1/3 Tony Brizzolara Atlanta Braves pitcher in the late 70s ( villager)
2/7 SteveRussell sports director ESPN Gainesville
3/7 Dan Schlossberg baseball book author
4/4 Cody Hills Daily Sun sportswriter- Cubs Preview
2/7 SteveRussell sports director ESPN Gainesville
3/7 Dan Schlossberg baseball book author
4/4 Cody Hills Daily Sun sportswriter- Cubs Preview
TONY BRIZZOLARA TO SPEAK AT JANUARY MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Tony Brizzolara is one of a handful of retired major league baseball players who currently live in The Villages. Born January 14, 1957 in Santa Monica, California, he played high school baseball in Beloit, Wisconsin and college baseball at the University of Texas at Austin. Tony was selected by the Atlanta Braves in the second round of the 1977 Major League Baseball Draft.
Tony spent the vast majority of his professional career with the Braves. After going 17-12 in the Braves farm system between 1977 and 1979, he was brought up to the major league club in May of 1979. He went 6-9 in his first season with the Braves, and spent the next three seasons shuffling back and forth between the Braves major league team and minor league franchises. He recorded his only save in game 162 of the 1983 season, pitching two innings in a 4-3 win over the Padres In Tony’s last year in professional baseball in 1986, he pitched for the Chicago White Sox’ Buffalo Bisons AAA team and went 6-6.
Interesting facts about Tony Brizzolara are that he negotiated player contracts with Braves Vice President Henry Aaron, and that he went on a baseball-related trip to Japan that included Chicago Cub stars Ernie Banks and Billy Williams and has several stories about spending time with those two Chicago Cub greats.
Tony Brizzolara is one of a handful of retired major league baseball players who currently live in The Villages. Born January 14, 1957 in Santa Monica, California, he played high school baseball in Beloit, Wisconsin and college baseball at the University of Texas at Austin. Tony was selected by the Atlanta Braves in the second round of the 1977 Major League Baseball Draft.
Tony spent the vast majority of his professional career with the Braves. After going 17-12 in the Braves farm system between 1977 and 1979, he was brought up to the major league club in May of 1979. He went 6-9 in his first season with the Braves, and spent the next three seasons shuffling back and forth between the Braves major league team and minor league franchises. He recorded his only save in game 162 of the 1983 season, pitching two innings in a 4-3 win over the Padres In Tony’s last year in professional baseball in 1986, he pitched for the Chicago White Sox’ Buffalo Bisons AAA team and went 6-6.
Interesting facts about Tony Brizzolara are that he negotiated player contracts with Braves Vice President Henry Aaron, and that he went on a baseball-related trip to Japan that included Chicago Cub stars Ernie Banks and Billy Williams and has several stories about spending time with those two Chicago Cub greats.
A RED WORD REMINDER FROM CLARK THE BEAR!
Hi there! Wow! That was a nightmare season if there ever was one! But, you know what? The Cubbies will be back!
Anyway, the reason I'm here is to remind you that despite the nerve-shattering process of team restructuring and the lockdown, business will go on for all my wonderful friends in CUBS WORLD!
With a membership meeting scheduled for January, the time has once again come to enjoy this newsletter and search for a word printed in red! When you find it, please write it down on a piece of paper and bring it to the meeting. You could win a prize!!!
Have a wonderful off season and be of good cheer. If you need me I'll be visiting relatives in the Ocala National Park. GO CUBS GO!!!!!
Hi there! Wow! That was a nightmare season if there ever was one! But, you know what? The Cubbies will be back!
Anyway, the reason I'm here is to remind you that despite the nerve-shattering process of team restructuring and the lockdown, business will go on for all my wonderful friends in CUBS WORLD!
With a membership meeting scheduled for January, the time has once again come to enjoy this newsletter and search for a word printed in red! When you find it, please write it down on a piece of paper and bring it to the meeting. You could win a prize!!!
Have a wonderful off season and be of good cheer. If you need me I'll be visiting relatives in the Ocala National Park. GO CUBS GO!!!!!
BASEBALL LOCK OUT CONTINUES!
To our Fans:
I first want to thank you for your continued support of the great game of baseball. This past season, we were reminded of how the national pastime can bring us together and restore our hope despite the difficult challenges of a global pandemic. As we began to emerge from one of the darkest periods in our history, our ballparks were filled with fans; the games were filled with excitement; and millions of families felt the joy of watching baseball together. That is why I am so disappointed about the situation in which our game finds itself today. Despite the league’s best efforts to make a deal with the Players Association, we were unable to extend our 26 year-long history of labor peace and come to an agreement with the MLBPA before the current CBA expired. Therefore, we have been forced to commence a lockout of Major League players, effective at 12:01am ET on December 2.
I want to explain to you how we got here and why we have to take this action today. Simply put, we believe that an offseason lockout is the best mechanism to protect the 2022 season. We hope that the lockout will jumpstart the negotiations and get us to an agreement that will allow the season to start on time. This defensive lockout was necessary because the Players Association’s vision for Major League Baseball would threaten the ability of most teams to be competitive. It’s simply not a viable option. From the beginning, the MLBPA has been unwilling to move from their starting position, compromise, or collaborate on solutions.
When we began negotiations over a new agreement, the Players Association already had a contract that they wouldn’t trade for any other in sports. Baseball’s players have no salary cap and are not subjected to a maximum length or dollar amount on contracts. In fact, only MLB has guaranteed contracts that run 10 or more years, and in excess of $300 million. We have not proposed anything that would change these fundamentals. While we have heard repeatedly that free agency is “broken” – in the month of November $1.7 billion was committed to free agents, smashing the prior record by nearly 4x. By the end of the offseason, Clubs will have committed more money to players than in any offseason in MLB history.
We worked hard to find compromise while making the system even better for players, by addressing concerns raised by the Players Association. We offered to establish a minimum payroll for all clubs to meet for the first time in baseball history; to allow the majority of players to reach free agency earlier through an age-based system that would eliminate any claims of service time manipulation; and to increase compensation for all young players, including increases in the minimum salary. When negotiations lacked momentum, we tried to create some by offering to accept the universal Designated Hitter, to create a new draft system using a lottery similar to other leagues, and to increase the Competitive Balance Tax threshold that affects only a small number of teams.
We have had challenges before with respect to making labor agreements and have overcome those challenges every single time during my tenure. Regrettably, it appears the Players Association came to the bargaining table with a strategy of confrontation over compromise. They never wavered from collectively the most extreme set of proposals in their history, including significant cuts to the revenue-sharing system, a weakening of the competitive balance tax, and shortening the period of time that players play for their teams. All of these changes would make our game less competitive, not more.
To be clear: this hard but important step does not necessarily mean games will be cancelled. In fact, we are taking this step now because it accelerates the urgency for an agreement with as much runway as possible to avoid doing damage to the 2022 season. Delaying this process further would only put Spring Training, Opening Day, and the rest of the season further at risk – and we cannot allow an expired agreement to again cause an in-season strike and a missed World Series, like we experienced in 1994. We all owe you, our fans, better than that.
Today is a difficult day for baseball, but as I have said all year, there is a path to a fair agreement, and we will find it. I do not doubt the League and the Players share a fundamental appreciation for this game and a commitment to its fans. I remain optimistic that both sides will seize the opportunity to work together to grow, protect, and strengthen the game we love. MLB is ready to work around the clock to meet that goal. I urge the Players Association to join us at the table.
To our Fans:
I first want to thank you for your continued support of the great game of baseball. This past season, we were reminded of how the national pastime can bring us together and restore our hope despite the difficult challenges of a global pandemic. As we began to emerge from one of the darkest periods in our history, our ballparks were filled with fans; the games were filled with excitement; and millions of families felt the joy of watching baseball together. That is why I am so disappointed about the situation in which our game finds itself today. Despite the league’s best efforts to make a deal with the Players Association, we were unable to extend our 26 year-long history of labor peace and come to an agreement with the MLBPA before the current CBA expired. Therefore, we have been forced to commence a lockout of Major League players, effective at 12:01am ET on December 2.
I want to explain to you how we got here and why we have to take this action today. Simply put, we believe that an offseason lockout is the best mechanism to protect the 2022 season. We hope that the lockout will jumpstart the negotiations and get us to an agreement that will allow the season to start on time. This defensive lockout was necessary because the Players Association’s vision for Major League Baseball would threaten the ability of most teams to be competitive. It’s simply not a viable option. From the beginning, the MLBPA has been unwilling to move from their starting position, compromise, or collaborate on solutions.
When we began negotiations over a new agreement, the Players Association already had a contract that they wouldn’t trade for any other in sports. Baseball’s players have no salary cap and are not subjected to a maximum length or dollar amount on contracts. In fact, only MLB has guaranteed contracts that run 10 or more years, and in excess of $300 million. We have not proposed anything that would change these fundamentals. While we have heard repeatedly that free agency is “broken” – in the month of November $1.7 billion was committed to free agents, smashing the prior record by nearly 4x. By the end of the offseason, Clubs will have committed more money to players than in any offseason in MLB history.
We worked hard to find compromise while making the system even better for players, by addressing concerns raised by the Players Association. We offered to establish a minimum payroll for all clubs to meet for the first time in baseball history; to allow the majority of players to reach free agency earlier through an age-based system that would eliminate any claims of service time manipulation; and to increase compensation for all young players, including increases in the minimum salary. When negotiations lacked momentum, we tried to create some by offering to accept the universal Designated Hitter, to create a new draft system using a lottery similar to other leagues, and to increase the Competitive Balance Tax threshold that affects only a small number of teams.
We have had challenges before with respect to making labor agreements and have overcome those challenges every single time during my tenure. Regrettably, it appears the Players Association came to the bargaining table with a strategy of confrontation over compromise. They never wavered from collectively the most extreme set of proposals in their history, including significant cuts to the revenue-sharing system, a weakening of the competitive balance tax, and shortening the period of time that players play for their teams. All of these changes would make our game less competitive, not more.
To be clear: this hard but important step does not necessarily mean games will be cancelled. In fact, we are taking this step now because it accelerates the urgency for an agreement with as much runway as possible to avoid doing damage to the 2022 season. Delaying this process further would only put Spring Training, Opening Day, and the rest of the season further at risk – and we cannot allow an expired agreement to again cause an in-season strike and a missed World Series, like we experienced in 1994. We all owe you, our fans, better than that.
Today is a difficult day for baseball, but as I have said all year, there is a path to a fair agreement, and we will find it. I do not doubt the League and the Players share a fundamental appreciation for this game and a commitment to its fans. I remain optimistic that both sides will seize the opportunity to work together to grow, protect, and strengthen the game we love. MLB is ready to work around the clock to meet that goal. I urge the Players Association to join us at the table.
GIVE US YOUR THOUGHTS CUBS WORLD
What are your thoughts regarding the lockout? We would love to hear from you about this or any other baseball related
topic. As a matter of fact, one idea we're kicking around for the newsletter is the addition of a blogging section. What do you think? We will keep you posted.
Your opinions and thoughts mean a lot to us so please keep them coming!
What are your thoughts regarding the lockout? We would love to hear from you about this or any other baseball related
topic. As a matter of fact, one idea we're kicking around for the newsletter is the addition of a blogging section. What do you think? We will keep you posted.
Your opinions and thoughts mean a lot to us so please keep them coming!
LOYALTY
by Dan Marx
We usually try to keep all of our stories Cubs related. But I found something in the paper today that I found interesting. You all may have read it, but it probably related more to me because I picked him up on the minor league part of my team in 2012. He was the consensus number minor league player for the next 3 years until he joined the Twins in 2015.
If you’ll were to look at his statistics they are hardly eye popping. Except for 2021, when his WAR rating was 4.5 , the highest single season mark for a player ever who played less than 70 games in a season. However, he is probably the best defensive outfielder in the game. And the biggest problem is that he is very injury prone. He has only played more than 92 games in a season once. His potential talent ( he is still only 28 years old) is through the roof if he can stay healthy.
What caught my eye is that he signed a 7 year, $100 million contract to stay on with the Twins , the only ream he has ever played for. He loves Minnesota and is very happy to keep playing there.
“ This is our home here. The stability here for me and my family to stay here through school, let em play baseball, fishing , whatever it may be. Comfortability level was a big key for us” said Buxton.
I have been so sick of professional athletes saying for years, that they are tired of being disrespected because they are not getting the max contract for their position ( whether they deserve it or not)and getting what’s best for their families. And I do understand that you and your agent want to get the most money they can get .
But I found it so refreshing that here’s a kid who sincerely seems to be happy staying put and appreciating the organization that has stood by him through all of his injury problems. He will be getting $14 million a year for the next 7 years. Max Scherzer will be getting $43 million a year for the next 3 years for appearing about 30-35 times a season. I think if Buxton stays healthy, he will be a top 10 player in 2 years.
It’s not always about the money- I love the loyalty.
Where have you gone, Cal Ripken, JR.?
by Dan Marx
We usually try to keep all of our stories Cubs related. But I found something in the paper today that I found interesting. You all may have read it, but it probably related more to me because I picked him up on the minor league part of my team in 2012. He was the consensus number minor league player for the next 3 years until he joined the Twins in 2015.
If you’ll were to look at his statistics they are hardly eye popping. Except for 2021, when his WAR rating was 4.5 , the highest single season mark for a player ever who played less than 70 games in a season. However, he is probably the best defensive outfielder in the game. And the biggest problem is that he is very injury prone. He has only played more than 92 games in a season once. His potential talent ( he is still only 28 years old) is through the roof if he can stay healthy.
What caught my eye is that he signed a 7 year, $100 million contract to stay on with the Twins , the only ream he has ever played for. He loves Minnesota and is very happy to keep playing there.
“ This is our home here. The stability here for me and my family to stay here through school, let em play baseball, fishing , whatever it may be. Comfortability level was a big key for us” said Buxton.
I have been so sick of professional athletes saying for years, that they are tired of being disrespected because they are not getting the max contract for their position ( whether they deserve it or not)and getting what’s best for their families. And I do understand that you and your agent want to get the most money they can get .
But I found it so refreshing that here’s a kid who sincerely seems to be happy staying put and appreciating the organization that has stood by him through all of his injury problems. He will be getting $14 million a year for the next 7 years. Max Scherzer will be getting $43 million a year for the next 3 years for appearing about 30-35 times a season. I think if Buxton stays healthy, he will be a top 10 player in 2 years.
It’s not always about the money- I love the loyalty.
Where have you gone, Cal Ripken, JR.?
BASEBALL DREAMS
by Wayne Richards
If you happen to be someone who dreams often, there is always the opportunity to explore their meaning. There are highly educated professionals that can help do this.
Analysts have suggested that various objects that are present in one's dream symbolize something. For instance, it is common knowledge that if someone dreams about about a boat it represents an ability to deal with negative emotions. However, a sinking boat means you have no control whatsoever.
I've been fascinated by this subject for decades. Because of this reality, I began to wonder what a baseball might represent, so I checked it out.
A publication called Psychologist World describes the presence of a baseball in a dream to represent contentment. HUH? Hey doc (whoever you are) have you seen the Cubs lately?
It also states that if you dream of standing on a baseball field you need to pay attention to opportunities that might come your way. (Maybe some good players that can hit?)
There is even a suggestion that the stitches on a baseball represent the condition of one's psyche. I wonder if rubbing tar on them changes the analysis?
After researching for this little article I remembered that in 2022, our Cubbies will be playing in the FIELD OF DREAMS event. Perhaps in that special place, they will discover symbolism that will be helpful! One can only dream.
by Wayne Richards
If you happen to be someone who dreams often, there is always the opportunity to explore their meaning. There are highly educated professionals that can help do this.
Analysts have suggested that various objects that are present in one's dream symbolize something. For instance, it is common knowledge that if someone dreams about about a boat it represents an ability to deal with negative emotions. However, a sinking boat means you have no control whatsoever.
I've been fascinated by this subject for decades. Because of this reality, I began to wonder what a baseball might represent, so I checked it out.
A publication called Psychologist World describes the presence of a baseball in a dream to represent contentment. HUH? Hey doc (whoever you are) have you seen the Cubs lately?
It also states that if you dream of standing on a baseball field you need to pay attention to opportunities that might come your way. (Maybe some good players that can hit?)
There is even a suggestion that the stitches on a baseball represent the condition of one's psyche. I wonder if rubbing tar on them changes the analysis?
After researching for this little article I remembered that in 2022, our Cubbies will be playing in the FIELD OF DREAMS event. Perhaps in that special place, they will discover symbolism that will be helpful! One can only dream.
CUBS HAVE BEEN GRASPING AT STRAWS
by Wayne Richards
During the off season, many strange ideas can float around the minds of both fans, players and management. Here are two you might scratch your head over.
First, it has been suggested that one thing the Cubs need to do is bring back SAMI SOSA! Yes. I know. I fell off my chair when I heard that. But it's a serious suggestion made by Willson Contreras.
Secondly, center fielder Ian Happ believes that the team would begin to gel and play better with a new uniform design! Off with the old...on with the new!
So, here is our question to you. Do you feel either of these suggestions would contribute to the betterment of the team?
If you have any ideas as to what the Cubbies need to do to begin a journey to the next World Series win, please send them!
It's going to be a long off-season.
by Wayne Richards
During the off season, many strange ideas can float around the minds of both fans, players and management. Here are two you might scratch your head over.
First, it has been suggested that one thing the Cubs need to do is bring back SAMI SOSA! Yes. I know. I fell off my chair when I heard that. But it's a serious suggestion made by Willson Contreras.
Secondly, center fielder Ian Happ believes that the team would begin to gel and play better with a new uniform design! Off with the old...on with the new!
So, here is our question to you. Do you feel either of these suggestions would contribute to the betterment of the team?
If you have any ideas as to what the Cubbies need to do to begin a journey to the next World Series win, please send them!
It's going to be a long off-season.
IMPRESSIVE STARTER CHANGES UNIFORM AND IS HAPPY FOR IT!
The Chicago Cubs management is excited over the three year acquisition of starter, Marcus Stroman. From Toronto to New York and now Chicago, he has some impressive accomplishments in his folder.
With the Blue Jays, Stroman earned a GOLDEN GLOVE and was voted 8th in the running for a Cy Young award. While playing in the World Baseball Classic, he took a no hitter into the 7th inning and was named MPV.
Stroman has expressed an eagerness to play with the Cubs and it is believed that he will fit into the organization well. In addition to his abilities on the field, he has been inspiring away from the ball park with his efforts to stop hunger. He created the FOOD BANK FOR NEW YORK and also created a foundation to encourage young people to overcome obstacles and chase their dreams.
This is exactly the kind of man the Cubbies need! Welcome to Chicago Marcus Stroman.
The Chicago Cubs management is excited over the three year acquisition of starter, Marcus Stroman. From Toronto to New York and now Chicago, he has some impressive accomplishments in his folder.
With the Blue Jays, Stroman earned a GOLDEN GLOVE and was voted 8th in the running for a Cy Young award. While playing in the World Baseball Classic, he took a no hitter into the 7th inning and was named MPV.
Stroman has expressed an eagerness to play with the Cubs and it is believed that he will fit into the organization well. In addition to his abilities on the field, he has been inspiring away from the ball park with his efforts to stop hunger. He created the FOOD BANK FOR NEW YORK and also created a foundation to encourage young people to overcome obstacles and chase their dreams.
This is exactly the kind of man the Cubbies need! Welcome to Chicago Marcus Stroman.
CUBS ACQUIRE A BIG ZERO
We are referring to the fact that our new starter, Marcus Stroman, will be the first player in franchise history to don the number "0" on a Cubs uniform.
Stroman wore number "7" when with the New York Mets. His nickname " is HDMH. The letters stand for HEIGHT DOESN'T MEASURE HEART"
We are referring to the fact that our new starter, Marcus Stroman, will be the first player in franchise history to don the number "0" on a Cubs uniform.
Stroman wore number "7" when with the New York Mets. His nickname " is HDMH. The letters stand for HEIGHT DOESN'T MEASURE HEART"
TAKE TWO MINUTES TO WATCH THIS AMAZING PRESENTATION
As you watch this video, you will be reminded of a great day in our history! There are talented people being trained at this academy....particularly one individual who loves the Chicago Cubs in a very special way!
click here
As you watch this video, you will be reminded of a great day in our history! There are talented people being trained at this academy....particularly one individual who loves the Chicago Cubs in a very special way!
click here
THERE IS MUCH JOY AT WRIGLEY!
by Wayne Richards
Although the weather in Chicago has been unseasonably warm, it will be just a matter of time before snow will lay its frosty blanket upon the friendly confines field. Cubs fans are quite familiar with off season days.
I began composing this article to explore what kind of activities go on at this ballpark as grey colors paint the canvas of an area usually brimming with color!
by Wayne Richards
Although the weather in Chicago has been unseasonably warm, it will be just a matter of time before snow will lay its frosty blanket upon the friendly confines field. Cubs fans are quite familiar with off season days.
I began composing this article to explore what kind of activities go on at this ballpark as grey colors paint the canvas of an area usually brimming with color!
Then, suddenly to my surprise, I witnessed bright lights, festive music and happy Chicagoland residents celebrating Christmas with an event designed to keep the spirit of Wrigley alive! If I was still back in the second city, I'd be overjoyed to experience this festival and it wouldn't bother me if my reindeer and sleigh were double parked!
When Gallagher Way was constructed, the intent was to create an area for Cub fans to gather and have a great time. Just in time for the holidays, an entire little German village has appeared like magic! It is the perfect event for the entire family!
When Gallagher Way was constructed, the intent was to create an area for Cub fans to gather and have a great time. Just in time for the holidays, an entire little German village has appeared like magic! It is the perfect event for the entire family!
Leila Schmidt is marketing director of CHRISTKINDLMARKET, a popular event that began at Daley Plaza a number of years ago, but now has expanded greatly. "It is the largest event of its kind outside Germany," said Schmidt. "It makes me feel just like being back home!"
Leila designs the festival set up and pays attention to every detail. "We have 20 vendors here from around the world, " she boasted with a smile in her voice. "We have bakeries, ornament shops, toys and food for everybody!"
Another aspect of the festival is the ice skating rink which is destined to be a yearly activity due to its popularity.
"We are also showing Christmas movies on the big screen!" said Schmidt excitedly. (They picked a wonderful spokesperson.) This attracts quite a few people. Said Leila, "We need to be careful with capacity."
I think it is fair to say that this event will be around for years to come. The weather has certainly been cooperating, but nothing will stop this Christmas train in its tracks. Even in 2019, as the covid crisis closed the world down, the festival continued virtually!
If you're planning to be in the Chicagoland area or know some people there, please tell them about this wonderful gathering that casts a happy light upon Wrigley. For information....CLICK HERE
Leila designs the festival set up and pays attention to every detail. "We have 20 vendors here from around the world, " she boasted with a smile in her voice. "We have bakeries, ornament shops, toys and food for everybody!"
Another aspect of the festival is the ice skating rink which is destined to be a yearly activity due to its popularity.
"We are also showing Christmas movies on the big screen!" said Schmidt excitedly. (They picked a wonderful spokesperson.) This attracts quite a few people. Said Leila, "We need to be careful with capacity."
I think it is fair to say that this event will be around for years to come. The weather has certainly been cooperating, but nothing will stop this Christmas train in its tracks. Even in 2019, as the covid crisis closed the world down, the festival continued virtually!
If you're planning to be in the Chicagoland area or know some people there, please tell them about this wonderful gathering that casts a happy light upon Wrigley. For information....CLICK HERE
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM CUBS WORLD!