in the Cubs World family. He has set up the bus trip to St.Petersburg to see the Cubs play the Rays and continues to be an outstanding events director.
Now, some exciting news has crossed my desk. CUBS WORLD will be attending a LEESBURG LIGHTNING GAME on Friday, June 28th when they will be taking on the Sanford River Rats!
Jim will announce all the details of this event during the June membership meeting. Just like last year, this evening at the ball park should be a blast!
by Wayne Richards
Our events director, Jim Guleserian, is one of the hardest working people in the Cubs World family. He has set up the bus trip to St.Petersburg to see the Cubs play the Rays and continues to be an outstanding events director.
Now, some exciting news has crossed my desk. CUBS WORLD will be attending a LEESBURG LIGHTNING GAME on Friday, June 28th when they will be taking on the Sanford River Rats!
Jim will announce all the details of this event during the June membership meeting. Just like last year, this evening at the ball park should be a blast!
ONE OF THE GREATS
by Wayne Richards
With two no-hitters under his Cubbie belt, Ken Holtzman has earned a place in our baseball hearts. From St. Louis comes word from his brother, Tom, that this impressive ball player and human being has passed. He was 78.
He practiced Judaism and studied Hebrew, although it is French in which he spoke fluently. But his real communication was generated by his left hand pitching.
One of the most memorable moments of his career came when he pitched against the great Sandy Koufax in 1966 and won the game by a score of 2-1. As a matter of fact, many critics heralded him as "THE NEW SANDY KOUFAX!"
He will be remembered fondly by Cub fans. When someone is no longer with us, I always present a mantra that I firmly believe in. MOURN THE LOSS....BUT....CELEBRATE THE LIFE!
TO HEAR AN INTERESTING BIO ABOUT KEN......CLICK HERE
by Wayne Richards
With two no-hitters under his Cubbie belt, Ken Holtzman has earned a place in our baseball hearts. From St. Louis comes word from his brother, Tom, that this impressive ball player and human being has passed. He was 78.
He practiced Judaism and studied Hebrew, although it is French in which he spoke fluently. But his real communication was generated by his left hand pitching.
One of the most memorable moments of his career came when he pitched against the great Sandy Koufax in 1966 and won the game by a score of 2-1. As a matter of fact, many critics heralded him as "THE NEW SANDY KOUFAX!"
He will be remembered fondly by Cub fans. When someone is no longer with us, I always present a mantra that I firmly believe in. MOURN THE LOSS....BUT....CELEBRATE THE LIFE!
TO HEAR AN INTERESTING BIO ABOUT KEN......CLICK HERE
LOVING BASEBALL
by Dan Marx
There is a great story in the book “Why we love baseball,” by Joe Posnanski about the historic 20 strikeout game by Kerry Wood May 6th - 26 years ago. I did actually see the last 5 innings at home that day being riveted to my chair. This was told through the eyes of Joe Mantegna , a very successful actor and Tony award winning writer who wrote the play, The Bleacher Bums.
On a day picked totally at random , Mantegna brought the entire cast of the Bleacher Bums out to Wrigley to enjoy a Cubs game. Also in the bleachers that day was Tom Bujnowski. Tom, the eternal Cubs optimist, brought along 16 K cards to signal each one of Kerry’s strikeouts that he hoped would happen. Now this was only Wood’s 5th game in the majors, and there was nothing to suggest that 16 K’s was about to happen. In fact, a week earlier Wood had walked 3 Dodger batters in a row , and gave up a grand slam to Mike Piazza.
Kerry Wood was the latest in a line of “ supposed to be” phenoms that the Cubs always thought they had unearthed. Some of you might remember Earl Cunningham,, Terry Hughes, Dean Burk, Scott Thompson, Herman Segelski, and Ty Griffin to name a few. Geez, did they even do baseball cards on these guys?
Kerry Wood was the next phenom in line, and his story was about to be written that day. As the first Astro batter, Craig Biggio, struck out, Steve Stone said “ that’s one of the worst swings you’ll ever see Biggio take”
As the game was going along, Wood had 8 strikeouts through 4 innings. All of a sudden, Bujnowski was beginning to wonder if he had enough Ks with him. And just like that, Wood had 15 strikeouts at the end of the 7th with 6 outs to go. Joe Mantegna sang the national anthem during the 7th inning stretch, and said “Go Kerry” at the end.
Kerry struck out the side in the 8th, and Bujnowski had run out of cards, and convinced 2 of the “bums” to paint K on their chest.
The Astros put in a pinch hitter, Bill Spiers, to start the 9th , and he struck out. Then, Craig Biggio, to a chorus of boos grounded out. That brought up Derek Bell with Wood looking for strikeout number 20. Bell missed the first curveball by 3 feet, and could do no better on the next 2 pitches, and became strikeout victim number 20. He tied Roger Clemens for the most strikeouts in a game, and yes, there were 16 K cards and 4 ”K”painted chests in the bleachers. Some say that was the best pitched Cubs game ever. I would tend to agree, given all the circumstances.
What do you think, and were any of you in attendance that day?
by Dan Marx
There is a great story in the book “Why we love baseball,” by Joe Posnanski about the historic 20 strikeout game by Kerry Wood May 6th - 26 years ago. I did actually see the last 5 innings at home that day being riveted to my chair. This was told through the eyes of Joe Mantegna , a very successful actor and Tony award winning writer who wrote the play, The Bleacher Bums.
On a day picked totally at random , Mantegna brought the entire cast of the Bleacher Bums out to Wrigley to enjoy a Cubs game. Also in the bleachers that day was Tom Bujnowski. Tom, the eternal Cubs optimist, brought along 16 K cards to signal each one of Kerry’s strikeouts that he hoped would happen. Now this was only Wood’s 5th game in the majors, and there was nothing to suggest that 16 K’s was about to happen. In fact, a week earlier Wood had walked 3 Dodger batters in a row , and gave up a grand slam to Mike Piazza.
Kerry Wood was the latest in a line of “ supposed to be” phenoms that the Cubs always thought they had unearthed. Some of you might remember Earl Cunningham,, Terry Hughes, Dean Burk, Scott Thompson, Herman Segelski, and Ty Griffin to name a few. Geez, did they even do baseball cards on these guys?
Kerry Wood was the next phenom in line, and his story was about to be written that day. As the first Astro batter, Craig Biggio, struck out, Steve Stone said “ that’s one of the worst swings you’ll ever see Biggio take”
As the game was going along, Wood had 8 strikeouts through 4 innings. All of a sudden, Bujnowski was beginning to wonder if he had enough Ks with him. And just like that, Wood had 15 strikeouts at the end of the 7th with 6 outs to go. Joe Mantegna sang the national anthem during the 7th inning stretch, and said “Go Kerry” at the end.
Kerry struck out the side in the 8th, and Bujnowski had run out of cards, and convinced 2 of the “bums” to paint K on their chest.
The Astros put in a pinch hitter, Bill Spiers, to start the 9th , and he struck out. Then, Craig Biggio, to a chorus of boos grounded out. That brought up Derek Bell with Wood looking for strikeout number 20. Bell missed the first curveball by 3 feet, and could do no better on the next 2 pitches, and became strikeout victim number 20. He tied Roger Clemens for the most strikeouts in a game, and yes, there were 16 K cards and 4 ”K”painted chests in the bleachers. Some say that was the best pitched Cubs game ever. I would tend to agree, given all the circumstances.
What do you think, and were any of you in attendance that day?
OUR LAST WATCH PARTY AT GATORS WAS....WELL....INTERESTING!
by Wayne Richards
In case some of our new members are unaware, you will always find an interesting "totem pole" placed within eye sight of most of our meetings. It's quite a piece of art and from what I was told contains positive mojo. After a 17-0 loss to the team from BEAN CITY, our mascot better start doing its job and tend to the spirit of the "men in blue" or we just might have to have our own BURNING MAN FESTIVAL!
This symbol of our club is supposed to radiate “positive energy” but the strange layered piece of art seemed to be in a slumber. Although, actually, at this writing the Cubbies are not in a bad place.
The entire idea of these "Watch Parties" is so that Cubs World members can congregate, communicate, commiserate and enjoy themselves. After all, we are a family.
Kudos to those who chose to remain until the last out of the game. But there's something about good food and good friends that makes a 17-0 loss a bit easier to swallow.
Tell your friends to come to one of these parties. They will have a great time!
by Wayne Richards
In case some of our new members are unaware, you will always find an interesting "totem pole" placed within eye sight of most of our meetings. It's quite a piece of art and from what I was told contains positive mojo. After a 17-0 loss to the team from BEAN CITY, our mascot better start doing its job and tend to the spirit of the "men in blue" or we just might have to have our own BURNING MAN FESTIVAL!
This symbol of our club is supposed to radiate “positive energy” but the strange layered piece of art seemed to be in a slumber. Although, actually, at this writing the Cubbies are not in a bad place.
The entire idea of these "Watch Parties" is so that Cubs World members can congregate, communicate, commiserate and enjoy themselves. After all, we are a family.
Kudos to those who chose to remain until the last out of the game. But there's something about good food and good friends that makes a 17-0 loss a bit easier to swallow.
Tell your friends to come to one of these parties. They will have a great time!
DID YOU KNOW?
by Wayne Richards
Did you know that Cubs World has a Facebook page? You will find insights and photos from our members. It is a great place to communicate with people.
We also want to draw your attention to our web site…CubsWorld .org. Think of this site as one of your information stations.
First of all, you will find details about upcoming events with links that allow you to register.
You’re also invited to check out the Cubs World by-laws. This is the Bible we follow to ensure that Cubs World operates well.
In addition, we are very interested in our members input. Did you know you may join us for our monthly board meeting? If you’d like to join us, simply contact me at 630 390 4212 or write to me at [email protected].
Come be our guest! We'd all love to see you.
by Wayne Richards
Did you know that Cubs World has a Facebook page? You will find insights and photos from our members. It is a great place to communicate with people.
We also want to draw your attention to our web site…CubsWorld .org. Think of this site as one of your information stations.
First of all, you will find details about upcoming events with links that allow you to register.
You’re also invited to check out the Cubs World by-laws. This is the Bible we follow to ensure that Cubs World operates well.
In addition, we are very interested in our members input. Did you know you may join us for our monthly board meeting? If you’d like to join us, simply contact me at 630 390 4212 or write to me at [email protected].
Come be our guest! We'd all love to see you.
FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK
by Wayne Richards
Every month, I have the pleasure of overseeing a board meeting attended by 9 dedicated and talented souls whom I am blessed to work with. They all have different personalities and styles with regard to tackling their responsibilities.
I can state with sincere honesty that my main goal as President is to make sure we work as a team. I also make an effort to keep things light-hearted and fun.
I've spent my entire life learning how to be a showman and I like to bring some of what I've learned into the CUBS WORLD process. This is the way my brain functions and I'm very glad most people react to it favorably.
By the way, on another topic, I have a very keen interest in some of the strange things umpires have been doing this season. I don't know if you've noticed this, but some of the calls this year positively border on the ridiculous! There is much trouble regarding the strike zone!
I might as well come clean. I love the Cubbies and will forever. But when Annie and I moved to Florida, we decided to look for a home team to cheer on. We took interest in the Rays.
But, I see the same damned thing happening at that silo they call TROPICANA. The umpires there are in need of eye exams.
I actually have interested in umpires for as long as I can remember. I recently started to research what it takes to become an umpire.
I was surprised to discover that there is an umpiring school in Daytona, Florida! I'm piecing together a story about this facility while at the same time working on scheduling one of the teachers along with several students who would love to visit us at Cubs World. STAY TUNED! See you next month!
GO CUBBIES!!!!!!!
by Wayne Richards
Every month, I have the pleasure of overseeing a board meeting attended by 9 dedicated and talented souls whom I am blessed to work with. They all have different personalities and styles with regard to tackling their responsibilities.
I can state with sincere honesty that my main goal as President is to make sure we work as a team. I also make an effort to keep things light-hearted and fun.
I've spent my entire life learning how to be a showman and I like to bring some of what I've learned into the CUBS WORLD process. This is the way my brain functions and I'm very glad most people react to it favorably.
By the way, on another topic, I have a very keen interest in some of the strange things umpires have been doing this season. I don't know if you've noticed this, but some of the calls this year positively border on the ridiculous! There is much trouble regarding the strike zone!
I might as well come clean. I love the Cubbies and will forever. But when Annie and I moved to Florida, we decided to look for a home team to cheer on. We took interest in the Rays.
But, I see the same damned thing happening at that silo they call TROPICANA. The umpires there are in need of eye exams.
I actually have interested in umpires for as long as I can remember. I recently started to research what it takes to become an umpire.
I was surprised to discover that there is an umpiring school in Daytona, Florida! I'm piecing together a story about this facility while at the same time working on scheduling one of the teachers along with several students who would love to visit us at Cubs World. STAY TUNED! See you next month!
GO CUBBIES!!!!!!!