HAPPY AUGUST!
HERE'S WHATS ON DECK FOR CUBS WORLD....
8/29 game watch - White Sox
9/6 club meeting- Bobby Floyd ( ex major leaguer)
9/16 golf scramble
10/4 club meeting - speaker TBD
11/1 club meeting Nick Belmont -Cubs scout extraordinaire
HERE'S WHATS ON DECK FOR CUBS WORLD....
8/29 game watch - White Sox
9/6 club meeting- Bobby Floyd ( ex major leaguer)
9/16 golf scramble
10/4 club meeting - speaker TBD
11/1 club meeting Nick Belmont -Cubs scout extraordinaire
A MESSAGE FROM CLARK THE BEAR
Hi everyone! This is just a reminder to search for a RED WORD embedded somewhere within the text of this newsletter. When you find it, jot it down on a piece of paper or a card and bring it to the membership meeting at Colony on Monday September the 6th.
There will be a drawing for prizes so don't miss out! Gift cards or other items might be yours!
By the way, this is my new profile photo. Nice isn't it? Now I don't have to listen to all the complaints about the fact that I refuse to wear pants.
Hi everyone! This is just a reminder to search for a RED WORD embedded somewhere within the text of this newsletter. When you find it, jot it down on a piece of paper or a card and bring it to the membership meeting at Colony on Monday September the 6th.
There will be a drawing for prizes so don't miss out! Gift cards or other items might be yours!
By the way, this is my new profile photo. Nice isn't it? Now I don't have to listen to all the complaints about the fact that I refuse to wear pants.
MEMBERSHIP MEETING FEATURED A MAJOR LEAGUE SPEAKER!
by Dan Marx
We love talking baseball. Our August membership meeting started off with the membership having a very emotional discussion of the pros and cons of the blockbuster trades that happened just before the trade deadline. Almost our entire all star infield was traded . It was the core of our team, and they left us with many memories of our joyous championship season. The prospect haul that we received for our guys, seemed to ease the pain of knowing that all of them would have walked at the end of the year with nothing in return.
That was the perfect segue into our guest speaker, Bob Stinson. Bob, who is a villager , recapped his 12 year career in MLB. He was a catcher for 6 different teams.
He talked about how much different the major leagues is now compared to his era. When he was in college he had a job working the late shift from 11 pm-6 am. Then he went to school, and then baseball practice after that. Doesn’t leave much time for sleep. In 7th grade he was so good that he made the American Legion team at the age of 13, where he was a .500 hitter. He could have gone much further in the majors, but he had untimely injuries, and always seemed to get traded to teams who had very strong catchers in front of him.
He bemoans the fact that hitters are more concerned with launch angles and homers now, than the way things were back In his day with the hit and run and the fundamentals of baseball. Even the pitchers were different then. The average throwing speed was 86 mph.! He had so many good stories and funny stories, that he could have been mistaken for a stand up comedian. Somebody asked if he would ever go to the mound and ask his teammate Bob Gibson what to do and he said absolutely not. He told me that the best change up he ever saw in the majors belonged to the Cubs’ Ferguson Jenkins.
Thank you Bob, for a very entertaining evening.
by Dan Marx
We love talking baseball. Our August membership meeting started off with the membership having a very emotional discussion of the pros and cons of the blockbuster trades that happened just before the trade deadline. Almost our entire all star infield was traded . It was the core of our team, and they left us with many memories of our joyous championship season. The prospect haul that we received for our guys, seemed to ease the pain of knowing that all of them would have walked at the end of the year with nothing in return.
That was the perfect segue into our guest speaker, Bob Stinson. Bob, who is a villager , recapped his 12 year career in MLB. He was a catcher for 6 different teams.
He talked about how much different the major leagues is now compared to his era. When he was in college he had a job working the late shift from 11 pm-6 am. Then he went to school, and then baseball practice after that. Doesn’t leave much time for sleep. In 7th grade he was so good that he made the American Legion team at the age of 13, where he was a .500 hitter. He could have gone much further in the majors, but he had untimely injuries, and always seemed to get traded to teams who had very strong catchers in front of him.
He bemoans the fact that hitters are more concerned with launch angles and homers now, than the way things were back In his day with the hit and run and the fundamentals of baseball. Even the pitchers were different then. The average throwing speed was 86 mph.! He had so many good stories and funny stories, that he could have been mistaken for a stand up comedian. Somebody asked if he would ever go to the mound and ask his teammate Bob Gibson what to do and he said absolutely not. He told me that the best change up he ever saw in the majors belonged to the Cubs’ Ferguson Jenkins.
Thank you Bob, for a very entertaining evening.
BLEACHER BUM REPORT
by Jack Hebron
Well, the dust has now settled from all of those trades made before the deadline. The Cubs team looks so different now that you will need a program to figure out who is who. Bryant, Baez and Rizzo are now gone and want to find out if the grass really is greener on the other side of the hill.
Anthony Rizzo turned down the Cubs last offer of $70,000,000 for five years. And now finds himself in the Bronx playing for the NY Yankees. Baez and Bryant were a different story. Because no matter what, they would not take a Cubs offer. They've been itching to test the free agent market and now that time finally arrived. Many feel Bryant had a grudge against the Cubs because he was held back from joining the team in his rookie year. Which delayed his entry into free agency.
I believe the Cubs did not want to make the same mistake again like that did with Kyle Schwarber. Who left the team without the Cubs getting any compensation. At least the Cubs have gotten some good young talent that many say will be solid baseball players down the road. One only has to look at what the Tampa Bay Rays have done over the last few years to realize you really can win lots of games with young talent.
So this season really cannot end soon enough if you ask me. Go Bears!!
by Jack Hebron
Well, the dust has now settled from all of those trades made before the deadline. The Cubs team looks so different now that you will need a program to figure out who is who. Bryant, Baez and Rizzo are now gone and want to find out if the grass really is greener on the other side of the hill.
Anthony Rizzo turned down the Cubs last offer of $70,000,000 for five years. And now finds himself in the Bronx playing for the NY Yankees. Baez and Bryant were a different story. Because no matter what, they would not take a Cubs offer. They've been itching to test the free agent market and now that time finally arrived. Many feel Bryant had a grudge against the Cubs because he was held back from joining the team in his rookie year. Which delayed his entry into free agency.
I believe the Cubs did not want to make the same mistake again like that did with Kyle Schwarber. Who left the team without the Cubs getting any compensation. At least the Cubs have gotten some good young talent that many say will be solid baseball players down the road. One only has to look at what the Tampa Bay Rays have done over the last few years to realize you really can win lots of games with young talent.
So this season really cannot end soon enough if you ask me. Go Bears!!
FROM THE DESK OF DAN MARX
Bobby Floyd will be our featured speaker at our next membership meeting, Monday , September 6th at Colony Cottage Rec Center from 6:00- 9:00 pm. Advance registration is preferred and is $10 for members and $14 for guests.
Bobby was a seven year major league infielder for the Baltimore Orioles and Kansas City Royals. 1968-1974. He played on the 1969 Orioles team that lost to the New York Mets in the 1969 World Series.
He also played in the 1970's in the Texas League against some former Cubs, including Don Kessinger.
He had been in baseball for the past 55 years, including 34 years with the Mets as a minor league manager, bench coach, and senior advisor, where he basically was a scout.
A native of Southern California, lives in Mt. Dora and is a good friend of Rick Reichardt who spoke with us a few years ago. Born in 1976.
Bobby Floyd will be our featured speaker at our next membership meeting, Monday , September 6th at Colony Cottage Rec Center from 6:00- 9:00 pm. Advance registration is preferred and is $10 for members and $14 for guests.
Bobby was a seven year major league infielder for the Baltimore Orioles and Kansas City Royals. 1968-1974. He played on the 1969 Orioles team that lost to the New York Mets in the 1969 World Series.
He also played in the 1970's in the Texas League against some former Cubs, including Don Kessinger.
He had been in baseball for the past 55 years, including 34 years with the Mets as a minor league manager, bench coach, and senior advisor, where he basically was a scout.
A native of Southern California, lives in Mt. Dora and is a good friend of Rick Reichardt who spoke with us a few years ago. Born in 1976.
A FAREWELL TO RIZZO
Cub fans around the world will always remember how a young man named Anthony Rizzo helped turn Wrigley into a field of dreams. The photo shows a private moment with his family, including a somewhat confused bow wow.
Please enjoy a video which pays tribute to a very talented and giving soul.
CLICK HERE
UPDATE! AT THIS PUBLISHING, RIZZO HAS BEEN PLACE ON THE IL WITH COVID.
Cub fans around the world will always remember how a young man named Anthony Rizzo helped turn Wrigley into a field of dreams. The photo shows a private moment with his family, including a somewhat confused bow wow.
Please enjoy a video which pays tribute to a very talented and giving soul.
CLICK HERE
UPDATE! AT THIS PUBLISHING, RIZZO HAS BEEN PLACE ON THE IL WITH COVID.
WATCH PARTY ANYONE?
Cubs at White Sox
Sunday August 29th
Game Time 2:10 PM
Gators Dockside Brownwood
Arrive 1:30 game time 2:10
Gators Dockside Brownwood
Usual games: 50/50, Pick a Cub, Guess the score, Squares (If enough people)
Bring your "W" flags, and Cubs pennants. We'll see you there.
Cubs at White Sox
Sunday August 29th
Game Time 2:10 PM
Gators Dockside Brownwood
Arrive 1:30 game time 2:10
Gators Dockside Brownwood
Usual games: 50/50, Pick a Cub, Guess the score, Squares (If enough people)
Bring your "W" flags, and Cubs pennants. We'll see you there.
WELCOME TO BOBBLE HEAD CENTRAL
by Wayne Richards
In a season of upset and confusion as Cub players exited Wrigley one by one, we can always soothe the pain by thinking about happy times with regard to our men in blue. I was privy to a visit to a special place that brought back many memories, thanks to Dave and Cindy Bellovary.
Entering their beautiful home is a little like looking at one’s life represented in fine art. Many of the artifacts are restored pieces made of steel. This makes complete sense because Dave and Cindy met at Inland Steel in Indiana where they both worked.
But the treasure trove of collectables is located in a special room where Cubs memorabilia is displayed, including, to date, 768 bobble head figures. All the items are placed in handsome glass door cabinets. I am confident when I report that Dave and Cindy certainly own one of the finest collections in the United States!
by Wayne Richards
In a season of upset and confusion as Cub players exited Wrigley one by one, we can always soothe the pain by thinking about happy times with regard to our men in blue. I was privy to a visit to a special place that brought back many memories, thanks to Dave and Cindy Bellovary.
Entering their beautiful home is a little like looking at one’s life represented in fine art. Many of the artifacts are restored pieces made of steel. This makes complete sense because Dave and Cindy met at Inland Steel in Indiana where they both worked.
But the treasure trove of collectables is located in a special room where Cubs memorabilia is displayed, including, to date, 768 bobble head figures. All the items are placed in handsome glass door cabinets. I am confident when I report that Dave and Cindy certainly own one of the finest collections in the United States!
As he should be, Dave is quite proud of his museum and made one thing perfectly clear. “I will never sell a bobblehead!” proclaimed Dave. “I might trade an item once in a while, but I’m not into selling.”
One might think that it has taken a lifetime to collect all these treasures. But, the collection obsession didn’t actually begin until 2001! Dave had some growing up to do first.
That all happened in Gary, Indiana, where the wind filled the air with smoke and odors from surrounding mills. Said Dave, “I grew up with Michael Jackson! Of course, I never met him.”
Said Bellovary, “We used to listen to the Cubs on Wgn. Going to Wrigley was a long trip so we didn’t go often. On occasion, we’d take the South Shore train.” Just as a point of interest for those not familiar with that line, there are stretches of track laid right on some streets with regular traffic moving along side. It takes a little getting used to.
Dave attended Merrillville High School and graduated in 1974. But college was not on the horizon. Instead, as his father had, he started work at Inland Steel and would spend 40 years under their employ.
You may ask when Dave developed the true heart of a collector. What was the event that lit his pilot light?
A friend invited him out to White Sox Park. Said Dave, "They were giving away Frank Thomas bobble heads." From then on, he was hooked.
One might think that it has taken a lifetime to collect all these treasures. But, the collection obsession didn’t actually begin until 2001! Dave had some growing up to do first.
That all happened in Gary, Indiana, where the wind filled the air with smoke and odors from surrounding mills. Said Dave, “I grew up with Michael Jackson! Of course, I never met him.”
Said Bellovary, “We used to listen to the Cubs on Wgn. Going to Wrigley was a long trip so we didn’t go often. On occasion, we’d take the South Shore train.” Just as a point of interest for those not familiar with that line, there are stretches of track laid right on some streets with regular traffic moving along side. It takes a little getting used to.
Dave attended Merrillville High School and graduated in 1974. But college was not on the horizon. Instead, as his father had, he started work at Inland Steel and would spend 40 years under their employ.
You may ask when Dave developed the true heart of a collector. What was the event that lit his pilot light?
A friend invited him out to White Sox Park. Said Dave, "They were giving away Frank Thomas bobble heads." From then on, he was hooked.
Dave and Cindy have a ball collecting things. In fact, they have many balls along with pennants, cups and other items representative of both minor and major leagues. The magic even extends into their garage!
The manner in which all these items are collected would actually make a great motion picture. With a collection of schedules and maps, with an assist from a GPS, Dave and company research which teams are playing where and design their trips accordingly. Dave might've missed his calling because the travel industry needs people like this badly!
That GPS eventually brought Dave to the Villages in 2016 for the closing on their house while Cindy remained up North to tend to some business. However, such a blessed event was tarnished a bit. "We couldn't be together for the final game of the series, " lamented Dave. "I went to Beef O Brady's to watch the game, but unfortunately, they closed at 9pm. I had to find some location where they might be open. You might say, THE WORLD OF BEER saved me!"
It was getting later. As the crew of WOB was cleaning up, they were kind enough to keep the game on. Even with the now infamous rain delay, Dave did get to witness the glorious end to a historical game! The happy couple celebrated via phone.
Mr. and Mrs. Bellovary are proud members of Cubs World and would love to see some new ideas added to Cubs World. Said Dave, " It seems to me that there are many women who are not into sports and perhaps would appreciate some activities of a varying nature available to them." Cubs World would love to hear any suggestions its members may have to make this club even more special.
In addition to Cubs World, Dave and Cindy play golf, bowl, play corn hole and love beach tennis. They also enjoy the company of both full time and part time members in the Indiana club.
But it is the Cubbies that really touch their hearts. "We even have a Chicago Cubs cover for our grill, " said Dave.
Driving home after visiting these folks in their special home, I realized how blessed they were. After all, a pope bobble head stands proudly in their collection. What could be more blessed than that?
The manner in which all these items are collected would actually make a great motion picture. With a collection of schedules and maps, with an assist from a GPS, Dave and company research which teams are playing where and design their trips accordingly. Dave might've missed his calling because the travel industry needs people like this badly!
That GPS eventually brought Dave to the Villages in 2016 for the closing on their house while Cindy remained up North to tend to some business. However, such a blessed event was tarnished a bit. "We couldn't be together for the final game of the series, " lamented Dave. "I went to Beef O Brady's to watch the game, but unfortunately, they closed at 9pm. I had to find some location where they might be open. You might say, THE WORLD OF BEER saved me!"
It was getting later. As the crew of WOB was cleaning up, they were kind enough to keep the game on. Even with the now infamous rain delay, Dave did get to witness the glorious end to a historical game! The happy couple celebrated via phone.
Mr. and Mrs. Bellovary are proud members of Cubs World and would love to see some new ideas added to Cubs World. Said Dave, " It seems to me that there are many women who are not into sports and perhaps would appreciate some activities of a varying nature available to them." Cubs World would love to hear any suggestions its members may have to make this club even more special.
In addition to Cubs World, Dave and Cindy play golf, bowl, play corn hole and love beach tennis. They also enjoy the company of both full time and part time members in the Indiana club.
But it is the Cubbies that really touch their hearts. "We even have a Chicago Cubs cover for our grill, " said Dave.
Driving home after visiting these folks in their special home, I realized how blessed they were. After all, a pope bobble head stands proudly in their collection. What could be more blessed than that?
JED HOYER DISCUSSES THE CHANGES AND WHAT IS HOPED FOR THE FUTURE
Here is a little "ON LINE" interview featuring general manager Jed Hoyer explaining how difficult it was to make changes.
CLICK HERE
Here is a little "ON LINE" interview featuring general manager Jed Hoyer explaining how difficult it was to make changes.
CLICK HERE
HAVE FAITH!
by Wayne Richards
There once was a young hopeful who lived in Rogers Park. Somehow, the scouts missed him. This is probably due to the fact that this rookie wanna be was not allowed to go outside his yard.
Growing up a bit, he actually played in little league for a short while. It can be said that every time he stepped up to the plate, he had a no-hitter.
Eventually, as a young man, a scout discovered him singing the anthem for the Kane County Cougars and brought him to the White Sox organization. Eventually, thanks to Cubs World, he sings for his beloved Cubbies.
Like everyone in the club, I'm a bit dazed by the dramatic changes that have taken place. But, there is an important reality interwoven in all this. We've witnessed Cub history both maddening and euphoric! Being a true Cub fan, all these emotions temper us into true baseball fans.
Be patient. The Cubs will return! Perhaps, sooner than later, scouts can discover someone like the chap seen in this photo. Only the next hopeful must be able to hit!
by Wayne Richards
There once was a young hopeful who lived in Rogers Park. Somehow, the scouts missed him. This is probably due to the fact that this rookie wanna be was not allowed to go outside his yard.
Growing up a bit, he actually played in little league for a short while. It can be said that every time he stepped up to the plate, he had a no-hitter.
Eventually, as a young man, a scout discovered him singing the anthem for the Kane County Cougars and brought him to the White Sox organization. Eventually, thanks to Cubs World, he sings for his beloved Cubbies.
Like everyone in the club, I'm a bit dazed by the dramatic changes that have taken place. But, there is an important reality interwoven in all this. We've witnessed Cub history both maddening and euphoric! Being a true Cub fan, all these emotions temper us into true baseball fans.
Be patient. The Cubs will return! Perhaps, sooner than later, scouts can discover someone like the chap seen in this photo. Only the next hopeful must be able to hit!