WELCOME TO MAY!
BE SURE TO MARK THESE EVENTS ON YOUR CALENDAR!
May 29th Cub Watch against the White Sox
Gators Dockside in Brownwood
Gather 1:15 Game Time 2:10
5 year Cubs World anniversary membership meeting at
Colony center June 6th
BE SURE TO MARK THESE EVENTS ON YOUR CALENDAR!
May 29th Cub Watch against the White Sox
Gators Dockside in Brownwood
Gather 1:15 Game Time 2:10
5 year Cubs World anniversary membership meeting at
Colony center June 6th
BEE ON THE LOOKOUT!
This is just a reminder to carefully examine the Cubs World Newsletter for a word printed in RED. When you find it, write it down and bring it to the June membership meeting for a drawing to win a prize or two!
This is just a reminder to carefully examine the Cubs World Newsletter for a word printed in RED. When you find it, write it down and bring it to the June membership meeting for a drawing to win a prize or two!
FROM THE DESK OF JIM GULESERIAN
A GAME WATCH INVITATION!
Sunday May 29
Cubs at White Sox
Game time 2:10
Gather at 1:15
Gators Dockside Brownwood
Usual games to be played
50/50, Predict the Score, Pick a Cub, Squares
Don’t forget to drink a lot to watch this team! LOL
Be sure to register!
A GAME WATCH INVITATION!
Sunday May 29
Cubs at White Sox
Game time 2:10
Gather at 1:15
Gators Dockside Brownwood
Usual games to be played
50/50, Predict the Score, Pick a Cub, Squares
Don’t forget to drink a lot to watch this team! LOL
Be sure to register!
GOLF SCRAMBLE A FUN EVENT!
by Dan Marx
For many reasons we were not able to hold a golf scramble for the last few years. But, we made up for it Wednesday May 11th with beautiful weather for golf at Escambia and Okechobee golf course. With 4 foursomes on each course, the competition was quite strong.
The first place team on Okechobee with a team score of -4 was Don Jeppsen, Deanne Paulson, and Wally Brandt. The first place team on the Escambia course was the team of Dave Niemeyer, Jack Herbon, Sam Pagoria, and Jeff MacDonald with a team score of -3.
On an individual basis, Marge Curtis had the closest to the pin on the 8th hole of Okechobee, and Mike Cluck had the closest to the hole on the 5th hole at Escambia. Both tee shots were within 2 feet of the hole.
Thanks to all of those who attended - a fun time was had by all.
by Dan Marx
For many reasons we were not able to hold a golf scramble for the last few years. But, we made up for it Wednesday May 11th with beautiful weather for golf at Escambia and Okechobee golf course. With 4 foursomes on each course, the competition was quite strong.
The first place team on Okechobee with a team score of -4 was Don Jeppsen, Deanne Paulson, and Wally Brandt. The first place team on the Escambia course was the team of Dave Niemeyer, Jack Herbon, Sam Pagoria, and Jeff MacDonald with a team score of -3.
On an individual basis, Marge Curtis had the closest to the pin on the 8th hole of Okechobee, and Mike Cluck had the closest to the hole on the 5th hole at Escambia. Both tee shots were within 2 feet of the hole.
Thanks to all of those who attended - a fun time was had by all.
CUBS WORLD WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNING TEAMS OF OUR GOLF SCRAMBLE!
Team Okechobee (threesome)
Team Escambia (foursome)
Team Okechobee (threesome)
Team Escambia (foursome)
SUPER FAN SPEAKER AT OUR JUNE MEETING
by Dan Marx
In November, 2019 Rick Reichart told us about how he was drafted
by the Dodgers as a 3-sport U of Wisconsin All-Star. He became the first rookie to receive a sign in instantly becoming the highest paid player in the MLB.
Rick is coming back in June with his friend, Dr. John Poser. They were
3-sport All-Stars together in U of Wisconsin where John was the team
captain and voted the best pitcher in the Big Ten Conference, despite the
academic demands on him as a pre-med student.
John became the only 3-sport athlete that did NOT pursue a career in
professional baseball. He was a great athlete... set on becoming the
3rd generation physician in his family.
John's grandfather, Dr. Ed Poser was also a Wisconsin Sports Hall of Fame
member that tried out for the Cubs in 1891 while a first -year student in the
Rush Medical School when the Cubs were just a 4-year-old team.
John's father, Dr. Bob Poser was a All-Star baseball player at Wisconsin too,
even coaching the team while a first-year medical student. He deferred his
entry into the medical profession to play for the Chicago White Sox and
St. Louis Browns.
John remained a fan of the game while serving as a batting practice pitcher
for the Detroit Tigers and Chicago White Sox, making friends like Steve Stone,
Goose Gossage, and Ron Flore. His favorite team has always been the Cubs
and he's filled with stories about the players he has met along the way.
by Dan Marx
In November, 2019 Rick Reichart told us about how he was drafted
by the Dodgers as a 3-sport U of Wisconsin All-Star. He became the first rookie to receive a sign in instantly becoming the highest paid player in the MLB.
Rick is coming back in June with his friend, Dr. John Poser. They were
3-sport All-Stars together in U of Wisconsin where John was the team
captain and voted the best pitcher in the Big Ten Conference, despite the
academic demands on him as a pre-med student.
John became the only 3-sport athlete that did NOT pursue a career in
professional baseball. He was a great athlete... set on becoming the
3rd generation physician in his family.
John's grandfather, Dr. Ed Poser was also a Wisconsin Sports Hall of Fame
member that tried out for the Cubs in 1891 while a first -year student in the
Rush Medical School when the Cubs were just a 4-year-old team.
John's father, Dr. Bob Poser was a All-Star baseball player at Wisconsin too,
even coaching the team while a first-year medical student. He deferred his
entry into the medical profession to play for the Chicago White Sox and
St. Louis Browns.
John remained a fan of the game while serving as a batting practice pitcher
for the Detroit Tigers and Chicago White Sox, making friends like Steve Stone,
Goose Gossage, and Ron Flore. His favorite team has always been the Cubs
and he's filled with stories about the players he has met along the way.
BLEACHER BUM REPORT
by Jack Hebron
Back up north its now the middle of pothole season and like the Cubs all those cars are trying to avoid a bunch of hazards! Nobody really expected the Cubs to be close to winning their division this year. But, we all thought they would be better then what they are currently showing us.
Wade Miley’s long-awaited Cubs debut was a mixed bag. To the eye test, he looked good, strong, fresh, and all that, so I think the elbow is in a good place from a health perspective. The results, however, were terrible! Another couple of starts and we will know more.
Frank Schwindel was just inches from hitting a grand slam against the Padres in San Diego. Could it be true that the league has changed the ball? It is harder to hit home runs this year? Don't chicks still love the long ball? What is going on here? When the season is over and the final total come in we will our answer.
Selya Suzuki started out like the remake of the Chicago fire in 1871. He was blazing when the season started. Has the league got the goods on him already? Usually a new player into the league has the advantage. But, as you can see by his recent hitting the word probably is out on how to pitch to him. He must adapt and do it quickly!
The season is long and it the Cubs are out of it by September 1st, remember we always have our Bears!
by Jack Hebron
Back up north its now the middle of pothole season and like the Cubs all those cars are trying to avoid a bunch of hazards! Nobody really expected the Cubs to be close to winning their division this year. But, we all thought they would be better then what they are currently showing us.
Wade Miley’s long-awaited Cubs debut was a mixed bag. To the eye test, he looked good, strong, fresh, and all that, so I think the elbow is in a good place from a health perspective. The results, however, were terrible! Another couple of starts and we will know more.
Frank Schwindel was just inches from hitting a grand slam against the Padres in San Diego. Could it be true that the league has changed the ball? It is harder to hit home runs this year? Don't chicks still love the long ball? What is going on here? When the season is over and the final total come in we will our answer.
Selya Suzuki started out like the remake of the Chicago fire in 1871. He was blazing when the season started. Has the league got the goods on him already? Usually a new player into the league has the advantage. But, as you can see by his recent hitting the word probably is out on how to pitch to him. He must adapt and do it quickly!
The season is long and it the Cubs are out of it by September 1st, remember we always have our Bears!
MAY MEMBERSHIP MEETING WAS FUN-FILLED!
by Dan Marx
60 Cubs World members had a great time at Cubs trivia night, Monday, May 2nd at Colony Cottage recreation Center. Gee Whiz Productions did a great job of mixing together various categories to tax our brains. Questions that we had were related to Cubs trivia, Chicagoland trivia, musical trivia, tv trivia and others.
At the end there was a 2 way tie and after the toss up question the winner was the Bleacher Bums. Of course, Jack Herbon was the captain . He should have worn his yellow hard hat. The toss up question - What was the difference in age between William Frawley and Vivian Vance ( Fred and Ethel Mertz) on I Love Lucy. One team had 13 years, the other team had 17 years. Which number do you think was the closest?
Other questions were what part of Chicago was the first McDonalds restaurant opened in, what suburb was Ernest Hemingway born in, what continent would you find a platypus in, and who sang” I will survive” , just to name a few.
There was a lot of debate and a lot of laughter, and just a lot of fun for everyone. Thank you to Cubs World member Greg Goldin and his fellow trivia meisters Lauren and Charles for running a great night of entertainment.
CUBS WORLD MEAL MANAGER NEEDED
by Don Mulder
CubsWorld meetings are designed to be a
entertaining and educational social experiences
around a theme that we all enjoy.
To that end our meals are designed around
restaurant-quality meals served with enough
time to develop friendships in The Villages.
We already have volunteers to serve the meal. But we need a couple to plan and place the order with caters we regularly use.(Yes, you get to order what you like!)
Please contact us if this is a role in the club that you would enjoy.
Email or call: DRMulder@aol.com
847-372-7244
by Don Mulder
CubsWorld meetings are designed to be a
entertaining and educational social experiences
around a theme that we all enjoy.
To that end our meals are designed around
restaurant-quality meals served with enough
time to develop friendships in The Villages.
We already have volunteers to serve the meal. But we need a couple to plan and place the order with caters we regularly use.(Yes, you get to order what you like!)
Please contact us if this is a role in the club that you would enjoy.
Email or call: DRMulder@aol.com
847-372-7244
YOU CAN CALL HIM RAY OR ROY
by Wayne Richards
Have you ever heard a song called called "When that Midnight Choo Choo leaves for Alabam?" The tune, written by Irving Berlin in 1921, became connected with the Chicago Cubs about eighty years ago.
It was performed by a gentleman named Ray Nelson who has the distinction of being the first in history to play an organ at a major League ball park! The idea was introduced by Philip K. Wrigley and before you knew it, a pipe organ was installed and music filled the air! It was located behind the fence right behind home plate.
Initial reaction to this new feature at the Friendly confines was met with much criticism from both fans as well as the Chicago Tribune. An unnamed critic who wrote for the paper stated, "So far, that organ can only play a dirge!" I'm not protecting the author. He was too chicken to reveal who he was!
There is also a historical disagreement as to the proper first name of the organist. Some say Ray...others say Roy.
Whomever he really was, there were additional problems with his musical playlist. There were licensing issues which prevented him from playing a great many hits of the day because the games were broadcast.
But, in the end, it was Ray or Roy who set the direction for great ball park organists to come. Thank you Mr. Nelson.
by Wayne Richards
Have you ever heard a song called called "When that Midnight Choo Choo leaves for Alabam?" The tune, written by Irving Berlin in 1921, became connected with the Chicago Cubs about eighty years ago.
It was performed by a gentleman named Ray Nelson who has the distinction of being the first in history to play an organ at a major League ball park! The idea was introduced by Philip K. Wrigley and before you knew it, a pipe organ was installed and music filled the air! It was located behind the fence right behind home plate.
Initial reaction to this new feature at the Friendly confines was met with much criticism from both fans as well as the Chicago Tribune. An unnamed critic who wrote for the paper stated, "So far, that organ can only play a dirge!" I'm not protecting the author. He was too chicken to reveal who he was!
There is also a historical disagreement as to the proper first name of the organist. Some say Ray...others say Roy.
Whomever he really was, there were additional problems with his musical playlist. There were licensing issues which prevented him from playing a great many hits of the day because the games were broadcast.
But, in the end, it was Ray or Roy who set the direction for great ball park organists to come. Thank you Mr. Nelson.
Here is the song, written in 1921, that became a hit with fans at Wrigley when the organ virtuosity of Ray or Roy Nelson was displayed in all it's glory. If the tune seems familiar its because it was heard in the motion picture classic, EASTER PARADE.
This is a more current rendition by pianist/vocalist Michael FeinStein.
click here
This is a more current rendition by pianist/vocalist Michael FeinStein.
click here
A UNIQUE RIVALRY
by Wayne Richards
One of the greatest rivalries in baseball has existed and will continue to exist. Cubs vs. Cardinals! One can always be assured of interesting and sometimes lengthy action on the field.
But what if that rivalry extended beyond the ball park? What if opposite team fans were married? I'm sure there aren't any bench clearing brawls, but what exactly is it like living under one village roof?
by Wayne Richards
One of the greatest rivalries in baseball has existed and will continue to exist. Cubs vs. Cardinals! One can always be assured of interesting and sometimes lengthy action on the field.
But what if that rivalry extended beyond the ball park? What if opposite team fans were married? I'm sure there aren't any bench clearing brawls, but what exactly is it like living under one village roof?
To find the answer, we turn to Cubs World members Bill and Jodie Sweeney. Obviously, there must be true harmony represented since Bill is a Cubs fan and somehow has been convinced to wear Cardinal red by his spouse. I've been assured during this interview that the baseball bats do not factor in that decision. Said Bill, "Happy wife, happy life!"
Mr. Sweeney grew up a South Sider. He lived near Midway airport and attended Carl Sandburg High in Orland Park. Eventually, he wound up working for the Teamsters Union.
So once again ,as in other newsletter stories, we meet a South Sider and former little leaguer who became a Cubs fan. This all happened because of WGN television. "We used to go to Wrigley whenever we could," said Bill. "My favorite Cubs were Rick Monday and Sosa before he ran into all that trouble."
Having been to both Sox and Cubs games, he was asked to analyze the difference between the two experiences. Said Sweeney, " The South side was always a brawl and the Cubs were an event!"
True baseball fans are usually interested in attending home openers. Bill asked his boss permission to take the day off to go to the game. His superior said no. But Bill decided to attend anyway. You guessed it, he ran into his boss!
Mr. Sweeney grew up a South Sider. He lived near Midway airport and attended Carl Sandburg High in Orland Park. Eventually, he wound up working for the Teamsters Union.
So once again ,as in other newsletter stories, we meet a South Sider and former little leaguer who became a Cubs fan. This all happened because of WGN television. "We used to go to Wrigley whenever we could," said Bill. "My favorite Cubs were Rick Monday and Sosa before he ran into all that trouble."
Having been to both Sox and Cubs games, he was asked to analyze the difference between the two experiences. Said Sweeney, " The South side was always a brawl and the Cubs were an event!"
True baseball fans are usually interested in attending home openers. Bill asked his boss permission to take the day off to go to the game. His superior said no. But Bill decided to attend anyway. You guessed it, he ran into his boss!
Just across the Mighty Mississippi from St. Louis stands Collinsville high school in Illinois. Jodie, Bill's future bride ,graduated from there and became a bank teller.
She also racked up numbers playing billiards. It was in Wilmington, Illinois that Bill and Jodie met and played pool in a league. Although his future bride may not agree, Bill thinks she was a shark! It was also in that same town that they were wed in 1993.
Together they spent many happy hours at Busch stadium where Jodie watched Stan the man Musial, the Clydales and Al Hrabosky (The Mad Hungarian)...a man who has been labeled as the craziest pitcher the MLB has ever seen! As fate would have it, Jodie met her idol at a banquet! By the way, his intense features were enhanced for a reason. "How can I intimidate batters if I look like a golf pro?"
The Sweeneys moved to the Villages in 2018. They are proud members of Cubs World, the Chicagoland Club, the St.Louis club and Cardinal nation! By the way, there is no truth to the rumor that our happy couple are starting a baseball bat collection.
She also racked up numbers playing billiards. It was in Wilmington, Illinois that Bill and Jodie met and played pool in a league. Although his future bride may not agree, Bill thinks she was a shark! It was also in that same town that they were wed in 1993.
Together they spent many happy hours at Busch stadium where Jodie watched Stan the man Musial, the Clydales and Al Hrabosky (The Mad Hungarian)...a man who has been labeled as the craziest pitcher the MLB has ever seen! As fate would have it, Jodie met her idol at a banquet! By the way, his intense features were enhanced for a reason. "How can I intimidate batters if I look like a golf pro?"
The Sweeneys moved to the Villages in 2018. They are proud members of Cubs World, the Chicagoland Club, the St.Louis club and Cardinal nation! By the way, there is no truth to the rumor that our happy couple are starting a baseball bat collection.
To keep continued peace within the Sweeney household, it is only fitting and proper that we focus for a bit on their baseball heroes...Al Hrabosky and Rick Monday.
Al isn't just labeled a mad man for the hell of it. His stare down was not something opposing batters enjoyed. He also has been known to talk to his ball before some tosses. Jodie Sweeney thinks he was the best closer ever. What say you?
CLICK HERE
Al isn't just labeled a mad man for the hell of it. His stare down was not something opposing batters enjoyed. He also has been known to talk to his ball before some tosses. Jodie Sweeney thinks he was the best closer ever. What say you?
CLICK HERE
Chicago Cubs center fielder, Rick Monday was Bill's favorite. Rick had many great plays in his career. But the best one didn't even involve catching a ball.
Here is a little video about what is considered to be the "Greatest Play in Baseball!" How many remember?
CLICK HERE
Here is a little video about what is considered to be the "Greatest Play in Baseball!" How many remember?
CLICK HERE
SOME QUESTIONS FOR CUBS WORLD...
LET'S HEAR FROM YOU!
by Wayne Richards
Wrigley has always been a special place to visit. It is the true temple of baseball.
For those who have visited the friendly confines, we have some questions for you. Please feel free to make comments about any or all of the following five questions.
1. A great percentage of fans profess that the upper decks contain the best seats to view the game. Do you agree and if not, where do you like to sit?
2. Should people in the bleacher area continue to throw an opposing teams ball back on the field after a home run? Should they discontinue this practice and pass the ball on to a kid?
3. Were you aware that there were heaters under the score board which kept bleacher seats warm?
4. Have you ever used the services of a scalper and how was the experience?
5. Have you ever had a "standing room only" ticket? How was the view and what was the cost?
As Harry Carey used to say, "Let me hear ya!"
LET'S HEAR FROM YOU!
by Wayne Richards
Wrigley has always been a special place to visit. It is the true temple of baseball.
For those who have visited the friendly confines, we have some questions for you. Please feel free to make comments about any or all of the following five questions.
1. A great percentage of fans profess that the upper decks contain the best seats to view the game. Do you agree and if not, where do you like to sit?
2. Should people in the bleacher area continue to throw an opposing teams ball back on the field after a home run? Should they discontinue this practice and pass the ball on to a kid?
3. Were you aware that there were heaters under the score board which kept bleacher seats warm?
4. Have you ever used the services of a scalper and how was the experience?
5. Have you ever had a "standing room only" ticket? How was the view and what was the cost?
As Harry Carey used to say, "Let me hear ya!"
TRY SOME PELICAN POWER!!!
by Wayne Richards
Let's face it...its been difficult to find very much to cheer about this year when it comes to the Chicago Cubs. But, there is something very positive to focus on!
They are called the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, a Class-A affiliate of the Cubs. In a nutshell, they are doing very well and feature talent that hopefully will soon add spark to a lackluster team in the friendly confines.
Pete Crow-Armstrong is batting .382 and is the number five prospect for the Cubs. Yeison Santana is also above the .300 mark. The Pelicans are 15 and 6 on the season.
Coach Steve Pollakov is highly focused and strongly influences the team. Said Steve, "In all honesty, we have a nightly goal to get out there and get 20 hits! That is what we talk about all the time."
The Pelicans recently accomplished a minor league season high in runs by winning 24-6 over the Red Sox. This tops a previous high of 21 runs.
If you chose to make a trip for a day or so, the admission and food prices are actually quit reasonable. For instance, if you choose to sit in the Budweiser Thirst Inning deck, prices start at $22.00. There are food specials every game. As a matter of fact, for visiting groups (attention Cubs World Fans) there is a pre-game buffet featuring chicken, burgers, dogs...etc. MMMMMMMM...I smell a field trip sometime!!!
by Wayne Richards
Let's face it...its been difficult to find very much to cheer about this year when it comes to the Chicago Cubs. But, there is something very positive to focus on!
They are called the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, a Class-A affiliate of the Cubs. In a nutshell, they are doing very well and feature talent that hopefully will soon add spark to a lackluster team in the friendly confines.
Pete Crow-Armstrong is batting .382 and is the number five prospect for the Cubs. Yeison Santana is also above the .300 mark. The Pelicans are 15 and 6 on the season.
Coach Steve Pollakov is highly focused and strongly influences the team. Said Steve, "In all honesty, we have a nightly goal to get out there and get 20 hits! That is what we talk about all the time."
The Pelicans recently accomplished a minor league season high in runs by winning 24-6 over the Red Sox. This tops a previous high of 21 runs.
If you chose to make a trip for a day or so, the admission and food prices are actually quit reasonable. For instance, if you choose to sit in the Budweiser Thirst Inning deck, prices start at $22.00. There are food specials every game. As a matter of fact, for visiting groups (attention Cubs World Fans) there is a pre-game buffet featuring chicken, burgers, dogs...etc. MMMMMMMM...I smell a field trip sometime!!!
ATTENTION DAVE BELLOVARY
Cubs World fully recognizes your passion for bobble heads and feel it is our duty to call to your attention the opportunity to procure more of them. Here is a simple suggestion. Start building an addition to your house.
By the way, in our next edition, we will introduce you to the world's largest bobblehead! IN THE MEANTIME...GO CUBBIES! SEE YOU NEXT MONTH!
Cubs World fully recognizes your passion for bobble heads and feel it is our duty to call to your attention the opportunity to procure more of them. Here is a simple suggestion. Start building an addition to your house.
By the way, in our next edition, we will introduce you to the world's largest bobblehead! IN THE MEANTIME...GO CUBBIES! SEE YOU NEXT MONTH!