THE CHATTER WELCOMES YOU
by Wayne Richards
I think it is fitting and proper to post this reminder of what the Chicago Cubs are truly capable of. As we begin the regular season, we all make a wish upon a star for lady luck to take us far.
There is always hope and optimism at the start of a season. But, perhaps, there is a sense that even though we are in the process of re-building, things should be better than they have been for some time.
This year, I am closing my ears to the "experts". I am following my heart's wish that we beat the odds, Vegas or not!!!
Enjoy this edition of the Chatter!!!!!
GO CUBBIES!
by Wayne Richards
I think it is fitting and proper to post this reminder of what the Chicago Cubs are truly capable of. As we begin the regular season, we all make a wish upon a star for lady luck to take us far.
There is always hope and optimism at the start of a season. But, perhaps, there is a sense that even though we are in the process of re-building, things should be better than they have been for some time.
This year, I am closing my ears to the "experts". I am following my heart's wish that we beat the odds, Vegas or not!!!
Enjoy this edition of the Chatter!!!!!
GO CUBBIES!
CUBS WORLD UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
WATCH PARTY
Saturday, April 27th
Gators...game time 4:10!
MAY MEMBERSHIP MEETING
May 6th
Colony
TRIVIA NIGHT!
with our good friend
Greg Goldin
TAMPA RAYS TRIP
Thursday, Jun 13th
WATCH PARTY
Saturday, April 27th
Gators...game time 4:10!
MAY MEMBERSHIP MEETING
May 6th
Colony
TRIVIA NIGHT!
with our good friend
Greg Goldin
TAMPA RAYS TRIP
Thursday, Jun 13th
A FUN NIGHT IS IN STORE FOR ALL!
by Dan Marx
It’s time to sharpen your brains and plan on coming to our May meeting for one of our most popular meetings. Gee Whiz productions hosts their annual trivia night Monday, May 6th at 6:00 PM. Cubs World’s very own Greg Golden is part of the panel that also includes Lauren and Charles.
How many trivia games do we go to where we actually pick the questions ( in a way)?
Members pick objects from a basket that Charles totes around, and answer questions relating to that subject. There will be Cubs trivia and there will be general trivia, so study up on those generals. As usual, bragging rights for winning extend all year long.
Hope to see you there.
by Dan Marx
It’s time to sharpen your brains and plan on coming to our May meeting for one of our most popular meetings. Gee Whiz productions hosts their annual trivia night Monday, May 6th at 6:00 PM. Cubs World’s very own Greg Golden is part of the panel that also includes Lauren and Charles.
How many trivia games do we go to where we actually pick the questions ( in a way)?
Members pick objects from a basket that Charles totes around, and answer questions relating to that subject. There will be Cubs trivia and there will be general trivia, so study up on those generals. As usual, bragging rights for winning extend all year long.
Hope to see you there.
HAVE YOU BEEN TO A WATCH PARTY YET?
by Wayne Richards
No John! Our watch parties are all about the fine game of baseball and cheering on our Cubbies! (Besides, it's only a Casio.)
Our parties are held at Brownwood's famous Gators Pub. We usually gather early in the afternoon, but please take note of our next scheduled date which is SATURDAY, APRIL 27TH. Cubs World will gather at 3:20. The game starts at 4:10. They will be playing Boston.
We will have our usual games along with fine company and excellent cuisine. See you there!!!!
by Wayne Richards
No John! Our watch parties are all about the fine game of baseball and cheering on our Cubbies! (Besides, it's only a Casio.)
Our parties are held at Brownwood's famous Gators Pub. We usually gather early in the afternoon, but please take note of our next scheduled date which is SATURDAY, APRIL 27TH. Cubs World will gather at 3:20. The game starts at 4:10. They will be playing Boston.
We will have our usual games along with fine company and excellent cuisine. See you there!!!!
RED WORD COULD REAP YOU A PRIZE!!!!
by Wayne Richards
How would you like a chance to win a gift card? Its easy! All you need to do is read through this edition of the Cubs World Chatter and find the word printed in RED.
Once you find it, write it down on a piece of paper, a card, the back of a receipt, a business card, a birthday card, a wedding invitation, a summons.....anything!
Attend the next membership meeting for a drawing and you could be the happy owner of a brand spanking new car.....er.....CARD from Publix!
Here's hoping you get a home run! GOOD LUCK!
by Wayne Richards
How would you like a chance to win a gift card? Its easy! All you need to do is read through this edition of the Cubs World Chatter and find the word printed in RED.
Once you find it, write it down on a piece of paper, a card, the back of a receipt, a business card, a birthday card, a wedding invitation, a summons.....anything!
Attend the next membership meeting for a drawing and you could be the happy owner of a brand spanking new car.....er.....CARD from Publix!
Here's hoping you get a home run! GOOD LUCK!
PUTT AND PLAY DAY!
by Dan Marx
Cubs World members took part in of their most favorite activities when we played at the Putt and Play course at Clifton Cove on March 16th.
Unlike miniature golf courses where one putts on astroturf, we use greens which are identical to golf course greens with real, manicured grass greens. Every green is a par 3 and some greens are quite short, and some are quite long, and actually have doglegs which make it important that your first putt is in the proper place. Everybody was paired up in teams of 2.
There were 2 holes in one during the day. One was Ken Ratelke, and the other was Susan Karas.
First place with a 52 was Pam Watson and Kent Schroeder. Second place with a 57 was Linda and Bill Grabba. Third place was a tie between Ron Lauria & Jim Guleserian and Susan & Scott Karas at 58. Ron & Jim then won in a tiebreaker.
We had lunch afterwards at McGrady’s. A good time was had by all. We encourage all members to join us. You don’t need to be a golfer to play and have fun.
by Dan Marx
Cubs World members took part in of their most favorite activities when we played at the Putt and Play course at Clifton Cove on March 16th.
Unlike miniature golf courses where one putts on astroturf, we use greens which are identical to golf course greens with real, manicured grass greens. Every green is a par 3 and some greens are quite short, and some are quite long, and actually have doglegs which make it important that your first putt is in the proper place. Everybody was paired up in teams of 2.
There were 2 holes in one during the day. One was Ken Ratelke, and the other was Susan Karas.
First place with a 52 was Pam Watson and Kent Schroeder. Second place with a 57 was Linda and Bill Grabba. Third place was a tie between Ron Lauria & Jim Guleserian and Susan & Scott Karas at 58. Ron & Jim then won in a tiebreaker.
We had lunch afterwards at McGrady’s. A good time was had by all. We encourage all members to join us. You don’t need to be a golfer to play and have fun.
PARTY REPORT
by Jim Guleserien
33 people attended our first game watch of 2024.
The atmosphere was somewhat somber as a lot were expecting the Dodgers to win the game as 8 of the 19 entries in Predict the Score picked the Dodgers to win.
We continued to have a of fun with our socializing even after LA scored 2 in the 1st inning.
But things turned around with a big second inning
and the Cubs went on to win 9-7.
Games: 50/50
Our personal waiter, Muzi, selected our 50/50 winners who were Ken Rateike and Sue Dyon
Squares: Third inning was a blank square which rolled to the 6th inning to be won by Bill Sweeney. Ninth inning and final score was also a blank which becomes club money (unless I decide to roll it to the next game watch.)
Pick a Cub:
The Cub scoring the most points was a tie between Dansby Swanson and Michael Busch. Wayne Babor was the only one to select Swanson and 2 people selected Busch with Nancy Lupton being the closest point total. So Wayne and Nancy split the winnings.
Predict the Score:
Two people had the same point spread from correct, but using the tiebreaker formula I established a few years ago, Ken Rateike came closest to the Cubs score so he came away with the money.
AND A GOOD TIME WAS HAD BY ALL!
by Jim Guleserien
33 people attended our first game watch of 2024.
The atmosphere was somewhat somber as a lot were expecting the Dodgers to win the game as 8 of the 19 entries in Predict the Score picked the Dodgers to win.
We continued to have a of fun with our socializing even after LA scored 2 in the 1st inning.
But things turned around with a big second inning
and the Cubs went on to win 9-7.
Games: 50/50
Our personal waiter, Muzi, selected our 50/50 winners who were Ken Rateike and Sue Dyon
Squares: Third inning was a blank square which rolled to the 6th inning to be won by Bill Sweeney. Ninth inning and final score was also a blank which becomes club money (unless I decide to roll it to the next game watch.)
Pick a Cub:
The Cub scoring the most points was a tie between Dansby Swanson and Michael Busch. Wayne Babor was the only one to select Swanson and 2 people selected Busch with Nancy Lupton being the closest point total. So Wayne and Nancy split the winnings.
Predict the Score:
Two people had the same point spread from correct, but using the tiebreaker formula I established a few years ago, Ken Rateike came closest to the Cubs score so he came away with the money.
AND A GOOD TIME WAS HAD BY ALL!
BLEACHER BUM REPORT
by Jack Herbon
Well, the 2024 baseball season is off and running and for a change our Cubs have not stumbled out of the gate. No need this time for a pep talk from our new manager Craig Counsel like the one Lee Elia gave back in April of 1983. Timely hitting and great defense seems to have taken hold early for this Cubs team.
But this team has already hit a speed bump very early. Reliever Julian Merryweather will probably miss a month with a strain in his pitching shoulder. Sort of reminds me of what Kenny Holtzman had way back in the day. Which means Daniel Palancia has been called up from Triple A to add strength to the bullpen.
Did anyone notice something strange at Wrigley Field this year? I'm talking about all of the new advertising that is now all over the place. Even the tarp used for rain delays is now being used. Some of this is artificial that is produced via green screen in the studio. I sure hope this doesn't go any further like you see on NASCAR racers and at their tracks. Just watch a premier league soccer game in Europe and you can see what this maybe headed to.
I'm glad this long west coast road trip is early this year. One of the benefits of playing in Chicago is your plane trips for road games are manageble. Unlike teams that are stationed on the east and west coast. Those trips are much longer and those extra miles to reach away games can take a toll. Especially now that you play everyone in both leagues. That three game set in June when the Cubs visit Tampa will be well attended by many Villagers. At least we won't have to worry about the heat in Florida or the afternoon rain showers because the Rays play in their dome. That road trip from the Villages is filling up fast to make sure you sign up if you want to go to that game. Plenty of Cub fans were there last time they visited and this will be no different.
As for now lets, enjoy the nice start to this season and let our new manager do the worrying for us!
by Jack Herbon
Well, the 2024 baseball season is off and running and for a change our Cubs have not stumbled out of the gate. No need this time for a pep talk from our new manager Craig Counsel like the one Lee Elia gave back in April of 1983. Timely hitting and great defense seems to have taken hold early for this Cubs team.
But this team has already hit a speed bump very early. Reliever Julian Merryweather will probably miss a month with a strain in his pitching shoulder. Sort of reminds me of what Kenny Holtzman had way back in the day. Which means Daniel Palancia has been called up from Triple A to add strength to the bullpen.
Did anyone notice something strange at Wrigley Field this year? I'm talking about all of the new advertising that is now all over the place. Even the tarp used for rain delays is now being used. Some of this is artificial that is produced via green screen in the studio. I sure hope this doesn't go any further like you see on NASCAR racers and at their tracks. Just watch a premier league soccer game in Europe and you can see what this maybe headed to.
I'm glad this long west coast road trip is early this year. One of the benefits of playing in Chicago is your plane trips for road games are manageble. Unlike teams that are stationed on the east and west coast. Those trips are much longer and those extra miles to reach away games can take a toll. Especially now that you play everyone in both leagues. That three game set in June when the Cubs visit Tampa will be well attended by many Villagers. At least we won't have to worry about the heat in Florida or the afternoon rain showers because the Rays play in their dome. That road trip from the Villages is filling up fast to make sure you sign up if you want to go to that game. Plenty of Cub fans were there last time they visited and this will be no different.
As for now lets, enjoy the nice start to this season and let our new manager do the worrying for us!
NO APRIL FOOLS..IT WAS A GREAT MEETING!
by Dan Marx
April started off with a bang as we had our monthly membership meeting on the 1st- no fooling!!
Everything was on track to have Cody Hills as our featured speaker for the night, until it wasn’t. A totally unexpected surprise happened , and a few days ago Cody had to move his family to Chattanooga, Tennessee to start a new life before the end of March.
by Dan Marx
April started off with a bang as we had our monthly membership meeting on the 1st- no fooling!!
Everything was on track to have Cody Hills as our featured speaker for the night, until it wasn’t. A totally unexpected surprise happened , and a few days ago Cody had to move his family to Chattanooga, Tennessee to start a new life before the end of March.
But Cody knew how important Cubs World was to him, and he could not let the membership down. So he videoed a message that was shown to the faithful.
Then Jim Guleserian read Cody’s detailed season prediction during which Cody projected that the Cubs would get between 85-90 wins. He wasn’t in the least deterred by Justin Steele’s hamstring strain.
Then Jim Guleserian read Cody’s detailed season prediction during which Cody projected that the Cubs would get between 85-90 wins. He wasn’t in the least deterred by Justin Steele’s hamstring strain.
Jim Guleserian mentioned our encouragement with the Cubs after Imanaga’s brilliant debut Monday in Let’s Play Too. He also shared with us his biography and our treasurer’s, Sharon Adochio, biography. In one of the most poignant moments of the night, Jim read Cubs’ poetry from Sharon’s late husband, Steve.
Speaking of poignant moments, we had very special guests at the presidents table that night. Sandy and Norm Schaal came to make a special presentation to the club. Their son had recently passed away and left them some wonderful Cub memorabilia to give to Cubs World. Wayne Richards interviewed Sandy. she shared stories about her son’s endless devotion to the Cubs.
Then our next guest to be interviewed by Wayne was Tom Whitney. Tom had just become a member, and was eager to tell us about the progress of his grandson, Blake Whitney. Blake is a pitcher in the Cubs farm system. We can now follow his progress and hope that he has a great season and gets called up to the Cubs.
Luckily our new president, Wayne Richards has spent much of his professional entertainment career in improv. In his first 4 meetings as president, Wayne has had to come up with quick solutions to some very pressing problems. Our main goal is that our members are always entertained. Luckily, because of his improv background , Wayne always keeps his cool. I know that when Wayne is stuck with lemons, he finds a way to make lemonade.
Then our next guest to be interviewed by Wayne was Tom Whitney. Tom had just become a member, and was eager to tell us about the progress of his grandson, Blake Whitney. Blake is a pitcher in the Cubs farm system. We can now follow his progress and hope that he has a great season and gets called up to the Cubs.
Luckily our new president, Wayne Richards has spent much of his professional entertainment career in improv. In his first 4 meetings as president, Wayne has had to come up with quick solutions to some very pressing problems. Our main goal is that our members are always entertained. Luckily, because of his improv background , Wayne always keeps his cool. I know that when Wayne is stuck with lemons, he finds a way to make lemonade.
It was an honor to make a presentation of a certificate of appreciation to Cubs World from the Wildwood Soup Kitchen. Part of our by laws is devoted to charity in the local community. When it was pointed out to our board that all monetary donations were being matched by an anonymous donor, the Cubs World board thought it would be a nice gesture to present a $300 check to the soup kitchen.
I explained to the club how volunteering for the soup kitchen for 2 years as a driver and fund raiser generates stories of how needy many of these people are.
SPECIAL NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT...
On two occasions, I assisted Dan when his regular partner was not available and I am very glad I did. I admire the way Dan is so committed to serving others. It is very important work that's being done. The greatest thing anybody can do is help others who truly need help. In Hebrew it's called a Mitzvah.
I explained to the club how volunteering for the soup kitchen for 2 years as a driver and fund raiser generates stories of how needy many of these people are.
SPECIAL NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT...
On two occasions, I assisted Dan when his regular partner was not available and I am very glad I did. I admire the way Dan is so committed to serving others. It is very important work that's being done. The greatest thing anybody can do is help others who truly need help. In Hebrew it's called a Mitzvah.
THE UMPIRES STRIKE BACK
by Wayne Richards
I don't know if you've noticed it or not, but to my observation, umpires seem to be going crazy this year. For the most part, I'm speaking of home plate umpires who can't seem to determine where the strike zone is! It's a good thing these guys don't work in flight control because there'd be quite a few planes missing the runway!
Perhaps some of these gentlemen need a refresher course...or maybe just new glasses. In any case, as I investigated this problem, I discovered that there is a University for Umpires right here in Florida!
Major League Baseball gets its officials from three professional umpire schools: Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring in Colorado; Harry Wendelstedt Umpire School in Michigan; and The Umpire School in Florida. MLB umpire school costs about $2,450. An official with the Umpire school says a month long training session takes place in January and then candidates are distributed throughout the minor and major league systems.
(SIDE THOUGHT....I WONDER WHAT KIND OF STUDENT JOE WEST WAS?)
Cubs World has approached this school and we will do everything we can to have an umpire or two come visit us. Maybe then they can explain what's happening from their perspectives.
We'd like to hear your thoughts on this matter. Have you noticed certain problems with umpires currently?
In the meantime, here is a video which demonstrates that certain umpires are out of control! CLICK HERE
by Wayne Richards
I don't know if you've noticed it or not, but to my observation, umpires seem to be going crazy this year. For the most part, I'm speaking of home plate umpires who can't seem to determine where the strike zone is! It's a good thing these guys don't work in flight control because there'd be quite a few planes missing the runway!
Perhaps some of these gentlemen need a refresher course...or maybe just new glasses. In any case, as I investigated this problem, I discovered that there is a University for Umpires right here in Florida!
Major League Baseball gets its officials from three professional umpire schools: Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring in Colorado; Harry Wendelstedt Umpire School in Michigan; and The Umpire School in Florida. MLB umpire school costs about $2,450. An official with the Umpire school says a month long training session takes place in January and then candidates are distributed throughout the minor and major league systems.
(SIDE THOUGHT....I WONDER WHAT KIND OF STUDENT JOE WEST WAS?)
Cubs World has approached this school and we will do everything we can to have an umpire or two come visit us. Maybe then they can explain what's happening from their perspectives.
We'd like to hear your thoughts on this matter. Have you noticed certain problems with umpires currently?
In the meantime, here is a video which demonstrates that certain umpires are out of control! CLICK HERE
A SPECIAL REPORT FROM OUR SPECIAL FRIEND
by Wayne Richards
I have a friend back in the Chicago area who is quite animated. I don't mean just here...I mean in REAL LIFE!
Her mother was the same way and also a wonderful supporter of my music through the years. But it is the daughter who's passion for the Cubbies expands into the stratosphere! In fact, she's one of those individuals who always finds success in taking selfies with celebrities and collecting autographs.
Due to her endless energy and enthusiasm, we have a slightly delayed Spring training report due to the fact that she did not catch a game until after our last Chatter deadline.
by Wayne Richards
I have a friend back in the Chicago area who is quite animated. I don't mean just here...I mean in REAL LIFE!
Her mother was the same way and also a wonderful supporter of my music through the years. But it is the daughter who's passion for the Cubbies expands into the stratosphere! In fact, she's one of those individuals who always finds success in taking selfies with celebrities and collecting autographs.
Due to her endless energy and enthusiasm, we have a slightly delayed Spring training report due to the fact that she did not catch a game until after our last Chatter deadline.
WAYNE: So how was the mood at Sloan Park?
CHRISTINA: I feel that the mood was exciting…for us anyway. Not really too many people when the players came out. I’m talking about where the players come out. We stayed to watch a few but I didn’t recognize anyone.
WAYNE: Did you see any batting practice?
CHRISTINA: No. That’s done in a separate field which is right next to Sloan Park.
WAYNE: Was it an expensive day?
CHRISTINA: Whoooo! Tickets were $85.00 each. Hot dog $8.99. A regular size Bud in an aluminum bottle was $16.99! My sisters had $32.00 margaritas. But is lasted a long time and you get to keep the carafe with the Cubs logo.
WAYNE: Did any player stand out in your eyes?
CHRISTINA: My new favorite is Kevin Alcantara. I love Iam Happ , but it was a split squad and he played at a different field that day. Hey Wayne guess what?
WAYNE: What?
CHRISTINA: I found out something I didn’t know. Morel came out with a #17 jersey and I said to the guy sitting next to me. “That’s not his number.” He told me that Christopher Morel has a brother named Rafael.
WAYNE: So tell me. How do you think the Cubs will do this year?
CHRISTINA: I think they’re going to be pretty good. Most of the reports on the radio say the Cubs should get into the post season!
FROM THEIR MICROPHONES TO GOD'S EARS!
CHRISTINA: I feel that the mood was exciting…for us anyway. Not really too many people when the players came out. I’m talking about where the players come out. We stayed to watch a few but I didn’t recognize anyone.
WAYNE: Did you see any batting practice?
CHRISTINA: No. That’s done in a separate field which is right next to Sloan Park.
WAYNE: Was it an expensive day?
CHRISTINA: Whoooo! Tickets were $85.00 each. Hot dog $8.99. A regular size Bud in an aluminum bottle was $16.99! My sisters had $32.00 margaritas. But is lasted a long time and you get to keep the carafe with the Cubs logo.
WAYNE: Did any player stand out in your eyes?
CHRISTINA: My new favorite is Kevin Alcantara. I love Iam Happ , but it was a split squad and he played at a different field that day. Hey Wayne guess what?
WAYNE: What?
CHRISTINA: I found out something I didn’t know. Morel came out with a #17 jersey and I said to the guy sitting next to me. “That’s not his number.” He told me that Christopher Morel has a brother named Rafael.
WAYNE: So tell me. How do you think the Cubs will do this year?
CHRISTINA: I think they’re going to be pretty good. Most of the reports on the radio say the Cubs should get into the post season!
FROM THEIR MICROPHONES TO GOD'S EARS!
BUS TRIP DETAILS FOR YOU
For those of us who will be participating in our trip to St. Petersburg this year, here are some details to keep in mind.
First, our bus will be ready to take off from the Brownwood Hotel parking lot on Thursday June 13th at exactly 4:15 pm.
Please note that anything you wish to purchase at the ball park will require a charge card or digital process.
We promise not to sing 100 BOTTLES OF BEER ON THE WALL! However…GO CUBS GO is allowed. GO CUBBIES!
FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK
by Wayne Richards
You might recall that in January of this year, "Sudden Sam" McDowell was scheduled to open our membership meeting season as a guest speaker. But, unfortunately, he was injured and couldn't make it.
I'm very happy to report that Sam is out and about ad will be joining us for a presentation this coming August 5th at Colony! I had the pleasure of speaking to him on the phone and he is very excited about joining us. In fact, he's doing quite well and is currently on a book signing tour!
On another note, it looks like a couple more people will be joining us on the bus trip to see the Cubbies play the Rays. We're all going to have a great time! I wonder if we'll be sitting anywhere near RANDY LAND? We'll find out!
In the meantime, here is a quick reminder that anyone is more than welcome to contribute to the Chatter. Send jokes, poems, photos, comments, drawings and winning lottery numbers to us! LET'S HAVE SOME FUN...LET'S GET SOME RUNS! GO CUBBIES!
by Wayne Richards
You might recall that in January of this year, "Sudden Sam" McDowell was scheduled to open our membership meeting season as a guest speaker. But, unfortunately, he was injured and couldn't make it.
I'm very happy to report that Sam is out and about ad will be joining us for a presentation this coming August 5th at Colony! I had the pleasure of speaking to him on the phone and he is very excited about joining us. In fact, he's doing quite well and is currently on a book signing tour!
On another note, it looks like a couple more people will be joining us on the bus trip to see the Cubbies play the Rays. We're all going to have a great time! I wonder if we'll be sitting anywhere near RANDY LAND? We'll find out!
In the meantime, here is a quick reminder that anyone is more than welcome to contribute to the Chatter. Send jokes, poems, photos, comments, drawings and winning lottery numbers to us! LET'S HAVE SOME FUN...LET'S GET SOME RUNS! GO CUBBIES!
