OBSERVATIONS BY WAYNE RICHARDS
Fall is rapidly approaching and with it comes crunch time for baseball. Cubs World is a bit frustrated with our men in blue, but always behind them to cheer enthusiastically loud. We all know that when the Cubbies win a regular season game, the energy and noise level in the ball park rivals that of a World Series Contest.
The truth is, we're not going to accomplish much during this stretch, except for one very curious thing and I'm sure you've noticed it too. If you look hard and long enough, you can see glimpses of the future.
For instance, there is a special light that surrounds Pete Crow Armstrong. What an acquisition! I think that in time, he might even have his own cereal!
There WILL come a time sooner than we might think when we will be watching our Cubbies play where they belong...in post season!
It'll be a while , but true Cubs fans know very well that patience pays off in huge dividends. Always keep the faith!
Fall is rapidly approaching and with it comes crunch time for baseball. Cubs World is a bit frustrated with our men in blue, but always behind them to cheer enthusiastically loud. We all know that when the Cubbies win a regular season game, the energy and noise level in the ball park rivals that of a World Series Contest.
The truth is, we're not going to accomplish much during this stretch, except for one very curious thing and I'm sure you've noticed it too. If you look hard and long enough, you can see glimpses of the future.
For instance, there is a special light that surrounds Pete Crow Armstrong. What an acquisition! I think that in time, he might even have his own cereal!
There WILL come a time sooner than we might think when we will be watching our Cubbies play where they belong...in post season!
It'll be a while , but true Cubs fans know very well that patience pays off in huge dividends. Always keep the faith!
COMING UP THIS OCTOBER
OCTOBER MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Monday, October 7th
Colony Cottage
SUE ZIPAY (one of the original Rockford Peaches)
Her presentation will be via ZOOM!
OCTOBER MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Monday, October 7th
Colony Cottage
SUE ZIPAY (one of the original Rockford Peaches)
Her presentation will be via ZOOM!
SUE ZIPAY TO SPEAK TO CUBS WORLD
by Wayne Richards
Last year, it was decided upon to focus on subjects to capture the interest of women. Last year's "ALL WOMEN'S EDITION" of THE CHATTER did just that!
For some time now, we have been in contact with Sue Zipay, one of the original members of the Rockford Peaches. We are happy to say that on our October membership meeting scheduled for Monday, October 7th, Sue will be joining us via ZOOM!
Her story is captivating , but when you hear what she's trying to accomplish today, you will find yourself cheering her on as she deserves to be.
by Wayne Richards
Last year, it was decided upon to focus on subjects to capture the interest of women. Last year's "ALL WOMEN'S EDITION" of THE CHATTER did just that!
For some time now, we have been in contact with Sue Zipay, one of the original members of the Rockford Peaches. We are happy to say that on our October membership meeting scheduled for Monday, October 7th, Sue will be joining us via ZOOM!
Her story is captivating , but when you hear what she's trying to accomplish today, you will find yourself cheering her on as she deserves to be.
Cubs are still hanging tough for an outside wild card spot in the National League playoffs. As of this writing we are four games out with about 3 weeks left in the season. Anything can still happen.
With that in mind have you recently taken a peek at the that south-side team's record? If the White Sox lose 7 more games they will beat the record held by the New York Mets. Who lost 120 games in 1962!!!! Contrary to popular belief the Commissioner of Baseball has not approve a suggestion the White Sox would be allowed to use a batting tee for next season. But, that could change so stay tuned.
With the season winding down, I thought I would share three baseball jokes that still have legs.
1/ God challenges Satan to a baseball game. "How can I lose?" he says. "I have all the players!"
"How can I lose?" Satan replies. "I have all the umps!"
2/ An Irish man went to his first baseball game. As the first batter made a hit, fans jumped up yelling, "RUN! RUN!" The Irish man jumped up as well yelling, "Run, laddie! Run laddie!" The next batter got up and made his hit. The fans again cheered, "RUN! RUN!" The Irish man jumped up yelling "Run laddie! Run laddie!" The third batter got up got ball 1...ball 2...ball 3...ball 4.....The umpire yelled "Take your base!" The batter jogged to the base. The Irish man jumped up an yelled "Run laddie! Run laddie!" Another fan looked at him and said, "He does not need to run, he has 4 balls! " The Irish man's jaw dropped, and turned and said, "Walk with pride, lad! Walk with pride!"
3 / Bob didn’t believe that Fred’s dog could talk. So Fred asked his dog, “What’s on top of a house?”
“Roof,” the dog barked. Bob wasn’t convinced. So Fred asked the dog how sandpaper feels. “Rough.” He still wasn’t convinced. “O.K., who was the greatest baseball player of all time?” Fred asked the dog. “Ruth.” With that, Bob walked away, shaking his head in disbelief. The dog turned to Fred and asked: " Was it Hank Aaron?”
(NOTE TO JACK FROM THE PRESIDENT. I can arrange a booking at the Joke Joint!)
Cubs are still hanging tough for an outside wild card spot in the National League playoffs. As of this writing we are four games out with about 3 weeks left in the season. Anything can still happen.
With that in mind have you recently taken a peek at the that south-side team's record? If the White Sox lose 7 more games they will beat the record held by the New York Mets. Who lost 120 games in 1962!!!! Contrary to popular belief the Commissioner of Baseball has not approve a suggestion the White Sox would be allowed to use a batting tee for next season. But, that could change so stay tuned.
With the season winding down, I thought I would share three baseball jokes that still have legs.
1/ God challenges Satan to a baseball game. "How can I lose?" he says. "I have all the players!"
"How can I lose?" Satan replies. "I have all the umps!"
2/ An Irish man went to his first baseball game. As the first batter made a hit, fans jumped up yelling, "RUN! RUN!" The Irish man jumped up as well yelling, "Run, laddie! Run laddie!" The next batter got up and made his hit. The fans again cheered, "RUN! RUN!" The Irish man jumped up yelling "Run laddie! Run laddie!" The third batter got up got ball 1...ball 2...ball 3...ball 4.....The umpire yelled "Take your base!" The batter jogged to the base. The Irish man jumped up an yelled "Run laddie! Run laddie!" Another fan looked at him and said, "He does not need to run, he has 4 balls! " The Irish man's jaw dropped, and turned and said, "Walk with pride, lad! Walk with pride!"
3 / Bob didn’t believe that Fred’s dog could talk. So Fred asked his dog, “What’s on top of a house?”
“Roof,” the dog barked. Bob wasn’t convinced. So Fred asked the dog how sandpaper feels. “Rough.” He still wasn’t convinced. “O.K., who was the greatest baseball player of all time?” Fred asked the dog. “Ruth.” With that, Bob walked away, shaking his head in disbelief. The dog turned to Fred and asked: " Was it Hank Aaron?”
(NOTE TO JACK FROM THE PRESIDENT. I can arrange a booking at the Joke Joint!)
By Wayne Richards
One of the most influential and important members of Cubs World is Gary Koca. His dedication to our organization cannot be underrated.
As you know, Cubs World prides itself in making each membership meeting an enjoyable experience. Gary has been extremely influential in procuring speakers.
Gary has been planning to do a presentation for us about Women's baseball. It was to be tied in with Sue Zipay's contribution.
But, I am sad to report that Mr. Koca is very ill and unable to treat us to what could've been a very informative and entertaining expose on an important piece of baseball history.
I've actually seen the detailed power point he created. He suggested that I do it in his absence. But, I would not be comfortable doing that. I want the spotlight to be his whenever the time is right.
I will present a short history about women's baseball, but only as a dedication to Gary...a fine man and friend we all wish a speedy recovery!
CUBS WORLD is in need of someone with a video or regular camera to record some of our events. In the meantime, whenever you attend a membership meeting or other event, don't be shy about taking a few photos to share with us!
Jim Guleserian, MR. LET'S PLAY TOO, is headed to Washington Dc.. He will be taking this year's Honor Flight! This is an important moment for him and also America to extend our appreciation to all who have served. The sacrifices of these amazing men and women sustain our American rights and freedom. These people can never be celebrated enough!
As you know, Cubs World prides itself in making each membership meeting an enjoyable experience. Gary has been extremely influential in procuring speakers.
Gary has been planning to do a presentation for us about Women's baseball. It was to be tied in with Sue Zipay's contribution.
But, I am sad to report that Mr. Koca is very ill and unable to treat us to what could've been a very informative and entertaining expose on an important piece of baseball history.
I've actually seen the detailed power point he created. He suggested that I do it in his absence. But, I would not be comfortable doing that. I want the spotlight to be his whenever the time is right.
I will present a short history about women's baseball, but only as a dedication to Gary...a fine man and friend we all wish a speedy recovery!
CUBS WORLD is in need of someone with a video or regular camera to record some of our events. In the meantime, whenever you attend a membership meeting or other event, don't be shy about taking a few photos to share with us!
Jim Guleserian, MR. LET'S PLAY TOO, is headed to Washington Dc.. He will be taking this year's Honor Flight! This is an important moment for him and also America to extend our appreciation to all who have served. The sacrifices of these amazing men and women sustain our American rights and freedom. These people can never be celebrated enough!
CUBS WORLD WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME OUR NEWEST MEMBERS!
BOB AGNEW
and
DON SHERIDAN
(The Cubs World Chatter invites both of you and all our members to send in stories. Tell us where you grew up. How you became a Cubs Fan. we would
love to hear from you!
GO CUBBIES!
BOB AGNEW
and
DON SHERIDAN
(The Cubs World Chatter invites both of you and all our members to send in stories. Tell us where you grew up. How you became a Cubs Fan. we would
love to hear from you!
GO CUBBIES!
THIS JUST IN TO THE CUBS WORLD CHATTER HEADQUARTERS!
by Wayne RIchards
Something important and wonderful has just spilled across my desk! (No..it's not beer.) I think Cubs World will be very excited! I know I am.
This exciting news has come to fruition all because of out hard working IRON CHEF (Debi)! October's cuisine?
TAKE A LOOK BELOW!
by Wayne RIchards
Something important and wonderful has just spilled across my desk! (No..it's not beer.) I think Cubs World will be very excited! I know I am.
This exciting news has come to fruition all because of out hard working IRON CHEF (Debi)! October's cuisine?
TAKE A LOOK BELOW!
RED WORD
by Wayne Richards
By now, I'm sure most of Cubs World is aware that in every edition of this newsletter, you will find a word printed in red. Actually, sometimes you might find two because the publishers of this publication might've gotten a bit too excited.
Anyway, When you find the word, please write it down on a piece of paper. Bring it to our October meeting, write your name on it and place it in a special jar set aside for a drawing.
If your name comes up you could become the proud owner of a Publix gift card suitable for framing. Although, why you would want to do that is a mystery. Good luck!!!!!
by Wayne Richards
By now, I'm sure most of Cubs World is aware that in every edition of this newsletter, you will find a word printed in red. Actually, sometimes you might find two because the publishers of this publication might've gotten a bit too excited.
Anyway, When you find the word, please write it down on a piece of paper. Bring it to our October meeting, write your name on it and place it in a special jar set aside for a drawing.
If your name comes up you could become the proud owner of a Publix gift card suitable for framing. Although, why you would want to do that is a mystery. Good luck!!!!!
VIVA LA FRANZ
by Wayne Richards
It was only a few months ago when Franz Beard was to appear before Cubs World. Suddenly, he had an accident and was beaten up quite seriously. I was shocked at the photo of his injury he graciously sent and shocked me with.
But even at the time of his obvious distress, he still expressed the enthusiasm he had for addressing our group and with care and determination, he finally made it! Cubs World members were absolutely delighted at his presence.
Before Franz gave his extraordinary presentation, Jim Guleserian rendered his "LETS PLAY TOO" segment, in which two more board members were acknowledged. Also, the business of voting on by-law updates was conducted and approved by Cubs World members.
Then, it was Mr. Beard's turn and as we discovered, the man is a walking and talking sports fanatic. All who gathered at Colony Cottage were captivated by his conversational style.
Although a journalist most of his life, one gets the impression that he would make a good scout. But like our good friends Jim Guleserian and Jack Herbon, Beard is an examiner of stats. He treated us to his predictions of up and coming players that could wear Cubs uniforms in the future.
His confident delivery and opinions are based on tremendous research. That is why Mr. Beard has covered Super Bowls, World Series, NCAA basketball championships, BCS championship games, heavyweight title fights and what seems like thousands of college football, baseball and basketball games.
The subject of technological advances in baseball is one that was brought up during the question and answer period. I also brought it up during dinner (which was wonderful and thank you Iron Chef.) "I hate it!" said Franz. He went on to tell the gathered, "I"m old school. All this stuff ruins the game!"
With his obvious enthusiasm and knowledge, Franz Beard will make a return to Cubs World. And with equal enthusiasm, he will be welcomed.
by Wayne Richards
It was only a few months ago when Franz Beard was to appear before Cubs World. Suddenly, he had an accident and was beaten up quite seriously. I was shocked at the photo of his injury he graciously sent and shocked me with.
But even at the time of his obvious distress, he still expressed the enthusiasm he had for addressing our group and with care and determination, he finally made it! Cubs World members were absolutely delighted at his presence.
Before Franz gave his extraordinary presentation, Jim Guleserian rendered his "LETS PLAY TOO" segment, in which two more board members were acknowledged. Also, the business of voting on by-law updates was conducted and approved by Cubs World members.
Then, it was Mr. Beard's turn and as we discovered, the man is a walking and talking sports fanatic. All who gathered at Colony Cottage were captivated by his conversational style.
Although a journalist most of his life, one gets the impression that he would make a good scout. But like our good friends Jim Guleserian and Jack Herbon, Beard is an examiner of stats. He treated us to his predictions of up and coming players that could wear Cubs uniforms in the future.
His confident delivery and opinions are based on tremendous research. That is why Mr. Beard has covered Super Bowls, World Series, NCAA basketball championships, BCS championship games, heavyweight title fights and what seems like thousands of college football, baseball and basketball games.
The subject of technological advances in baseball is one that was brought up during the question and answer period. I also brought it up during dinner (which was wonderful and thank you Iron Chef.) "I hate it!" said Franz. He went on to tell the gathered, "I"m old school. All this stuff ruins the game!"
With his obvious enthusiasm and knowledge, Franz Beard will make a return to Cubs World. And with equal enthusiasm, he will be welcomed.
A PASSION FOR BASEBALL
by Dan Marx
I have no idea how or why, but I listened to a Tuesday night game between the Pirates and the Braves in 1959, perhaps the greatest game ever pitched.
The Pirates pitcher was, of course, Harvey Haddix. He might almost have been called the accidental pitcher. After trying out for the St. Louis Cardinals he was asked to pick a position to play. First base, outfield, and pitcher wasn’t a good enough answer for picking a position, so he picked pitcher.
But he first had to work on his family farm for 3 years before getting his first tryout in Winston Salem where he was terrific .
There was nothing intimidating about Haddix. He wasn’t big, and his fastball wasn’t that fast, but he was very crafty and figured out ways to set down batters.
Even though he started with St. Louis, he then went to Philadelphia, Cincinnati, and finally Pittsburgh.
That particular night Haddix was asked how we was going to pitch to the extremely powerful lineup, and he said that each hitter he would pitch high and tight and then low and away.
Going into that night, he felt extremely nauseous. But he went through the lineup exactly the way he said that he would. The Braves were even stealing signs that night, but no matter. Nobody could get on base against Haddix.
He closed out the 5th on 4 pitches. And then only needed 8 pitches to end the 6th inning. He breezed through the 7th and the 8th . Then he got 2 strikeouts in the 9th to complete the perfect game. Well, not really. You see the Braves pitcher, Lew Burdette, was also pitching a shutout. Burdette had given up a few scattered hits, but unlike today’s pitchers with their pitch counts , neither one of these guys were ready to come out of the game.
So Haddix pitched a perfect tenth and only needed 9 pitches to get through the 11th . And Burdette wouldn’t budge either. Then came the 12th and another perfect inning from Haddix. Burdette got through the top of the 13th with his shutout intact, but the string ran out on Haddix in the bottom of the 13th.
Felix Mantilla hit a ground ball to Don Hoak to start the inning but Hoak threw wide to break up the perfect game, but the no hitter and the shutout were still intact. After a bunt, Haddix intentionally walked Aaron, and that brought up Joe Adcock. Adcock turned on a Haddix slider and everything was gone after the ball went over the fence.
When told afterwards that he had pitched the greatest game in baseball history, he said, “ all I know is that we lost”. He was even asked to be on the Ed Sullivan show, but he declined.
He said” how long can I talk about a loss anyways”. He found out that was the only thing people would ever want to talk about.
Harvey Haddix only had 136 wins in his career, but unfortunately that became one of his 113 losses.
So, to this day I have no idea why I ever started listening to this game, but I sure knew that I wasn’t going to stop listening until this masterpiece was over.
NOTE....WE ARE ACTIVELY ATTEMPTING TO HAVE THIS FINE AUTHOR VISIT US EARLY NEXT YEAR. STAY TUNED!!!!
by Dan Marx
I have no idea how or why, but I listened to a Tuesday night game between the Pirates and the Braves in 1959, perhaps the greatest game ever pitched.
The Pirates pitcher was, of course, Harvey Haddix. He might almost have been called the accidental pitcher. After trying out for the St. Louis Cardinals he was asked to pick a position to play. First base, outfield, and pitcher wasn’t a good enough answer for picking a position, so he picked pitcher.
But he first had to work on his family farm for 3 years before getting his first tryout in Winston Salem where he was terrific .
There was nothing intimidating about Haddix. He wasn’t big, and his fastball wasn’t that fast, but he was very crafty and figured out ways to set down batters.
Even though he started with St. Louis, he then went to Philadelphia, Cincinnati, and finally Pittsburgh.
That particular night Haddix was asked how we was going to pitch to the extremely powerful lineup, and he said that each hitter he would pitch high and tight and then low and away.
Going into that night, he felt extremely nauseous. But he went through the lineup exactly the way he said that he would. The Braves were even stealing signs that night, but no matter. Nobody could get on base against Haddix.
He closed out the 5th on 4 pitches. And then only needed 8 pitches to end the 6th inning. He breezed through the 7th and the 8th . Then he got 2 strikeouts in the 9th to complete the perfect game. Well, not really. You see the Braves pitcher, Lew Burdette, was also pitching a shutout. Burdette had given up a few scattered hits, but unlike today’s pitchers with their pitch counts , neither one of these guys were ready to come out of the game.
So Haddix pitched a perfect tenth and only needed 9 pitches to get through the 11th . And Burdette wouldn’t budge either. Then came the 12th and another perfect inning from Haddix. Burdette got through the top of the 13th with his shutout intact, but the string ran out on Haddix in the bottom of the 13th.
Felix Mantilla hit a ground ball to Don Hoak to start the inning but Hoak threw wide to break up the perfect game, but the no hitter and the shutout were still intact. After a bunt, Haddix intentionally walked Aaron, and that brought up Joe Adcock. Adcock turned on a Haddix slider and everything was gone after the ball went over the fence.
When told afterwards that he had pitched the greatest game in baseball history, he said, “ all I know is that we lost”. He was even asked to be on the Ed Sullivan show, but he declined.
He said” how long can I talk about a loss anyways”. He found out that was the only thing people would ever want to talk about.
Harvey Haddix only had 136 wins in his career, but unfortunately that became one of his 113 losses.
So, to this day I have no idea why I ever started listening to this game, but I sure knew that I wasn’t going to stop listening until this masterpiece was over.
NOTE....WE ARE ACTIVELY ATTEMPTING TO HAVE THIS FINE AUTHOR VISIT US EARLY NEXT YEAR. STAY TUNED!!!!
GATORS CUBS WATCH PARTY WAS A HAPP-HAPP-HAPPY DAY!!!!!!
by Wayne Richards
Two rain delays did nothing to dampen the happy mood at the Cubs Watch party on Saturday, August 17th at Gators in Brownwood. In the Villages, it was a humid-fest outside but quite comfortable and cozy inside, although our television sight lines were a bit discombobulated due to the fact that our usual sitting area had been taken over by another group cheering on a football game.
As oddly as our televisions were positioned, we did get to see Ian Happ homer along with Michael Busch's two run triple.
Good food. Good friends. What more do you need?
by Wayne Richards
Two rain delays did nothing to dampen the happy mood at the Cubs Watch party on Saturday, August 17th at Gators in Brownwood. In the Villages, it was a humid-fest outside but quite comfortable and cozy inside, although our television sight lines were a bit discombobulated due to the fact that our usual sitting area had been taken over by another group cheering on a football game.
As oddly as our televisions were positioned, we did get to see Ian Happ homer along with Michael Busch's two run triple.
Good food. Good friends. What more do you need?
THE GAME OF THE YEAR!
by Wayne Richards
On behalf of CUBS WORLD, I would like to extend greetings and congratulations to the LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS from the peaceful and quiet town of Lady lake, Florida. They all played with personality and passion which is what catapulted them to the top, beating the amazing Japanese team.
Our boys actually consoled our friends from overseas with hugs, displaying true sportsmanship! This, of course, is something that is sadly lacking in professional sports.
I think all these boys have great futures ahead of them. After being captivated by the series, a few of our heroes just might pursue a career in baseball. In CUBS CHATTER'S opinion...they are off to a terrific start!
by Wayne Richards
On behalf of CUBS WORLD, I would like to extend greetings and congratulations to the LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS from the peaceful and quiet town of Lady lake, Florida. They all played with personality and passion which is what catapulted them to the top, beating the amazing Japanese team.
Our boys actually consoled our friends from overseas with hugs, displaying true sportsmanship! This, of course, is something that is sadly lacking in professional sports.
I think all these boys have great futures ahead of them. After being captivated by the series, a few of our heroes just might pursue a career in baseball. In CUBS CHATTER'S opinion...they are off to a terrific start!
SOME MORE GOOD NEWS!
by Wayne Richards
The Kane County Cougars have always held a special place in my heart because this stadium sandwiched between St. Charles and Geneva, Il. is where I became an anthem singer. A representative from the Chicago White watched me in action and arranged for me to sing at WHITE SOX PARK (now known as GUARANTEED PARKING BALL PARK) and the rest is history!
The Cougars, at one time, were connected with the Cubbies. But I enjoyed the thrill of witnessing their own "down home" grass roots style of baseball.
Just days ago, I discovered something very interesting on line....
A walk-off single by Armond Upshaw in the bottom of the ninth inning secured a 3-2 win for the Kane County Cougars over the Chicago Dogs to clinch the East Division Championship!
This news delights me to no end. Who did they lose to?
THE CHICAGO DOGS! So, I guess this proves something. THE WEINER DOES NOT TAKE IT ALL!
FROM THE PRESIDENT'S OFFICE
As president, I can proclaim proudly that the people in my cabinet...er.....excuse me...on my board are wonderfully dedicated people. They care about Cubs World as I do.
But each of our terms is limited according to by-laws. We can be re-elected and accept or call it a day. We will be experiencing some changes very soon.
That is why I would like everyone to know that they are invited to attend our board meeting which are held on the third Monday of every month at 3 pm. We gather together at the Colony Cottage.
If you'd like to attend and see how things work and how you can help Cubs World continue to grow, send me an e-mail at [email protected].
GO CUBBIES!!!!!!!!!!
But each of our terms is limited according to by-laws. We can be re-elected and accept or call it a day. We will be experiencing some changes very soon.
That is why I would like everyone to know that they are invited to attend our board meeting which are held on the third Monday of every month at 3 pm. We gather together at the Colony Cottage.
If you'd like to attend and see how things work and how you can help Cubs World continue to grow, send me an e-mail at [email protected].
GO CUBBIES!!!!!!!!!!