ON DECK!
Cubs World Chatter is proud to present a very special ON DECK presentation! So please click on the media player and turn up the volume!
Cubs World Chatter is proud to present a very special ON DECK presentation! So please click on the media player and turn up the volume!
NO JULY MEETING...NO RED WORD!
As you can see, people become overwhelmed with joy when winning the RED WORD GAME. Its a simple game where all you have to do is find a word printed in red, write it down on a piece of paper or file card and bring it to the next membership meeting for a drawing....WHICH WILL BE IN AUGUST!
Therefore, you will not find a red word in this edition. So make sure you read next month's Cubs World Chatter and search for that word! Good luck!
As you can see, people become overwhelmed with joy when winning the RED WORD GAME. Its a simple game where all you have to do is find a word printed in red, write it down on a piece of paper or file card and bring it to the next membership meeting for a drawing....WHICH WILL BE IN AUGUST!
Therefore, you will not find a red word in this edition. So make sure you read next month's Cubs World Chatter and search for that word! Good luck!
WATCH PARTY AT GATORS!
Please make a note that on Saturday, June 25th, Gators in Brownwood will once again host our watch party.
Come gather with your friends and cheer on the Cubbies! Party starts 1:30. There will be the usual games such as 50/50...Predict the score...etc.
By the way, the chicken wings are very good, but come watch the Cubs fry the Red Birds!
Please make a note that on Saturday, June 25th, Gators in Brownwood will once again host our watch party.
Come gather with your friends and cheer on the Cubbies! Party starts 1:30. There will be the usual games such as 50/50...Predict the score...etc.
By the way, the chicken wings are very good, but come watch the Cubs fry the Red Birds!
JUNE MEMBERSHIP MEETING FEATURED A SPECIAL GUEST
by Dan Marx
Cubs World members had a speaker at their latest June 6th meeting with very unusual credentials. Dr. John Poser was our speaker and he came from 3 generations of doctors. But wait, there’s more! Dr. Poser also comes from those same 3 generations of professional baseball players. Dr. Poser’s grandfather , Dr. Edward Poser tried out with the Cubs when they were only in their 4th year of existence. And John’s father, Dr. Bob Poser, played baseball for the Chicago White Sox and St. Louis Browns. Dr. John Poser was a standout pitcher at the University of Wisconsin where he met Rick Reichart, and ended up throwing batting practice for the White Sox. He told us of his friendship with Reichart, and later some stories of some of the very famous ball players that he met along the way. Dr. Poser is a practicing plastic surgeon in the Gainesville, Fl. region now.
The meeting kicked off with birthday wishes for Cubs World as we celebrated almost to the day, the 5th anniversary of our club. We all shared in a colorful birthday cake. Jim Gulesarian sharpened our Cubs mind with a very thorough recap of how our minor league teams are doing. Right now, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans are 39-17 in single A ball, the best record in all of baseball. And Jim gave us a breakdown of our top 30 minor leaguers and when we would see them wearing Cubs uniforms. The belief is that by 2024 we could be a pretty darn good team if even half of these guys develop as expected.
by Dan Marx
Cubs World members had a speaker at their latest June 6th meeting with very unusual credentials. Dr. John Poser was our speaker and he came from 3 generations of doctors. But wait, there’s more! Dr. Poser also comes from those same 3 generations of professional baseball players. Dr. Poser’s grandfather , Dr. Edward Poser tried out with the Cubs when they were only in their 4th year of existence. And John’s father, Dr. Bob Poser, played baseball for the Chicago White Sox and St. Louis Browns. Dr. John Poser was a standout pitcher at the University of Wisconsin where he met Rick Reichart, and ended up throwing batting practice for the White Sox. He told us of his friendship with Reichart, and later some stories of some of the very famous ball players that he met along the way. Dr. Poser is a practicing plastic surgeon in the Gainesville, Fl. region now.
The meeting kicked off with birthday wishes for Cubs World as we celebrated almost to the day, the 5th anniversary of our club. We all shared in a colorful birthday cake. Jim Gulesarian sharpened our Cubs mind with a very thorough recap of how our minor league teams are doing. Right now, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans are 39-17 in single A ball, the best record in all of baseball. And Jim gave us a breakdown of our top 30 minor leaguers and when we would see them wearing Cubs uniforms. The belief is that by 2024 we could be a pretty darn good team if even half of these guys develop as expected.
BLEACHER BUM REPORT
by Jack Hebron
Well, Joe Maddon has hit the bricks with the LA Angels, (Are there bricks in LA)? And on the southside Tony La Rusa's days appear be numbered, even though the White Sox probably won't fire him until this season is over. But, even with the Cubs woes many feel that Cubs manager David Ross will dance out of this problems just like he did in "Dancing With The Stars". He has a young team and management is determined at all costs to give him a chance. I really believe the Cubs will be showing major talent on the field in the very near future.
One of, if not the most frustrating thing, about this team so far is the lack of situational hitting. There were many wondering if this offense could produce anything, considering they do not have much slugging ability, on the whole. Their recent games against the Yankees showed this. It is also worth noting the Cubs are hitting just .229/.293/.333 with the bases loaded (58 plate appearances) this season, and are still among top of the league in double plays hit into (47). If you don't have the long ball then advancing the runners is what small ball is all about.
Since this season is looking really bad we can at least think about the 2023 season. Wow, are we in for some big changes! Especially playing teams in the division. The Cubs will play their division rivals only 14 times (7 away 7 home). Which means they will be playing all the other teams every year! Which is great for Cubs World because they will now be making a trip to Tampa every other year! Bring it on!
by Jack Hebron
Well, Joe Maddon has hit the bricks with the LA Angels, (Are there bricks in LA)? And on the southside Tony La Rusa's days appear be numbered, even though the White Sox probably won't fire him until this season is over. But, even with the Cubs woes many feel that Cubs manager David Ross will dance out of this problems just like he did in "Dancing With The Stars". He has a young team and management is determined at all costs to give him a chance. I really believe the Cubs will be showing major talent on the field in the very near future.
One of, if not the most frustrating thing, about this team so far is the lack of situational hitting. There were many wondering if this offense could produce anything, considering they do not have much slugging ability, on the whole. Their recent games against the Yankees showed this. It is also worth noting the Cubs are hitting just .229/.293/.333 with the bases loaded (58 plate appearances) this season, and are still among top of the league in double plays hit into (47). If you don't have the long ball then advancing the runners is what small ball is all about.
Since this season is looking really bad we can at least think about the 2023 season. Wow, are we in for some big changes! Especially playing teams in the division. The Cubs will play their division rivals only 14 times (7 away 7 home). Which means they will be playing all the other teams every year! Which is great for Cubs World because they will now be making a trip to Tampa every other year! Bring it on!
FERGUSON JENKINS HONORED AT SPECIAL CEREMONY
by Wayne Richards
Gallagher Way was filled with fans and bright sunshine for the unveiling a new statue honoring Ferguson Jenkins. As the Cubs pitching legend delivered his heartfelt words of thanks, the wind kicked up causing the tarp covering his likeness to dance about as if someone was alive under there. Fergie commented on the moment by announcing, "Looks like the wind will be blowing out today!"
Fellow Hall of Famers Ryne Sandberg, Andre Dawson and Lee Smith were also in the audience, as well as Randy Hundley, Kerry Wood, Mark Grace and Jenkins' first roommate, Byron Browne.
For those have not had a chance to see this ceremony, please CLICK HERE
by Wayne Richards
Gallagher Way was filled with fans and bright sunshine for the unveiling a new statue honoring Ferguson Jenkins. As the Cubs pitching legend delivered his heartfelt words of thanks, the wind kicked up causing the tarp covering his likeness to dance about as if someone was alive under there. Fergie commented on the moment by announcing, "Looks like the wind will be blowing out today!"
Fellow Hall of Famers Ryne Sandberg, Andre Dawson and Lee Smith were also in the audience, as well as Randy Hundley, Kerry Wood, Mark Grace and Jenkins' first roommate, Byron Browne.
For those have not had a chance to see this ceremony, please CLICK HERE
FRED'S TRUE PASSION FOR BASEBALL
by Wayne Richards
One might wonder why a photo of Kane County Cougar Stadium in St.Charles has been placed in our newsletter. Is it because of the one time connection with the Chicago Cubs? Not really.
This is a story about a man named Fred Rosenthal, one time Operations manager of this minor league facility and fellow Villager! But there's much more to him than meets the eye. His pure passion for the game of Baseball has defined his entire life.
Fred has worked as an umpire, an associate scout for the Milwaukee Brewers and reporter for ESPN (with a degree in broadcast journalism) . He has also worked for the legendary Jack Brickhouse and his wife and has been involved in the sale of HOOSIER BATS! "They are constructed with two types of wood and are used by both minor and major league players. " said Rosenthal.
Rosenthal, at a very youthful appearing 75 years of age, energetically and enthusiastically reflects on his lifetime embracing the great American Pass time. It is a life to be proud of!
It all began growing up in Decorah, Iowa. "I was about eight or ten years of age when I first became interested in baseball, " said Rosenthal. "My grandfather always listened to the games on WGN radio only!"
Listening to these games certainly inspired him to become a sports broadcaster for ESPN!
Fred loves to tell the story of when, as a young boy, he attended a game. Holding a baseball in his hand, a man whom he didn't know walked up and signed the ball. Said Rosenthal, "I took that ball home used it to play with the other kids. The ball was pretty beat up. The seams were shredded. I eventually realized the autograph was signed by the great Hank Aaron!"
by Wayne Richards
One might wonder why a photo of Kane County Cougar Stadium in St.Charles has been placed in our newsletter. Is it because of the one time connection with the Chicago Cubs? Not really.
This is a story about a man named Fred Rosenthal, one time Operations manager of this minor league facility and fellow Villager! But there's much more to him than meets the eye. His pure passion for the game of Baseball has defined his entire life.
Fred has worked as an umpire, an associate scout for the Milwaukee Brewers and reporter for ESPN (with a degree in broadcast journalism) . He has also worked for the legendary Jack Brickhouse and his wife and has been involved in the sale of HOOSIER BATS! "They are constructed with two types of wood and are used by both minor and major league players. " said Rosenthal.
Rosenthal, at a very youthful appearing 75 years of age, energetically and enthusiastically reflects on his lifetime embracing the great American Pass time. It is a life to be proud of!
It all began growing up in Decorah, Iowa. "I was about eight or ten years of age when I first became interested in baseball, " said Rosenthal. "My grandfather always listened to the games on WGN radio only!"
Listening to these games certainly inspired him to become a sports broadcaster for ESPN!
Fred loves to tell the story of when, as a young boy, he attended a game. Holding a baseball in his hand, a man whom he didn't know walked up and signed the ball. Said Rosenthal, "I took that ball home used it to play with the other kids. The ball was pretty beat up. The seams were shredded. I eventually realized the autograph was signed by the great Hank Aaron!"
Growing up, the progress of Fred's life was defined by baseball itself! His next door neighbor was an umpire who showed him the ropes.
Fred was always interested in learning new things. He studied baseball rule books and eventually umpired youth games. "It's a human game, "stated Rosenthal. "Umpires do make bad calls! I've missed strikes and plays. I watched umpires on television and saw how they took control. You're in charge, but not the boss. I let the kids play. It's not about me."
Fred also played the game well. "I was a power hitter!" said Fred. "I also played first and sometimes the outfield." He must've been good because he actually was given a tryout for the Minnesota Twins.
Rosenthal wound up working as an associate scout for the Milwaukee Brewers. When asked what one looks for when looking for talent Fred stated, "You determine just how involved a player is in the game and also what kind of hustle they display. Hustle is important. Pete Rose would never have been hired if it wasn't for his hustle!"
Mr. Rosenthal also believes that baseball should have entertainment value. This is a philosophy he embraced, particularly as manager of operations for the Kane County Cougars, a minor league operation located in St.Charles, west of Chicago. When asked if he might be kindling the spirit of Bill Veeck he said, "Maybe a little bit." He felt the same way about the Shaumburg Flyers, now called the Boomers.
Fred was well aware of the growing popularity of minor league games when he had to deal with ways to deal with five mile long traffic build ups! But, in typical Rosenthal style, he solved the problem.
In 2021, Fred and his wife Karin (proud parents of two children and four grandchildren) settled down in the Villages. However, settling down might not be an entirely accurate description of their day to day activities which include local volunteer work and actively working on honor flights for servicemen.
He is also a Cubs fan! "I used to hate driving from St. Charles to Wrigley all the time," admitted Fred. Mr. and Mrs. Rosenthal....PLEASE COME JOIN US!!!!!! Its a much shorter drive!
Fred was always interested in learning new things. He studied baseball rule books and eventually umpired youth games. "It's a human game, "stated Rosenthal. "Umpires do make bad calls! I've missed strikes and plays. I watched umpires on television and saw how they took control. You're in charge, but not the boss. I let the kids play. It's not about me."
Fred also played the game well. "I was a power hitter!" said Fred. "I also played first and sometimes the outfield." He must've been good because he actually was given a tryout for the Minnesota Twins.
Rosenthal wound up working as an associate scout for the Milwaukee Brewers. When asked what one looks for when looking for talent Fred stated, "You determine just how involved a player is in the game and also what kind of hustle they display. Hustle is important. Pete Rose would never have been hired if it wasn't for his hustle!"
Mr. Rosenthal also believes that baseball should have entertainment value. This is a philosophy he embraced, particularly as manager of operations for the Kane County Cougars, a minor league operation located in St.Charles, west of Chicago. When asked if he might be kindling the spirit of Bill Veeck he said, "Maybe a little bit." He felt the same way about the Shaumburg Flyers, now called the Boomers.
Fred was well aware of the growing popularity of minor league games when he had to deal with ways to deal with five mile long traffic build ups! But, in typical Rosenthal style, he solved the problem.
In 2021, Fred and his wife Karin (proud parents of two children and four grandchildren) settled down in the Villages. However, settling down might not be an entirely accurate description of their day to day activities which include local volunteer work and actively working on honor flights for servicemen.
He is also a Cubs fan! "I used to hate driving from St. Charles to Wrigley all the time," admitted Fred. Mr. and Mrs. Rosenthal....PLEASE COME JOIN US!!!!!! Its a much shorter drive!
WATCH PARTY REPORT
by Jim Guleserian
About 20 CubsWorld members attended a Game Watch at Gators Dockside in Brownwood to see our beloved take on the Southsiders on Sunday May 29. (1 member was actually cheering for the White Sox)
It was a well pitched and defensive game until the Cubs broke through for a run in the 7th benefited by a Sox error. 2 innings later the Sox tied the game due to a wild pitch. Cubs took lead 2 more time only to have the Sox tie it up both times and finally prevail 5-4 in 12.
Don Mulder won the 3rd and sixth innings of the “Squares” game, Dave Bellovary won the ninth, and the club won on the empty square for the final.
Carolyn Yanda won the predict the score (1 of about 5 that picked the White Sox to win).
Sam Pagoria was the winner in “Pick a Cub” with Patrick Wisdoms rousing 2 points.
Sylvia Vassmer and Jeanette Patterson were the winners in the 50/50 drawing.
Next up Saturday June 25 at St Louis when we should be sharing space with Cardinal Nation.
by Jim Guleserian
About 20 CubsWorld members attended a Game Watch at Gators Dockside in Brownwood to see our beloved take on the Southsiders on Sunday May 29. (1 member was actually cheering for the White Sox)
It was a well pitched and defensive game until the Cubs broke through for a run in the 7th benefited by a Sox error. 2 innings later the Sox tied the game due to a wild pitch. Cubs took lead 2 more time only to have the Sox tie it up both times and finally prevail 5-4 in 12.
Don Mulder won the 3rd and sixth innings of the “Squares” game, Dave Bellovary won the ninth, and the club won on the empty square for the final.
Carolyn Yanda won the predict the score (1 of about 5 that picked the White Sox to win).
Sam Pagoria was the winner in “Pick a Cub” with Patrick Wisdoms rousing 2 points.
Sylvia Vassmer and Jeanette Patterson were the winners in the 50/50 drawing.
Next up Saturday June 25 at St Louis when we should be sharing space with Cardinal Nation.
THE GATOR AND WATCH PARTIES ARE MADE FOR EACH OTHER
a second perspective by Wayne Richards
What better way is there than to spend a Sunday afternoon with friends watching a Cubs and Sox game in a comfortable venue that seems tailor made for this kind of get-together. Despite the loss in extra innings, Marcus Stroman put in a solid pitching performance throwing seven scoreless innings!
There was also a beautiful leaping catch by Patrick Wisdom and Rafael Ortega's sliding catch to add spark to the well attended game at Guaranteed Rate Field. Such plays generate the kind of exciting cheers and applause one might expect in a playoff series.
The White Sox wore throw back uniforms which took me back to the days when WGN television broadcast games on both the North and South side.
a second perspective by Wayne Richards
What better way is there than to spend a Sunday afternoon with friends watching a Cubs and Sox game in a comfortable venue that seems tailor made for this kind of get-together. Despite the loss in extra innings, Marcus Stroman put in a solid pitching performance throwing seven scoreless innings!
There was also a beautiful leaping catch by Patrick Wisdom and Rafael Ortega's sliding catch to add spark to the well attended game at Guaranteed Rate Field. Such plays generate the kind of exciting cheers and applause one might expect in a playoff series.
The White Sox wore throw back uniforms which took me back to the days when WGN television broadcast games on both the North and South side.
At one point during the afternoon our president , Don Mulder, dressed in his amazing technicolor shirt, held up a rather handsome Chicago Cubs banner, inquiring with the collective just where it should be displayed on the wall. The space is filled with other banners, signs and photos.
A very nice central location was chosen for the honored banner, which now proudly occupies a space between two big screen televisions. It is smaller than the other displays, but powerful in its name and the respect and love it generates.
The group my wife and I sat with energetically talked about the game, giving color commentary from different perspectives. But....that is exactly what baseball should be about! Sharing stories, making observations and spending time with nice people!
Watch parties and Gators are perfect together! Please join us and take advantage of these good times.
A very nice central location was chosen for the honored banner, which now proudly occupies a space between two big screen televisions. It is smaller than the other displays, but powerful in its name and the respect and love it generates.
The group my wife and I sat with energetically talked about the game, giving color commentary from different perspectives. But....that is exactly what baseball should be about! Sharing stories, making observations and spending time with nice people!
Watch parties and Gators are perfect together! Please join us and take advantage of these good times.
WHERE WILL JOE GO?
It took not more than ten minutes after the announcement that Joe Madden was fired from the Angels organization that I read Twitter comments begging that he return to the Cubs. What are your thoughts? Would it accomplish anything? Has Joe lost his touch? Let us know.
It took not more than ten minutes after the announcement that Joe Madden was fired from the Angels organization that I read Twitter comments begging that he return to the Cubs. What are your thoughts? Would it accomplish anything? Has Joe lost his touch? Let us know.
ATTENTION DAVE BELLOVARY
by Wayne Richards
This may interest you. In Milwaukee, Wisconsin's Walker Point area, one will find the Bobblehead Museum. Of course, most of us in Cubs World are very much aware of the fact that our friend, Dave Bellovary has a Bobblehead collection of his own. We also know that he loves to travel mile after mile in search of treasures to enhance his impressive displays.
This museum displays well over 6,000 bobble heads of every kind. Over 500 are for sale! Set your G P S for 170 South 1st. Street in Milwaukee.
by Wayne Richards
This may interest you. In Milwaukee, Wisconsin's Walker Point area, one will find the Bobblehead Museum. Of course, most of us in Cubs World are very much aware of the fact that our friend, Dave Bellovary has a Bobblehead collection of his own. We also know that he loves to travel mile after mile in search of treasures to enhance his impressive displays.
This museum displays well over 6,000 bobble heads of every kind. Over 500 are for sale! Set your G P S for 170 South 1st. Street in Milwaukee.
In last month's issue of Cubs World Chatter, I promised to present a photo of the WORLD'S LARGEST BOBBLEHEAD! It is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records! Actually, I wonder if this giant pooch has Guinness Beer in his barrel.
This big-time bobble bow wow is 16 feet tall and was financed by Applied Underwriter's Insurance based in Orlando. It certainly would require a great deal of space so Dave, if I were you, I'd start building an addition to your house or see a real estate agent.
NEXT MONTH...our bobblehead search will continue!
This big-time bobble bow wow is 16 feet tall and was financed by Applied Underwriter's Insurance based in Orlando. It certainly would require a great deal of space so Dave, if I were you, I'd start building an addition to your house or see a real estate agent.
NEXT MONTH...our bobblehead search will continue!
WOMEN CATCHING A WAVE FOR THE FUTURE!
by Wayne Richards
No...Rachel Balkovec is not a prospect for the Cubs anytime soon. But this amazing woman definitely deserves attention!
She is a woman of FIRSTS. She was the first female to serve as a full time hitting coach in the minors. But as of this year, Balkovec is associated with the New York Yankee's MLB affiliated team, the Tampa Tarpons! The amazing thing about her is an admission she made at a recent game. "This might be jarring to people's ears, but I'm not much of a baseball fan, "said Rachel. "Its the minor league system I find fascinating.
by Wayne Richards
No...Rachel Balkovec is not a prospect for the Cubs anytime soon. But this amazing woman definitely deserves attention!
She is a woman of FIRSTS. She was the first female to serve as a full time hitting coach in the minors. But as of this year, Balkovec is associated with the New York Yankee's MLB affiliated team, the Tampa Tarpons! The amazing thing about her is an admission she made at a recent game. "This might be jarring to people's ears, but I'm not much of a baseball fan, "said Rachel. "Its the minor league system I find fascinating.
Another woman to watch is Alexis Hopkins...also known as Scrappy!
This energetic catcher (which is why she's called "Scrappy") will become the first "on field" female player for the Kentucky Wild Health Genomes, a professional MLB team in Lexington, Kentucky.
Take a look at a rising star!
CLICK HERE
This energetic catcher (which is why she's called "Scrappy") will become the first "on field" female player for the Kentucky Wild Health Genomes, a professional MLB team in Lexington, Kentucky.
Take a look at a rising star!
CLICK HERE
FINAL WORD
By Wayne Richards
Let's face it....this season has not exactly been a thing of beauty. Emotions are high and this is understandable. Fans are frustrated and there are things going on in the locker room we just are not privy to regardless of what the "experts" and analysts say.
Here is a final question to ponder and we'd love your responses. Is it time to move on to a different manager?
Watch for CUBS WORLD CHATTER coming to your device near you in July as usual.
GO CUBBIES!!!!
By Wayne Richards
Let's face it....this season has not exactly been a thing of beauty. Emotions are high and this is understandable. Fans are frustrated and there are things going on in the locker room we just are not privy to regardless of what the "experts" and analysts say.
Here is a final question to ponder and we'd love your responses. Is it time to move on to a different manager?
Watch for CUBS WORLD CHATTER coming to your device near you in July as usual.
GO CUBBIES!!!!