WELCOME TO THE FEBRUARY EDITION OF CUBS WORLD CHATTER!
Looks like Joe Maddon left his glasses here. I think they look pretty cool, don't you? Just don't tell Epstein they're really Joe's.
Anyway, are you interested in winning a nice prize? Here's what you do.
Search through this newsletter. Somewhere you will find a word printed in RED. When you locate it, write it down on a piece of paper or a card. Bring it to the next membership meeting on Monday, March 2nd at Colony Cottage.
There will be a drawing. You just might walk away with a gift certificate.
GOOD LUCK!
Looks like Joe Maddon left his glasses here. I think they look pretty cool, don't you? Just don't tell Epstein they're really Joe's.
Anyway, are you interested in winning a nice prize? Here's what you do.
Search through this newsletter. Somewhere you will find a word printed in RED. When you locate it, write it down on a piece of paper or a card. Bring it to the next membership meeting on Monday, March 2nd at Colony Cottage.
There will be a drawing. You just might walk away with a gift certificate.
GOOD LUCK!
BREATHE EASY CUBS WORLD FANS...HE'S WITH US FOR AT LEAST ANOTHER YEAR!
The Cubs and Kris Bryant have avoided arbitration with a one year contract which will bring the third basemen and occasional outfielder $18.6 million. This is an increase from last year when he earned $12.9 million.
Although recent talks about being traded were somewhat exaggerated, the Atlanta Braves did express strong interested in having him join the team.
It is hoped that the connection between Bryant and "Grandpa Rossi" will help spark the Cubs to another championship. What is YOUR opinion? Let us know what you think!
The Cubs and Kris Bryant have avoided arbitration with a one year contract which will bring the third basemen and occasional outfielder $18.6 million. This is an increase from last year when he earned $12.9 million.
Although recent talks about being traded were somewhat exaggerated, the Atlanta Braves did express strong interested in having him join the team.
It is hoped that the connection between Bryant and "Grandpa Rossi" will help spark the Cubs to another championship. What is YOUR opinion? Let us know what you think!
CUBS WORLD HAS FINALLY GONE TO THE DOGS!
Actually, the Dogs came to us. Make no bones about it, a large Cubs World crowd was on hand at Lake Miona Recreational Center last month as the Dynamic Dog Club canine contingency performed in a special CIRCUS presentation both Ringling and Barnum would've been proud of.
The "ferocious beasts" as labeled by the ringmaster and talented emcee of the proceedings, were led through hoops, over obstacles and never once barked in protest. Murray, Lollie, chloe, Mickey Mouse, little charley, Maximus, Tinkerbell, Remi and bigger Charley were all well behaved.
"This was a success, " stated President Don Mulder. As an added bonus, everyone had a chance to meet these furry souls who serve not only in the big top, but as therapy dogs.
Over $1,200 dollars was raised during this wonderful event to help train other dogs to help out veterans.
Actually, the Dogs came to us. Make no bones about it, a large Cubs World crowd was on hand at Lake Miona Recreational Center last month as the Dynamic Dog Club canine contingency performed in a special CIRCUS presentation both Ringling and Barnum would've been proud of.
The "ferocious beasts" as labeled by the ringmaster and talented emcee of the proceedings, were led through hoops, over obstacles and never once barked in protest. Murray, Lollie, chloe, Mickey Mouse, little charley, Maximus, Tinkerbell, Remi and bigger Charley were all well behaved.
"This was a success, " stated President Don Mulder. As an added bonus, everyone had a chance to meet these furry souls who serve not only in the big top, but as therapy dogs.
Over $1,200 dollars was raised during this wonderful event to help train other dogs to help out veterans.
AS PAT PIPER USED TO SAY..."ATTENTION....ATTENTION PLEASE!"
Cubs World is interested in establishing a relationship with The Villages High School
Baseball Program. Head Coach and Manager Brady Bogart is a former professional
player in the International League and very interested in knowing more about Cubs World.
Please click on the box below to let us know if you
are currently a member of The Villages Booster Club.
Cubs World is interested in establishing a relationship with The Villages High School
Baseball Program. Head Coach and Manager Brady Bogart is a former professional
player in the International League and very interested in knowing more about Cubs World.
Please click on the box below to let us know if you
are currently a member of The Villages Booster Club.
RAPP RETURNS TO CUBS WORLD
by Dan Marx
Cubs World members welcomed back an old friend to our February 3rd membership meeting. The award winning David Rapp, who was our guest speaker 2 years ago , entertained us with his latest story about the 4 origins of the Chicago Cubs. This went all the way back to the beginning of professional baseball and tracked the most important steps in the history of the Cubs. It gave us all a better understanding of the evolution of baseball and the evolution of the Cubs alongside of that.
Piesano's pizza was the dinner of the night. After the talk and the raffling off of the Cubs oven mitts (both right handed) we learned more about the current Cubs during " Let's play too" with Jim Guleserian.
by Dan Marx
Cubs World members welcomed back an old friend to our February 3rd membership meeting. The award winning David Rapp, who was our guest speaker 2 years ago , entertained us with his latest story about the 4 origins of the Chicago Cubs. This went all the way back to the beginning of professional baseball and tracked the most important steps in the history of the Cubs. It gave us all a better understanding of the evolution of baseball and the evolution of the Cubs alongside of that.
Piesano's pizza was the dinner of the night. After the talk and the raffling off of the Cubs oven mitts (both right handed) we learned more about the current Cubs during " Let's play too" with Jim Guleserian.
LIBRARY GROWING BY VOLUMES
Cubs World of the Villages has much to be proud of, including an impressive and ever-growing library of Cubs and baseball related material. A number of the titles in the collection are signed by the authors.
David Rapp's wonderful book, TINKER TO EVERS TO CHANCE which was mentioned at the February membership meeting during his fascinating and enlightening presentation, is one book you won't want to miss!
CUBS WORLD member, Cindy Bellovary is the caretaker of the many selections available for check out. Cindy reports that there are many fine books about the Cubs and related subjects and any contributions that can be made would be very much appreciated.
Our esteemed librarian is also a very fine orator and in a new regularly scheduled membership meeting feature, Cindy entertains by reading a few passages from library materials.
Please feel free to examine the library next time its on display.
Cubs World of the Villages has much to be proud of, including an impressive and ever-growing library of Cubs and baseball related material. A number of the titles in the collection are signed by the authors.
David Rapp's wonderful book, TINKER TO EVERS TO CHANCE which was mentioned at the February membership meeting during his fascinating and enlightening presentation, is one book you won't want to miss!
CUBS WORLD member, Cindy Bellovary is the caretaker of the many selections available for check out. Cindy reports that there are many fine books about the Cubs and related subjects and any contributions that can be made would be very much appreciated.
Our esteemed librarian is also a very fine orator and in a new regularly scheduled membership meeting feature, Cindy entertains by reading a few passages from library materials.
Please feel free to examine the library next time its on display.
AN MLB CHARACTER WITH CHARACTER
by Don Mulder
We found Lee Elia, 1982-3 Cubs Manager in the directory of 25,000 MLB
players, coaches, managers and umpires used by autograph hunters.
Last week Gary Koca and I met with him in his home near Tampa. Lee played for the Cubs, Sox and Phillies and managed the Cubs in 1982-83.
You can read about how the event that ended his MLB career on the Internet,
but from it you will not get the true measure of the man.
Lee showed us a room full of awards and memorabilia including photos
with the US President at a game in Philadelphia, a personal get-well letter
from his friend George Steinbrenner, and other photos with nearly every
Hall of Famer that played when he did. In every case he wanted to tell us more about the person they were than the careers they had.
The only players he wanted to talk about were those like Ernie Banks. Lee
called Ernie the closest friend he ever had in his MLB. He will also tell us
how he got Glenn Beckett from the Phillies and many other stories about the
Cubs of our youth with whom he played or managed.
Don't miss the opportunity to meet Lee in March. He loves The Villages, and
is excited by our invitation to visit with his wife, Pricilla. You'll agree the story
that damaged his reputation at the Cubs is not the measure of the man.
LEE ELIA WILL BE OUR SPECIAL GUEST AND SPEAKER ON MONDAY, MARCH 2ND AT COLONY COTTAGE. MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS NOW BEFORE ITS TOO LATE!
by Don Mulder
We found Lee Elia, 1982-3 Cubs Manager in the directory of 25,000 MLB
players, coaches, managers and umpires used by autograph hunters.
Last week Gary Koca and I met with him in his home near Tampa. Lee played for the Cubs, Sox and Phillies and managed the Cubs in 1982-83.
You can read about how the event that ended his MLB career on the Internet,
but from it you will not get the true measure of the man.
Lee showed us a room full of awards and memorabilia including photos
with the US President at a game in Philadelphia, a personal get-well letter
from his friend George Steinbrenner, and other photos with nearly every
Hall of Famer that played when he did. In every case he wanted to tell us more about the person they were than the careers they had.
The only players he wanted to talk about were those like Ernie Banks. Lee
called Ernie the closest friend he ever had in his MLB. He will also tell us
how he got Glenn Beckett from the Phillies and many other stories about the
Cubs of our youth with whom he played or managed.
Don't miss the opportunity to meet Lee in March. He loves The Villages, and
is excited by our invitation to visit with his wife, Pricilla. You'll agree the story
that damaged his reputation at the Cubs is not the measure of the man.
LEE ELIA WILL BE OUR SPECIAL GUEST AND SPEAKER ON MONDAY, MARCH 2ND AT COLONY COTTAGE. MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS NOW BEFORE ITS TOO LATE!
FROM THE DESK OF EDITOR DAN MARX
Starting this month Cubs World Chatter is going to start a new monthly feature remembering your favorite Cub. I'd like for you to send me a 2 or 3 paragraph article on your favorite Cub and the reason why. There are so many of them to choose from, not just as great players, but also as great characters. It could even be an announcer or a manager, for example.
If you could send those to me at napcorep@msn.com, I will put one of them in the March newsletter and every newsletter after that. No duplications, please.
Starting this month Cubs World Chatter is going to start a new monthly feature remembering your favorite Cub. I'd like for you to send me a 2 or 3 paragraph article on your favorite Cub and the reason why. There are so many of them to choose from, not just as great players, but also as great characters. It could even be an announcer or a manager, for example.
If you could send those to me at napcorep@msn.com, I will put one of them in the March newsletter and every newsletter after that. No duplications, please.
Ernie joined the Chicago Cubs at 22 after playing for the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro League and two years of service in the Army. In 1953 he became the first African-American to play for the Cubs, six years after Jackie Robinson broke the race barrier. Ernie came out swinging, and for the next 18 years he played hard, always working for that elusive World Series.
Everyone knows the accolades: two MVPs, a Golden Glove for shortstop, Lou Gehrig Memorial Award, and the Hall of Fame. He loved the Chicago Cubs and worked for them after retiring. He was Mr. Cub.
In 1970, I found myself watching a lot of the Chicago Cubs’ games. While there were many great players and Hall of Famers, on that team, it was Ernie Banks that made the biggest impression on me. Ernie was then near the end of his playing days but his enthusiasm was still so strong and contagious.
Ernie was the hero I desperately needed at that time. Every day I could turn on the TV and Ernie was there for me. Even today I am so grateful for him. Love you Ernie. Let’s play two!
Everyone knows the accolades: two MVPs, a Golden Glove for shortstop, Lou Gehrig Memorial Award, and the Hall of Fame. He loved the Chicago Cubs and worked for them after retiring. He was Mr. Cub.
In 1970, I found myself watching a lot of the Chicago Cubs’ games. While there were many great players and Hall of Famers, on that team, it was Ernie Banks that made the biggest impression on me. Ernie was then near the end of his playing days but his enthusiasm was still so strong and contagious.
Ernie was the hero I desperately needed at that time. Every day I could turn on the TV and Ernie was there for me. Even today I am so grateful for him. Love you Ernie. Let’s play two!
A GREAT BOOK FOR ALL CUB WORLD FANS TO ENJOY!
by Dan Marx
As long as we're on the topic of the great Mr. CubI...I recently read the book , Let's play two, by Ron Rapaport. I think everybody would truly enjoy it. There are actually 2 copies available of it on our lending library.
It was a wonderful trip down memory lane. A great deal of time was spent on the 1969 season, the good and the bad. And you get to see a whole different side of Ernie, as they dig into his complicated personal life.
Kudos to our own, Jack Herbon, who was mentioned on 6 different pages in the book.
by Dan Marx
As long as we're on the topic of the great Mr. CubI...I recently read the book , Let's play two, by Ron Rapaport. I think everybody would truly enjoy it. There are actually 2 copies available of it on our lending library.
It was a wonderful trip down memory lane. A great deal of time was spent on the 1969 season, the good and the bad. And you get to see a whole different side of Ernie, as they dig into his complicated personal life.
Kudos to our own, Jack Herbon, who was mentioned on 6 different pages in the book.
WHERE'S THE BEEF? With your help it could be on it's way!
Most Chicago transplants in the Villages will certainly remember the days when the Oscar Meyer Weiner Mobile came through our neighborhoods and dispensed whistles. As youngsters we were so excited to see a giant hot dog drove down through our neighborhoods.
But now, not to be outdone, Portillos has created THE BEEF BUS!
Yes, this well equipped vehicle offer the famous CHICAGO ITALIAN BEEF sandwich, hot dogs and crinkle cut fries! (Cheese please?)
This bit of heaven on wheels should be en route to the Villages and you can help make that happen by voting! CLICK HERE
THIS IS A BIG STEP TOWARD ENCOURAGING PORTILLOS TO EVENTUALLY BUILD A LONG OVERDUE BRICK AND MORTER BUSINESS HERE. IT'S LONG OVERDUE!
Most Chicago transplants in the Villages will certainly remember the days when the Oscar Meyer Weiner Mobile came through our neighborhoods and dispensed whistles. As youngsters we were so excited to see a giant hot dog drove down through our neighborhoods.
But now, not to be outdone, Portillos has created THE BEEF BUS!
Yes, this well equipped vehicle offer the famous CHICAGO ITALIAN BEEF sandwich, hot dogs and crinkle cut fries! (Cheese please?)
This bit of heaven on wheels should be en route to the Villages and you can help make that happen by voting! CLICK HERE
THIS IS A BIG STEP TOWARD ENCOURAGING PORTILLOS TO EVENTUALLY BUILD A LONG OVERDUE BRICK AND MORTER BUSINESS HERE. IT'S LONG OVERDUE!
JOE MADDON FINALLY REVEALS THE "real" REASON FOR HIS DEPARTURE!
In an interview with ESPN, Joe Maddon explained that Theo Epstein's desire to have more control over the team cramped his managing style.
Maddon was forced to change many of his tactics including changing batting lineups on a daily basis. He also was not a supporter of required practices.
It is hoped that the new manager David Ross (who has no management experience, will spark things up. What do YOU think? Let us know.
In an interview with ESPN, Joe Maddon explained that Theo Epstein's desire to have more control over the team cramped his managing style.
Maddon was forced to change many of his tactics including changing batting lineups on a daily basis. He also was not a supporter of required practices.
It is hoped that the new manager David Ross (who has no management experience, will spark things up. What do YOU think? Let us know.
A GIFT FOR BARTMAN
With 2016 being a magic year for the Cubbies, people have put the billy goat curse to rest. But a number of people still ridicule and condemn Steve Bartman, whom we all know has been indecently and continuously ridiculed for his unintentional entry into Cubs history.
To correct this situation and to make things right for him, the Cubs have presented Bartman with a special WORLD SERIES RING. Here is a statement from the Cubs Organization. "While no gesture can fully lit the public burden he has endured for more than a decade, we felt it was important Steve knows he has been and continues to be fully embraced by this organization."
With 2016 being a magic year for the Cubbies, people have put the billy goat curse to rest. But a number of people still ridicule and condemn Steve Bartman, whom we all know has been indecently and continuously ridiculed for his unintentional entry into Cubs history.
To correct this situation and to make things right for him, the Cubs have presented Bartman with a special WORLD SERIES RING. Here is a statement from the Cubs Organization. "While no gesture can fully lit the public burden he has endured for more than a decade, we felt it was important Steve knows he has been and continues to be fully embraced by this organization."
NEW LOGO DESIGN FOR SPRING
TRAINING
Reviews have been less than enthusiastic for a new design that will adorn players caps this Spring. The consensus is that the logo is simply "TOO BUSY"!
"The colors run into each other looking as if someone wore the cap running through a car wash", said a critic. Ok. I confess. The critic is me! (Wayne Richards)
TRAINING
Reviews have been less than enthusiastic for a new design that will adorn players caps this Spring. The consensus is that the logo is simply "TOO BUSY"!
"The colors run into each other looking as if someone wore the cap running through a car wash", said a critic. Ok. I confess. The critic is me! (Wayne Richards)
Custom Apparel & Gifts
This is where you need to go forCustom Embroidery, Screen Printing, Club Apparel, School & Sports Uniforms, Golf Outing & Corporate Gifts
as well as monogramming Personalized Items.
Serving The Villages and surrounding communities.
Conveniently located in Southern Trace Plaza
3451 Wedgewood Lane
The Villages, Florida
(352) 750-1600
Store Hours are M-F 9-5 and Saturday 10-3
SO WHO IS TONY?
Tony Diliberto and his wife Kathy are dear friends from back in the Chicago suburbs and are now settled in Arizona. They are also "DIE HARD" Cubbie Fans who have the privilege of attending spring training games whenever they can.
Last year, Tony was kind enough to send me a slew of texts about what was happening with the players, the mood of the crowd and so on. I constructed his comments into a special SPRING TRAINING REPORT and placed it in our newsletter.
I am happy to announce that Tony has agreed to once again share his observations this year. He loves doing it. Maybe we could get him to move South. You'd love this couple.
UPDATE: TONY REPORTS THAT HE WILL BE ATTENDING FOUR GAMES!
Tony Diliberto and his wife Kathy are dear friends from back in the Chicago suburbs and are now settled in Arizona. They are also "DIE HARD" Cubbie Fans who have the privilege of attending spring training games whenever they can.
Last year, Tony was kind enough to send me a slew of texts about what was happening with the players, the mood of the crowd and so on. I constructed his comments into a special SPRING TRAINING REPORT and placed it in our newsletter.
I am happy to announce that Tony has agreed to once again share his observations this year. He loves doing it. Maybe we could get him to move South. You'd love this couple.
UPDATE: TONY REPORTS THAT HE WILL BE ATTENDING FOUR GAMES!
For anyone who has ever attended a Cubs convention, they, without a doubt, have experienced pure excitement and magic. Autograph signings and player/coach meet and greets are appetizers in a weekend banquet of fun!
Held at the Sheraton Grand Chicago, the Cubs organization offered some new and enticing attractions. Fans were very pleased.
Cubs World members in Florida or anywhere in the world will now be able to access special convention reports that have been exclusively produced for the CUBS YOU TUBE CHANNEL. All this programming is just a click away on your device.
Many people actually in attendance were offered an opportunity to sit at the MARQUEE SPORTS NETWORK EXPERIENCE anchor desk and record their own video! (There are several individuals in our CUBS WORLD club that would excel in front of a camera.) Selected videos will be presented on social media for the chance to win some prizes.
Kids are important to the Cubs organization and CLARK'S CLUB HOUSE was created for the really young fans. This attraction featured a large coloring wall, mystery tattoos (fake of course) , face painting and other activities.
Held at the Sheraton Grand Chicago, the Cubs organization offered some new and enticing attractions. Fans were very pleased.
Cubs World members in Florida or anywhere in the world will now be able to access special convention reports that have been exclusively produced for the CUBS YOU TUBE CHANNEL. All this programming is just a click away on your device.
Many people actually in attendance were offered an opportunity to sit at the MARQUEE SPORTS NETWORK EXPERIENCE anchor desk and record their own video! (There are several individuals in our CUBS WORLD club that would excel in front of a camera.) Selected videos will be presented on social media for the chance to win some prizes.
Kids are important to the Cubs organization and CLARK'S CLUB HOUSE was created for the really young fans. This attraction featured a large coloring wall, mystery tattoos (fake of course) , face painting and other activities.
1. Former Chicago Cubs first baseman and outfielder Pete Lacock is the son of television personality Peter Marshall.
2. Pitcher Ferguson Jenkins was a member of the HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS from 1967 to 1969.
3. Former Cubs manager (I hate saying that) Joe Maddon drives a recreational vehicle he calls "Cousin Eddie".
4. Wrigley Field was the first ball park to allow fans to keep foul balls.
2. Pitcher Ferguson Jenkins was a member of the HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS from 1967 to 1969.
3. Former Cubs manager (I hate saying that) Joe Maddon drives a recreational vehicle he calls "Cousin Eddie".
4. Wrigley Field was the first ball park to allow fans to keep foul balls.
Here's a question for you! How many of you out there would like to see the villages install a couple of batting cages? These were so common years ago.
As a kid, I couldn't wait to ride my bike to a facility that had 12 of them! Could I hit? No. But it was fun and if you agree let us know what you think. Perhaps a portion of monies collected for use of the cages could be contributed to LITTLE LEAGUE. Just a thought.
As a kid, I couldn't wait to ride my bike to a facility that had 12 of them! Could I hit? No. But it was fun and if you agree let us know what you think. Perhaps a portion of monies collected for use of the cages could be contributed to LITTLE LEAGUE. Just a thought.
CLARK'S FINAL WORD!
I hope you enjoyed this edition of CUBS WORLD CHATTER. I'd like to call your attention to a wonderful contribution to the newsletter by Cindy Bellovary. It is a loving tribute to Ernie Banks.
We thank you for taking the time to share your story. In fact, I'm certain that with all the Cubs fans in the Villages, there are more tales to be told. Perhaps you'd like to share some personal. Our own DAN MARX came up with this idea.
Maybe you had a brush with fame or know somebody within the Cubs organization. For instance, Wayne Richards, a proud member of Cubs World, knew Cub announcer Jack Brickhouse.
Wrigley Field itself has been the stage for many memories. Please share some with us.
In the meantime, I've got to figure out how to pry a few bucks out of Rickett's pocket so I can buy some damn pants! My winter home in the Ocala National Forest can still get cold at night. SEE YOU NEXT MONTH!
I hope you enjoyed this edition of CUBS WORLD CHATTER. I'd like to call your attention to a wonderful contribution to the newsletter by Cindy Bellovary. It is a loving tribute to Ernie Banks.
We thank you for taking the time to share your story. In fact, I'm certain that with all the Cubs fans in the Villages, there are more tales to be told. Perhaps you'd like to share some personal. Our own DAN MARX came up with this idea.
Maybe you had a brush with fame or know somebody within the Cubs organization. For instance, Wayne Richards, a proud member of Cubs World, knew Cub announcer Jack Brickhouse.
Wrigley Field itself has been the stage for many memories. Please share some with us.
In the meantime, I've got to figure out how to pry a few bucks out of Rickett's pocket so I can buy some damn pants! My winter home in the Ocala National Forest can still get cold at night. SEE YOU NEXT MONTH!