A WATCH PARTY TO REMEMBER
by Dan Marx
Cubs World members took advantage of a great opportunity to get together with their good friends, and see a great Cubs game at the same time last Sunday. With many thanks to the Live Oaks Church behind the 466 Wal Mart, we were treated to the Cubs Brewers game on the church MEGA screen. And I mean a mega screen. Members were happy to pay their admission to the game in the form of generous donations of food and paper goods to the local food pantry.
Members lined their cars up underneath a wall of trees by the side of the church, and despite the 90 degree temperatures, they were able to sit comfortably in their lawn chairs while enjoying their snacks and beverages. The only things missing were the Vienna hot dogs. We played our share of Cubs games that members participated in. In the popular “guess the final score game“, our very own Jim Gulesarian won with a score of the Cubs winning 8-2. That, of course, is subject to a Security and Exchange Commission review. And, yes, Bill McMahon, was the only one who picked the Brewers to win. I can hear the boos already.
Our local sportswriter and huge Cub fan, Cody Hills, attended part of the game on his day off, and wrote a great story about our club , that appeared in the paper the next day.
Many thanks to our board members , Jim Gulesarian, Don Mulder, and Rick Baas, and their spouses, who had a Big hand in making this fun event happen.
Oh, and by the way, there was a baseball game which the Cubbies won 9-1.
by Dan Marx
Cubs World members took advantage of a great opportunity to get together with their good friends, and see a great Cubs game at the same time last Sunday. With many thanks to the Live Oaks Church behind the 466 Wal Mart, we were treated to the Cubs Brewers game on the church MEGA screen. And I mean a mega screen. Members were happy to pay their admission to the game in the form of generous donations of food and paper goods to the local food pantry.
Members lined their cars up underneath a wall of trees by the side of the church, and despite the 90 degree temperatures, they were able to sit comfortably in their lawn chairs while enjoying their snacks and beverages. The only things missing were the Vienna hot dogs. We played our share of Cubs games that members participated in. In the popular “guess the final score game“, our very own Jim Gulesarian won with a score of the Cubs winning 8-2. That, of course, is subject to a Security and Exchange Commission review. And, yes, Bill McMahon, was the only one who picked the Brewers to win. I can hear the boos already.
Our local sportswriter and huge Cub fan, Cody Hills, attended part of the game on his day off, and wrote a great story about our club , that appeared in the paper the next day.
Many thanks to our board members , Jim Gulesarian, Don Mulder, and Rick Baas, and their spouses, who had a Big hand in making this fun event happen.
Oh, and by the way, there was a baseball game which the Cubbies won 9-1.
THE BLEACHER BUM REPORT
by Jack Hebron
OK, don't blink an eye because this season is going to go real fast! With just a 60 game season this year because of the virus the Cubs must start fast and avoid any key players getting sick. Already at the start of this season it looks like our starting pitchers are ready to roll. The one weakness seems to be a solid leadoff man. I'm not a fan of Kris Bryant in that spot and manager David Ross must get this solved quickly. Why not try rookie Nico Hoener in that spot for a few games and see what he can give us?
What a crazy year we are having! Just seeing Wrigley Field empty on opening day reminded me of something out of the Twilight Zone. The only thing missing was Rod Sterling doing the introductions before the game. And what a strange sight seeing all of that advertising in my beloved bleachers! Also did you catch Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo handing his bottle of sanitizer to that Brewers runner on first base? Yes, this is going to be a very strange year indeed!
The key to any Cubs success will once again be their bullpen. We have the starting pitching and a great every day lineup. But, it always seems to come down to who can finish the game. Once again all eyes will be on Craig Kimbrel in the ninth inning. If he fails to do the job, look for David Ross to give the ball to Dan WInkler in the ninth inning. He has the experience and also good control.
Cub fans love to look at the schedule for important dates to circle. It's obvious the last seven games will be the deal maker. We finish with four games on the road against the Pirates and then three on the south side against the White Sox. Instead of hearing "play ball" in 2020 these famous words would be much better!
"It is the middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition, and it lies between the pit of man's fears and the summit of his knowledge. This is the dimension of imagination. It is an area which we call the Twilight Zone."
by Jack Hebron
OK, don't blink an eye because this season is going to go real fast! With just a 60 game season this year because of the virus the Cubs must start fast and avoid any key players getting sick. Already at the start of this season it looks like our starting pitchers are ready to roll. The one weakness seems to be a solid leadoff man. I'm not a fan of Kris Bryant in that spot and manager David Ross must get this solved quickly. Why not try rookie Nico Hoener in that spot for a few games and see what he can give us?
What a crazy year we are having! Just seeing Wrigley Field empty on opening day reminded me of something out of the Twilight Zone. The only thing missing was Rod Sterling doing the introductions before the game. And what a strange sight seeing all of that advertising in my beloved bleachers! Also did you catch Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo handing his bottle of sanitizer to that Brewers runner on first base? Yes, this is going to be a very strange year indeed!
The key to any Cubs success will once again be their bullpen. We have the starting pitching and a great every day lineup. But, it always seems to come down to who can finish the game. Once again all eyes will be on Craig Kimbrel in the ninth inning. If he fails to do the job, look for David Ross to give the ball to Dan WInkler in the ninth inning. He has the experience and also good control.
Cub fans love to look at the schedule for important dates to circle. It's obvious the last seven games will be the deal maker. We finish with four games on the road against the Pirates and then three on the south side against the White Sox. Instead of hearing "play ball" in 2020 these famous words would be much better!
"It is the middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition, and it lies between the pit of man's fears and the summit of his knowledge. This is the dimension of imagination. It is an area which we call the Twilight Zone."
BREAKING BOOK NEWS
by Dan Marx
I’m hoping many of you remember a highlight of last year, when Bruce Miles was our featured speaker in our October membership meeting. Bruce has stayed in touch with me over the year, and he just emailed me to let me know that he has a new book out .
He collaborated with Jack Shniderman to write a new baseball novel called The Phenom. The link below gives all of the details of the book which is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. It’s a fictional story of a baseball season through the eyes of a sports writer.
Bruce truly enjoyed his opportunity on his trip here to meet many of our members, and maybe might make it back one day to sign some copies of his book. FOR INFORMATION CLICK BELOW...
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08DK227S9?pf_rd_r=D3224TS5PHH8DSMVA56Y&pf_rd_p=edaba0ee-c2fe-4124-9f5d-b31d6b1bfbee''
by Dan Marx
I’m hoping many of you remember a highlight of last year, when Bruce Miles was our featured speaker in our October membership meeting. Bruce has stayed in touch with me over the year, and he just emailed me to let me know that he has a new book out .
He collaborated with Jack Shniderman to write a new baseball novel called The Phenom. The link below gives all of the details of the book which is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. It’s a fictional story of a baseball season through the eyes of a sports writer.
Bruce truly enjoyed his opportunity on his trip here to meet many of our members, and maybe might make it back one day to sign some copies of his book. FOR INFORMATION CLICK BELOW...
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08DK227S9?pf_rd_r=D3224TS5PHH8DSMVA56Y&pf_rd_p=edaba0ee-c2fe-4124-9f5d-b31d6b1bfbee''
A ROLE MODEL FOR ALL TIME
by Jim Cole
June 11, 1960 Phillies in town wit
Chris Short vs Dick Ellsworth.
It was Little Leaguers Day. If you showed up with your little league uniform on you get in free!
I showed up but was informed by an old timer at the turnstile that there was a 25 cent city sales tax for the free ticket and that I had to pay it. I didn't have an extra money; just enough for carfare (50 cents round trip with free transfers), 10 cents for a scorecard, and probably a quarter for a coke. If I had to buy a ticket I would have had another 75 cents or a dollar for my usual bleacher seat and always sat in right field just a bit toward center from the well. Front row so I had a shelf to rest my stuff on in between innings and during batting practice.
But this was a free ticket and I would have to give up my coke money to get my grandstand seat.
I argued a bit with the old guy and he wouldn't let me in without paying the quarter so I paid up but told him " I will only pay the quarter if you guarantee that Banks will hit a home run for me today". Something flashed in his eyes this proclamation, and I did realize that this was just folly, but he guaranteed it and I told him I would find him if Ernie didn't come through and I would want my quarter back.
He said, "OK but it won't be necessary because Ernie would hit one for me." " What about a guaranteed win?" I asked. "Now you're pushin' it kid!" proclaimed the old man.
Short had the Cubs shut out, yielding only 2 singles through 6 2/3 innings when Ernie came to bat with the bases empty and 2 outs. He was 0 for 2. It was the 7th inning so I figured this was my last chance. It was overcast and cold and not a hitter's day. I got this feeling and even though I think the count went to 2 strikes (and maybe it was full) that Ernie would hit one.
He hit an unusually high high fly ball to left. (no liner) and I had goose bumps all over my body. Even now I can still see this drive in my mind's eye as it cleared the fence onto Waveland.
As Al Michaels said 20 years later "Do you believe in miracles"? Well, in this 12 year old's heart and mind Ernie Banks had hit this one for me!
There was no doubt in my mind. There weren't many people still in the park. The game was a complete bummer for the cubs. I stayed until the bitter end and Ernie had one more at bat but failed to get another hit. We lost 7 to 1 and Short only gave up 5 hits.
44 years later my daughter-in-law was Ernie's nurse when he had double knee replacement surgery in 2004 and she told him how much I admired him as a person and actually as a role model. He told her I could visit him on that Sunday.
I couldn't sleep. I was going to tell him this story from 1960. And I was going to try to explain to him how much he meant to me (and still does) growing up without parents like I did but I always had the Cuba and Ernie and not matter how people that I knew (grown-ups) battered Ernie and all the black players for that matter. I paid attention to how Ernie carried himself with dignity especially since he played for the Cubs who were just terrible all the time.
It turned out that he was in too much pain to see me that Sunday after the surgery. He sent me an autographed ball. I appreciated it but I don't necessarily want autographs. I would have been so important to me to meet him and tell him what I wanted him to hear from my heart with gratitude to and icon that I only knew through Televised games and interviews, etc.
It isn't fair to hold these athletes to such high standards that we consider them role models, but I don't care. He was my role model and he helped me tremendously as I did not have a real good time of it growing up.
Go Cubs and hit 'em where they ain't, Ern!! Hey, Hey!
by Jim Cole
June 11, 1960 Phillies in town wit
Chris Short vs Dick Ellsworth.
It was Little Leaguers Day. If you showed up with your little league uniform on you get in free!
I showed up but was informed by an old timer at the turnstile that there was a 25 cent city sales tax for the free ticket and that I had to pay it. I didn't have an extra money; just enough for carfare (50 cents round trip with free transfers), 10 cents for a scorecard, and probably a quarter for a coke. If I had to buy a ticket I would have had another 75 cents or a dollar for my usual bleacher seat and always sat in right field just a bit toward center from the well. Front row so I had a shelf to rest my stuff on in between innings and during batting practice.
But this was a free ticket and I would have to give up my coke money to get my grandstand seat.
I argued a bit with the old guy and he wouldn't let me in without paying the quarter so I paid up but told him " I will only pay the quarter if you guarantee that Banks will hit a home run for me today". Something flashed in his eyes this proclamation, and I did realize that this was just folly, but he guaranteed it and I told him I would find him if Ernie didn't come through and I would want my quarter back.
He said, "OK but it won't be necessary because Ernie would hit one for me." " What about a guaranteed win?" I asked. "Now you're pushin' it kid!" proclaimed the old man.
Short had the Cubs shut out, yielding only 2 singles through 6 2/3 innings when Ernie came to bat with the bases empty and 2 outs. He was 0 for 2. It was the 7th inning so I figured this was my last chance. It was overcast and cold and not a hitter's day. I got this feeling and even though I think the count went to 2 strikes (and maybe it was full) that Ernie would hit one.
He hit an unusually high high fly ball to left. (no liner) and I had goose bumps all over my body. Even now I can still see this drive in my mind's eye as it cleared the fence onto Waveland.
As Al Michaels said 20 years later "Do you believe in miracles"? Well, in this 12 year old's heart and mind Ernie Banks had hit this one for me!
There was no doubt in my mind. There weren't many people still in the park. The game was a complete bummer for the cubs. I stayed until the bitter end and Ernie had one more at bat but failed to get another hit. We lost 7 to 1 and Short only gave up 5 hits.
44 years later my daughter-in-law was Ernie's nurse when he had double knee replacement surgery in 2004 and she told him how much I admired him as a person and actually as a role model. He told her I could visit him on that Sunday.
I couldn't sleep. I was going to tell him this story from 1960. And I was going to try to explain to him how much he meant to me (and still does) growing up without parents like I did but I always had the Cuba and Ernie and not matter how people that I knew (grown-ups) battered Ernie and all the black players for that matter. I paid attention to how Ernie carried himself with dignity especially since he played for the Cubs who were just terrible all the time.
It turned out that he was in too much pain to see me that Sunday after the surgery. He sent me an autographed ball. I appreciated it but I don't necessarily want autographs. I would have been so important to me to meet him and tell him what I wanted him to hear from my heart with gratitude to and icon that I only knew through Televised games and interviews, etc.
It isn't fair to hold these athletes to such high standards that we consider them role models, but I don't care. He was my role model and he helped me tremendously as I did not have a real good time of it growing up.
Go Cubs and hit 'em where they ain't, Ern!! Hey, Hey!
BLESSINGS OF AN ANTHEM SINGER
by Wayne Richards
The late and great Harry Carey once stated, "The good Lord wants the Cubs to win!" It was God's house that recently gave fans an amazing gift on a sunny Sunday afternoon. As your Cubs World anthem singer I saw things from a unique perspective.
I have sung our nation's song on various ball fields as well as stages. But on July the 26th, I stood on the outdoor stage of the magnificent Live Oaks church in Oxford. Above me was a huge jumbotron filled with a waving digital American flag. The sound system was awesome and my voice bursting forth from their stunning set up gave me goose bumps, even on a very hot afternoon.
Looking out I saw the gathered flock huddling under trees relishing the breezy shade. It was an amazing sight to witness 50 or so dedicated fans enjoying each other's company while Chatwood threw a heavenly game.
I was ready to sing the seventh inning stretch if needed, but our jumbotron focused on the big Jumbotron at Wrigley as Harry sang the tune as only he could. I was delighted when that happened.
The thought did occur to me that Harry might be looking down on us. After all, when he started singing, "Buy me some peanuts and cracker jacks" a strong breeze entered the tent, blew table top snacks around and even tipped over a chair! It was one of many fine moments on a day Don Mulder declared to be a GRAND SLAM!
by Wayne Richards
The late and great Harry Carey once stated, "The good Lord wants the Cubs to win!" It was God's house that recently gave fans an amazing gift on a sunny Sunday afternoon. As your Cubs World anthem singer I saw things from a unique perspective.
I have sung our nation's song on various ball fields as well as stages. But on July the 26th, I stood on the outdoor stage of the magnificent Live Oaks church in Oxford. Above me was a huge jumbotron filled with a waving digital American flag. The sound system was awesome and my voice bursting forth from their stunning set up gave me goose bumps, even on a very hot afternoon.
Looking out I saw the gathered flock huddling under trees relishing the breezy shade. It was an amazing sight to witness 50 or so dedicated fans enjoying each other's company while Chatwood threw a heavenly game.
I was ready to sing the seventh inning stretch if needed, but our jumbotron focused on the big Jumbotron at Wrigley as Harry sang the tune as only he could. I was delighted when that happened.
The thought did occur to me that Harry might be looking down on us. After all, when he started singing, "Buy me some peanuts and cracker jacks" a strong breeze entered the tent, blew table top snacks around and even tipped over a chair! It was one of many fine moments on a day Don Mulder declared to be a GRAND SLAM!
REMEMBERING THE VENDORS
Before the pandemic hit leaving ball parks filled with only skeleton crews and echoes of the past , these hard working vendors were seen hawking their wares in every kind of imaginable weather. Regular fans might even recognize the faces of
venders like Lloyd Rutzky and Joel Levin.
Rutzky spent 38 years working in the friendly confines as well as that place on the south side...serving both venues with pride and a smiling face. So just how was Lloyd Rutzky inspired? His uncle used to work at Wrigley in the upper decks!
At Wrigley he has sold hot dogs, beer, peanuts and a true staple...FROSTY MALTS! He loved his work and he knew just how to be successful. The formula is simple. Said Lloyd, "I make eye contact with the people."
Vendors also need to pay close attention to the game. "I was almost hit by a bat at Wrigley," proclaimed Rutsky. "If not for a wall, both of my legs could've been hurt."
Most vendors have a passion for the game which is why work can be so hard. After all, they do see every game for free. But they pay for that privilege by walking an average of five miles a day. "You compete with 200 other vendors, " said Lloyd. "It truly is every man and woman for themselves."
Like many vendors, Lloyd could've created a scrap book about witnessing great players and moments through the years. Instead, in 1970, he decided to compile a volume containing pictures and stories of his fellow vendors and security personnel. In its pages are tales of a blind Frosty malt vendor, a singing peanut vendor and a gentlemen who sold Coca Cola and eventually became an economic advisor to the President of the United States.
The result of all this work is now available via Arcadia Publications and AMAZON entitled, WRIGLEY FIELD'S AMAZING VENDORS.
Before the pandemic hit leaving ball parks filled with only skeleton crews and echoes of the past , these hard working vendors were seen hawking their wares in every kind of imaginable weather. Regular fans might even recognize the faces of
venders like Lloyd Rutzky and Joel Levin.
Rutzky spent 38 years working in the friendly confines as well as that place on the south side...serving both venues with pride and a smiling face. So just how was Lloyd Rutzky inspired? His uncle used to work at Wrigley in the upper decks!
At Wrigley he has sold hot dogs, beer, peanuts and a true staple...FROSTY MALTS! He loved his work and he knew just how to be successful. The formula is simple. Said Lloyd, "I make eye contact with the people."
Vendors also need to pay close attention to the game. "I was almost hit by a bat at Wrigley," proclaimed Rutsky. "If not for a wall, both of my legs could've been hurt."
Most vendors have a passion for the game which is why work can be so hard. After all, they do see every game for free. But they pay for that privilege by walking an average of five miles a day. "You compete with 200 other vendors, " said Lloyd. "It truly is every man and woman for themselves."
Like many vendors, Lloyd could've created a scrap book about witnessing great players and moments through the years. Instead, in 1970, he decided to compile a volume containing pictures and stories of his fellow vendors and security personnel. In its pages are tales of a blind Frosty malt vendor, a singing peanut vendor and a gentlemen who sold Coca Cola and eventually became an economic advisor to the President of the United States.
The result of all this work is now available via Arcadia Publications and AMAZON entitled, WRIGLEY FIELD'S AMAZING VENDORS.
We always love to hear from Cubs World members. We would like your opinion on the following.
With a 60 game season in progress challenges have already materialized. The most serious issue to date involves the Miami Marlins which had to cancel play due to the number of cover-19 infected players.
In addition, team travel arrangements are different and demanding. For instance teams traveling to a location usually do so the day or evening before the next game and check into a hotel. Now, whenever possible, players will travel on game day! Many players don't like this scenario.
Also, in viewing some of the games on tv, I occasionally have notice players high-fiving each other, a strict rule which seems to be increasingly ignored.
Our question to you is...do you think the entire 60 game schedule will be completed?
With a 60 game season in progress challenges have already materialized. The most serious issue to date involves the Miami Marlins which had to cancel play due to the number of cover-19 infected players.
In addition, team travel arrangements are different and demanding. For instance teams traveling to a location usually do so the day or evening before the next game and check into a hotel. Now, whenever possible, players will travel on game day! Many players don't like this scenario.
Also, in viewing some of the games on tv, I occasionally have notice players high-fiving each other, a strict rule which seems to be increasingly ignored.
Our question to you is...do you think the entire 60 game schedule will be completed?
BASEBALL BROADCASTING HAS EDGED BACK TO ITS AWKWARD ROOTS!
You might be wondering why the 40th president of the United States adorns this piece about sports broadcasting. Easy. Ronald Reagan was a play by play announcer for the Chicago Cubs in the mid thirties.
However, Reagan did not broadcast from a booth within the friendly confines. He sat in a studio while an associate who was actually present at Wrigley sent in play by play descriptions via teletype.
To an extent, some broadcasters are currently experiencing something very similar by calling games from home or a location deemed safe. But with multiple cameras, stadium microphones that can pick up a bee buzzing from a mile away and state of the art analytical technology, you will get a well defined picture of what has transpired on the field.
Ronald Reagan wasn't quite as lucky. On several occasions the teletype machine would break down forcing him to actually make up plays in his mind and share them over the microphone! One time, until technical difficulties were cleared up, he kept calling foul balls.
There is no information as to whether or not the radio station used recorded crowd noises and cheering to enhance a game. Now, during this very strange season, we feel the propensity to make the stadium soundtrack as realistic as possible. With regard to this process reviews are highly mixed. Perhaps with this audio practice, we give new meaning to the phrase, FANTASY BASEBALL.
You might be wondering why the 40th president of the United States adorns this piece about sports broadcasting. Easy. Ronald Reagan was a play by play announcer for the Chicago Cubs in the mid thirties.
However, Reagan did not broadcast from a booth within the friendly confines. He sat in a studio while an associate who was actually present at Wrigley sent in play by play descriptions via teletype.
To an extent, some broadcasters are currently experiencing something very similar by calling games from home or a location deemed safe. But with multiple cameras, stadium microphones that can pick up a bee buzzing from a mile away and state of the art analytical technology, you will get a well defined picture of what has transpired on the field.
Ronald Reagan wasn't quite as lucky. On several occasions the teletype machine would break down forcing him to actually make up plays in his mind and share them over the microphone! One time, until technical difficulties were cleared up, he kept calling foul balls.
There is no information as to whether or not the radio station used recorded crowd noises and cheering to enhance a game. Now, during this very strange season, we feel the propensity to make the stadium soundtrack as realistic as possible. With regard to this process reviews are highly mixed. Perhaps with this audio practice, we give new meaning to the phrase, FANTASY BASEBALL.
ONE WAY TO SEE THE GAME IN PERSON
The sight of an empty ball park while a game is being played is unsettling to say the least. The lack of energy and crowd noise is going to take a while to get used to.
But thanks to the rooftop above the ever popular Murphy's Bleachers, one can hear the cheering and jeering of actual human beings. Even from across the street!
Reports from the dugout claim that cheers and boos can be heard from afar. Manager David Ross said, "It makes me feel right at home!" As far as the view from the roof top goes it can be a bit of a struggle for most people. But on the roof tops, especially Murphy's, there is a real party atmosphere that always makes the event memorable.
The sight of an empty ball park while a game is being played is unsettling to say the least. The lack of energy and crowd noise is going to take a while to get used to.
But thanks to the rooftop above the ever popular Murphy's Bleachers, one can hear the cheering and jeering of actual human beings. Even from across the street!
Reports from the dugout claim that cheers and boos can be heard from afar. Manager David Ross said, "It makes me feel right at home!" As far as the view from the roof top goes it can be a bit of a struggle for most people. But on the roof tops, especially Murphy's, there is a real party atmosphere that always makes the event memorable.
JUST KIDDING! SEE YOU ON THE 15TH! GO AWAY VIRUS! GO CUBBIES!