WELCOME TO THE OCTOBER CHATTER
by Wayne Richards
Well. Here we are. The end of the road. But, let us toast to what became an interesting season for a while! At least our Cubbies showed some spark. A fire has definately been lit indicating that good things are on their way for next season.
In particular, my wife Annie will be waiting to stalk Pete Crow Armstrong once baseball returns in the Spring.
So...here is the big question. What do you think will happen with the Cubbies next year? More of the same? Improvements? We'd love to hear from you.
As a matter of fact, the Chatter welcomes anyone who would like to send in a story, a joke, a thought...anything! Come be a part of the fun.
I remember when the word "CHATTER" made me shiver thinking of those ridiculous and miserable Chicago Falls and Winters! It was my teeth that would Chatter!
The CUBS WORLD CHATTER is for you and will be here throughout the off season as usual. WE NEVER REST!!! Thank you for visiting!
by Wayne Richards
Well. Here we are. The end of the road. But, let us toast to what became an interesting season for a while! At least our Cubbies showed some spark. A fire has definately been lit indicating that good things are on their way for next season.
In particular, my wife Annie will be waiting to stalk Pete Crow Armstrong once baseball returns in the Spring.
So...here is the big question. What do you think will happen with the Cubbies next year? More of the same? Improvements? We'd love to hear from you.
As a matter of fact, the Chatter welcomes anyone who would like to send in a story, a joke, a thought...anything! Come be a part of the fun.
I remember when the word "CHATTER" made me shiver thinking of those ridiculous and miserable Chicago Falls and Winters! It was my teeth that would Chatter!
The CUBS WORLD CHATTER is for you and will be here throughout the off season as usual. WE NEVER REST!!! Thank you for visiting!
WHAT A RIP!
by Wayne Richards
Milton has come and gone leaving things both intact or destroyed, depending where you happen to be. For instance, as I write this, I'm staring out my office window at the damaged roof of the house across the street. She also has a few damaged trees. Our house, for the grace of God, is solid and intact.
This is how Mother Nature works.
I'm sure many of us remember the bus trip to Tropicana Field to see the Rays play the Cubs. During the hurricane, this strange looking building was designated as a shelter. The entire field was covered with cots, blankets, snacks...etc.
Then, the high impact winds shredded the fragile roof sending people out into the storm!
The point I'm making here is that we should grateful for every time we're spared the chaos of these increasingly powerful disturbances.
by Wayne Richards
Milton has come and gone leaving things both intact or destroyed, depending where you happen to be. For instance, as I write this, I'm staring out my office window at the damaged roof of the house across the street. She also has a few damaged trees. Our house, for the grace of God, is solid and intact.
This is how Mother Nature works.
I'm sure many of us remember the bus trip to Tropicana Field to see the Rays play the Cubs. During the hurricane, this strange looking building was designated as a shelter. The entire field was covered with cots, blankets, snacks...etc.
Then, the high impact winds shredded the fragile roof sending people out into the storm!
The point I'm making here is that we should grateful for every time we're spared the chaos of these increasingly powerful disturbances.
NOVEMBER MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Monday, November 4th
Colony Cottage FINAL MEETING OF THE YEAR!
A DOUBLE HEADER DISCUSSION ABOUT UMPIRES WITH TWO AMAZING GUESTS!
JOSH LOGAN
Head of High School and Collegiate umpire instruction. Joining Josh will be a selection of top students.
ROCKY ROE
Professional MLB Umpire!
RED WORD COULD REWARD YOU WITH A GIFT COUPON!
by Wayne Richards
Once again it is time for our dear readers to sit back, relax and enjoy this issue of the Chatter. As you do so, search the articles carefully for a word printed in red.
Write it down on anything but a fish wrapper and bring it to the November membership meeting and place it in a special handsome jar designated for a drawing. You just might win yourself a Publix gift card!
by Wayne Richards
Once again it is time for our dear readers to sit back, relax and enjoy this issue of the Chatter. As you do so, search the articles carefully for a word printed in red.
Write it down on anything but a fish wrapper and bring it to the November membership meeting and place it in a special handsome jar designated for a drawing. You just might win yourself a Publix gift card!
FINAL WATCH PARTY OF 2024
by Jim Guleserian
Although our president and first lady couldn't attend due to a prior commitment (musical performance), 15 people enjoyed a nice afternoon socializing in the comfortable surroundings of Gators, which incidentally, serves great food! Our good friend Muzi makes certain of that.
Of course, no Watch Party would ever be the same without the GAMES so lovingly conducted by Jim.
HERE ARE THE BIG WINNERS!
PREDICT THE SCORE WINNER...BILL SWEENEY
(4-2 was the closest to 1-0)
PICK A CUB WINNER...SAM PAGORIA
(Nico Hoerner) Got 4 points
SQUARES
3rd Inning score 0-0 Jane Rateike
6th, 9th and final 1-0 Barb Kindsoe
Seeing that we have already been eliminated from the playoffs...it was a low key game. But it's always great to see the gang anywhere and anytime!
by Jim Guleserian
Although our president and first lady couldn't attend due to a prior commitment (musical performance), 15 people enjoyed a nice afternoon socializing in the comfortable surroundings of Gators, which incidentally, serves great food! Our good friend Muzi makes certain of that.
Of course, no Watch Party would ever be the same without the GAMES so lovingly conducted by Jim.
HERE ARE THE BIG WINNERS!
PREDICT THE SCORE WINNER...BILL SWEENEY
(4-2 was the closest to 1-0)
PICK A CUB WINNER...SAM PAGORIA
(Nico Hoerner) Got 4 points
SQUARES
3rd Inning score 0-0 Jane Rateike
6th, 9th and final 1-0 Barb Kindsoe
Seeing that we have already been eliminated from the playoffs...it was a low key game. But it's always great to see the gang anywhere and anytime!
YOUR THOUGHTS ON HENDRICKS?
by Dan Marx and Wayne Richards
Once again we return to our favorite corner...a meeting place for free expression from our Cubs World membership. A place to speak your mind and we hope you do.
Now that Kyle has tipped his hat goodbye to the friendly confines, what are your feelings? Please find the comment box below and feel free to express yourself freely and openly.
If you've not seen a video of Kyle's exit, please find the CLICK HERE prompt below.
by Dan Marx and Wayne Richards
Once again we return to our favorite corner...a meeting place for free expression from our Cubs World membership. A place to speak your mind and we hope you do.
Now that Kyle has tipped his hat goodbye to the friendly confines, what are your feelings? Please find the comment box below and feel free to express yourself freely and openly.
If you've not seen a video of Kyle's exit, please find the CLICK HERE prompt below.
HERE COMES ANOTHER ONE
by Wayne Richards
Unfortunately, this yearly letter has become all too common. I originally thought it might be interesting to compare last year's letter to this years...but why belabor the pain?
Here is the 2024 edition of Tom's LETTER TO FANS....
"There is no way to sugarcoat it – this is not where we planned to finish the season. Like our fans, we had high expectations for our team this year and early victories delivered hope for postseason baseball. But inconsistent play and injuries upended that promise, leading us into a hole too deep to recover from despite another second half surge. Bottom line, we did not play a complete season of competitive baseball. As a result, we have again missed the most exciting and exhilarating month of the season – October.
The work is underway to close the gap to make the Cubs a perennial playoff team. Our baseball operations staff is redoubling its efforts to build a team that consistently plays in the postseason and delivers the promise of sustained success to Cubs fans.
Though we fell short this season, we have strong foundations to build on.
Jed, Carter and our team of coaches, analysts, scouts and strategists have created one of the top player development groups in the game today – with eight prospects on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 list – the most of any team in Major League Baseball. After this summer’s draft, the Cubs boast a top-flight player development system in most independent rankings, including #2 in USA TODAY’s latest evaluation.
Under the leadership of manager Craig Counsell, we continued to see players develop on the major league level. Rookie pitcher Shota Imanaga, who signed as a free agent last offseason, had one of the best seasons as a rookie pitcher in Cubs history, leading the team with 15 wins, a 2.91 ERA, 174 strikeouts and only 28 walks. He steered the way on a memorable September night at Wrigley Field where his seven hitless innings kicked off a combined no-hitter that was closed out by Nate Pearson and Porter Hodge. Rookie Michael Busch secured a starting role at first base and slugged 21 homers with a .775 OPS. Fellow rookie Pete Crow-Armstrong brought excitement to the basepaths with six triples and a 93-percent stolen base rate. PCA also kept runs off the board with his electrifying defense. Additionally, veteran Ian Happ had a career year with personal bests in home runs (25) and RBIs (86) and continues to be a clubhouse leader.
Before we turn the page on this season, I also want to thank you for helping us recognize Ryne Sandberg this year. For many of us, Ryno’s play defined an era, and his statue unveiling was a once-in-a-lifetime tribute to a true Cubs legend. Ryne and Margaret are forever a part of our Cubs family, and it was important for us to stand in support of his fight against cancer by hosting Cubs for a Cure this year, which helped raise $1 million to battle this terrible disease.
We also remain committed to making a positive impact in the community through Cubs Charities. This year, more than 17,000 students participated in our youth sports and academic programs in neighborhoods across Chicago.
It is these special moments and activities on and off the field that bring the players and fans together to remind us of what we all love about Cubs baseball.
It is more than a game – it is a tradition that spans decades, with our fans at its heart and soul. You bring an excitement to the ballpark that is as time-honored as the ivy-lined walls and historic scoreboard. I want to personally express my sincere gratitude for your continued loyalty to our team.
Now, it is time for us to get to work to bring championship caliber baseball back to Wrigley Field.
Sincerely,
Tom Ricketts
by Wayne Richards
Unfortunately, this yearly letter has become all too common. I originally thought it might be interesting to compare last year's letter to this years...but why belabor the pain?
Here is the 2024 edition of Tom's LETTER TO FANS....
"There is no way to sugarcoat it – this is not where we planned to finish the season. Like our fans, we had high expectations for our team this year and early victories delivered hope for postseason baseball. But inconsistent play and injuries upended that promise, leading us into a hole too deep to recover from despite another second half surge. Bottom line, we did not play a complete season of competitive baseball. As a result, we have again missed the most exciting and exhilarating month of the season – October.
The work is underway to close the gap to make the Cubs a perennial playoff team. Our baseball operations staff is redoubling its efforts to build a team that consistently plays in the postseason and delivers the promise of sustained success to Cubs fans.
Though we fell short this season, we have strong foundations to build on.
Jed, Carter and our team of coaches, analysts, scouts and strategists have created one of the top player development groups in the game today – with eight prospects on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 list – the most of any team in Major League Baseball. After this summer’s draft, the Cubs boast a top-flight player development system in most independent rankings, including #2 in USA TODAY’s latest evaluation.
Under the leadership of manager Craig Counsell, we continued to see players develop on the major league level. Rookie pitcher Shota Imanaga, who signed as a free agent last offseason, had one of the best seasons as a rookie pitcher in Cubs history, leading the team with 15 wins, a 2.91 ERA, 174 strikeouts and only 28 walks. He steered the way on a memorable September night at Wrigley Field where his seven hitless innings kicked off a combined no-hitter that was closed out by Nate Pearson and Porter Hodge. Rookie Michael Busch secured a starting role at first base and slugged 21 homers with a .775 OPS. Fellow rookie Pete Crow-Armstrong brought excitement to the basepaths with six triples and a 93-percent stolen base rate. PCA also kept runs off the board with his electrifying defense. Additionally, veteran Ian Happ had a career year with personal bests in home runs (25) and RBIs (86) and continues to be a clubhouse leader.
Before we turn the page on this season, I also want to thank you for helping us recognize Ryne Sandberg this year. For many of us, Ryno’s play defined an era, and his statue unveiling was a once-in-a-lifetime tribute to a true Cubs legend. Ryne and Margaret are forever a part of our Cubs family, and it was important for us to stand in support of his fight against cancer by hosting Cubs for a Cure this year, which helped raise $1 million to battle this terrible disease.
We also remain committed to making a positive impact in the community through Cubs Charities. This year, more than 17,000 students participated in our youth sports and academic programs in neighborhoods across Chicago.
It is these special moments and activities on and off the field that bring the players and fans together to remind us of what we all love about Cubs baseball.
It is more than a game – it is a tradition that spans decades, with our fans at its heart and soul. You bring an excitement to the ballpark that is as time-honored as the ivy-lined walls and historic scoreboard. I want to personally express my sincere gratitude for your continued loyalty to our team.
Now, it is time for us to get to work to bring championship caliber baseball back to Wrigley Field.
Sincerely,
Tom Ricketts
CUBS WORLD MEMBERS!
LET'S WRITE A LETTER TO TOM...
Those of you who would like to respond to Tom's apologetic letter are invited to do so in the comment box below.
Better yet, if you could meet Tom Ricketts face to face, what would you say to him? I know we have some very passionate individuals in our membership. Let your frustration out! It'll do you a world of good!
LET'S WRITE A LETTER TO TOM...
Those of you who would like to respond to Tom's apologetic letter are invited to do so in the comment box below.
Better yet, if you could meet Tom Ricketts face to face, what would you say to him? I know we have some very passionate individuals in our membership. Let your frustration out! It'll do you a world of good!
SPECIAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING GUEST
by Dan Marx
So Wayne Richards said to himself- "here we go again!" Our featured October speaker, Rockford Peach Sue Zipay had to back out of her commitment because she took ill.
Wayne then made a call to the bullpen and called up the Cubs World closer, Cody Hills. He was trying to figure how to zoom Cody from Chattanooga again, when much to Wayne’s delight, Cody had returned to The Villages.
The evening of 10/7 started off on the perfect note. Our Iron Chef and her husband took a road trip to Clermont to bring in PORTILLO’s for dinner. We all had a hot dog, an Italian beef, pringles, and a cupcake. Yum, Yum, Yum!
Our very own Jim Guleserian told us of his honor flight trip to Washington. We are all so very, very proud of you, Jim. Then he went over the Cubs season with us. He also gave us a quick history lesson in the All American Girls Professional Baseball League, in Sue Zipay’s absence.
A quick call to the bullpen, and our old friend Cody came back to tell us what’s been going on in his life. Cody’s wife got a job offer in Chattanooga for 4 months, but then missed Florida too much, and they came back. Cody is back as Sports Information Director for The Villages charter school, one of only 5 S.I.D.s in the state.
Cody told us of some of the most famous sports stars he has ever come into contact with, but none as famous as Pete Rose. Cody told us of how he “bonded” on the phone with Rose for almost 2 hours. And then, much to his dismay, the very next day Pete treated him just like any reporter and totally burst Cody’s bubble.
Cody is as big a Cubs fan as any of us, and he did a great job dissecting the season. There were a number of problems that arose to help derail our season. He thought that losing Justin Steele in the middle of the first game of the season was a bad omen.Having a bullpen that was porous ( particularly Hector Neris) during the first half of the season was a big reason for not making the playoffs as did Kyle Hendrick’s gaudy ERA numbers . The 23-29 record within their division was also a big factor. Also, the Cubs had 342 incidents of lost games with players going on the IL, which caused them to fire their 2 strength and conditioning coaches.
BUT , on the plus side, we did finish 4 games over .500. We had the 4th best bullpen era after the all star break, including the emergence of Porter Hodge. We saw a big turnaround from PCA, and maybe, just maybe, a good catcher Miguel Amaya, who had a strong finish at the end of the season. Cody liked Counsell’s first year, and is bullish for next year’s fortunes.
Like all of us, he is running out of patience with Ricketts’ hesitation to spend money in the offseason. He really likes Max Fried as a free agent. And he would love, love , love to have a Japanese pitcher named Sasaki in a Cubs uniform for many years to come.
Thanks for coming to speak to us again, Cody. We look forward to many more talks.
by Dan Marx
So Wayne Richards said to himself- "here we go again!" Our featured October speaker, Rockford Peach Sue Zipay had to back out of her commitment because she took ill.
Wayne then made a call to the bullpen and called up the Cubs World closer, Cody Hills. He was trying to figure how to zoom Cody from Chattanooga again, when much to Wayne’s delight, Cody had returned to The Villages.
The evening of 10/7 started off on the perfect note. Our Iron Chef and her husband took a road trip to Clermont to bring in PORTILLO’s for dinner. We all had a hot dog, an Italian beef, pringles, and a cupcake. Yum, Yum, Yum!
Our very own Jim Guleserian told us of his honor flight trip to Washington. We are all so very, very proud of you, Jim. Then he went over the Cubs season with us. He also gave us a quick history lesson in the All American Girls Professional Baseball League, in Sue Zipay’s absence.
A quick call to the bullpen, and our old friend Cody came back to tell us what’s been going on in his life. Cody’s wife got a job offer in Chattanooga for 4 months, but then missed Florida too much, and they came back. Cody is back as Sports Information Director for The Villages charter school, one of only 5 S.I.D.s in the state.
Cody told us of some of the most famous sports stars he has ever come into contact with, but none as famous as Pete Rose. Cody told us of how he “bonded” on the phone with Rose for almost 2 hours. And then, much to his dismay, the very next day Pete treated him just like any reporter and totally burst Cody’s bubble.
Cody is as big a Cubs fan as any of us, and he did a great job dissecting the season. There were a number of problems that arose to help derail our season. He thought that losing Justin Steele in the middle of the first game of the season was a bad omen.Having a bullpen that was porous ( particularly Hector Neris) during the first half of the season was a big reason for not making the playoffs as did Kyle Hendrick’s gaudy ERA numbers . The 23-29 record within their division was also a big factor. Also, the Cubs had 342 incidents of lost games with players going on the IL, which caused them to fire their 2 strength and conditioning coaches.
BUT , on the plus side, we did finish 4 games over .500. We had the 4th best bullpen era after the all star break, including the emergence of Porter Hodge. We saw a big turnaround from PCA, and maybe, just maybe, a good catcher Miguel Amaya, who had a strong finish at the end of the season. Cody liked Counsell’s first year, and is bullish for next year’s fortunes.
Like all of us, he is running out of patience with Ricketts’ hesitation to spend money in the offseason. He really likes Max Fried as a free agent. And he would love, love , love to have a Japanese pitcher named Sasaki in a Cubs uniform for many years to come.
Thanks for coming to speak to us again, Cody. We look forward to many more talks.
A LITTLE PORTILLO HEAVEN CAME TO THE VILLAGES!
by Wayne Richards
I'll tell you where the beef was...right in CUBS WORLD! This wonderful treat materialized due to the efforts of board member Debi Orchard and her hubby who traveled to Clermont and back, navigating evacuation traffic on the Florida turnpike!
It's anybody's guess what our own Iron Chef will come up with for the future! But we are all grateful to have such a hard working and considerate individual in our midst.
by Wayne Richards
I'll tell you where the beef was...right in CUBS WORLD! This wonderful treat materialized due to the efforts of board member Debi Orchard and her hubby who traveled to Clermont and back, navigating evacuation traffic on the Florida turnpike!
It's anybody's guess what our own Iron Chef will come up with for the future! But we are all grateful to have such a hard working and considerate individual in our midst.
SOMETHING SPECIAL FROM JIM GULESERIAN
Several people asked me for a copy of the narrative that I read at the October meeting.
Easiest thing to do was make it a part of the Chatter!
Baseball
If you give a boy a baseball, he will want a bat to go with it.
You’ll buy him the best bat you can find, and then he will probably want a bucket of balls and a glove and some cleats too.
Then, he will probably spend hours begging you to go out in the yard to play with him, even though you may want to sit on the couch and watch tv. He will insist. And his insistence will win.
And when a boy gets a jersey, he will need pants and socks and a belt to go with it. And a TEAM…..
And then life as you know it will end.
There will be no more lazy weekends watching tv. You will see more sunrises than you ever thought possible. Every spare minute of your time will be spent hauling buckets and bags and stinky cleats and crazy boys all over tarnation for hours to practice for a game.
THE GAME.
And your house will be a mess. And your car will be dirty. All because you gave a boy a baseball.
Your weekends will be spent freezing or burning to death on a fold up chair. And his weekends will be spent gaining confidence and friends, and learning new skills and having fun and getting dirty. So dirty in fact that you will have to learn how to do laundry in a whole new way, like maybe at a carwash using the pressure washer.
And you will be there the day he hits his first home run, first strikeout, and his first double play. And he will make you SO proud. The other moms will congratulate you. But you feel weird saying thank you because it's not you at bat or on the mound. It's everything him. He did this.
And right before your eyes, your little boy will be transformed from the baby who spun around with his head on the bat, (because he loves attention), into a pitcher. Because he loves attention still.
When you give a boy a baseball , you give him more than just a ball. You give him a sport, and a talent, and hope, and dreams, and friends, a new family, a place to learn about life, room to grow as a person where he can push his limits, and bravery, and courage and LIFE, and memories. And he will have ALL of these things, simply because you gave a boy a baseball.
Because you gave a boy a baseball, you too will develop new/lifelong friendships, developed solely from the same passion for the game and love of your team. You will root together. And spew PG-13 things out of your mouths together. Because you gave a boy a baseball.
All because you gave a boy a baseball.
And played with him.
(Repost-Written by another amazing parent with a huge heart who gets it!)
Several people asked me for a copy of the narrative that I read at the October meeting.
Easiest thing to do was make it a part of the Chatter!
Baseball
If you give a boy a baseball, he will want a bat to go with it.
You’ll buy him the best bat you can find, and then he will probably want a bucket of balls and a glove and some cleats too.
Then, he will probably spend hours begging you to go out in the yard to play with him, even though you may want to sit on the couch and watch tv. He will insist. And his insistence will win.
And when a boy gets a jersey, he will need pants and socks and a belt to go with it. And a TEAM…..
And then life as you know it will end.
There will be no more lazy weekends watching tv. You will see more sunrises than you ever thought possible. Every spare minute of your time will be spent hauling buckets and bags and stinky cleats and crazy boys all over tarnation for hours to practice for a game.
THE GAME.
And your house will be a mess. And your car will be dirty. All because you gave a boy a baseball.
Your weekends will be spent freezing or burning to death on a fold up chair. And his weekends will be spent gaining confidence and friends, and learning new skills and having fun and getting dirty. So dirty in fact that you will have to learn how to do laundry in a whole new way, like maybe at a carwash using the pressure washer.
And you will be there the day he hits his first home run, first strikeout, and his first double play. And he will make you SO proud. The other moms will congratulate you. But you feel weird saying thank you because it's not you at bat or on the mound. It's everything him. He did this.
And right before your eyes, your little boy will be transformed from the baby who spun around with his head on the bat, (because he loves attention), into a pitcher. Because he loves attention still.
When you give a boy a baseball , you give him more than just a ball. You give him a sport, and a talent, and hope, and dreams, and friends, a new family, a place to learn about life, room to grow as a person where he can push his limits, and bravery, and courage and LIFE, and memories. And he will have ALL of these things, simply because you gave a boy a baseball.
Because you gave a boy a baseball, you too will develop new/lifelong friendships, developed solely from the same passion for the game and love of your team. You will root together. And spew PG-13 things out of your mouths together. Because you gave a boy a baseball.
All because you gave a boy a baseball.
And played with him.
(Repost-Written by another amazing parent with a huge heart who gets it!)
HELLO DOLLY
by Wayne Richards
As you know, we have been actively trying to figure out a manner in which to enjoy presentations via ZOOM. We're doing our best to work out some technological kinks.
Sue Zipay was to be our ZOOM guest during the October membership meeting. But she became too ill. However, she did contact another spitfire from the GPBL named Dolly Ozburn.
Even hours before we all dug into our Portillos at Colony, Dolly was ready to join us! She is another amazing soul who looks forward to speaking to us about the importance of women's baseball.
This gracious woman, who is also known as Dolly Vanderclip, played for both the Fort Wayne Daisies and the South Bend Blue Sox. Her nick name was "LIPPY". Some day, I'm sure we'll all find out why.
Thank you Dolly for being so willing to help out in light of Sue's illness. Our dream is to have both of you to speak to us in person next year. Let's see what we can arrange.
by Wayne Richards
As you know, we have been actively trying to figure out a manner in which to enjoy presentations via ZOOM. We're doing our best to work out some technological kinks.
Sue Zipay was to be our ZOOM guest during the October membership meeting. But she became too ill. However, she did contact another spitfire from the GPBL named Dolly Ozburn.
Even hours before we all dug into our Portillos at Colony, Dolly was ready to join us! She is another amazing soul who looks forward to speaking to us about the importance of women's baseball.
This gracious woman, who is also known as Dolly Vanderclip, played for both the Fort Wayne Daisies and the South Bend Blue Sox. Her nick name was "LIPPY". Some day, I'm sure we'll all find out why.
Thank you Dolly for being so willing to help out in light of Sue's illness. Our dream is to have both of you to speak to us in person next year. Let's see what we can arrange.
IMPORTANT ELECTIONS
by Dan Marx
With local, state, and national elections coming Tuesday , November 5th, WE focus our attention for now on our club elections the night before at our membership meeting 11/4.
There are 2 officers up for reelection that night. Terrance Burke is up for Vice President , and would like to run for another term in that position. But like any position in our club, any member is also welcome to run for that spot. The other position on our club which opens up every 2 years is Treasurer. Sharon Adochio has done an outstanding job as Treasurer , but is ready to step down.
This is URGENT that we get a replacement in the next few weeks, so that we may vote that person in on 11/4. We must have a treasurer . We need somebody to step forward to fill that position. Please email Wayne at [email protected] to volunteer for that position.
Other board members up for reelection are Dan Marx, Jim Guleserian, Rick, Baas, Angela Burke, Deb Orchard, Sam Pagoria, and Chuck Lindsoe.
Once again, anybody who would like to run against any of these board members please put your hat in the ring.
Thank you so much!!!!!!
by Dan Marx
With local, state, and national elections coming Tuesday , November 5th, WE focus our attention for now on our club elections the night before at our membership meeting 11/4.
There are 2 officers up for reelection that night. Terrance Burke is up for Vice President , and would like to run for another term in that position. But like any position in our club, any member is also welcome to run for that spot. The other position on our club which opens up every 2 years is Treasurer. Sharon Adochio has done an outstanding job as Treasurer , but is ready to step down.
This is URGENT that we get a replacement in the next few weeks, so that we may vote that person in on 11/4. We must have a treasurer . We need somebody to step forward to fill that position. Please email Wayne at [email protected] to volunteer for that position.
Other board members up for reelection are Dan Marx, Jim Guleserian, Rick, Baas, Angela Burke, Deb Orchard, Sam Pagoria, and Chuck Lindsoe.
Once again, anybody who would like to run against any of these board members please put your hat in the ring.
Thank you so much!!!!!!
Hi everyone! As you know, there is an open invitation for every member of Cubs World to attend board meetings. These sessions take place at Colony Cottage every third Monday at 3 pm.
When I took on the responsibility as President of our ever-growing club, I was very fortunate to have ten wonderful board members who care about making CUBS WORLD an entertaining and well executed organization for everyone!
Of course, there are term limits and as Dan Marx mentioned in his ELECTION article, we need people to jump into the arena. Don't be shy or hesitant. Every one of us is a people person and we always come to each other's aid!
Once again...contact me at [email protected] Lets communicate!
When I took on the responsibility as President of our ever-growing club, I was very fortunate to have ten wonderful board members who care about making CUBS WORLD an entertaining and well executed organization for everyone!
Of course, there are term limits and as Dan Marx mentioned in his ELECTION article, we need people to jump into the arena. Don't be shy or hesitant. Every one of us is a people person and we always come to each other's aid!
Once again...contact me at [email protected] Lets communicate!
A GREAT READ
by Dan Marx
(foreward by Wayne Richards)
Dan Marx informed me about this wonderful book earlier this year. he has been enthusiastically calling attention to this work.
Joe Posnanski is on a big book tour and his schedule is very tight. But, I'm working with his literary agent to arrange a visit. AND NOW....HERE'S MY BUDDY DAN...
I think we all know by now how much I love “Why we love baseball.”
I have a name to throw at you . Yutaka Enatsu. If you know that name, you may be the biggest baseball fan that I’ve ever known.
In 1985 a 37 year old Enatsu tried out at the Brewers spring training camp. He was just mediocre, lasted a few weeks, and then went back to Japan with his Japanese media entourage. Media entourage? He was possibly the greatest baseball player to come out of Japan. I think the only Japanese baseball player that anybody ever heard of was Sadaharu Oh. More on him later.
Reporters like to call him “badass” , and players would call him the Japanese Walter Johnson. How good was he? He pitched 5 innings in theJapanese All Star games from 1971-1973 and struck out all 15 batters.Red Schoendienst called him one of the best left handed pitchers he had ever seen. Clete Boyer said that Enatsu was as good as Bob Gibson. Jim Lefbvre called him another Sandy Koufax. And yes, he struck out more than 400 hitters in one season , still a Japanese baseball record. And this was before Matsui and Suzuki hit the majors.
The author, Joe Posnanski , had heard of 2 amazing stories about Enatsu.
HARVEY HADDIX. You might remember his story from my article last month about him. On April 30, 1973 Enatsu pitched 9 innings of no hit ball. Unfortunately for him, the Chunichi Dragons were holding Enatsu’s team scoreless. After the 11th inning, the Dragons were still hitless but the score was 0-0. Sound familiar?? Enatsu decided that it was time to end the game and came to bat in the 12th and hit a walk off homer to win the game.
But this was the game that impressed Posnanski the most. The year that he had over 400 strikeouts, during one game in December he guaranteed that he would break the all time strikeout record of 353 against the Yomiuri Giants, AND that the record breaking would come against the legendary Sadaharu Oh. Oh had led the league in homers for the last 6 years, and was league MVP for 3 seasons.
During this mid September game, Enatsu only needed 7 strikeouts to beat the record. Enatsu struck out Oh in the first inning to tie the record. When Oh came up in the 4th, he struck him out again to break the record. Well, not quite. He had miscounted and was still one strikeout short.
This part blew me away. Since he had already promised that he would strikeout Oh to break the record, he KNEW that he would have to get the next 8 outs without a strikeout. Which he did. He pitched to contact to those 8 batters and only gave up one hit during that stretch. And, of course, the great Sadaharu came up again and Enatsu struck him out and finally got the record.
Oh, and by the way, this became another scoreless game that went to the 12th inning, which Enatsu won with a walk off single!
by Dan Marx
(foreward by Wayne Richards)
Dan Marx informed me about this wonderful book earlier this year. he has been enthusiastically calling attention to this work.
Joe Posnanski is on a big book tour and his schedule is very tight. But, I'm working with his literary agent to arrange a visit. AND NOW....HERE'S MY BUDDY DAN...
I think we all know by now how much I love “Why we love baseball.”
I have a name to throw at you . Yutaka Enatsu. If you know that name, you may be the biggest baseball fan that I’ve ever known.
In 1985 a 37 year old Enatsu tried out at the Brewers spring training camp. He was just mediocre, lasted a few weeks, and then went back to Japan with his Japanese media entourage. Media entourage? He was possibly the greatest baseball player to come out of Japan. I think the only Japanese baseball player that anybody ever heard of was Sadaharu Oh. More on him later.
Reporters like to call him “badass” , and players would call him the Japanese Walter Johnson. How good was he? He pitched 5 innings in theJapanese All Star games from 1971-1973 and struck out all 15 batters.Red Schoendienst called him one of the best left handed pitchers he had ever seen. Clete Boyer said that Enatsu was as good as Bob Gibson. Jim Lefbvre called him another Sandy Koufax. And yes, he struck out more than 400 hitters in one season , still a Japanese baseball record. And this was before Matsui and Suzuki hit the majors.
The author, Joe Posnanski , had heard of 2 amazing stories about Enatsu.
HARVEY HADDIX. You might remember his story from my article last month about him. On April 30, 1973 Enatsu pitched 9 innings of no hit ball. Unfortunately for him, the Chunichi Dragons were holding Enatsu’s team scoreless. After the 11th inning, the Dragons were still hitless but the score was 0-0. Sound familiar?? Enatsu decided that it was time to end the game and came to bat in the 12th and hit a walk off homer to win the game.
But this was the game that impressed Posnanski the most. The year that he had over 400 strikeouts, during one game in December he guaranteed that he would break the all time strikeout record of 353 against the Yomiuri Giants, AND that the record breaking would come against the legendary Sadaharu Oh. Oh had led the league in homers for the last 6 years, and was league MVP for 3 seasons.
During this mid September game, Enatsu only needed 7 strikeouts to beat the record. Enatsu struck out Oh in the first inning to tie the record. When Oh came up in the 4th, he struck him out again to break the record. Well, not quite. He had miscounted and was still one strikeout short.
This part blew me away. Since he had already promised that he would strikeout Oh to break the record, he KNEW that he would have to get the next 8 outs without a strikeout. Which he did. He pitched to contact to those 8 batters and only gave up one hit during that stretch. And, of course, the great Sadaharu came up again and Enatsu struck him out and finally got the record.
Oh, and by the way, this became another scoreless game that went to the 12th inning, which Enatsu won with a walk off single!
THIS CAN'T BE!!!!!!!!
by Wayne Richards
Somebody please inform our former BLEACHER BUMS that their beloved territory is being inundated with neighborhood pot luck parties! I'm certain the Wrigley venders aren't particularly pleased with this new tradition.
It is the FINAL DAY OF THE SEASON gathering and is destined to become a yearly event!
Maybe a beer snake could wind around to serve these folks? Anything is possible!!!
by Wayne Richards
Somebody please inform our former BLEACHER BUMS that their beloved territory is being inundated with neighborhood pot luck parties! I'm certain the Wrigley venders aren't particularly pleased with this new tradition.
It is the FINAL DAY OF THE SEASON gathering and is destined to become a yearly event!
Maybe a beer snake could wind around to serve these folks? Anything is possible!!!
TO ENJOY A VERY SPECIAL VIDEO...
CLICK HERE
CUBS WORLD thanks you for representing the Cubbies in the best possible light...with class, distinction and talent.
CLICK HERE
CUBS WORLD thanks you for representing the Cubbies in the best possible light...with class, distinction and talent.
FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK
by Wayne Richards
Don't worry. I'm not upset or feeling any pressure. There are a number of people who feel bad that I've had to deal with so much chaos during my term.
I'm here to say to everyone...you need not be concerned. I've had a great physical lately, so I should be doing cartwheels in the living room.
But like any responsible president, I do desire things to go smoothly. There are times when the pieces just don't fit. It's just the way things are.
John F. Kennedy said it best..."Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.
I have a board of ten wonderful individuals who do all they can to keep Cubs World operating as best it can. I am very proud of these people.
But, as I've stated during our membership meetings, we need to find some folks to fill some important positions! Once again, please come and at least check out what happens at our board meetings. Just contact me at [email protected]
AND NOW SOME OTHER ITEMS FROM THIS DESK....
I'm working with EPIC theaters to hold a special screening of the classic motion picture, FIELD OF DREAMS. When I proposed this idea at the membership meeting, the reaction was strong.
I've been trying to contact the other baseball groups to join us and so far, only the Yankees have returned my call. But there is still time.
One of the reasons I suggested this event is to work around any championship games on television. I'll have further word on this subject during our membership meeting in November.
In the meantime, watch all the snowbirds arrive!
by Wayne Richards
Don't worry. I'm not upset or feeling any pressure. There are a number of people who feel bad that I've had to deal with so much chaos during my term.
I'm here to say to everyone...you need not be concerned. I've had a great physical lately, so I should be doing cartwheels in the living room.
But like any responsible president, I do desire things to go smoothly. There are times when the pieces just don't fit. It's just the way things are.
John F. Kennedy said it best..."Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.
I have a board of ten wonderful individuals who do all they can to keep Cubs World operating as best it can. I am very proud of these people.
But, as I've stated during our membership meetings, we need to find some folks to fill some important positions! Once again, please come and at least check out what happens at our board meetings. Just contact me at [email protected]
AND NOW SOME OTHER ITEMS FROM THIS DESK....
I'm working with EPIC theaters to hold a special screening of the classic motion picture, FIELD OF DREAMS. When I proposed this idea at the membership meeting, the reaction was strong.
I've been trying to contact the other baseball groups to join us and so far, only the Yankees have returned my call. But there is still time.
One of the reasons I suggested this event is to work around any championship games on television. I'll have further word on this subject during our membership meeting in November.
In the meantime, watch all the snowbirds arrive!
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