MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM CUBS WORLD CHATTER AND DON MULDER
The Year 2020 was full of surprises. It started with
great promise; but ended with a shortened season
that fizzled for our Cubs, canceled club meetings,
a pandemic lockdown and national turmoil.
In spite of all that we still have much for which to be
thankful. Many have not been able to be with family
but 'virtual visits' online have brought some together more
than ever before.
The Chatter, our club newsletter has kept us entertained
and in touch with one another. We can be thankful that
Editor Dan Marx, Wayne Richards and other contributors
have been able to help keep us connected.
Some have have been ill, but there have been no reported
deaths; and at the end of the year we have the promise of
a vaccine to finally end this epidemic.
True Cubs fans are eternally optimistic, so we're lookingforward to 2021 with anticipation. We've got a terrific
lineup of speakers in the 'batter's box', and more ideas
for fun than the Wrigley Field bleachers in the rain!
The Villages expects to allow large meetings again soon.
Happy Holidays to y'all,
Go Cubs in '21!
Club President Donald Mulder & Carole
The Year 2020 was full of surprises. It started with
great promise; but ended with a shortened season
that fizzled for our Cubs, canceled club meetings,
a pandemic lockdown and national turmoil.
In spite of all that we still have much for which to be
thankful. Many have not been able to be with family
but 'virtual visits' online have brought some together more
than ever before.
The Chatter, our club newsletter has kept us entertained
and in touch with one another. We can be thankful that
Editor Dan Marx, Wayne Richards and other contributors
have been able to help keep us connected.
Some have have been ill, but there have been no reported
deaths; and at the end of the year we have the promise of
a vaccine to finally end this epidemic.
True Cubs fans are eternally optimistic, so we're lookingforward to 2021 with anticipation. We've got a terrific
lineup of speakers in the 'batter's box', and more ideas
for fun than the Wrigley Field bleachers in the rain!
The Villages expects to allow large meetings again soon.
Happy Holidays to y'all,
Go Cubs in '21!
Club President Donald Mulder & Carole
CUBS WORLD APPOINTEES ANNOUNCED
reported by Dan Marx
The nominations are in.
The 5 incumbents for the 5 positions available have all stepped up for another term. All are running unopposed, therefore all 5 have won re-election.
Congratulations and thank you to the newly elected board members:
Jim Guleserian - Vice President
Sharon Adochio - Treasurer
Dan Marx - Director At-Large
Rick Baas - Director At-Large
Cindy Bellovary - Director At-Large
reported by Dan Marx
The nominations are in.
The 5 incumbents for the 5 positions available have all stepped up for another term. All are running unopposed, therefore all 5 have won re-election.
Congratulations and thank you to the newly elected board members:
Jim Guleserian - Vice President
Sharon Adochio - Treasurer
Dan Marx - Director At-Large
Rick Baas - Director At-Large
Cindy Bellovary - Director At-Large
THE CHRISTMAS GIFT
by Wayne Richards
In a year of hardship and in some cases sadness, it is altogether important to focus on special moments that prove the human race is not doomed. I have a little tale for you that is perfect for this holiday because it demonstrates the spirit of giving.
It was 2019. May. Wrigley Field. A beautiful and avid cubs fan named Bridgett Kolls was visiting the friendly confines to enjoy a game. Like some enthusiastic and clever fans, she felt compelled to hold up a "home made" sign. This one was printed with a very touching plea. It read, "THIS LIL' Cubbie needs a kidney!" It certainly attracted attention.
Television cameras and photographers focused on her throughout the game that day. Social media also played a big part in this story.
A 32 year old die hard Sox fan by the name of Thomas Allesio took note of Koll's situation and quickly made a decision that he was going to help her out by donating a kidney if deemed a match for the procedure. Said Allesion, "It was just a reaction to seeing the sign. I never had any second doubts."
Due to hospitals focus on covid 19, Bridgett's surgery was postponed. However, on July 18th she had her successful operation at Advocate Christ hospital in Oak Lawn.
Her prognosis is very good according to the surgeon who skillfully conducted this procedure. But the real guardian angel happens to be an unselfish Sox fan by the name of Thomas. He has given her the greatest gift of all...LIFE!
PLEASE CLICK HERE for a video addition to this story.
by Wayne Richards
In a year of hardship and in some cases sadness, it is altogether important to focus on special moments that prove the human race is not doomed. I have a little tale for you that is perfect for this holiday because it demonstrates the spirit of giving.
It was 2019. May. Wrigley Field. A beautiful and avid cubs fan named Bridgett Kolls was visiting the friendly confines to enjoy a game. Like some enthusiastic and clever fans, she felt compelled to hold up a "home made" sign. This one was printed with a very touching plea. It read, "THIS LIL' Cubbie needs a kidney!" It certainly attracted attention.
Television cameras and photographers focused on her throughout the game that day. Social media also played a big part in this story.
A 32 year old die hard Sox fan by the name of Thomas Allesio took note of Koll's situation and quickly made a decision that he was going to help her out by donating a kidney if deemed a match for the procedure. Said Allesion, "It was just a reaction to seeing the sign. I never had any second doubts."
Due to hospitals focus on covid 19, Bridgett's surgery was postponed. However, on July 18th she had her successful operation at Advocate Christ hospital in Oak Lawn.
Her prognosis is very good according to the surgeon who skillfully conducted this procedure. But the real guardian angel happens to be an unselfish Sox fan by the name of Thomas. He has given her the greatest gift of all...LIFE!
PLEASE CLICK HERE for a video addition to this story.
LEN KASPER LEAVING FOR THE SOUTH SIDE
After 16 years as the television voice of the Chicago Cubs, along with partner Jim Deshaies, the beloved broadcaster will be calling games for the Chicago White Sox. This is one of many dramatic changes anticipated for the Cubs next year!
Fans will most certainly miss listening to Len and Jim call the game like two friends sitting in the stands just enjoying heir time within the "friendly confines."
Kasper will be replacing Andy Masur and will be broadcasting with Darren Jackson. Fox sports announcer Chris Meyers, a long time friend of actor Bill Murray will replace Len. It was Bill's recommendation that help Meyers procure this position.
Len Kasper has a history in Florida. He was play by play announcer for the Miami Marlins for three years previous to his run with the Cubs.
After 16 years as the television voice of the Chicago Cubs, along with partner Jim Deshaies, the beloved broadcaster will be calling games for the Chicago White Sox. This is one of many dramatic changes anticipated for the Cubs next year!
Fans will most certainly miss listening to Len and Jim call the game like two friends sitting in the stands just enjoying heir time within the "friendly confines."
Kasper will be replacing Andy Masur and will be broadcasting with Darren Jackson. Fox sports announcer Chris Meyers, a long time friend of actor Bill Murray will replace Len. It was Bill's recommendation that help Meyers procure this position.
Len Kasper has a history in Florida. He was play by play announcer for the Miami Marlins for three years previous to his run with the Cubs.
MORE IDEAS ABOUT THE FUTURE OF BASEBALL
In the past two issues of Cubs World Chatter, our good friend , Dave Gran, has provided us with some very entertaining baseball projections for the future. There are twenty of them written by journalist Chris Mueller and so far we've examined six. We now present four more ideas which we would love to have you grade or make comments of support or disapproval. We always love hearing from you.
7. ... a fabulous reentry rule (with a caveat)
Have you ever wished your team had its best reliever available in a crucial situation, only to lament his use earlier in the game? Think of how much more interesting baseball would be if a team could reenter one player into the game. The caveat? If that player is a pitcher, he can face only one batter, and a position player can have only one at-bat. There will be detail-related quirks to work out, but the added strategy and intrigue should be enough to placate double-switch fetishists who are sad about pitchers not hitting anymore.
8. Show some mercy
Only one season in the last five — 2016 — has had at least one team rally to win after trailing by at least 10 runs. Just three teams in baseball history have won a game where they trailed by at least 10 runs at the start of the seventh inning. Baseball fans cherish their records and statistics, but there is nothing worse than sitting around through the end of a blowout. Fans get bored, it isn’t compelling television and players probably hate it as well. Down 10 runs at the start of the seventh? Congratulations, you lose! And fans win either way. If the home team delivers a mercy rule beating, fans get value added to their next ticket. If the good guys lose? Rebates!
9.For kicks, steal this soccer idea, too
This is a genuinely radical idea, but the English Premier League has added enormous drama to every season by involving relegation. The three worst teams in the league are sent down to what amounts to Triple-A, and the best three teams from that league are promoted to the Premier League. The same concept could work on a smaller scale in baseball, with the worst team in the league going down to the minors and the champion of the Triple-A playoffs making it to the majors. The 2020 Tigers and Orioles will probably love the idea, since they’re already fielding minor league lineups.
10. You're on the clock, pal
Part of baseball’s charm is that it doesn’t have a clock, as you’ve likely heard several thousand times. But courting younger fans means cutting down on some of the extraneous non-action that makes up a good portion of any game. Manfred must adopt a formal pitch clock – the 20-second version used in 2019 spring training games would be perfect.
In the past two issues of Cubs World Chatter, our good friend , Dave Gran, has provided us with some very entertaining baseball projections for the future. There are twenty of them written by journalist Chris Mueller and so far we've examined six. We now present four more ideas which we would love to have you grade or make comments of support or disapproval. We always love hearing from you.
7. ... a fabulous reentry rule (with a caveat)
Have you ever wished your team had its best reliever available in a crucial situation, only to lament his use earlier in the game? Think of how much more interesting baseball would be if a team could reenter one player into the game. The caveat? If that player is a pitcher, he can face only one batter, and a position player can have only one at-bat. There will be detail-related quirks to work out, but the added strategy and intrigue should be enough to placate double-switch fetishists who are sad about pitchers not hitting anymore.
8. Show some mercy
Only one season in the last five — 2016 — has had at least one team rally to win after trailing by at least 10 runs. Just three teams in baseball history have won a game where they trailed by at least 10 runs at the start of the seventh inning. Baseball fans cherish their records and statistics, but there is nothing worse than sitting around through the end of a blowout. Fans get bored, it isn’t compelling television and players probably hate it as well. Down 10 runs at the start of the seventh? Congratulations, you lose! And fans win either way. If the home team delivers a mercy rule beating, fans get value added to their next ticket. If the good guys lose? Rebates!
9.For kicks, steal this soccer idea, too
This is a genuinely radical idea, but the English Premier League has added enormous drama to every season by involving relegation. The three worst teams in the league are sent down to what amounts to Triple-A, and the best three teams from that league are promoted to the Premier League. The same concept could work on a smaller scale in baseball, with the worst team in the league going down to the minors and the champion of the Triple-A playoffs making it to the majors. The 2020 Tigers and Orioles will probably love the idea, since they’re already fielding minor league lineups.
10. You're on the clock, pal
Part of baseball’s charm is that it doesn’t have a clock, as you’ve likely heard several thousand times. But courting younger fans means cutting down on some of the extraneous non-action that makes up a good portion of any game. Manfred must adopt a formal pitch clock – the 20-second version used in 2019 spring training games would be perfect.
CHICAGO CUBS GIFTS FOR CHRISTMAS
The Chicago Cubs Online Store has a number of inexpensive stocking stuffers for Cubs fans! Of course, the puzzle to the left would certainly need a large stocking to fit in. But don't worry. The box it comes in is small.
Cubs World Chatter is proud to present some items you just might be interested in! If something strikes your fancy, simply
click here
The site you will reach is actually part of the official MLB on line store. You will enjoy looking through its pages.
The Chicago Cubs Online Store has a number of inexpensive stocking stuffers for Cubs fans! Of course, the puzzle to the left would certainly need a large stocking to fit in. But don't worry. The box it comes in is small.
Cubs World Chatter is proud to present some items you just might be interested in! If something strikes your fancy, simply
click here
The site you will reach is actually part of the official MLB on line store. You will enjoy looking through its pages.
ADDISON MAY THROW IN THE TOWEL
He was once respected and loved by teammates and fans alike. But then personal troubles took their toll. Russel was given every opportunity to pull things together, but it just didn't happen.
He not only left the Cubs, but also left the country to play in Korea. That hasn't worked out too well either. He has been unfocused and unproductive.
There is now a buzz that his next move may be to China! If that happens, chances are this could be the last act of a sad baseball drama and a confused life. Cubs World and fans everywhere do wish him better things in the year ahead. But here is a question we'd like to pose to you. WHAT DO YOU THINK IS IN STORE FOR ADDISON RUSSELl? Your comments are always welcomed.
He was once respected and loved by teammates and fans alike. But then personal troubles took their toll. Russel was given every opportunity to pull things together, but it just didn't happen.
He not only left the Cubs, but also left the country to play in Korea. That hasn't worked out too well either. He has been unfocused and unproductive.
There is now a buzz that his next move may be to China! If that happens, chances are this could be the last act of a sad baseball drama and a confused life. Cubs World and fans everywhere do wish him better things in the year ahead. But here is a question we'd like to pose to you. WHAT DO YOU THINK IS IN STORE FOR ADDISON RUSSELl? Your comments are always welcomed.
WHAT WILL 2021 BRING THE CUBS?
"It's so hard to think about what our budget is going to be for ’21 because we just don’t know what the situation is gonna be,” says Tom Ricketts. He is the first to admit that there is great uncertainty in the wind.
The new general manager, Jed Hoyer, suggests that everyone needs to be patient during the long Winter months ahead. The pandemic will play a part in this continuing drama. Its hard to make solid plans until life returns to normal.
But, there is a determination in the front office as well as the locker room that business will be done at the soonest opportunity.
"It's so hard to think about what our budget is going to be for ’21 because we just don’t know what the situation is gonna be,” says Tom Ricketts. He is the first to admit that there is great uncertainty in the wind.
The new general manager, Jed Hoyer, suggests that everyone needs to be patient during the long Winter months ahead. The pandemic will play a part in this continuing drama. Its hard to make solid plans until life returns to normal.
But, there is a determination in the front office as well as the locker room that business will be done at the soonest opportunity.
JON LESTER DEMONSTRATES HIS GRATITUDE!
Jon Lester has always been well liked by fans. He has consistently worked hard to give his best on the mound. Many are saddened at the likelihood that he will not be a part of the 2021 season in Chicago.
But this reality has not stopped him from demonstrating how to be unselfishly generous. In this time of difficulty, Lester personifies the meaning of "CLASS ACT".
Police, firemen and medical staffs at selected hospitals received much welcomed free meals delivered courtesy of Jon Lester. Even packing his bag to move on, he thinks of others. Jon Lester will be fondly remembered.
Jon Lester has always been well liked by fans. He has consistently worked hard to give his best on the mound. Many are saddened at the likelihood that he will not be a part of the 2021 season in Chicago.
But this reality has not stopped him from demonstrating how to be unselfishly generous. In this time of difficulty, Lester personifies the meaning of "CLASS ACT".
Police, firemen and medical staffs at selected hospitals received much welcomed free meals delivered courtesy of Jon Lester. Even packing his bag to move on, he thinks of others. Jon Lester will be fondly remembered.
LOU PINIELLA COVER TO COVER
During this pandemic, many people have and still continue to spend as much time at home as they can for safety reasons. This is the perfect time to catch up on reading, particularly some volumes that Cubs World members might be interested in.
I think all of us remember the dramatic and fiery demeanor of manager Lou Paniella. His amazing career has been carefully recorded in entertaining detail in a book entitled, LOU-FIFTY YEARS OF KICKING DIRT, PLAYING HARD AND WINNING BIG IN THE SWEET SPOT OF BASEBALL. (Yes..that title is all on one cover!)
These pages contain a collection of reflections and photographs of a life dedicated to baseball. It is a life worth noting.
This book was published in 2017 and is available at your local library or book seller. This would be a wonderful addition of any collector of baseball literature.
During this pandemic, many people have and still continue to spend as much time at home as they can for safety reasons. This is the perfect time to catch up on reading, particularly some volumes that Cubs World members might be interested in.
I think all of us remember the dramatic and fiery demeanor of manager Lou Paniella. His amazing career has been carefully recorded in entertaining detail in a book entitled, LOU-FIFTY YEARS OF KICKING DIRT, PLAYING HARD AND WINNING BIG IN THE SWEET SPOT OF BASEBALL. (Yes..that title is all on one cover!)
These pages contain a collection of reflections and photographs of a life dedicated to baseball. It is a life worth noting.
This book was published in 2017 and is available at your local library or book seller. This would be a wonderful addition of any collector of baseball literature.
REMEMBERING JACK BRICKHOUSE
by Wayne Richards
Cubs World Chatter would like to invite you to enjoy a little video dedicated to a very fine broadcaster and human being, Jack Brickhouse. Both on WGN radio and television, his enthusiasm and knowledge of baseball was quite obvious.
I have mentioned in an earlier edition of this newsletter that I had the chance to socialize with the man over breakfast. If you had been with us, you would've been quite surprised as I was that he was interested and literate in many things besides baseball.
Sit back and take note of a wonderful individual named Jack Brickhouse. https://youtu.be/9Cg-4L0Kbwg
by Wayne Richards
Cubs World Chatter would like to invite you to enjoy a little video dedicated to a very fine broadcaster and human being, Jack Brickhouse. Both on WGN radio and television, his enthusiasm and knowledge of baseball was quite obvious.
I have mentioned in an earlier edition of this newsletter that I had the chance to socialize with the man over breakfast. If you had been with us, you would've been quite surprised as I was that he was interested and literate in many things besides baseball.
Sit back and take note of a wonderful individual named Jack Brickhouse. https://youtu.be/9Cg-4L0Kbwg
A QUESTION FOR YOU...
WHY DO PEOPLE SING "'Take me out to the ball game" when they're already there?
WHY DO PEOPLE SING "'Take me out to the ball game" when they're already there?
FROM THE DESK OF WAYNE RICHARDS
Ever since this monthly feature began, I have presented a photo of a messy desk. Just this once, here is the real one... not quite as cluttered up as you'd think.
Cubs World has been presenting a series of 20 projections of how baseball will look in the future. Dave Gran provided us with the thought -provoking ideas written by Chris Mueller and I must say I am disturbed by the concept of "technologal implants" into what should be the very human game of baseball!
Let me preface things by stating that I understand you can't stop the growth of technology. Computers are taking over and that's the fact Jack!
But baseball should be about human drama, suspense and intrigue. Computers strive for accuracy and perfection. But it is my humble opinion that our beloved game needs to be IMPERFECT! The fun comes from the flaws. The joy is sitting around with fellow baseball fans to argue about a controversial play that took place during a game months or even years ago.
MANAGER CHALLENGES. I HATE THEM! Oh this is so exciting watching four umpires standing in a huddle like they're all deciding what kind of pizza they'd like to order.
Then...maybe five minutes later...a decision comes from New York. Yes. There might be a technological assist via high tech cameras set at various positions. But at the end of the day all that's happened is that a decision was rendered by yet another human being.
I hate the notion of umpires being eliminated by machines. What's next...robot vendors?
Don't get me wrong. I know technology does a lot of good. I respect it. But, I don't TRUST it. I haven't trusted it since my car gps instructed me to drive on a residential sidewalk and my google home devise started talking with my computer.
Ever since this monthly feature began, I have presented a photo of a messy desk. Just this once, here is the real one... not quite as cluttered up as you'd think.
Cubs World has been presenting a series of 20 projections of how baseball will look in the future. Dave Gran provided us with the thought -provoking ideas written by Chris Mueller and I must say I am disturbed by the concept of "technologal implants" into what should be the very human game of baseball!
Let me preface things by stating that I understand you can't stop the growth of technology. Computers are taking over and that's the fact Jack!
But baseball should be about human drama, suspense and intrigue. Computers strive for accuracy and perfection. But it is my humble opinion that our beloved game needs to be IMPERFECT! The fun comes from the flaws. The joy is sitting around with fellow baseball fans to argue about a controversial play that took place during a game months or even years ago.
MANAGER CHALLENGES. I HATE THEM! Oh this is so exciting watching four umpires standing in a huddle like they're all deciding what kind of pizza they'd like to order.
Then...maybe five minutes later...a decision comes from New York. Yes. There might be a technological assist via high tech cameras set at various positions. But at the end of the day all that's happened is that a decision was rendered by yet another human being.
I hate the notion of umpires being eliminated by machines. What's next...robot vendors?
Don't get me wrong. I know technology does a lot of good. I respect it. But, I don't TRUST it. I haven't trusted it since my car gps instructed me to drive on a residential sidewalk and my google home devise started talking with my computer.
The Cubs Chatter newsletter staff would like to wish all of our members as well as Cubs fans everywhere a Joyful Christmas and a Happy New Year.
BOY..DO WE NEED THAT!
We are very proud to put this newsletter together for your entertainment. In our community, there are a great many people who have stories and perspectives on the Cubs and baseball. We invite all of you to write something. Let's create something together!
In the meantime, here's a toast to great days to come. GO CUBBIES! GO AWAY VIRUS!
BOY..DO WE NEED THAT!
We are very proud to put this newsletter together for your entertainment. In our community, there are a great many people who have stories and perspectives on the Cubs and baseball. We invite all of you to write something. Let's create something together!
In the meantime, here's a toast to great days to come. GO CUBBIES! GO AWAY VIRUS!