A REPORT FROM OUR OFFICIAL BLEACHER BUM JACK HEBRON
Well, this shorten 2020 season has officially come to a close. With our Cubs winning their division by three games. But, it sure wasn't our hitting or the long ball that got us there! It was our stellar pitching, especially by Yu Darvish and his multiple pitches he throws. If you looked at the batting averages from our hitters right now you will only see Jason Heyward with anything close to being respectable with his .265 average.
But, now the playoffs are here and we face the Florida Marlins in the first round. They are a good young team and we all know from 2003 that anything can happen. The oddsmakers put our Cubs with just a 4% chance of winning the World Series. That really seems low to me especially when he know that pitching is everything in the playoffs. The Dodgers are the odds on favorites to win it all this year. But, there always seem to be a surprise team every year. So why not the Cubs in the crazy 2020 season! I sure hope it's the White Sox. That would be awesome!
Well, this shorten 2020 season has officially come to a close. With our Cubs winning their division by three games. But, it sure wasn't our hitting or the long ball that got us there! It was our stellar pitching, especially by Yu Darvish and his multiple pitches he throws. If you looked at the batting averages from our hitters right now you will only see Jason Heyward with anything close to being respectable with his .265 average.
But, now the playoffs are here and we face the Florida Marlins in the first round. They are a good young team and we all know from 2003 that anything can happen. The oddsmakers put our Cubs with just a 4% chance of winning the World Series. That really seems low to me especially when he know that pitching is everything in the playoffs. The Dodgers are the odds on favorites to win it all this year. But, there always seem to be a surprise team every year. So why not the Cubs in the crazy 2020 season! I sure hope it's the White Sox. That would be awesome!
ONE OF THOSE GAMES
by Dan Marx
Cubs World members gathered last Thursday at Gators in Brownwood to watch the Cubbies take on the Pirates. Unfortunately the Bucs scored in 6 of the 8 innings and went on to 2 hit the Cubs and hand us a 7-0 loss. But, in the next few days, we clinched a playoff spot, clinched the NL central, and won the White Sox series 2 out of 3.
It's always great to see familiar faces at these events. May the coming year bring more of them!
GO CUBS GO!
by Dan Marx
Cubs World members gathered last Thursday at Gators in Brownwood to watch the Cubbies take on the Pirates. Unfortunately the Bucs scored in 6 of the 8 innings and went on to 2 hit the Cubs and hand us a 7-0 loss. But, in the next few days, we clinched a playoff spot, clinched the NL central, and won the White Sox series 2 out of 3.
It's always great to see familiar faces at these events. May the coming year bring more of them!
GO CUBS GO!
ZERO IS A GREAT ACHIEVEMENT!
0 Is a strange entity when it comes to baseball. It's a horrible number if you can't get any hits. But it's cause for jubilation if your pitcher throws a "no hitter".
But perhaps the most important goose egg given to the Cubs this regular season is golden! The Chicago Cubs are the only team in the majors that did not have one single case of Covid 19 during the regular season! This actually is a truly amazing feat. It was done by following guidelines and not hitting casinos in the middle of the night. CONGRATS TO THE MEN IN BLUE! YOU INSPIRE US ALL!
0 Is a strange entity when it comes to baseball. It's a horrible number if you can't get any hits. But it's cause for jubilation if your pitcher throws a "no hitter".
But perhaps the most important goose egg given to the Cubs this regular season is golden! The Chicago Cubs are the only team in the majors that did not have one single case of Covid 19 during the regular season! This actually is a truly amazing feat. It was done by following guidelines and not hitting casinos in the middle of the night. CONGRATS TO THE MEN IN BLUE! YOU INSPIRE US ALL!
LESTER WANTS TO STAY WITH CUBS
Like many players before him, Jon Lester has learned to love Chicago and the Cubs. "The Cubs are family to me, " said Lester.
Jon and other veteran players realize the Cubs have the best fans in the world and they insist on staying although realistically their usefulness as players is questionable. Lester, unfortunately has a leading position into that category.
This season (as if it wasn't strange enough with empty stadiums) has shown us that the younger players are ready to contribute to the re-building process. They are stepping up to the plate literally and figuratively. One case in point is Alec Mills who pitched an unexpected no-hitter. There is a strong belief within management that the newer players are the future.
As for Jon Lester, we'll have to wait and see how things pan out. He'll soon be on the open market. Says Lester, "I didn't think six years would go this fast."
Like many players before him, Jon Lester has learned to love Chicago and the Cubs. "The Cubs are family to me, " said Lester.
Jon and other veteran players realize the Cubs have the best fans in the world and they insist on staying although realistically their usefulness as players is questionable. Lester, unfortunately has a leading position into that category.
This season (as if it wasn't strange enough with empty stadiums) has shown us that the younger players are ready to contribute to the re-building process. They are stepping up to the plate literally and figuratively. One case in point is Alec Mills who pitched an unexpected no-hitter. There is a strong belief within management that the newer players are the future.
As for Jon Lester, we'll have to wait and see how things pan out. He'll soon be on the open market. Says Lester, "I didn't think six years would go this fast."
TRY NOT TO LAUGH
Most of us who have lived in Chicago remember the special connection between the Chicago Cubs and Wgn radio and television. Just like the the Sears tower changing names many of us still can't let go of the fact that the familiar call letters are a thing of the past. Things were simple back then.
CUBS WORLD Chatter invites you to click below and enjoy the sounds off yesteryear when the legendary Harry Carey took to the airwaves and left a wealth of historical and hysterical moments you just might remember.
click here
Most of us who have lived in Chicago remember the special connection between the Chicago Cubs and Wgn radio and television. Just like the the Sears tower changing names many of us still can't let go of the fact that the familiar call letters are a thing of the past. Things were simple back then.
CUBS WORLD Chatter invites you to click below and enjoy the sounds off yesteryear when the legendary Harry Carey took to the airwaves and left a wealth of historical and hysterical moments you just might remember.
click here
TOUGH TIMES FOR BRYANT
Oblique injuries are troublesome. Add on a back issue, a bullet to his left elbow and things become extremely frustrating for Kris Bryant and the Cubbies.
So, dear readers, Cubs World chatter would like to hear from you concerning the future of Kris with the Cubs. Will he bounce back or will he be moving on? It's always great to hear what you have to say.
As a little added extra treat, please enjoy a video featuring Bryant during happier times.
click here
Oblique injuries are troublesome. Add on a back issue, a bullet to his left elbow and things become extremely frustrating for Kris Bryant and the Cubbies.
So, dear readers, Cubs World chatter would like to hear from you concerning the future of Kris with the Cubs. Will he bounce back or will he be moving on? It's always great to hear what you have to say.
As a little added extra treat, please enjoy a video featuring Bryant during happier times.
click here
DO YOU GET THE MEANING?
I'm sure we all remember the times when our school teachers would present the class with pop quizzes. I hated that! I'd tense up and write down the most ridiculous answers, even with subject matter I knew well and even loved.
WELL CLASS! I KNOW YOU LOVE BASEBALL...AND ITS TIME FOR A POP QUIZ! I think you'll have fun trying to identify the phrases used in baseball. You will find the correct answers listed toward the bottom of this newsletter. So put on your Cubbie thinking cap and PLAY BALL!
PLEASE IDENTIFY THE FOLLOWING...
1. BRUSHBACK 2. CIRCUS CATCH 3. DEAD PULL HITTER 4. FAT PITCH 5. FUNGO 6. PAINT 7. YAKKER 8. FLUTTERBALL
I'm sure we all remember the times when our school teachers would present the class with pop quizzes. I hated that! I'd tense up and write down the most ridiculous answers, even with subject matter I knew well and even loved.
WELL CLASS! I KNOW YOU LOVE BASEBALL...AND ITS TIME FOR A POP QUIZ! I think you'll have fun trying to identify the phrases used in baseball. You will find the correct answers listed toward the bottom of this newsletter. So put on your Cubbie thinking cap and PLAY BALL!
PLEASE IDENTIFY THE FOLLOWING...
1. BRUSHBACK 2. CIRCUS CATCH 3. DEAD PULL HITTER 4. FAT PITCH 5. FUNGO 6. PAINT 7. YAKKER 8. FLUTTERBALL
WHAT THE FUTURE BRINGS
by Wayne Richards
Not too very long ago I visited a renowned psychic. At least that's what she had printed on her business card.
On behalf of all Cubs World members, I made an appointment to ask her some important questions about "things to come" for the Cubbies.
Seated in full garb in front of her majestic crystal ball, she glared into the glass...concentrating to find any visions of the future.
Here is a transcript of our conversation.
WAYNE: So tell me. What do you see in your glass for 2021?
SEER: I see the word SLOAN. Is this a toilet?
WAYNE: Anything but! It is a beautiful ball park in Arizona.
SEER: Ah Yes! I can see men running about a field. I see a 27.
WAYNE: Who is wearing number 27?
SEER: NO. 27 is a date! Yes a date in February!
WAYNE: That must be opening day for spring training. Who are they playing?
SEER: Let me see. I see Los Angeles.
WAYNE: The Dodgers.
SEER: Yes.
WAYNE: Are there people in the stands?
SEER: A few here and there. HOLY CRAP!
WAYNE: What's wrong? What do you see?
SEER: Beer is 12.50!
WAYNE: Can you tell me who is the lead off man for the Cubbies?
SEER: What is that?
WAYNE: That's who's on first.
SEER: What?
WAYNE: Never mind. Can you go further into the future to see Wrigley Field?
SEER: Yes I can. It is Thursday, April 1st. Some of the snow has melted. This is opening day. In fact, I see flashes from other ball parks. It must be opening day for everyone!
WAYNE: Is there a crowd?
SEER: It is half full. But people are cheering! Smiling. Someone is singing on the big video screen. A guy with big glasses. Is he an umpire?
by Wayne Richards
Not too very long ago I visited a renowned psychic. At least that's what she had printed on her business card.
On behalf of all Cubs World members, I made an appointment to ask her some important questions about "things to come" for the Cubbies.
Seated in full garb in front of her majestic crystal ball, she glared into the glass...concentrating to find any visions of the future.
Here is a transcript of our conversation.
WAYNE: So tell me. What do you see in your glass for 2021?
SEER: I see the word SLOAN. Is this a toilet?
WAYNE: Anything but! It is a beautiful ball park in Arizona.
SEER: Ah Yes! I can see men running about a field. I see a 27.
WAYNE: Who is wearing number 27?
SEER: NO. 27 is a date! Yes a date in February!
WAYNE: That must be opening day for spring training. Who are they playing?
SEER: Let me see. I see Los Angeles.
WAYNE: The Dodgers.
SEER: Yes.
WAYNE: Are there people in the stands?
SEER: A few here and there. HOLY CRAP!
WAYNE: What's wrong? What do you see?
SEER: Beer is 12.50!
WAYNE: Can you tell me who is the lead off man for the Cubbies?
SEER: What is that?
WAYNE: That's who's on first.
SEER: What?
WAYNE: Never mind. Can you go further into the future to see Wrigley Field?
SEER: Yes I can. It is Thursday, April 1st. Some of the snow has melted. This is opening day. In fact, I see flashes from other ball parks. It must be opening day for everyone!
WAYNE: Is there a crowd?
SEER: It is half full. But people are cheering! Smiling. Someone is singing on the big video screen. A guy with big glasses. Is he an umpire?
THE BIG BAT FLIP FLAP
"I didn't mean to toss the bat that high!" said Willson Contreras. Reacting with exuberance to his three run homer, he tossed his bat so high it almost poked another hole in the International Space station.
Manager Rick Renteria and his White Sox interpreted the gesture as insulting. Soon, while at bat, Contreras was plucked by a Jimmy Codero pitch. Cordero was removed. Renteria exploded and was ejected. The teams kept their cool. "I have no regrets," said Willson. "I'd do it again, but maybe not so high."
"I didn't mean to toss the bat that high!" said Willson Contreras. Reacting with exuberance to his three run homer, he tossed his bat so high it almost poked another hole in the International Space station.
Manager Rick Renteria and his White Sox interpreted the gesture as insulting. Soon, while at bat, Contreras was plucked by a Jimmy Codero pitch. Cordero was removed. Renteria exploded and was ejected. The teams kept their cool. "I have no regrets," said Willson. "I'd do it again, but maybe not so high."
HOW ABOUT SOME SHOW AND TELL?
by Wayne Richards
As the post season begins and we nervously start biting our nails, perhaps we could all engage in a bit of "SHOW AND TELL". Please take a photo of your favorite Cubs collectable and send it to us.
I have two items I am proud to possess. An autographed ball by the great Ernie Banks. The other is a limited edition small scale Cubs METRA train. There are three cars when attached...tracks and an electric control center.
SO...CUBS WORLD MEMBERS...let's have a little fun and celebrate the Cubs throughout the coming winter months. Share your photos and stories! We love hearing form you.
by Wayne Richards
As the post season begins and we nervously start biting our nails, perhaps we could all engage in a bit of "SHOW AND TELL". Please take a photo of your favorite Cubs collectable and send it to us.
I have two items I am proud to possess. An autographed ball by the great Ernie Banks. The other is a limited edition small scale Cubs METRA train. There are three cars when attached...tracks and an electric control center.
SO...CUBS WORLD MEMBERS...let's have a little fun and celebrate the Cubs throughout the coming winter months. Share your photos and stories! We love hearing form you.
HERE ARE THE ANSWERS TO OUR SPECIAL POP QUIZ.
1. BRUSHBACK- A pitch tossed with the purpose of preventing the batter from hogging the plate.
2. CIRCUS CATCH- Someone who catches a ball while displaying acrobatic flair. Remember Soriano and how he always looked like he was auditioning for a ballet with every fly ball?
3. DEAD PULL HITTER- Sounds like a Stephen King novel. But this is nothing more than a batter connecting with a ball and sending it to the same side of the field from where he stands at the plate.
4. FAT PITCH- This is a hittable pitch. Of course, the batter needs to be on the ball...so to speak.
5. FUNGO- This is a practice session for catching and fielding.
6. PAINT- This is when a pitcher tosses a ball across the corners of the plate within the strike zone.
7. YAKKER- A good old fashioned curve ball.
8. FLUTTERBALL- A knuckleball.
1. BRUSHBACK- A pitch tossed with the purpose of preventing the batter from hogging the plate.
2. CIRCUS CATCH- Someone who catches a ball while displaying acrobatic flair. Remember Soriano and how he always looked like he was auditioning for a ballet with every fly ball?
3. DEAD PULL HITTER- Sounds like a Stephen King novel. But this is nothing more than a batter connecting with a ball and sending it to the same side of the field from where he stands at the plate.
4. FAT PITCH- This is a hittable pitch. Of course, the batter needs to be on the ball...so to speak.
5. FUNGO- This is a practice session for catching and fielding.
6. PAINT- This is when a pitcher tosses a ball across the corners of the plate within the strike zone.
7. YAKKER- A good old fashioned curve ball.
8. FLUTTERBALL- A knuckleball.
A FINAL WORD
There is nothing quite like seeing this flag flying high! Whether or not it flies at the conclusion of this post season really doesn't matter. It flies in our hearts at all times and will forever!
This, of course, was a very short season. However, there is a high level of confidence that a next year will return to a full schedule with limited fan seating. This has to happen if Baez plans to get out of his slump. But, more importantly, its good for the fans.
Here is some wonderful news. As this newsletter goes to publication, the governor of Florida has shifted our state into phase three which allows a 100 percent capacity in restaurants and similar venues. Of course, counties and local powers that be are still following lower capacity and mask procedures. They have to prove how Covid 19 poses a danger. Its a loosely written ordinance...but its a start!
The end result of all this is, depending on how things are calibrated, we might all be enjoying get-togethers a little quicker. Keep your fingers crossed! GO CUBBIES! GO AWAY VIRUS!
