Cubs World Chatter is perfectly aware that this is a newsletter dedicated to baseball and all things Cubs. But...WHAT HAS GOTTEN INTO THEM BEARS? It's nice to have something to focus on while Cubs management change things up a bit. This is when we start biting our nails wondering just what they're doing.
If you like to follow certain Cubs Facebook groups, be very careful because many of them just make up stuff for sensationalism. False reports are shooting out like scud missiles!
Our own Jack Herbon and his private page is a great buffer against this garbage. By the way, if you love baseball statistics in general, you might wish to check out a Facebook page called THE BASEBALL BUFFET!
But, most importantly, please enjoy this month's CUBS CHATTER!!!!!
If you like to follow certain Cubs Facebook groups, be very careful because many of them just make up stuff for sensationalism. False reports are shooting out like scud missiles!
Our own Jack Herbon and his private page is a great buffer against this garbage. By the way, if you love baseball statistics in general, you might wish to check out a Facebook page called THE BASEBALL BUFFET!
But, most importantly, please enjoy this month's CUBS CHATTER!!!!!
BASEBALL MUSEUM HERE WE COME!!!
MONDAY JANUARY 5TH
LITTLE COOPERSTOWN
ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA
TRIP PACKAGE INCLUDES...
TRANSPORTATION
ADMISSION
LUNCH AND BEVERAGE
PRESENTATION AND TOUR
$60.00 per person LIMITED SEATING!
MONDAY JANUARY 5TH
LITTLE COOPERSTOWN
ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA
TRIP PACKAGE INCLUDES...
TRANSPORTATION
ADMISSION
LUNCH AND BEVERAGE
PRESENTATION AND TOUR
$60.00 per person LIMITED SEATING!
On Monday, January 5th, Cubs World will be transported comfortably to St. Petersburg to witness the world's largest collection of baseballs. It will be an amazing experience if you love the game of baseball and history.
We are arranging for a very comfortable 35 passenger coach, so it is important to register for this event quickly. If more individuals wish to come, we can arrange for a larger bus.
Rui Farias, the director, will welcome us with open arms and ensure a memorable for all. He's very impressed with Cubs World.
We ask Cubs World members to check their e mails often during the next couple of weeks because we will have a boarding time and location as soon as possible. Remember, these flyers, e-mails, bulletins (whatever you wish to call them) are an important communicative connection for all.
We are arranging for a very comfortable 35 passenger coach, so it is important to register for this event quickly. If more individuals wish to come, we can arrange for a larger bus.
Rui Farias, the director, will welcome us with open arms and ensure a memorable for all. He's very impressed with Cubs World.
We ask Cubs World members to check their e mails often during the next couple of weeks because we will have a boarding time and location as soon as possible. Remember, these flyers, e-mails, bulletins (whatever you wish to call them) are an important communicative connection for all.
RED WORDS
by Wayne Richards
Unless you are a completely new member of Cubs World, you certainly know what the RED WORD is all about. If not, let me explain.
In every edition of the CUBS WORLD CHATTER, you'll find a word printed in RED. It could be anywhere. When you find it, do the following.
Write the word along with your name on a piece of paper, index card, extra wrapping paper or an old parking ticket and bring it to the next membership meeting. Place it in a special RED WORD jar for a drawing.
If your name is called out, you will be the proud owner of a Publix gift card! Good luck to everyone!
By the way, last month the red word was nowhere to be found due to a computer glitch. We apologize when this occurs on occasion. It is simply due to a re-curring computer glitch.
by Wayne Richards
Unless you are a completely new member of Cubs World, you certainly know what the RED WORD is all about. If not, let me explain.
In every edition of the CUBS WORLD CHATTER, you'll find a word printed in RED. It could be anywhere. When you find it, do the following.
Write the word along with your name on a piece of paper, index card, extra wrapping paper or an old parking ticket and bring it to the next membership meeting. Place it in a special RED WORD jar for a drawing.
If your name is called out, you will be the proud owner of a Publix gift card! Good luck to everyone!
By the way, last month the red word was nowhere to be found due to a computer glitch. We apologize when this occurs on occasion. It is simply due to a re-curring computer glitch.
ANOTHER GREAT MOVIE NIGHT FOR CUBS WORLD!!!!!
by Dan Marx
Over 60 members were treated ( literally treated -free admission) to a private showing of the movie , The Natural, at our December meeting at the Epic Theater in Lake Sumter. This movie was voted in by the membership as their choice to be shown this month.
First things first. we did have a very short meeting which included giving away 2 Publix $20 gift cards for two lucky winners. For those members who have not been to one of our meetings in awhile, this is done every month. All you have to do is read the newsletter, copy the word written in red, and then submit it in person at our next meeting to have a chance at winning one of the gift cards.
As a very important part of the meeting , we went through the formality of voting in 2 of our board members. By unanimous consent , Wayne Richards was reelected as President, and Karen Pickelsimer was elected to Secretary for a 2 year term.
The movie was very well received. It’s a story about a baseball player in his 40s (Roy Hobbs played by Robert Redford)who had a chance to become one of the greatest ( if you were to ask him) players ever, until his career got sidetracked when he got shot as a young adult.
Once he got back into baseball many years later, he was sensational! But, he wound up on a team where the owner wanted desperately to fire his manger, and did everything possible to make his team lose. That included putting as many roadblocks as possible in Hobbs’ way.
The story was loosely based on a true incident involving Eddie Waitkus back in the 1940s. Waitkus played for the Cubs for a number of years, and had a lady fan stalking him all that time. When Waitkus was traded to the Phillies , this crazed fan lured him into a hotel room, and shot him with a rifle nearly killing him.
If you have not seen the film, please do yourself a favor and find a way to stream it. It’s really terrific.
Many thanks to our president, Wayne Richards , and the board for making these very popular films available to us.
EXTRA! EXTRA! EXTRA!
by Wayne Richards
Our December "MOVIE NIGHT" at the Epic Theatre in Lake Sumter was very special for several reasons. Grab your popcorn and I will explain.
First of all, our outing was made very special due to the fact that YOU...the fine members of our Cubs World family, chose the feature that was screened. THE NATURAL was a perfect choice.
This motion picture represents the finest in film making. It is a solid story textured with smart dialog and wonderful acting.
Personally, having been in music all my life, I had forgot just how powerful the Randy Newman score was. It blew me away!
Secondly, I neglected to pay tribute to Robert Redford during the meeting. After all, we just lost this giant of film very recently. Actually, I don't think I've ever seen a bad performance by Mr. Redford in his long career.
by Dan Marx
Over 60 members were treated ( literally treated -free admission) to a private showing of the movie , The Natural, at our December meeting at the Epic Theater in Lake Sumter. This movie was voted in by the membership as their choice to be shown this month.
First things first. we did have a very short meeting which included giving away 2 Publix $20 gift cards for two lucky winners. For those members who have not been to one of our meetings in awhile, this is done every month. All you have to do is read the newsletter, copy the word written in red, and then submit it in person at our next meeting to have a chance at winning one of the gift cards.
As a very important part of the meeting , we went through the formality of voting in 2 of our board members. By unanimous consent , Wayne Richards was reelected as President, and Karen Pickelsimer was elected to Secretary for a 2 year term.
The movie was very well received. It’s a story about a baseball player in his 40s (Roy Hobbs played by Robert Redford)who had a chance to become one of the greatest ( if you were to ask him) players ever, until his career got sidetracked when he got shot as a young adult.
Once he got back into baseball many years later, he was sensational! But, he wound up on a team where the owner wanted desperately to fire his manger, and did everything possible to make his team lose. That included putting as many roadblocks as possible in Hobbs’ way.
The story was loosely based on a true incident involving Eddie Waitkus back in the 1940s. Waitkus played for the Cubs for a number of years, and had a lady fan stalking him all that time. When Waitkus was traded to the Phillies , this crazed fan lured him into a hotel room, and shot him with a rifle nearly killing him.
If you have not seen the film, please do yourself a favor and find a way to stream it. It’s really terrific.
Many thanks to our president, Wayne Richards , and the board for making these very popular films available to us.
EXTRA! EXTRA! EXTRA!
by Wayne Richards
Our December "MOVIE NIGHT" at the Epic Theatre in Lake Sumter was very special for several reasons. Grab your popcorn and I will explain.
First of all, our outing was made very special due to the fact that YOU...the fine members of our Cubs World family, chose the feature that was screened. THE NATURAL was a perfect choice.
This motion picture represents the finest in film making. It is a solid story textured with smart dialog and wonderful acting.
Personally, having been in music all my life, I had forgot just how powerful the Randy Newman score was. It blew me away!
Secondly, I neglected to pay tribute to Robert Redford during the meeting. After all, we just lost this giant of film very recently. Actually, I don't think I've ever seen a bad performance by Mr. Redford in his long career.
Thirdly and most importantly...The look on our faces when the lights went up was priceless! Nothing gives your PREZ greater satisfaction than to see our family with smiles on their faces!
This is what CUBS WORLD is all about! The main goal is to have fun! Rest assured, we will do everything we can to ensure that many good times together will be the road map for our future!
This is what CUBS WORLD is all about! The main goal is to have fun! Rest assured, we will do everything we can to ensure that many good times together will be the road map for our future!
This has been a great year for new Cubs fans joining our family! This is probably due to the fact that the Villages are growing like crazy!
You have joined a very special family of Cub fans! Maybe in time, you might feel compelled to join the board. We want to keep this club a very special one and to do that it does take a few people to lend a hand from time to time.
By the way, you're always welcomed to join us at board meetings, which take place every second Monday at Colony Cottage, our official Cubs World headquarters. If you're interested in visiting us, contact the PREZ via this web site at www.cubsworld.org.
LETS GIVE A BIG CUBS WORLD WELCOME TO
RANDY and DAWN GROSS
You have joined a very special family of Cub fans! Maybe in time, you might feel compelled to join the board. We want to keep this club a very special one and to do that it does take a few people to lend a hand from time to time.
By the way, you're always welcomed to join us at board meetings, which take place every second Monday at Colony Cottage, our official Cubs World headquarters. If you're interested in visiting us, contact the PREZ via this web site at www.cubsworld.org.
LETS GIVE A BIG CUBS WORLD WELCOME TO
RANDY and DAWN GROSS
by DAN MARX
For those of you who have not bought the book Why We Love Baseball by Joe Posnanski, you should really consider it.
Here’s a story which has quite a twist to it.
I think that Jodi Sweeney will get a kick out of this story, but I’m writing this about one of baseball’s most admired players.
Growing up, it seemed like Stan Musial hit 1.000 against the Cubs every time he faced us. Even though he’s always been very highly rated, he always seems to be underrated to me. He finished with a career average of .331 and 475 home runs .
Posnanski relates a story about a game in Chicago in 1958. Imagine that Musial comes in to pinch hit and hits a double. CUBS fans all got up and gave him a long, loud standing ovation. Musial had hit his 3,000th hit. On the way back, he received another huge ovation from hundreds of Cardinal fans at the train station in St. Louis. That shows you how this true gentleman was beloved throughout baseball.
So the main story was about a doubleheader the Cardinals played against the New York Giants on May 2nd 1954.
Musial felt really good that day, and started it off with 3 homers in the opener. In the second game , Musial hit 2 more homers, becoming the first player to ever hit 5 homers in a doubleheader. Afterwards he was astonished that none of the greatest home run hitters had ever accomplished that feat. Not Ruth, not Gehrig, not Ott.
There were 2 huge Musial fans in the stands that day. One was Nate Colbert , who had played some semiprofessional baseball, and his 8 year old son, Nate Colbert Jr.. Junior was thrilled to break into baseball with the Cardinals, but it didn’t quite work out for him there. He bounced around in the pros a little bit until he ended up with the San Diego Padres. He became one of the game’s top power hitters during that time period, which all led up to an August 1, 1972 doubleheader in Atlanta.
Colbert hit 2 homers in the first game. In the second game he hit his fourth homer in the 7th. Of course, Junior was thinking about 2 people when he came up in the ninth. He was thinking about Stan Musial and his father. As he rounded the bases after his fifth homer , he shouted to umpire, Bruce Froemming that he couldn’t believe it. Froemming shouted the same thing back to him.
So, yes, to this day there are only 2 hitters in MLB history who have ever hit 5 homers in a doubleheader. Stan Musial and Nate Colbert, Jr.
And, no, I am not a closet Cardinals fan. Not even close, but I sure love a great baseball story. This is just one of the many reasons why I love baseball!
For those of you who have not bought the book Why We Love Baseball by Joe Posnanski, you should really consider it.
Here’s a story which has quite a twist to it.
I think that Jodi Sweeney will get a kick out of this story, but I’m writing this about one of baseball’s most admired players.
Growing up, it seemed like Stan Musial hit 1.000 against the Cubs every time he faced us. Even though he’s always been very highly rated, he always seems to be underrated to me. He finished with a career average of .331 and 475 home runs .
Posnanski relates a story about a game in Chicago in 1958. Imagine that Musial comes in to pinch hit and hits a double. CUBS fans all got up and gave him a long, loud standing ovation. Musial had hit his 3,000th hit. On the way back, he received another huge ovation from hundreds of Cardinal fans at the train station in St. Louis. That shows you how this true gentleman was beloved throughout baseball.
So the main story was about a doubleheader the Cardinals played against the New York Giants on May 2nd 1954.
Musial felt really good that day, and started it off with 3 homers in the opener. In the second game , Musial hit 2 more homers, becoming the first player to ever hit 5 homers in a doubleheader. Afterwards he was astonished that none of the greatest home run hitters had ever accomplished that feat. Not Ruth, not Gehrig, not Ott.
There were 2 huge Musial fans in the stands that day. One was Nate Colbert , who had played some semiprofessional baseball, and his 8 year old son, Nate Colbert Jr.. Junior was thrilled to break into baseball with the Cardinals, but it didn’t quite work out for him there. He bounced around in the pros a little bit until he ended up with the San Diego Padres. He became one of the game’s top power hitters during that time period, which all led up to an August 1, 1972 doubleheader in Atlanta.
Colbert hit 2 homers in the first game. In the second game he hit his fourth homer in the 7th. Of course, Junior was thinking about 2 people when he came up in the ninth. He was thinking about Stan Musial and his father. As he rounded the bases after his fifth homer , he shouted to umpire, Bruce Froemming that he couldn’t believe it. Froemming shouted the same thing back to him.
So, yes, to this day there are only 2 hitters in MLB history who have ever hit 5 homers in a doubleheader. Stan Musial and Nate Colbert, Jr.
And, no, I am not a closet Cardinals fan. Not even close, but I sure love a great baseball story. This is just one of the many reasons why I love baseball!
FROM THE PREZ'S DESK
As I begin my second term as your Prez, I can't help but reflect on the past two years. For yours truly, it has been an experience and a half! I'm sure there are more adventures and challenges ahead.
Two of the top responsibilities of the presidency is to arrange for guest speakers and to host every membership meeting. I am not shy or nervous in front of crowds so that posed no problem.
But when your scheduled guest gets into a major accident just two hours before his arrival time, improvisation is the name of the game. I had a piano ready in the car because I toyed with the idea of playing dinner music.
Besides, Jim was ready to render an extended version of his monthly presentation called "LET'S PLAY TOO". For our new members who might not know about this, let me explain. Jim Guleserian, a beloved soul and one of the founding members, loved to treat everyone to an after-dinner segment filled with facts, figures, photos and trivia about the Chicago Cubs. It was usually followed by a quiz.
However, fate continued to slap me silly because Jim's wife, Betty (now one of our board members) became ill and was sent to the hospital with Jim in tow.
50 years of being a professional showman helped guide me through this difficult evening. I also much appreciate the support and encouragement I receive from all of you then and now.
It was only a month or so later that another scheduled guest had an accident. What are the odds? As a new president I suppose these tribulations were tantamount to a pilot learning how to negotiate and navigate turbulence.
Then, came our infamous bus trip. It was one thousand degrees that day and inside the coach it was at least ten degrees warmer. Some folks decided to drive to St. Petersburg. Eventually, the driver (not trained by NASA) discovered where the switch was for the air conditioning.
We have another bus trip to St. Petersburg coming up and I have been assured that the experience will be much nicer. This little journey will be worth it. The BASEBALL MUSEUM is a sight to behold.
Early in 2025, my musical, THE DREAM ROAD was produced and presented to three sold out audiences. The reason I bring this up is because our friend Jim Guleserian was in the cast and gave an absolutely wonderful performance filled with passion and energy.
Jim’s passing soon after the show came as a shock to everyone. I emceed his eulogy at a ceremony that highlighted just how important and beloved this man was. He will be missed.
One of my favorite guests to visit Cubs World is former pitcher Kyle Farnsworth. This giant of a man wound up fostering a fondness for Cubs World. It was easy for him to join us from time to time because he lived in Clermont.
Kyle and I text back and forth from time to time. I love teasing him. Knowing that he adheres to a strict dietary regiment, it has been and still is fun to attempt to lure him into devouring an Italian beef sandwich. In fact, whenever Annie and I frequent PORTILLOS , I take a photo of my lunch and send it to him. The last time I did this he responded quickly and texted in return, “That sandwich looks much better than this fish I’m eating!”
Kyle joined us when we visited Leesburg to see the Leesburg Lightning take on the Sandford River Rats. The plan was to have Farnsworth throw out the first pitch and yours truly do the anthem.
But, Mother Nature had different ideas and bestowed upon us a great thunderstorm. Leesburg, being the LIGHTNING CAPITAL OF THE UNITED STATES, certainly lived up to its reputation as an assertive bolt hit center field with a deafening roar of thunder to follow.
One thing I’ll never forget is that a gentleman seated next to me (not from Cubs World) was trying to adjust his sandals when that lightning hit and he literally ran out of the ball park in a panic leaving his feet wear behind. The image of him running off was quite comical and even to this day I laugh out loud when the thought pops into my head.
Cubs World returned to Leesburg again a bit later, but Kyle could not join us. However, before another storm hit, Jim Guleserian threw out the first pitch. I’m glad he had the opportunity to do that.
Reflecting on three of our zoom sessions, we were entertained by some great people. But what struck me was where some of these sessions took place.
Wayne Messmer, long time anthem singer for the Cubbies, addressed us from the basement of his suburban home. He currently entertains at retirement facilities.
Bob Dernier spoke to us from his car taking a break from a golfing tournament. He actually zoomed a lot longer than expected. He sent me a text afterward that he had really enjoyed the experience.
Then, direct from her hospital room, Dolly Osborn shared stories about the days of Women’s baseball during World War Two. She was very gracious to do this for us, even when not feeling well. This is proof that her passion for baseball superseded her personal difficulties. I admire strong people like this.
Sue Zipay, another extraordinary ball player from the Rockford Peaches, attempted for the longest time to visit us. She was actually scheduled to join us at the EPIC theatre when we had a screening of A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN but wound up not being able to travel. She lived down in the Naples area.
Sue passed away right after that screening. It goes beyond saying she has left an extraordinary legacy behind. She spent a lifetime trying to start an official professional Women’s league. I think it is important to keep a focus on women’s baseball and sports.
Another zoom that captivated us came direct from Cooperstown. I was informed that a spy or two snuck in for this event and that could only mean one thing. We're doing something right!
I guess the point I'm trying to make with all these reflections is that we have experienced quite a bit in two years. We've ridden through the ups and downs. The adventure is about to continue. The best part is that we'll do it all together!!!!!
Two of the top responsibilities of the presidency is to arrange for guest speakers and to host every membership meeting. I am not shy or nervous in front of crowds so that posed no problem.
But when your scheduled guest gets into a major accident just two hours before his arrival time, improvisation is the name of the game. I had a piano ready in the car because I toyed with the idea of playing dinner music.
Besides, Jim was ready to render an extended version of his monthly presentation called "LET'S PLAY TOO". For our new members who might not know about this, let me explain. Jim Guleserian, a beloved soul and one of the founding members, loved to treat everyone to an after-dinner segment filled with facts, figures, photos and trivia about the Chicago Cubs. It was usually followed by a quiz.
However, fate continued to slap me silly because Jim's wife, Betty (now one of our board members) became ill and was sent to the hospital with Jim in tow.
50 years of being a professional showman helped guide me through this difficult evening. I also much appreciate the support and encouragement I receive from all of you then and now.
It was only a month or so later that another scheduled guest had an accident. What are the odds? As a new president I suppose these tribulations were tantamount to a pilot learning how to negotiate and navigate turbulence.
Then, came our infamous bus trip. It was one thousand degrees that day and inside the coach it was at least ten degrees warmer. Some folks decided to drive to St. Petersburg. Eventually, the driver (not trained by NASA) discovered where the switch was for the air conditioning.
We have another bus trip to St. Petersburg coming up and I have been assured that the experience will be much nicer. This little journey will be worth it. The BASEBALL MUSEUM is a sight to behold.
Early in 2025, my musical, THE DREAM ROAD was produced and presented to three sold out audiences. The reason I bring this up is because our friend Jim Guleserian was in the cast and gave an absolutely wonderful performance filled with passion and energy.
Jim’s passing soon after the show came as a shock to everyone. I emceed his eulogy at a ceremony that highlighted just how important and beloved this man was. He will be missed.
One of my favorite guests to visit Cubs World is former pitcher Kyle Farnsworth. This giant of a man wound up fostering a fondness for Cubs World. It was easy for him to join us from time to time because he lived in Clermont.
Kyle and I text back and forth from time to time. I love teasing him. Knowing that he adheres to a strict dietary regiment, it has been and still is fun to attempt to lure him into devouring an Italian beef sandwich. In fact, whenever Annie and I frequent PORTILLOS , I take a photo of my lunch and send it to him. The last time I did this he responded quickly and texted in return, “That sandwich looks much better than this fish I’m eating!”
Kyle joined us when we visited Leesburg to see the Leesburg Lightning take on the Sandford River Rats. The plan was to have Farnsworth throw out the first pitch and yours truly do the anthem.
But, Mother Nature had different ideas and bestowed upon us a great thunderstorm. Leesburg, being the LIGHTNING CAPITAL OF THE UNITED STATES, certainly lived up to its reputation as an assertive bolt hit center field with a deafening roar of thunder to follow.
One thing I’ll never forget is that a gentleman seated next to me (not from Cubs World) was trying to adjust his sandals when that lightning hit and he literally ran out of the ball park in a panic leaving his feet wear behind. The image of him running off was quite comical and even to this day I laugh out loud when the thought pops into my head.
Cubs World returned to Leesburg again a bit later, but Kyle could not join us. However, before another storm hit, Jim Guleserian threw out the first pitch. I’m glad he had the opportunity to do that.
Reflecting on three of our zoom sessions, we were entertained by some great people. But what struck me was where some of these sessions took place.
Wayne Messmer, long time anthem singer for the Cubbies, addressed us from the basement of his suburban home. He currently entertains at retirement facilities.
Bob Dernier spoke to us from his car taking a break from a golfing tournament. He actually zoomed a lot longer than expected. He sent me a text afterward that he had really enjoyed the experience.
Then, direct from her hospital room, Dolly Osborn shared stories about the days of Women’s baseball during World War Two. She was very gracious to do this for us, even when not feeling well. This is proof that her passion for baseball superseded her personal difficulties. I admire strong people like this.
Sue Zipay, another extraordinary ball player from the Rockford Peaches, attempted for the longest time to visit us. She was actually scheduled to join us at the EPIC theatre when we had a screening of A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN but wound up not being able to travel. She lived down in the Naples area.
Sue passed away right after that screening. It goes beyond saying she has left an extraordinary legacy behind. She spent a lifetime trying to start an official professional Women’s league. I think it is important to keep a focus on women’s baseball and sports.
Another zoom that captivated us came direct from Cooperstown. I was informed that a spy or two snuck in for this event and that could only mean one thing. We're doing something right!
I guess the point I'm trying to make with all these reflections is that we have experienced quite a bit in two years. We've ridden through the ups and downs. The adventure is about to continue. The best part is that we'll do it all together!!!!!
THE FINAL WORD
Well, here it is folks! This is your opportunity to have the final word! Express yourself! Tell us what's on your mind.
I know we're all anxious for the 2026 season to get underway. How do you feel things will pan out for the Cubbies?
By the way, if ever you feel that you'd like to submit some writing, we'd be happy to include your creativity in this newsletter. We have very talented individuals in our midst.
Well, here it is folks! This is your opportunity to have the final word! Express yourself! Tell us what's on your mind.
I know we're all anxious for the 2026 season to get underway. How do you feel things will pan out for the Cubbies?
By the way, if ever you feel that you'd like to submit some writing, we'd be happy to include your creativity in this newsletter. We have very talented individuals in our midst.
