HAPPY NEW YEAR!
CUBS ANNOUNCE NEW DOOR TO DOOR SERVICE AND PARKING!
CUBS ANNOUNCE NEW DOOR TO DOOR SERVICE AND PARKING!
ON DECK!
Feb Speaker - Steve Russell - broadcast announcer, personal friend of David Ross since college days
Mar Speaker - Dan Schlossberg - author of 37 books on baseball
Apr Speaker - Cody Hills - Village Sun Sports Reporter (and closet Cubs fan)
Feb Speaker - Steve Russell - broadcast announcer, personal friend of David Ross since college days
Mar Speaker - Dan Schlossberg - author of 37 books on baseball
Apr Speaker - Cody Hills - Village Sun Sports Reporter (and closet Cubs fan)
CUBS WORLD MEMBERS DON'T FORGET!
As you peruse this month's newsletter, please look for a word printed in red. Write it down on a piece of paper and bring it to our next regular membership meeting.
As always, there will be a drawing with prizes going to the winner. GOOD LUCK!
As you peruse this month's newsletter, please look for a word printed in red. Write it down on a piece of paper and bring it to our next regular membership meeting.
As always, there will be a drawing with prizes going to the winner. GOOD LUCK!
ESPN'S STEVE RUSSEL TO SPEAK AT FEBRUARY MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Steve Russell has been the Sports Director of ESPN Gainesville since 1998 and also serves as the Sports Director for WUFT-TV. In this capacity Russell supervises all sports radio and sport television students in the INC. In addition to his duties as Sports Director, Russell also works for the University Athletic Association and IMG as one of the radio voices for gator baseball broadcasts and also hosts the Amanda Butler TV coaches show. Russell has also worked play-by-play and as a color analyst for Gator volleyball, women’s basketball and softball.
Russell is a graduate of the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications and has worked in the broadcast industry in Gainesville since his time at UF.
Russell was a member of the State of New York bowling championship team at 16. As a coach, he has won a district championship while coaching Newberry High baseball and numerous championships coaching middle school football. Russell once tried to run on base in a national softball tournament for his team and forgot how many outs there were…he got doubled up to end the game…his team lost the semifinal game by one run.
As Florida baseball announcer, Russell is a good friend of former Gator baseball player and current Chicago Cub manager David Ross.
Steve Russell has been the Sports Director of ESPN Gainesville since 1998 and also serves as the Sports Director for WUFT-TV. In this capacity Russell supervises all sports radio and sport television students in the INC. In addition to his duties as Sports Director, Russell also works for the University Athletic Association and IMG as one of the radio voices for gator baseball broadcasts and also hosts the Amanda Butler TV coaches show. Russell has also worked play-by-play and as a color analyst for Gator volleyball, women’s basketball and softball.
Russell is a graduate of the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications and has worked in the broadcast industry in Gainesville since his time at UF.
Russell was a member of the State of New York bowling championship team at 16. As a coach, he has won a district championship while coaching Newberry High baseball and numerous championships coaching middle school football. Russell once tried to run on base in a national softball tournament for his team and forgot how many outs there were…he got doubled up to end the game…his team lost the semifinal game by one run.
As Florida baseball announcer, Russell is a good friend of former Gator baseball player and current Chicago Cub manager David Ross.
JANUARY MEMBERSHIP MEETING KICKS OFF 2022 WITH COLORFUL LOCAL RESIDENT
by Dan Marx
60 Cubs World members enjoyed their first membership meeting of 2022 , Monday, January 4th. After swapping holiday stories with each other we ate Sammy Joe’s pizza together. Jim Gulesarian played a hilarious bit by George Carlin comparing the pastoral game of baseball to the gridiron wars of football. We miss you, George. Jim gave us a refresher course in baseball reminding us of the basics, such as the width of home plate, the distance from the mound to home plate, and the number of double stitches on a baseball. I hope the members were paying attention because, yes, there was a quiz on it. I happened to sit at the same table with Bill McMahon so I thought ( knew) that I might have a chance of winning. We also sat with 3 new members, and all 3 of them gave Bill a run for his money with their encyclopedic knowledge of the Cubs. Yes, we did win the quiz.
Our featured speaker was fellow Villager. Tony Brizzolara. Tony was a pitcher for the Atlanta Braves in the early - mid 1980’s. Tony did not have Hall of Fame credentials, but he did play under 2 Hall of Fame managers, Joe Torre and Bobby Cox. He also was unfortunate enough to get suspended from the Braves by another Hall of Famer, the great Henry Aaron. He told us many of his stories in the major leagues and the minor leagues.
He told us stories of a trip to Korea , where he played in exhibition games with Ernie Banks and Billy Williams. And, he told us that he still holds the record for the most strikeouts in a game pitching for the University of Texas. Which means that he beat out great strikeout kings like Burt Hooton and Roger Clemens.
It was a real treat listening to Tony’s stories , conjuring up great memories. Come back again, Tony and tell us some more.
by Dan Marx
60 Cubs World members enjoyed their first membership meeting of 2022 , Monday, January 4th. After swapping holiday stories with each other we ate Sammy Joe’s pizza together. Jim Gulesarian played a hilarious bit by George Carlin comparing the pastoral game of baseball to the gridiron wars of football. We miss you, George. Jim gave us a refresher course in baseball reminding us of the basics, such as the width of home plate, the distance from the mound to home plate, and the number of double stitches on a baseball. I hope the members were paying attention because, yes, there was a quiz on it. I happened to sit at the same table with Bill McMahon so I thought ( knew) that I might have a chance of winning. We also sat with 3 new members, and all 3 of them gave Bill a run for his money with their encyclopedic knowledge of the Cubs. Yes, we did win the quiz.
Our featured speaker was fellow Villager. Tony Brizzolara. Tony was a pitcher for the Atlanta Braves in the early - mid 1980’s. Tony did not have Hall of Fame credentials, but he did play under 2 Hall of Fame managers, Joe Torre and Bobby Cox. He also was unfortunate enough to get suspended from the Braves by another Hall of Famer, the great Henry Aaron. He told us many of his stories in the major leagues and the minor leagues.
He told us stories of a trip to Korea , where he played in exhibition games with Ernie Banks and Billy Williams. And, he told us that he still holds the record for the most strikeouts in a game pitching for the University of Texas. Which means that he beat out great strikeout kings like Burt Hooton and Roger Clemens.
It was a real treat listening to Tony’s stories , conjuring up great memories. Come back again, Tony and tell us some more.
SHOW AND TELL TIME
As our January speaker Tony Brizzolara shared wonderful stories, he also treated everybody to a bit of a "SHOW AND TELL" session. The gathered got a big kick out of examining some interesting items.
A collection of Tony's baseball cards were passed around along with a set of championship rings!
As our January speaker Tony Brizzolara shared wonderful stories, he also treated everybody to a bit of a "SHOW AND TELL" session. The gathered got a big kick out of examining some interesting items.
A collection of Tony's baseball cards were passed around along with a set of championship rings!
LARRY BIITNER DIES
In an off season riddled with uncertainties about the upcoming 2022 season, News has come of the passing of Larry Biitner. His career lasted 14 years playing for The Senators, Rangers, Expos, Reds and the Cubs from 1976 to 1980.
He played 490 games in the outfield, mostly in left or right. But it was in right that something happened that will go down in Chicago Cubs history.
The Cubs were playing the Mets and Bruce Boisclair slammed one in the air and Biitner ran after it, losing his cap in the process.
The ball dropped and Larry couldn't find the ball anywhere. Thats because the cap hid the ball from site.
It should be known that during this same season, Wrigley was not exactly packed to the hilt with fans. Larry could clearly hear a small group in the bleachers yelling, "HAT! HAT!"
By the way, after Biitner pulled the ball out of his hat, he managed to throw Boisclair out at third! Unfortunately, this play is not available in recorded archives, but it must've been a memorable moment for the 5,000 or so fans in the park. Larry Biitner was 75.
In an off season riddled with uncertainties about the upcoming 2022 season, News has come of the passing of Larry Biitner. His career lasted 14 years playing for The Senators, Rangers, Expos, Reds and the Cubs from 1976 to 1980.
He played 490 games in the outfield, mostly in left or right. But it was in right that something happened that will go down in Chicago Cubs history.
The Cubs were playing the Mets and Bruce Boisclair slammed one in the air and Biitner ran after it, losing his cap in the process.
The ball dropped and Larry couldn't find the ball anywhere. Thats because the cap hid the ball from site.
It should be known that during this same season, Wrigley was not exactly packed to the hilt with fans. Larry could clearly hear a small group in the bleachers yelling, "HAT! HAT!"
By the way, after Biitner pulled the ball out of his hat, he managed to throw Boisclair out at third! Unfortunately, this play is not available in recorded archives, but it must've been a memorable moment for the 5,000 or so fans in the park. Larry Biitner was 75.
ARIZONA TONY READY TO PROVIDE SPRING TIME REPORTS!
by Wayne Richards
In the shadow of Sloan Park (the Chicago Cubs spring training compound) lives an extraordinary gent and his wife. They are two lovely people who happen to be great friends of yours truly and "Men in Blue" die hards.
For the past couple of years, Tony Diliberto has attended some spring training games and has provided Cubs World colorful and interesting observations about the team, the mood of the fans and the price of a hot dog. He is ready to take on his journalistic duties.
Of course, baseball is still on a lockdown and the new strain of covid might put the ball park in shut down mode. We'll have to see what happens in the weeks ahead.
In the meantime, Tony has been given a specially designed gift that will make his game watching joyful, no matter what the score turns out to be. However, I am a bit concerned because if you look carefully there is a strangely placed power plug in a socket. "I hope this isn't an electric chair, " said I. Tony assures me it is not!
"I got the chair for my 70th birthday, " proclaimed Tony. "I'm ready for preseason! Hopefully they will start it."
by Wayne Richards
In the shadow of Sloan Park (the Chicago Cubs spring training compound) lives an extraordinary gent and his wife. They are two lovely people who happen to be great friends of yours truly and "Men in Blue" die hards.
For the past couple of years, Tony Diliberto has attended some spring training games and has provided Cubs World colorful and interesting observations about the team, the mood of the fans and the price of a hot dog. He is ready to take on his journalistic duties.
Of course, baseball is still on a lockdown and the new strain of covid might put the ball park in shut down mode. We'll have to see what happens in the weeks ahead.
In the meantime, Tony has been given a specially designed gift that will make his game watching joyful, no matter what the score turns out to be. However, I am a bit concerned because if you look carefully there is a strangely placed power plug in a socket. "I hope this isn't an electric chair, " said I. Tony assures me it is not!
"I got the chair for my 70th birthday, " proclaimed Tony. "I'm ready for preseason! Hopefully they will start it."
FAN TIME!
From time to time, we have all seen videos of strange baseball plays throughout the major leagues. They are a delight to watch, particularly when some of the most skilled players hit the field like they never played the game before.
We thought it would be fun and interesting to show a collection of bloopers made by fans. After all, turnabout is fair play!
CLICK HERE
From time to time, we have all seen videos of strange baseball plays throughout the major leagues. They are a delight to watch, particularly when some of the most skilled players hit the field like they never played the game before.
We thought it would be fun and interesting to show a collection of bloopers made by fans. After all, turnabout is fair play!
CLICK HERE
ART WORK TO BE PROUD OF
by Wayne Richards
I discovered this fine piece of art sitting in my files. These boxes and drawers contain personal documents, scripts and decades of photos, ads, letters, diaries and rantings from a fifty year career in entertainment.
Then, I saw it! A little piece my daughter drew when she was quite young and starting to feel the magic of being a Cub fan. Even in Minnesota, where she resides with her husband, she still laughs and cries like the rest of us. She still feels anger at the miserable experience of watching one player leave after another. (Talk about a disappearing act.)
I am going to have this "one of a kind" ink sketching framed and will bring it to every upcoming membership meeting as a source of positive energy. We'll put it on display somewhere. Members can touch it for good luck as we face the season (if there is a next season.)
At this point, we need to spread all the good karma there is to help us negotiate these rather dark days. Lord knows, we don't need no damn billy goat trouncing around again. I believe that "WHEN YOU WISH UPON A STAR" dreams can come true.
by Wayne Richards
I discovered this fine piece of art sitting in my files. These boxes and drawers contain personal documents, scripts and decades of photos, ads, letters, diaries and rantings from a fifty year career in entertainment.
Then, I saw it! A little piece my daughter drew when she was quite young and starting to feel the magic of being a Cub fan. Even in Minnesota, where she resides with her husband, she still laughs and cries like the rest of us. She still feels anger at the miserable experience of watching one player leave after another. (Talk about a disappearing act.)
I am going to have this "one of a kind" ink sketching framed and will bring it to every upcoming membership meeting as a source of positive energy. We'll put it on display somewhere. Members can touch it for good luck as we face the season (if there is a next season.)
At this point, we need to spread all the good karma there is to help us negotiate these rather dark days. Lord knows, we don't need no damn billy goat trouncing around again. I believe that "WHEN YOU WISH UPON A STAR" dreams can come true.
A QUESTION FOR CUBS WORLD MEMBERS
With the publication of this newsletter, there is still uncertainty as to whether or not the 2022 baseball season (either pre-season or regular) will get underway on time. As you know, we are encouraging members to join in and blog with us. Tell us what you think about this issue.
As always, we look forward to hearing from you.
With the publication of this newsletter, there is still uncertainty as to whether or not the 2022 baseball season (either pre-season or regular) will get underway on time. As you know, we are encouraging members to join in and blog with us. Tell us what you think about this issue.
As always, we look forward to hearing from you.
A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS
By Wayne Richards
Anyone who has visited the friendly confines on a regular basis has most likely seen a familiar face tending to a kiosk just inside the main entrance. His name is Bill Griffin and has served as a multi-skilled vendor for decades...65 years to be exact!
Born in Oklahoma, his life got off to a rocky start when his his father died. Bill was two years of age at the time and the family's trials and tribulations were such that by the age of 9, Bill was sent to an orphanage where he stayed until he was a teenager. Determined to keep his own life headed in a positive direction, Griffin joined the Marines.
His demeanor and gruff physical appearance was in stark contrast to how he appreciated and loved to be around people. Thats why he became a fixture at Wrigley, selling all kinds of snacks, foam hands and Old Style beer. People loved him.
The always colorful Griffin caught the eye of the producers of the motion picture "ROOKIE OF THE YEAR", which featured scenes at Wrigley. As a result, Bill played a small part as a third base coach.
Bill was a loner. In fact, the only real friends he had were fellow vendors. Griffin drew close to one individual in particular named Ho Pun Padgett, an energetic woman who worked at both Wrigley and White Sox Park. When Padgett died in 2014 , Bill saw to it that she had a proper burial.
It was during this loss to Bill that a great example of how Cubs fans really are a family took root. He couldn't afford a tombstone to be placed on her grave, so ordinary fans took up a collection. When Bill's health began to deteriorate, they came to his rescue as well. providing him with necessities ion his Rogers Park home.
Bill retired in 2017. Then, when covid hit , the combination of his age and various health issues contributed to his unfortunate death.
Even after his passing, Cubs fans made sure that he was buried next to Ho Pun Padgett. Mike Cahill, a Cub fan who got to know Bill a bit, wrote and delivered a wonderful eulogy which speaks beautifully of the longest working vendor in Wrigley Field history. Said Cahill, "William Griffin reminds us of all the wisdom of the great religious traditions that our dignity comes not from our wealth or accomplishments, but from our common humanity."
By Wayne Richards
Anyone who has visited the friendly confines on a regular basis has most likely seen a familiar face tending to a kiosk just inside the main entrance. His name is Bill Griffin and has served as a multi-skilled vendor for decades...65 years to be exact!
Born in Oklahoma, his life got off to a rocky start when his his father died. Bill was two years of age at the time and the family's trials and tribulations were such that by the age of 9, Bill was sent to an orphanage where he stayed until he was a teenager. Determined to keep his own life headed in a positive direction, Griffin joined the Marines.
His demeanor and gruff physical appearance was in stark contrast to how he appreciated and loved to be around people. Thats why he became a fixture at Wrigley, selling all kinds of snacks, foam hands and Old Style beer. People loved him.
The always colorful Griffin caught the eye of the producers of the motion picture "ROOKIE OF THE YEAR", which featured scenes at Wrigley. As a result, Bill played a small part as a third base coach.
Bill was a loner. In fact, the only real friends he had were fellow vendors. Griffin drew close to one individual in particular named Ho Pun Padgett, an energetic woman who worked at both Wrigley and White Sox Park. When Padgett died in 2014 , Bill saw to it that she had a proper burial.
It was during this loss to Bill that a great example of how Cubs fans really are a family took root. He couldn't afford a tombstone to be placed on her grave, so ordinary fans took up a collection. When Bill's health began to deteriorate, they came to his rescue as well. providing him with necessities ion his Rogers Park home.
Bill retired in 2017. Then, when covid hit , the combination of his age and various health issues contributed to his unfortunate death.
Even after his passing, Cubs fans made sure that he was buried next to Ho Pun Padgett. Mike Cahill, a Cub fan who got to know Bill a bit, wrote and delivered a wonderful eulogy which speaks beautifully of the longest working vendor in Wrigley Field history. Said Cahill, "William Griffin reminds us of all the wisdom of the great religious traditions that our dignity comes not from our wealth or accomplishments, but from our common humanity."
LESTER LEAVES BASEBALL
With Jon Lester retiring from baseball, we'd like to know your thoughts. Perhaps you have memories to share? Please send your comments about this or any other story in this newsletter. We'd love to hear from you.
We look forward to seeing everybody at February's membership meeting.
Let's hope that the lockout will end before Spring training begins. GO BASEBALL! GO CUBBIES!
With Jon Lester retiring from baseball, we'd like to know your thoughts. Perhaps you have memories to share? Please send your comments about this or any other story in this newsletter. We'd love to hear from you.
We look forward to seeing everybody at February's membership meeting.
Let's hope that the lockout will end before Spring training begins. GO BASEBALL! GO CUBBIES!