IMPORTANT NEWS FROM DON MULDER
Last year is in the rear view mirror, and this one will be a “reunion” year in which we can
get together again. We expect to have an exciting year, beginning in March.
Our January and February meetings have been cancelled; and some changes made to
protect us. Many will have received the COVID vacine by then; but we will still be using
tempurature checks before admission and imposing strict rules for seating/eating/drinking.
Our first event of the year will be held in March with the very popular Cubs baseball bingo
hosted by Bill McMahon and Jim Gulesarian's 2021 version of Let’s Play Too. No "outsiders" will be admitted to this first meeting of the year.
Next up will be an April Fool's Game Watch in Wrigley Field versus the Pirates. We'll be
watching from the 'friendly confines" of Colony Cottage instead of a crowded restaurant.
In this setting we can enjoy our own food/drinks and safely follow the same rules we use
for our regular meetings and just relax while being together.
Go CUBS!
Last year is in the rear view mirror, and this one will be a “reunion” year in which we can
get together again. We expect to have an exciting year, beginning in March.
Our January and February meetings have been cancelled; and some changes made to
protect us. Many will have received the COVID vacine by then; but we will still be using
tempurature checks before admission and imposing strict rules for seating/eating/drinking.
Our first event of the year will be held in March with the very popular Cubs baseball bingo
hosted by Bill McMahon and Jim Gulesarian's 2021 version of Let’s Play Too. No "outsiders" will be admitted to this first meeting of the year.
Next up will be an April Fool's Game Watch in Wrigley Field versus the Pirates. We'll be
watching from the 'friendly confines" of Colony Cottage instead of a crowded restaurant.
In this setting we can enjoy our own food/drinks and safely follow the same rules we use
for our regular meetings and just relax while being together.
Go CUBS!
BLEACHER BUM REPORT
by JACK HEBRON
Well, were now a few more months closer to the 2021 season. What is in store for our Cubs? Will it resemble a normal season or will we see more games like we had in that strange 2020 season. There is lots of things going on behind the scenes right now. I think we will know more once spring training season starts.
The Chicago Cubs will indeed be among the many teams checking out free agent righty Corey Kluber. The 34-year-old former ace is trying to show teams that, after losing most of the last two years to injuries, he’s proceeding through a normal offseason process in anticipation of being good to go for 2021.
The Cubs, as we know, are not going to spend aggressively this year, but they do want to compete in the crazy NL Central, and they do have SO MANY innings available in their rotation. A bounce-back candidate like Kluber makes a great deal of sense for the Cubs, whether by helping them repeat as NL Central champions this year on the relative cheap (while otherwise rebooting), or by helping them have another trade chip at midseason. Ah, the old, sign-and-flip days. Remember those?
Offseason trades going out the door don’t tell you the entire story on a reboot when your club has also non-tendered Kyle Schwarber, declined an option on Jon Lester, and saw Jose Quintana and Tyler Chatwood, among others, heading off into free agency. To suggest Darvish was the Cubs’ only outward move this offseason would be silly.
I'm really hoping that we soon can have our monthly meetings again at the Colony Recreation Center. Who would have thought Lee Elia would be the last guest for 2020? So, glad that year is behind us and soon it's "play ball" again.
by JACK HEBRON
Well, were now a few more months closer to the 2021 season. What is in store for our Cubs? Will it resemble a normal season or will we see more games like we had in that strange 2020 season. There is lots of things going on behind the scenes right now. I think we will know more once spring training season starts.
The Chicago Cubs will indeed be among the many teams checking out free agent righty Corey Kluber. The 34-year-old former ace is trying to show teams that, after losing most of the last two years to injuries, he’s proceeding through a normal offseason process in anticipation of being good to go for 2021.
The Cubs, as we know, are not going to spend aggressively this year, but they do want to compete in the crazy NL Central, and they do have SO MANY innings available in their rotation. A bounce-back candidate like Kluber makes a great deal of sense for the Cubs, whether by helping them repeat as NL Central champions this year on the relative cheap (while otherwise rebooting), or by helping them have another trade chip at midseason. Ah, the old, sign-and-flip days. Remember those?
Offseason trades going out the door don’t tell you the entire story on a reboot when your club has also non-tendered Kyle Schwarber, declined an option on Jon Lester, and saw Jose Quintana and Tyler Chatwood, among others, heading off into free agency. To suggest Darvish was the Cubs’ only outward move this offseason would be silly.
I'm really hoping that we soon can have our monthly meetings again at the Colony Recreation Center. Who would have thought Lee Elia would be the last guest for 2020? So, glad that year is behind us and soon it's "play ball" again.
A CONVERSATION WITH AN ANTHEM SINGER
by ANOTHER ANTHEM SINGER
Wayne Messmer has a face and a voice that Cub fans instantaneously recognize. He has a commanding tone, even during a conversation, which I have been privy to!
He has become known as 'THE ANTHEM SINGER" for the Chicago Cubs. But he had quite a journey before coming to the "friendly confines."
Born in 1950, Messmer's introduction to music took place near his home on the southwest side. "There was an accordian player who lived next door, " recalls Wayne. "He was a very, very good player. I loved listening to him. By the time I was around 8 years old, I was given an accordian, which I learned to play by ear." He learned more about the mechanics of music in later years.
Wayne's interest in baseball took root at the old Comiskey Park. Said Messmer, " I was 13 years of age when I first saw Wrigley Field."
When asked if he ever played little league ball, he confessed to being a first baseman and occasional pitcher, but not with official teams. "I attended the Chicago White Sox Boys Camp in Fon Du Lac, Wisconsin," stated Wayne. "I have lots of fond memories of that."
With multiple degrees from Illinois Wesleyan, Loyola and La Salle universities, Messmer's career has taken him down many avenues of endeavor. There is an old saying that states, WHEN SOMEONE KNOCKS ON YOUR DOOR...ANSWER IT! "My career was built walking along a row of doors, " said Wayne.
Messmer's voice first became familiar to the public via radio and other venues. WLS radio listeners might remember Wayne broadcasting the mid day news. Then, another opportunity came along he couldn't pass up. "In 1982, 83 and 84, I became the stadium announcer for the Chicago Cubs, " said Wayne with a detectable smile in his voice. "Those were great years. I also had a chance to do the anthem."
Wayne's version of the national anthem is always presented with dramatic flair, with his talented wife Kathleen occasionally joining in. He had previously perfected his performance for the Sting soccer team, the Blackhawks, White Sox and Bulls.
I asked Wayne what his most memorable moment was on the ball field. He didn't have to hesitate and think about an answer. Said Messmer, "It was September 27th of 2001. It was following 9/11 and military police filled the lines while we sang AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL. I was very moved."
On a much lighter note, he shared his thoughts about the 2016 world series win. "I was at a Buffalo Wild Wings with some friends," said Wayne. "When things didn't look too good for the men in blue, I was ready to grieve in solitude." Fortunately, any tears shed were tears of joy.
Messmer's voice tingled with joy when describing the post game celebration. "I was in the trolly parade and will never forget it!" boasted Wayne. When asked about the sea of people surrounding the festivities he replied, "I couldn't believe what I was looking at!"
Wayne Messmer has also appeared on the dramatic stage with a ninety minute one man play about the life of Father Damien, which he performed at the Skokie theatre in Illinois as well as many other venues. In addition, he performs concerts featuring songs from the American Songbook. Fortunately, during this time of Covid, he has been offered outdoor venues which will allow people to enjoy his performing on a more regular basis.
Through the years, Wayne Messmer has become a well recognized legend and is respected in many fields. As stated earlier, Wayne walks along many doors. I am grateful he took some time to open mine.
by ANOTHER ANTHEM SINGER
Wayne Messmer has a face and a voice that Cub fans instantaneously recognize. He has a commanding tone, even during a conversation, which I have been privy to!
He has become known as 'THE ANTHEM SINGER" for the Chicago Cubs. But he had quite a journey before coming to the "friendly confines."
Born in 1950, Messmer's introduction to music took place near his home on the southwest side. "There was an accordian player who lived next door, " recalls Wayne. "He was a very, very good player. I loved listening to him. By the time I was around 8 years old, I was given an accordian, which I learned to play by ear." He learned more about the mechanics of music in later years.
Wayne's interest in baseball took root at the old Comiskey Park. Said Messmer, " I was 13 years of age when I first saw Wrigley Field."
When asked if he ever played little league ball, he confessed to being a first baseman and occasional pitcher, but not with official teams. "I attended the Chicago White Sox Boys Camp in Fon Du Lac, Wisconsin," stated Wayne. "I have lots of fond memories of that."
With multiple degrees from Illinois Wesleyan, Loyola and La Salle universities, Messmer's career has taken him down many avenues of endeavor. There is an old saying that states, WHEN SOMEONE KNOCKS ON YOUR DOOR...ANSWER IT! "My career was built walking along a row of doors, " said Wayne.
Messmer's voice first became familiar to the public via radio and other venues. WLS radio listeners might remember Wayne broadcasting the mid day news. Then, another opportunity came along he couldn't pass up. "In 1982, 83 and 84, I became the stadium announcer for the Chicago Cubs, " said Wayne with a detectable smile in his voice. "Those were great years. I also had a chance to do the anthem."
Wayne's version of the national anthem is always presented with dramatic flair, with his talented wife Kathleen occasionally joining in. He had previously perfected his performance for the Sting soccer team, the Blackhawks, White Sox and Bulls.
I asked Wayne what his most memorable moment was on the ball field. He didn't have to hesitate and think about an answer. Said Messmer, "It was September 27th of 2001. It was following 9/11 and military police filled the lines while we sang AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL. I was very moved."
On a much lighter note, he shared his thoughts about the 2016 world series win. "I was at a Buffalo Wild Wings with some friends," said Wayne. "When things didn't look too good for the men in blue, I was ready to grieve in solitude." Fortunately, any tears shed were tears of joy.
Messmer's voice tingled with joy when describing the post game celebration. "I was in the trolly parade and will never forget it!" boasted Wayne. When asked about the sea of people surrounding the festivities he replied, "I couldn't believe what I was looking at!"
Wayne Messmer has also appeared on the dramatic stage with a ninety minute one man play about the life of Father Damien, which he performed at the Skokie theatre in Illinois as well as many other venues. In addition, he performs concerts featuring songs from the American Songbook. Fortunately, during this time of Covid, he has been offered outdoor venues which will allow people to enjoy his performing on a more regular basis.
Through the years, Wayne Messmer has become a well recognized legend and is respected in many fields. As stated earlier, Wayne walks along many doors. I am grateful he took some time to open mine.
CAN YU BELIEVE IT?
If you're wondering why Yu Darvish has a look of bewilderment on his face its because he can't believe anymore than most fans that he is on his way to San Diego. This hard working and dedicated pitcher knows quite well now how relentless and unfair the business of baseball can be.
Others such as Willson Contreras, Javier Baez, Kris Bryant, Craig Kimbrel, Anthony Rizzo and Kyle Hendricks are facing the same fate soon. Is the Cub organization making correct decisions to build the team or are we being led into the wilderness of uncertainty?
We would love to hear your opinions! Don't be shy!
If you're wondering why Yu Darvish has a look of bewilderment on his face its because he can't believe anymore than most fans that he is on his way to San Diego. This hard working and dedicated pitcher knows quite well now how relentless and unfair the business of baseball can be.
Others such as Willson Contreras, Javier Baez, Kris Bryant, Craig Kimbrel, Anthony Rizzo and Kyle Hendricks are facing the same fate soon. Is the Cub organization making correct decisions to build the team or are we being led into the wilderness of uncertainty?
We would love to hear your opinions! Don't be shy!
RON SANTO VOTED BEST CUB OF ALL TIME!
A publication named THE BASEBALL SCHOLAR has announced the names of 20 individuals they deem to be the best of the 'MEN ON BLUE". Beloved, Ron Santo, sits proudly at the top of the list.
This unique "on line" publication also pays tribute to great players from both leagues. There is a FACEBOOK page in addition to the web site itself.
Feel free to check it out at http://thebaseballscholar.com/
A publication named THE BASEBALL SCHOLAR has announced the names of 20 individuals they deem to be the best of the 'MEN ON BLUE". Beloved, Ron Santo, sits proudly at the top of the list.
This unique "on line" publication also pays tribute to great players from both leagues. There is a FACEBOOK page in addition to the web site itself.
Feel free to check it out at http://thebaseballscholar.com/
IF YOU DON'T KNOW JACK...
Growing up in Pekin, Illinois, young Jack Rosenberg probably never thought that he would become an important figure in the field of baseball. But...that he did! He became one of the architects who designed the style of sports reporting we are now familiar with.
Before the internet came along, Jack was the "go to" guy at Wrigley Field for interesting tidbits of information. When the great Jack Brickhouse broadcasted on both radio and tv, you could hear Rosenberg's typewriter clicking away.
Rosenberg and Brickhouse developed a close friendship through the years. Brickhouse's entertaining biography, "THANKS FOR LISTENING" was penned by Mr. Rosenberg.
In addition to Jack Brickhouse, Rosenberg also worked with Vince Lloyd, Lou Boudreau and Jack Quinlan and Irv Kupcinet, who was a familiar voice calling Bears games along with Jack Brickhouse.
In the plaza in front of the WGN radio "show booth" is the WGN WALK OF FAME filled with plaques honoring those who have worked for the great Midwest-based broadcasting empire. Jack Rosenberg's recognition came in 2017.
Jack recently passed at the age of 94. I heard some great words about this talented editor. It would make a great epitaph. "Jack Rosenberg wasn't old school. He WAS the school!"
Growing up in Pekin, Illinois, young Jack Rosenberg probably never thought that he would become an important figure in the field of baseball. But...that he did! He became one of the architects who designed the style of sports reporting we are now familiar with.
Before the internet came along, Jack was the "go to" guy at Wrigley Field for interesting tidbits of information. When the great Jack Brickhouse broadcasted on both radio and tv, you could hear Rosenberg's typewriter clicking away.
Rosenberg and Brickhouse developed a close friendship through the years. Brickhouse's entertaining biography, "THANKS FOR LISTENING" was penned by Mr. Rosenberg.
In addition to Jack Brickhouse, Rosenberg also worked with Vince Lloyd, Lou Boudreau and Jack Quinlan and Irv Kupcinet, who was a familiar voice calling Bears games along with Jack Brickhouse.
In the plaza in front of the WGN radio "show booth" is the WGN WALK OF FAME filled with plaques honoring those who have worked for the great Midwest-based broadcasting empire. Jack Rosenberg's recognition came in 2017.
Jack recently passed at the age of 94. I heard some great words about this talented editor. It would make a great epitaph. "Jack Rosenberg wasn't old school. He WAS the school!"
THE NEW TV VOICE OF THE CHICAGO CUBS
Jon Sciambi is a familiar face and energetic personality from ESPN. He recalls a unique encounter during his first trip to Wrigley Field years ago.
Said Jon, “My first trip ever to Wrigley Field. This is true. This is the truth. My first ever trip to Wrigley Field was 1997. The Marlins and the Cubs. It’s 35 degrees. My first road game as a big league broadcaster. I finish doing the pregame. I have to use the restroom. I run to the facility and I have to go back because I have to do the lineups. I go in. You know the men’s room at Wrigley Field. Two urinals and a stall. I finish. I wash my hands. As I’m washing my hands, Harry Caray walks in. Harry Caray goes to the stall now I’m drying my hands. And from the stall on this 35-degree day, Harry Caray says out loud, not to me, just out loud, ‘I got so many clothes on, I can’t find my …’ I ran out of there to tell everybody that I could possibly tell.”
In replacing Len Kasper , Jon Sciambi hopes to bring humor to his broadcasts along with interesting insight. One could always tell when he called a Cubs game at Wrigley on ESPN that he had a high regard for Chicago baseball fans. He knew he was in special place. Welcome Jon SciambI DO US PROUD!
Jon Sciambi is a familiar face and energetic personality from ESPN. He recalls a unique encounter during his first trip to Wrigley Field years ago.
Said Jon, “My first trip ever to Wrigley Field. This is true. This is the truth. My first ever trip to Wrigley Field was 1997. The Marlins and the Cubs. It’s 35 degrees. My first road game as a big league broadcaster. I finish doing the pregame. I have to use the restroom. I run to the facility and I have to go back because I have to do the lineups. I go in. You know the men’s room at Wrigley Field. Two urinals and a stall. I finish. I wash my hands. As I’m washing my hands, Harry Caray walks in. Harry Caray goes to the stall now I’m drying my hands. And from the stall on this 35-degree day, Harry Caray says out loud, not to me, just out loud, ‘I got so many clothes on, I can’t find my …’ I ran out of there to tell everybody that I could possibly tell.”
In replacing Len Kasper , Jon Sciambi hopes to bring humor to his broadcasts along with interesting insight. One could always tell when he called a Cubs game at Wrigley on ESPN that he had a high regard for Chicago baseball fans. He knew he was in special place. Welcome Jon SciambI DO US PROUD!
MORE PREDICTIONS FOR THE FUTURE
Cubs World Chatter has been presenting a series of predictions about the future of baseball. Thanks to Dave Gran's contribution of an article written by Chris Mueller, we have been given the opportunity to examine 20 bold ideas. So far, we have ten. As before, we invite you to read the next three and grade each of them or share some comments.
11. .. and speaking of speeding up the game, introducing the 'Big Papi' rule
Few aspects of your average baseball game are more annoying than watching players take a pitch — ball or strike — without swinging or doing anything, then step out, adjust their batting gloves, stare at the sky, take a few practice swings, ad nauseam. From now on, a batter who doesn’t swing at a pitch must keep one foot in the box and have both feet in within five seconds of the pitcher getting the ball back from the catcher. That’s plenty of time to get a sign from the third base coach. First offense? A warning. Second offense? A called strike. Call it the "Big Papi" rule, just for a little ironic fun.
12. Hello, Big Brother
Want to make sure another Astros-esque cheating scandal never happens again? Make the replay review process even more gut-oriented. The Replay Command Center in New York City is fine as is, but the existence of video technology in ballparks is too easily exploited for nefarious purposes. If managers want to challenge a call, they should still get 30 seconds from the end of the play to decide. However, forbid them from discussing the play with a replay assistant. Make it a true gut decision. Additionally, any and all video shot at games must be monitored by an MLB employee. Don’t like that Big Brother is watching you? Blame Houston.
13. Deliver a pile of cash to non-playoff team
As an incentive to win, the non-playoff team with the best record will receive $500,000 from every other club — money that must be used in its entirety on player acquisition or retention for the following season. Instead of trying to prevent teams from tanking, this rule would encourage teams to win, right up until the end of the season. The idea of, say, Pittsburgh owner Robert Nutting having to cut a check at the end of another 70-92 season is particularly appealing.
Cubs World Chatter has been presenting a series of predictions about the future of baseball. Thanks to Dave Gran's contribution of an article written by Chris Mueller, we have been given the opportunity to examine 20 bold ideas. So far, we have ten. As before, we invite you to read the next three and grade each of them or share some comments.
11. .. and speaking of speeding up the game, introducing the 'Big Papi' rule
Few aspects of your average baseball game are more annoying than watching players take a pitch — ball or strike — without swinging or doing anything, then step out, adjust their batting gloves, stare at the sky, take a few practice swings, ad nauseam. From now on, a batter who doesn’t swing at a pitch must keep one foot in the box and have both feet in within five seconds of the pitcher getting the ball back from the catcher. That’s plenty of time to get a sign from the third base coach. First offense? A warning. Second offense? A called strike. Call it the "Big Papi" rule, just for a little ironic fun.
12. Hello, Big Brother
Want to make sure another Astros-esque cheating scandal never happens again? Make the replay review process even more gut-oriented. The Replay Command Center in New York City is fine as is, but the existence of video technology in ballparks is too easily exploited for nefarious purposes. If managers want to challenge a call, they should still get 30 seconds from the end of the play to decide. However, forbid them from discussing the play with a replay assistant. Make it a true gut decision. Additionally, any and all video shot at games must be monitored by an MLB employee. Don’t like that Big Brother is watching you? Blame Houston.
13. Deliver a pile of cash to non-playoff team
As an incentive to win, the non-playoff team with the best record will receive $500,000 from every other club — money that must be used in its entirety on player acquisition or retention for the following season. Instead of trying to prevent teams from tanking, this rule would encourage teams to win, right up until the end of the season. The idea of, say, Pittsburgh owner Robert Nutting having to cut a check at the end of another 70-92 season is particularly appealing.
ANOTHER BASEBALL LEGEND HAS PASSED
by Wayne Richards
I have a friend back in Chicago who is a news writer for WBBM radio. Previous to that, he worked as an "on air" personality out West.
Mark Friedman has won multiple awards and has interacted with legends. He is a Cubs fan and always will be. But, he also has a special place in his heart for the late Tommy Lasorda.
"I worked at a radio station that was an affiliate of the Dodgers Radio Network, and many times, the game would be on during my shift." states Mark. Since we were broadcasting the games, the staff rooted for the Dodgers, though I remained a Cubs fan when they were playing the Dodgers. We held a phone-in contest to allow 4 fans to win tickets to join me in going to Dodger Stadium for a game, and that was great fun. On a different occasion, our engineer invited me to join he and his wife in going to a game, and we got into the press box with hopes of meeting Vin Scully, but that didn't work out. Instead, we met the stadium organist Helen Dell and the P.A. announcer John Ramsey. I recognized Tommy Lasorda to be one of the best - if not THE best - ambassadors that baseball had then, but I don't know who could be considered in that category now."
I have met Harry and I have an autographed ball from Don Zimmer. I do wish that I had met Tommy. He was one of those rare individuals who had a passion for the Dodgers, but more importantly, for baseball itself.
by Wayne Richards
I have a friend back in Chicago who is a news writer for WBBM radio. Previous to that, he worked as an "on air" personality out West.
Mark Friedman has won multiple awards and has interacted with legends. He is a Cubs fan and always will be. But, he also has a special place in his heart for the late Tommy Lasorda.
"I worked at a radio station that was an affiliate of the Dodgers Radio Network, and many times, the game would be on during my shift." states Mark. Since we were broadcasting the games, the staff rooted for the Dodgers, though I remained a Cubs fan when they were playing the Dodgers. We held a phone-in contest to allow 4 fans to win tickets to join me in going to Dodger Stadium for a game, and that was great fun. On a different occasion, our engineer invited me to join he and his wife in going to a game, and we got into the press box with hopes of meeting Vin Scully, but that didn't work out. Instead, we met the stadium organist Helen Dell and the P.A. announcer John Ramsey. I recognized Tommy Lasorda to be one of the best - if not THE best - ambassadors that baseball had then, but I don't know who could be considered in that category now."
I have met Harry and I have an autographed ball from Don Zimmer. I do wish that I had met Tommy. He was one of those rare individuals who had a passion for the Dodgers, but more importantly, for baseball itself.
https://youtu.be/IrV8QPQAhxo
This link will take you to a video of what many people consider the greatest play in baseball history. What do you think it is? Is it Babe Ruth calling his shot? Perhaps its Hank Aaron slugging his 715th home run. Was is the shot heard around the world?
Here's a hint. It involved a Cub player.
Click and see if you don't agree this is the greatest play ever!
This link will take you to a video of what many people consider the greatest play in baseball history. What do you think it is? Is it Babe Ruth calling his shot? Perhaps its Hank Aaron slugging his 715th home run. Was is the shot heard around the world?
Here's a hint. It involved a Cub player.
Click and see if you don't agree this is the greatest play ever!
Here's hoping that 2021 will be a winning year in many regards. May this be the year that life returns to some normalcy. There are many troubling issues to face. I believe in America. I believe that hope springs eternal. I believe that the goodness in men and women will prevail.
Speaking of prevailing, our Cubbies are definitely dipping their toes into new waters. It's unsettling to be sure. But, we are Cubs fans! We've faced trials and tribulations and still we return for the love of baseball and the Cubs.
May the new year bring all of us happiness, health and a return to Cubs World action!
GO CUBS WORLD! GO CUBBIES! GO AWAY VIRUS!
Speaking of prevailing, our Cubbies are definitely dipping their toes into new waters. It's unsettling to be sure. But, we are Cubs fans! We've faced trials and tribulations and still we return for the love of baseball and the Cubs.
May the new year bring all of us happiness, health and a return to Cubs World action!
GO CUBS WORLD! GO CUBBIES! GO AWAY VIRUS!