HERE WE ARE! March is an important month for the Cubbies to say the least.
First of all, many folks are concerned about the weather. We all know how unpredictable the weather in Chicago can be. I think we've all experienced a blizzard or two in April.
Our first watch party will be held at Gators in Brownwood on Saturday, March 28th. Gathering time is 1:30 as usual.
GO CUBBIES!!!!!
First of all, many folks are concerned about the weather. We all know how unpredictable the weather in Chicago can be. I think we've all experienced a blizzard or two in April.
Our first watch party will be held at Gators in Brownwood on Saturday, March 28th. Gathering time is 1:30 as usual.
GO CUBBIES!!!!!
A DOUBLE HEADER THIS MONTH!
MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Monday April 6th at Colony Cottage
Dick Pole (Ex Chicago Cubs Pitching Coach via zoom.)
ALSO...in person...
Gary Rima (The man behind the creation of the VILLAGE BISON...
our first real league baseball team!
Note...Gary will be joined by member of the team!
DON’T FORGET OUR FIRST WATCH PARTY AT GATORS WILL TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY, THE 28TH OF MARCH.
Gathering time is 1:30.
MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Monday April 6th at Colony Cottage
Dick Pole (Ex Chicago Cubs Pitching Coach via zoom.)
ALSO...in person...
Gary Rima (The man behind the creation of the VILLAGE BISON...
our first real league baseball team!
Note...Gary will be joined by member of the team!
DON’T FORGET OUR FIRST WATCH PARTY AT GATORS WILL TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY, THE 28TH OF MARCH.
Gathering time is 1:30.
PAT THOMAS STADIUM TO HOST THE VILLAGE BISON
by Wayne Richards
Many Cubs World members have visited Pat Thomas stadium in Leesburg, Fl. to see the LEESBURG LIGHTING take the field, lightning bolts and all! But now, there is a new wave of excitement coming to this wonderful venue. OUR OWN VILLAGE BISON baseball team is ready for actual league play!!!
In the march edition of the magazine, VILLAGE NEIGHBORS, the cover caught my eye! Who are Village Bison? Where do they play? Is it a real BASEBALL team playing in a Florida league? It Midwest certainly is!!!!
The Bison home base is PAT THOMAS STADIUM in Leesburg. It is also home to the Leesburg Lightning. Cubs World visits there every year for our severe thunderstorm.
It took a man from Iowa to insist that the Villages should be included in a Florida league. His name is Gary Rima and he, along with other members of the team, will join us for the membership meeting at Colony on Monday, April 6th.
In the march edition of the magazine, VILLAGE NEIGHBORS, the cover caught my eye! Who are Village Bison? Where do they play? Is it a real BASEBALL team playing in a Florida league? It Midwest certainly is!!!!
The Bison home base is PAT THOMAS STADIUM in Leesburg. It is also home to the Leesburg Lightning. Cubs World visits there every year for our severe thunderstorm.
It took a man from Iowa to insist that the Villages should be included in a Florida league. His name is Gary Rima and he, along with other members of the team, will join us for the membership meeting at Colony on Monday, April 6th.
Also joining us will be ex Chicago Cubs pitching coach DICK POLE via ZOOM. His story takes us back to the days of Don Zimmer.
Pole has a long and rich history in both the major and minor leagues and a wealth of stories to share with us. Of course, like all of our zoom guests, we have absolutely no idea where he will be located. It could be a car or a basement.
Wherever it is, Cubs World will be graced with a visit by another important Chicago legend.
Pole has a long and rich history in both the major and minor leagues and a wealth of stories to share with us. Of course, like all of our zoom guests, we have absolutely no idea where he will be located. It could be a car or a basement.
Wherever it is, Cubs World will be graced with a visit by another important Chicago legend.
THE DAN MARX REPORT
by Dan Marx
For pretty much all my life I would have loved to have my occupation been involved in professional sports. Preferably baseball, preferably Cubs baseball. That’s why every time the Bob and Tony show comes into town, I get excited to hear about all of the behind the scenes stories about their experiences working with the Chicago Cubs.
by Dan Marx
For pretty much all my life I would have loved to have my occupation been involved in professional sports. Preferably baseball, preferably Cubs baseball. That’s why every time the Bob and Tony show comes into town, I get excited to hear about all of the behind the scenes stories about their experiences working with the Chicago Cubs.
Bob is Bob Ibach a former public relations director and Tony Garofolo a former trainer with the Cubs. Since I was only good enough to barely make my Little League team, I was always envious of Bob’s job.
Bob always felt like he was destined to be involved in baseball, when at 8 years old the very first baseball game he had ever seen in person was the second game of the 1956 World Series. Yes that was the game that Don Larsen pitched the perfect game! His dad would tell him stories about growing up in the Bronx and playing stickball with Lou Gehrig one day. After a little while Lou’s good buddy pulled up in a limousine and, you guessed it, Babe Ruth got out and joined in the game. Talk about memorable experiences !!!
Bob has a booming voice that would be suited for baseball in heaven. When we all get there and will be listening to a game, it would have to be Bob Ibach behind the mike.
Bob and Tony both started out telling us how much they loved Ryne Sandberg and how his death is still very raw to them. They told how there were many attendees at Ryne’s funeral. Jim Thome, Ozzie Smith, the Mayor of Chicago , and many Cubs, of course. Bob told us how sick Ryne was, and how he got a chance to talk to Ryno just a few days before he died.
Tony Garofolo told us of his friendship that he had with Bob Kennedy when he was the general manager.
Bob always felt like he was destined to be involved in baseball, when at 8 years old the very first baseball game he had ever seen in person was the second game of the 1956 World Series. Yes that was the game that Don Larsen pitched the perfect game! His dad would tell him stories about growing up in the Bronx and playing stickball with Lou Gehrig one day. After a little while Lou’s good buddy pulled up in a limousine and, you guessed it, Babe Ruth got out and joined in the game. Talk about memorable experiences !!!
Bob has a booming voice that would be suited for baseball in heaven. When we all get there and will be listening to a game, it would have to be Bob Ibach behind the mike.
Bob and Tony both started out telling us how much they loved Ryne Sandberg and how his death is still very raw to them. They told how there were many attendees at Ryne’s funeral. Jim Thome, Ozzie Smith, the Mayor of Chicago , and many Cubs, of course. Bob told us how sick Ryne was, and how he got a chance to talk to Ryno just a few days before he died.
Tony Garofolo told us of his friendship that he had with Bob Kennedy when he was the general manager.
Tony Garofolo told us of his friendship that he had with Bob Kennedy when he was the general manager with the St. Louis Cardinals, and how blessed he was when Kennedy ended up with the Cubs and asked him to become the full-time trainer with the Cubs. Now there are as many as 4 or 5 trainers on the team staff, but back then he was the only trainer. In fact Tony even doubled as their traveling secretary and a few other jobs!
He also had a story about how he had an occasion to work on Joe DiMaggio, and how star truck he was with him. He had some very funny stories to tell us about Yosh Kawano and some of his quirks.
As always we learned of things that happened behind the scenes that we would have never known except for the fact that these 2 gentlemen told us about. Or, as Paul Harvey would have said “the rest of the story.”
Our evening also featured a table served Chinese dinner to a closing piano medley by the Prez to round out the evening.
He also had a story about how he had an occasion to work on Joe DiMaggio, and how star truck he was with him. He had some very funny stories to tell us about Yosh Kawano and some of his quirks.
As always we learned of things that happened behind the scenes that we would have never known except for the fact that these 2 gentlemen told us about. Or, as Paul Harvey would have said “the rest of the story.”
Our evening also featured a table served Chinese dinner to a closing piano medley by the Prez to round out the evening.
by WAYNE RICHARDS and TERRENCE BURKE
WAYNE- Our story begins in far away and exotic OCALA Florida. Just what is it that would attract a Cubbie fan like me to travel North and attend a fund raiser? The opportunity to meet DAVID ROSS....THAT'S WHAT!
WAYNE- Our story begins in far away and exotic OCALA Florida. Just what is it that would attract a Cubbie fan like me to travel North and attend a fund raiser? The opportunity to meet DAVID ROSS....THAT'S WHAT!
TERRENCE- Angela and I really enjoyed attending the baseball team fundraiser at Trinity Catholic High School!
WAYNE- Annie and I were surprised to find a Catholic school with sports programs. This is not the norm by any stretch of the imagination. However, this magnificent campus is tailor-made to develop athletes. These youngsters are polite to a T!!!
TERRENCE- Baseball players serving us "DINNER" (hot dogs, burgers and maybe or maybe not a bag of chips) added a light-hearted. sincere and slightly chaotic but fun element to the evening.
WAYNE- Tommy Bond, who is head coach of baseball team, originally assured me during a conversation a few weeks ago that meeting David Ross would not be problematic. He was so right. I met David before we even stepped into the giant school cafeteria. We exchanged information in the parking lot and David suggested that it would be possible to do a zoom session with Cubs World at the end of the season. He has been hired by ESPN as a color commentator.
In the meantime, Tommy will visit us soon.
WAYNE- Annie and I were surprised to find a Catholic school with sports programs. This is not the norm by any stretch of the imagination. However, this magnificent campus is tailor-made to develop athletes. These youngsters are polite to a T!!!
TERRENCE- Baseball players serving us "DINNER" (hot dogs, burgers and maybe or maybe not a bag of chips) added a light-hearted. sincere and slightly chaotic but fun element to the evening.
WAYNE- Tommy Bond, who is head coach of baseball team, originally assured me during a conversation a few weeks ago that meeting David Ross would not be problematic. He was so right. I met David before we even stepped into the giant school cafeteria. We exchanged information in the parking lot and David suggested that it would be possible to do a zoom session with Cubs World at the end of the season. He has been hired by ESPN as a color commentator.
In the meantime, Tommy will visit us soon.
TERRENCE- Everyone from the head coach to the players to David Ross showed their heart and love of the game. The donations from businesses and individuals from the food auctions was inspiring. We were happy to attend and support the program.
WAYNE- Trinity Catholic has an energy. It is a special place. If you get lost walking around, students or faculty members will treat you like an honored guest. It was a great evening with the added bonus of shaking Grandpa Rossi’s hand. AMEN BROTHER!!!
WAYNE- Trinity Catholic has an energy. It is a special place. If you get lost walking around, students or faculty members will treat you like an honored guest. It was a great evening with the added bonus of shaking Grandpa Rossi’s hand. AMEN BROTHER!!!
KEEP YOUR CUBS WORLD FINGERS CROSSED THAT DAVID WILL VISIT US LATER THIS YEAR!!!!
THE RED WORD MARCHES ON!
by Wayne Richards
My goodness! This RED WORD GAME is so popular. And why not? If you participate you just might win yourself a Publix gift card! On occasion, we might have some additional prizes.
It's easy to play. All you need do is read through the newsletter for a word printed in red, write it down on a piece of paper, card, tax bill or summons and place it in a special jar for a drawing at our next membership meeting.
GOOD LUCK TO EACH AND EVERYONE!!!!!
by Wayne Richards
My goodness! This RED WORD GAME is so popular. And why not? If you participate you just might win yourself a Publix gift card! On occasion, we might have some additional prizes.
It's easy to play. All you need do is read through the newsletter for a word printed in red, write it down on a piece of paper, card, tax bill or summons and place it in a special jar for a drawing at our next membership meeting.
GOOD LUCK TO EACH AND EVERYONE!!!!!
THE BLEACHER BUM REPORT
by Jack Herbon
Lots of things for our Cubs have changed in just one year. The season will open up in just a couple of weeks. So let's look at our projected starting lineup and what we have in the minors. This is what we can expect to see on opening day.
Projected 2026 Cubs Opening Day Lineup
by Jack Herbon
Lots of things for our Cubs have changed in just one year. The season will open up in just a couple of weeks. So let's look at our projected starting lineup and what we have in the minors. This is what we can expect to see on opening day.
Projected 2026 Cubs Opening Day Lineup
- LF: Ian Happ
- CF: Pete Crow-Armstrong
- RF: Seiya Suzuki
- DH: Moises Ballesteros
- C: Miguel Amaya or Carson Kelly
- Our FIVE STARTERS ON THE
- MOUND
- 1. RHP Cade Horton
2. LHP Matthew Boyd
3. RHP Edward Cabrera
4. LHP Shota Imanaga
5. RHP Jameson Taillon - My crystal ball I purchased at KMART in the summer of 1977 says the Cubs will have 95 wins this year. Later last week I found my MAGIC EIGHT BALL which I got at KORVETS back in 1968. I shook the ball and then asked "Will a Cub player be MVP this year?" At first the ball replied..."try again later" which only peeked my curiosity. After a cold beer I shook the ball again and this time it replied, "It is certain." So if any of you are headed to Vegas you can make your bets now.
- Here are our best prospect in 2026:
- 1. Moisés Ballesteros, C (MLB No. 55)
2. Jaxon Wiggins, RHP (MLB No. 58)
3. Ethan Conrad, OF
4. Kevin Alcántara, OF
5. Jefferson Rojas, SS/2B - 1B: Michael Busch
- 2B: Nico Hoerner
- 3B: Alex Bregman
- SS:
Dansby Swanson - Based on early 2026 projections and recent trends, concession prices at Wrigley Field are expected to remain high, with hot dogs starting around $10+, beer for $11-$16+, and pizza slices around $14. If you own a Time Machine and set it for Year 1968 you can still get a Frosty Malt with wooden spoon for 25 cents.
TONY DILIBERTO reporter WAYNE RICHARDS Interviewer
WAYNE: So! I hear you're having good weather in Arizona.
TONY: Beautiful throughout the Mesa area.
WAYNE: Cubs World always love your reports. How is the park looking?
TONY: Beautiful! This is the second game I've been to. We lost the first. Depressing. Pitching issues.
WAYNE: Well, it's only spring training. How are the prices this year?
TONY: Very HIGH!!!! Much higher than last year!
WAYNE: Beer?
TONY: Don't ask.
WAYNE: I just did!
TONY: I'll send you a list. Prices are up on everything! The hot dogs are smaller.
WAYNE: How's the crowd today?
TONY: Place is packed!
WAYNE: Any standout players we should know about?
TONY: Haven't seen any. I don't like the way Cubs pitchers are giving up home runs.
WAYNE: It sounds like an old story.
TONY: I'm bringing some friends to the game in a few days.
WAYNE: You should own the joint by now!
TONY: I love this time of year!
WAYNE: Have you met any players?
TONY: Not this time around.
WAYNE: What was the score of that first game you went to?
TONY: 14- 7 Rockies...but it was a beautiful day!
WAYNE: I love your optimism. GO CUBBIES!
TONY: GO CUBBIES!!!!!
TONY: Beautiful throughout the Mesa area.
WAYNE: Cubs World always love your reports. How is the park looking?
TONY: Beautiful! This is the second game I've been to. We lost the first. Depressing. Pitching issues.
WAYNE: Well, it's only spring training. How are the prices this year?
TONY: Very HIGH!!!! Much higher than last year!
WAYNE: Beer?
TONY: Don't ask.
WAYNE: I just did!
TONY: I'll send you a list. Prices are up on everything! The hot dogs are smaller.
WAYNE: How's the crowd today?
TONY: Place is packed!
WAYNE: Any standout players we should know about?
TONY: Haven't seen any. I don't like the way Cubs pitchers are giving up home runs.
WAYNE: It sounds like an old story.
TONY: I'm bringing some friends to the game in a few days.
WAYNE: You should own the joint by now!
TONY: I love this time of year!
WAYNE: Have you met any players?
TONY: Not this time around.
WAYNE: What was the score of that first game you went to?
TONY: 14- 7 Rockies...but it was a beautiful day!
WAYNE: I love your optimism. GO CUBBIES!
TONY: GO CUBBIES!!!!!
WELCOME TO OUR FAMILY...
Aida Elg
John and Betsy Hubbs
Tim and Kim Uhlig
Marty and Cynthia Shandles
Dennis and Jo Miller
VEGAS BETS ON THE CUBS!
by Wayne Richards
by the way....this is not Jack Herbon's crystal ball!
For anyone who visits Vegas (and kudos to you because its way out of my price range) you might notice that sports booking is a huge part of the mosaic of this crazy town. By the way, many thanks to Bally's. They've been holding $500.00 of my money since I met one of their slot machines about a decade ago. I wonder if that money has earned any interest?
In any case, this is the time of year when the learned men and women make their projections and predictions regarding the MLB. Being America's team, the Chicago Cubs always draws attention.
Even ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE pays attention to the north-siders. The program is known as PECOTA-Player Empirical Comparison and Optimization test algorithm cha cha cha.
For those interested, here are the results as tabulated in Vegas..........
2026 Win Total Projections
Over/Under: The most common line is 88.5 wins. Odds: Over 88.5 (-115), Under 88.5 (-105). Context: After a 92-win campaign in 2025, some analysts suggest the Cubs might hit the over if their pitching remains healthy, despite potential minor offensive regression from last year's high marks.
Some projections, such as PECOTA, have pegged them closer to 90.5 wins. North Side Baseball +5 Division & Playoff Odds NL Central Winner: The Cubs are favorites to win the division with odds around +120 to +125. Playoff Status: The Cubs are highly expected to make the postseason, with "Yes" odds at -250 (roughly 71% implied probability) and "No" at +200. Rivals: They are expected to battle the Milwaukee Brewers for the top spot, with the Brewers projected around 84.5 wins.
In any case, this is the time of year when the learned men and women make their projections and predictions regarding the MLB. Being America's team, the Chicago Cubs always draws attention.
Even ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE pays attention to the north-siders. The program is known as PECOTA-Player Empirical Comparison and Optimization test algorithm cha cha cha.
For those interested, here are the results as tabulated in Vegas..........
2026 Win Total Projections
Over/Under: The most common line is 88.5 wins. Odds: Over 88.5 (-115), Under 88.5 (-105). Context: After a 92-win campaign in 2025, some analysts suggest the Cubs might hit the over if their pitching remains healthy, despite potential minor offensive regression from last year's high marks.
Some projections, such as PECOTA, have pegged them closer to 90.5 wins. North Side Baseball +5 Division & Playoff Odds NL Central Winner: The Cubs are favorites to win the division with odds around +120 to +125. Playoff Status: The Cubs are highly expected to make the postseason, with "Yes" odds at -250 (roughly 71% implied probability) and "No" at +200. Rivals: They are expected to battle the Milwaukee Brewers for the top spot, with the Brewers projected around 84.5 wins.
AND NOW CUBS WORLD…LET’S HEAR YOUR CHOICES FOR THE FOLLOWING…
BEST HITTER
BEST PITCHER
BEST CUB HITTER
BEST CUB PITCHER
Take a good look Cubs World. My desk will never be this neat again! Polish up the glass and it's magic!
The bottom drawer (out of camera range) has been meticulously organized and place in nice clean files. The end result of all this hard work is that I CAN'T FIND A DAMNED THING!!!! Oh well. Down to business.
I don't know about you folks, but Bob Ibach's projection that the 2027 season may not happen is extremely disgusting! He announced this shocking news bit at our membership meeting and also privately with yours truly on the phone. It’s all about MONEY! Looks like baseball is becoming a rich man’s game.
My good friend Tony, who loves reporting for us, sent some photos of kiosks. They just didn’t transfer to my software very well.
So here are 2026 prices at Sloan Park in Arizona. Jack Herbon please note that some prices are LESS at Wrigley!!
A large premium beer is $17.99. Regular domestic beer is $13.99. Ready to drink cocktails are $14.99. Liter of water is $10.00. Peanuts only $7.99! A Chicago dog (but not quite a Chicago dog because I’ve had a couple) costs $10.99. Chips $4.99. Soda (pop) $7.99.
Speaking of prices, Cubs World will be initiating a slight (very small)increase to help cover dinner costs and such for our membership meetings. Food costs are a higher as I’m sure you’ve seen.
One of our most popular speaking guests has been and is Cody Hills, former sports writer for the Daily Sun. I originally had him scheduled for April, but I have not heard back for any conformation. This happens from time to time. So, I had to change the schedule.
But no worries, I’ll do what I can to commit him to May.
One other thing I plan to do is keep the communication lines with David Ross open at all times! I still can’t believe I met him in an Ocala parking lot.
By the way, thank you to all the wonderful folks who have been contributing items to Cubs World. We will be giving many of these things away as extra prizes from time to time.
That’s it from my desk until next month. Let’s see what happens when the Cubs begin their season. GO CUBBIES!!!!
The bottom drawer (out of camera range) has been meticulously organized and place in nice clean files. The end result of all this hard work is that I CAN'T FIND A DAMNED THING!!!! Oh well. Down to business.
I don't know about you folks, but Bob Ibach's projection that the 2027 season may not happen is extremely disgusting! He announced this shocking news bit at our membership meeting and also privately with yours truly on the phone. It’s all about MONEY! Looks like baseball is becoming a rich man’s game.
My good friend Tony, who loves reporting for us, sent some photos of kiosks. They just didn’t transfer to my software very well.
So here are 2026 prices at Sloan Park in Arizona. Jack Herbon please note that some prices are LESS at Wrigley!!
A large premium beer is $17.99. Regular domestic beer is $13.99. Ready to drink cocktails are $14.99. Liter of water is $10.00. Peanuts only $7.99! A Chicago dog (but not quite a Chicago dog because I’ve had a couple) costs $10.99. Chips $4.99. Soda (pop) $7.99.
Speaking of prices, Cubs World will be initiating a slight (very small)increase to help cover dinner costs and such for our membership meetings. Food costs are a higher as I’m sure you’ve seen.
One of our most popular speaking guests has been and is Cody Hills, former sports writer for the Daily Sun. I originally had him scheduled for April, but I have not heard back for any conformation. This happens from time to time. So, I had to change the schedule.
But no worries, I’ll do what I can to commit him to May.
One other thing I plan to do is keep the communication lines with David Ross open at all times! I still can’t believe I met him in an Ocala parking lot.
By the way, thank you to all the wonderful folks who have been contributing items to Cubs World. We will be giving many of these things away as extra prizes from time to time.
That’s it from my desk until next month. Let’s see what happens when the Cubs begin their season. GO CUBBIES!!!!
As always, we leave a comment box for you to express ideas, make suggestions, observations, projections, tell jokes, tell stories...etc.
Please don't be shy. You're amongst friends. When it comes to this kind of thing, it's always more fun when more people participate.
Until next month......GO CUBBIES!!!!!
Please don't be shy. You're amongst friends. When it comes to this kind of thing, it's always more fun when more people participate.
Until next month......GO CUBBIES!!!!!
AND NOW...FOR OUR BIG FINISH!!!!!
