WELCOME TO THE CUBS WORLD CHATTER JUNE NEWSLETTER
Part Two
As this newsletter goes to press, no decision as to whether or not baseball is to be played this year has been made. The only thing that has strongly developed is a financial debate between managements and players.
But rest assured that the CUBS WORLD NEWSLETTER will continue to arrive on your device twice a month until further notice.
Please enjoy these newsletters and keep your comments and ideas coming in.
Part Two
As this newsletter goes to press, no decision as to whether or not baseball is to be played this year has been made. The only thing that has strongly developed is a financial debate between managements and players.
But rest assured that the CUBS WORLD NEWSLETTER will continue to arrive on your device twice a month until further notice.
Please enjoy these newsletters and keep your comments and ideas coming in.
ANOTHER BRUSH WITH FAME
by Gary Koca
by Gary Koca
- My older daughter has season tickets for the Cubs. They split four tickets with another couple, alternate days.
For the fourth game of the 2016 World Series, her son wanted to go but their five year old daughter did not. So my daughter called me a day or two before the game and said she had an extra ticket. Did I want to go? I said, "I don't know, we're here in The Villages. I would have to get on a plane and fly to Chicago, and deal with all that airport hassle, etc." She just said, "Dad, you're the biggest Cub fan in the world. What are you talking about?" So I went. Had a great time at the game, Tom Ricketts walked right in front of me, as did Jeff Garland from Curb Your Enthusiasm, a big Cub fan. The Cubs lost the game, 7-2, which I figured they would because it was Corey Kluber, their ace, against John Lackey, hardly our ace. But the Cubs won the next three games and the World Series, so who cares?
CUBS WORLD OUTING COMES TO A SHOCKING CONCLUSION......
by Dan Marx
32 Cubs World members gathered together at Bogart / Bacall Wednesday 6/10 for the first golf scramble of the year . With an eye on the sky, we played as quickly as we could, but Mother Nature got the best of us. Almost everyone was on the course when the thunder, lightning, and torrential rains came. Most of us had almost finished, and then hurried to the clubhouse hoping we could wait it out. Unfortunately, we couldn't and there was no prize money given out.
We will be trying again late morning July 15th at Tarpon Boil/ Redfish Run. We will advise you of the details later, but please save the date.
by Dan Marx
32 Cubs World members gathered together at Bogart / Bacall Wednesday 6/10 for the first golf scramble of the year . With an eye on the sky, we played as quickly as we could, but Mother Nature got the best of us. Almost everyone was on the course when the thunder, lightning, and torrential rains came. Most of us had almost finished, and then hurried to the clubhouse hoping we could wait it out. Unfortunately, we couldn't and there was no prize money given out.
We will be trying again late morning July 15th at Tarpon Boil/ Redfish Run. We will advise you of the details later, but please save the date.
THE SHINING STAR OF THE DRAFT
Focusing on the draft during a non-season like this is like de-corking a bottle of wine with nothing in it. But, this young man, a native Chicagoan, deserves some attention.
Ed Howard was a shortstop out of Mount Carmel High School. However, his real talent was discovered by becoming a star player on the Jackie Robinson West All Star team that won the little league championship in 2014.
Howard was 12 years of age at the time but impressed the masses with his skill and maturity. These are the kind of individuals our scouts pursue in earnest.
Our own Don Mulder (Cubs World President) has continually illustrated the importance of shining a light on little league and high school baseball. As a matter of fact, five high school players have been picked in the 2020 draft.
In his junior year, Howard batted .421 and slammed out three homers, eleven doubles and three triples. All this in 35 games.
Ed Howard is quite excited to be in the Cubs organization poised for the future. However, he has shyly admitted that being a south sider, he grew up a White Sox fan. Thats ok. WELCOME TO THE MAJORS!
Focusing on the draft during a non-season like this is like de-corking a bottle of wine with nothing in it. But, this young man, a native Chicagoan, deserves some attention.
Ed Howard was a shortstop out of Mount Carmel High School. However, his real talent was discovered by becoming a star player on the Jackie Robinson West All Star team that won the little league championship in 2014.
Howard was 12 years of age at the time but impressed the masses with his skill and maturity. These are the kind of individuals our scouts pursue in earnest.
Our own Don Mulder (Cubs World President) has continually illustrated the importance of shining a light on little league and high school baseball. As a matter of fact, five high school players have been picked in the 2020 draft.
In his junior year, Howard batted .421 and slammed out three homers, eleven doubles and three triples. All this in 35 games.
Ed Howard is quite excited to be in the Cubs organization poised for the future. However, he has shyly admitted that being a south sider, he grew up a White Sox fan. Thats ok. WELCOME TO THE MAJORS!
ROBOTIC UMPIRES COMING SOON TO A BALL PARK NEAR YOU!
Technology is a touchy issue...particularly with regard to the great "human" game of baseball. One thing is for sure. It has done absolutely nothing to help shorten the game.
There are purists who want nothing more than to keep the game untouched and unplugged. Still others embrace these changes with gusto.
The problem is that technology can occasionally be used in surprisingly devious ways. Remember the Astros use of digital cameras to steal signs?
One technological infusion that is a good tool is the use of a system called STATCAST. It is primarily used to record and analyze the velocity of a ball after being hit. This can be very productive during spring training analytics.
ABS (Automated ball/strike technology) will soon be used in the majors. Live umpires will still be behind the plate, but for how long? Will the integration of technology destroy the true fallibility of the game? Let us know! We'd love to hear from you!
Technology is a touchy issue...particularly with regard to the great "human" game of baseball. One thing is for sure. It has done absolutely nothing to help shorten the game.
There are purists who want nothing more than to keep the game untouched and unplugged. Still others embrace these changes with gusto.
The problem is that technology can occasionally be used in surprisingly devious ways. Remember the Astros use of digital cameras to steal signs?
One technological infusion that is a good tool is the use of a system called STATCAST. It is primarily used to record and analyze the velocity of a ball after being hit. This can be very productive during spring training analytics.
ABS (Automated ball/strike technology) will soon be used in the majors. Live umpires will still be behind the plate, but for how long? Will the integration of technology destroy the true fallibility of the game? Let us know! We'd love to hear from you!
KASPER THE FRIENDLY HOST
If and when any kind of a baseball season begins in 2020, Len Kasper, along with his television partner Jim Deshaies, will call the games with their distinctive style. Len, in particular, will hit a milestone.
Kasper will begin his 16th year of broadcasts, tying the late and great Harry Carey! The broadcaster with the most years under his belt was Jack Brickhouse with 34. CUBS WORLD SALUTES YOU LEN!
If and when any kind of a baseball season begins in 2020, Len Kasper, along with his television partner Jim Deshaies, will call the games with their distinctive style. Len, in particular, will hit a milestone.
Kasper will begin his 16th year of broadcasts, tying the late and great Harry Carey! The broadcaster with the most years under his belt was Jack Brickhouse with 34. CUBS WORLD SALUTES YOU LEN!
SHOULD THE CUBS PLAY IN HAWAII?
The beautiful state of Hawaii has been a legitimate talking point in the discussion of scheduling a shortened season for this year. It is being deemed as a safe area to play professional ball!
Hawaii is also crazy about baseball with many parks available, two of them professional. Les Murakami stadium is actually as long, if not, longer than Fenway.
All facilities could add seating. Even Aloha stadium, former home of the Pro Bowl, could be adjusted to accommodate professional teams.
If Baseball in Hawaii becomes a reality, but a joy it would be to see live games from paradise with ALL games being broadcast. However, there is one draw back. SPAM instead of hot dogs.
The beautiful state of Hawaii has been a legitimate talking point in the discussion of scheduling a shortened season for this year. It is being deemed as a safe area to play professional ball!
Hawaii is also crazy about baseball with many parks available, two of them professional. Les Murakami stadium is actually as long, if not, longer than Fenway.
All facilities could add seating. Even Aloha stadium, former home of the Pro Bowl, could be adjusted to accommodate professional teams.
If Baseball in Hawaii becomes a reality, but a joy it would be to see live games from paradise with ALL games being broadcast. However, there is one draw back. SPAM instead of hot dogs.
MUSEUM STILL BUT A DREAM
Did you know that a museum celebrating decades of great Chicago baseball history has been in the works for quite some time? In fact, it was originally scheduled to open to the public almost a decade ago.
Recently, CUBS WORLD CHATTER contacted Dr. David Fletcher, the creator of this ambitious project. But getting it off the ground has not been an easy proposition.
"I've put more than a million dollars toward the project without success, " stated Fletcher. "Right now it is on hold."
Whenever this museum is opened, fans of baseball will be treated to an amazing array of displays featuring the history the Cubs, Sox, Whales, Negro leagues and many more!
The good doctor has created a web site outlining this amazing and wonderful project and you are invited to explore its pages. Its an interactive site which has some exciting and entertaining features. www.chicagobaseballmuseum.org A location for this museum has yet to be determined. But when the doors open Chicago will boast of yet another great attraction.
Did you know that a museum celebrating decades of great Chicago baseball history has been in the works for quite some time? In fact, it was originally scheduled to open to the public almost a decade ago.
Recently, CUBS WORLD CHATTER contacted Dr. David Fletcher, the creator of this ambitious project. But getting it off the ground has not been an easy proposition.
"I've put more than a million dollars toward the project without success, " stated Fletcher. "Right now it is on hold."
Whenever this museum is opened, fans of baseball will be treated to an amazing array of displays featuring the history the Cubs, Sox, Whales, Negro leagues and many more!
The good doctor has created a web site outlining this amazing and wonderful project and you are invited to explore its pages. Its an interactive site which has some exciting and entertaining features. www.chicagobaseballmuseum.org A location for this museum has yet to be determined. But when the doors open Chicago will boast of yet another great attraction.
OLD CHARLIE'S PARK
If anyone is still alive and remembers this ball park, I think a call to the Guinness Book of Records would be in order! STOP THE PRESSES!
By 1916, Charles Weeghman, along with William Wrigley and other investors, purchased the Chicago Cubs and moved them into his beautiful new facility. Not bad for a man who built his wealth by operating lunch counters around the city.
However, with the demise of the Federal league and the arrival of the "one/two" punch of World War One along with the deadly Spanish Flu (not to mention the failure of his chain of diners), he was forced to sell his interest to Mr. Wrigley.
Charlie Weeghman, once on top of the world, died in poverty. But gradually, his name is becoming legendary. He was a key figure in Chicago baseball history and should be honored as such.
If anyone is still alive and remembers this ball park, I think a call to the Guinness Book of Records would be in order! STOP THE PRESSES!
By 1916, Charles Weeghman, along with William Wrigley and other investors, purchased the Chicago Cubs and moved them into his beautiful new facility. Not bad for a man who built his wealth by operating lunch counters around the city.
However, with the demise of the Federal league and the arrival of the "one/two" punch of World War One along with the deadly Spanish Flu (not to mention the failure of his chain of diners), he was forced to sell his interest to Mr. Wrigley.
Charlie Weeghman, once on top of the world, died in poverty. But gradually, his name is becoming legendary. He was a key figure in Chicago baseball history and should be honored as such.
YE OLDE BROADCAST
Today's communications capabilities are a marvel. Your cell phone has more technology than any of the equipment used on the lunar landing decades ago.
For youngsters it is hard to conceive that back in 1967 people in the United States knew little of life across the big pond. There were no cell phones.
But a special television sampler was produced to illustrate to foreigners how life looked and sounded in the United States. The sampler included clips from a rodeo, a circus, a Kennedy press conference, images of the statue of liberty and part of a CUBS vs. PHILLIES game which was held on July 23rd.
Today's communications capabilities are a marvel. Your cell phone has more technology than any of the equipment used on the lunar landing decades ago.
For youngsters it is hard to conceive that back in 1967 people in the United States knew little of life across the big pond. There were no cell phones.
But a special television sampler was produced to illustrate to foreigners how life looked and sounded in the United States. The sampler included clips from a rodeo, a circus, a Kennedy press conference, images of the statue of liberty and part of a CUBS vs. PHILLIES game which was held on July 23rd.
WRIGLEY ROOF....YAY OR NAY?
Don't worry. This photo is only an artist's rendering of what a roof might look like over the friendly confines.
However, it is important to know that as Wrigley Field renovation plans were being drawn up these recent years, installing a retractable roof was a subject very much under much discussion.
Of course the installation of lights originally caused a great deal of upset while being installed. But in time, people have come to embrace night games after seeing how stunning the field looks illuminated.
Change is inevitable. So far, none of the changes have done anything to hide the beauty of this magical place.
Don't worry. This photo is only an artist's rendering of what a roof might look like over the friendly confines.
However, it is important to know that as Wrigley Field renovation plans were being drawn up these recent years, installing a retractable roof was a subject very much under much discussion.
Of course the installation of lights originally caused a great deal of upset while being installed. But in time, people have come to embrace night games after seeing how stunning the field looks illuminated.
Change is inevitable. So far, none of the changes have done anything to hide the beauty of this magical place.
INTERNATIONAL INTEREST IN BASEBALL HAS GROWN!
by Wayne Richards
I am fascinated at how interested other countries are becoming in baseball. I am referring primarily to the countries of central and Northern Europe.
As a musical entertainer I have had the pleasure of spending extended time in Sweden. I was amazed at how knowledgeable some people were with regard to the Cubs.
One of the finest human beings I've ever met is a woman named Ingrid. (Not everybody is named Ingrid in Sweden...but there's a lot of them!) Like most sports fans in other countries soccer (football) is king. The nation stops when a game is telecast.
As Cubs fans, we all are aware of the troubled and empty years when reaching a pennant was but a dream. In similar fashion, the Swedish soccer team has had the same bad luck.
Upon returning to the states, I had a Skype session with Ingrid and asked how the soccer team was doing. I'll never forget her answer as long as I live. She said, "You mean the Chicago Cubs of Sweden?"
Ever since the Cubs finally won the series, baseball has taken off in the "land of the midnight sun", particularly with formation of youth teams. The Swedish Baseball and Softball Federation is the governing body for teams at all levels. Youth Baseball is not organized through schools. It is all volunteer.
Sweden is also a member of the CONFEDERATION OF EUROPEAN BASEBALL. Who knew?
Perhaps someday the phrase "WORLD SERIES" will take on new meaning.
by Wayne Richards
I am fascinated at how interested other countries are becoming in baseball. I am referring primarily to the countries of central and Northern Europe.
As a musical entertainer I have had the pleasure of spending extended time in Sweden. I was amazed at how knowledgeable some people were with regard to the Cubs.
One of the finest human beings I've ever met is a woman named Ingrid. (Not everybody is named Ingrid in Sweden...but there's a lot of them!) Like most sports fans in other countries soccer (football) is king. The nation stops when a game is telecast.
As Cubs fans, we all are aware of the troubled and empty years when reaching a pennant was but a dream. In similar fashion, the Swedish soccer team has had the same bad luck.
Upon returning to the states, I had a Skype session with Ingrid and asked how the soccer team was doing. I'll never forget her answer as long as I live. She said, "You mean the Chicago Cubs of Sweden?"
Ever since the Cubs finally won the series, baseball has taken off in the "land of the midnight sun", particularly with formation of youth teams. The Swedish Baseball and Softball Federation is the governing body for teams at all levels. Youth Baseball is not organized through schools. It is all volunteer.
Sweden is also a member of the CONFEDERATION OF EUROPEAN BASEBALL. Who knew?
Perhaps someday the phrase "WORLD SERIES" will take on new meaning.
NOW THIS IS WHAT I CALL A BILLBOARD!
Did you ever wish you could put messages or greeting on the big board at Wrigley Field? Did you know that it is entirely possible to do so?
You can buy a "five message" package for and amount to be contributed to Cubs Charities, which of course, help Chicago youth.
Of course there are guidelines and rules with regard to what can be displayed. You can greet or congratulate anyone...except major league players!
Unfortunately, there's not much going on at Wrigley at the moment. But that will change sooner or later and if you're interested in purchasing a package please check out the Cubs charities page at https://www.mlb.com/cubs/community/cubs-charities/video-board-messages
Did you ever wish you could put messages or greeting on the big board at Wrigley Field? Did you know that it is entirely possible to do so?
You can buy a "five message" package for and amount to be contributed to Cubs Charities, which of course, help Chicago youth.
Of course there are guidelines and rules with regard to what can be displayed. You can greet or congratulate anyone...except major league players!
Unfortunately, there's not much going on at Wrigley at the moment. But that will change sooner or later and if you're interested in purchasing a package please check out the Cubs charities page at https://www.mlb.com/cubs/community/cubs-charities/video-board-messages
We were hoping that by now some decision might've been made concerning baseball. Cubs World is also anxious to once again schedule some membership meetings and special events.
This is a crucial time when many subjects are on the table. Your next edition of CUBS WORLD will arrive on the device of your choice on July 1st and 15th. Do you think baseball will be back by then? Let us hear your thoughts. We really do appreciate them.
Please check your e-mail for bulletins and special announcements that may come along.
GO AWAY VIRUS! GO CUBBIES!
This is a crucial time when many subjects are on the table. Your next edition of CUBS WORLD will arrive on the device of your choice on July 1st and 15th. Do you think baseball will be back by then? Let us hear your thoughts. We really do appreciate them.
Please check your e-mail for bulletins and special announcements that may come along.
GO AWAY VIRUS! GO CUBBIES!