Saturday, September 05, 2009

Chicago Radio Spotlight


This week I updated previous interviews with John Records Landecker, Steve Dale, Andrea Darlas, Jerry Agar, Dobie Maxwell, Mark Zander, Jack Silver & Dave Benson.

Read 'em here.

Bob Newhart


Actor.

Comedian.

Cubs fan.


80 years old today.

Friday, September 04, 2009

America's future

Sigh...

E-mails, we get e-mails


"MB" sent me this regarding my interview with Dane Placko...



"Dane: "I really really enjoy getting a good tip."

Here's a good tip: Wear a shirt when you're frying bacon!"

The streak

I know this is a once in a century sort of thing, but on this date in 1935, the Cubs won the first game of what became a 21 game winning streak. The winning pitcher for the Cubs was Larry French (photo).

When the streak began, they were in third place. They ended up winning the pennant by 4 games. Then they lost the World Series to the Detroit Tigers.

Is it possible they'll do it again this year? Stranger things have happened.*




*Um, but don't ask me to name any.

Thursday, September 03, 2009

No words necessary



Why is this shirt selling so well right now at Just One Bad Century?

It says so much, without saying a single word.

Get yours here.

Alfonso Soriano




Sucks.

Dane Placko



I just posted the full unedited version of my interview with Fox-TV reporter Dane Placko at Chicago Radio Spotlight.

You can read it here.






Coming this weekend at CRS: Updates from John Records Landecker, Steve Dale, Andrea Darlas, Jerry Agar, Dobie Maxwell, Mark Zander, Dave Benson, and Jack Silver.

Gonzo & the Brat

The man the Cubs called Gonzo was born on this date in 1967. He had the game winning hit in the World Series, but of course, not for the Cubs.



The Brat was also born on this date (in 1916). He won many pennants in his career, but none with the team that brought him to the Majors, the Chicago Cubs.

Wednesday, September 02, 2009

Milt Pappas



On this date in 1972, Milt Pappas threw a no-hitter for the Cubs against the San Diego Padres.

Milt is famously still upset that it wasn't a perfect game. He walked the 27th batter he faced (San Diego journeyman outfielder Larry Stahl) on a borderline 3-2 pitch.

Tuesday, September 01, 2009

Beatles Rock Band

OK, now this is a cool commercial...

Lou Piniella


The Onion has at least one Cubs fan on their writing staff: "Lou Piniella Lauded For Not Getting Anyone's Hopes Up This Year"

Thanks to "RR" for pointing this one out.

Lee Smith debuts


On this date in 1980, Lee Smith made his Major League debut for the Cubs. He came in to relieve Dennis Lamp in the 5th inning. The first batter he faced was Dale Murphy, the future MVP of the league. Murphy grounded out.

That 1980 Cubs team was among the worst in Cubs history. And that's saying something.

Monday, August 31, 2009

Bee stings reporter

Armadillo Cam


This is oddly compelling...

Van Morrison

It's his 64th birthday today. Here he is talking about his music...

A no-hitter

He won only 63 games in his MLB career (all but six of them for the Cubs), but for one glorious day, he was unhittable.

Jimmy Lavender pitched a no-hitter in the first game of a double header in New York against the Giants on this date in 1915. He walked one and struck out eight.

Among his teammates that season were the last two remaining members of the 1908 Champs (Wildfire Schulte & Heinie Zimmerman), and the Hall of Famer Hippo Vaughn.

With the victory, the Cubs got back to .500. Unfortunately, they lost the second game and fell back under.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

KiKi Cuyler


He was born on this date in 1898.

KiKi Cuyler (pronounced Kuy-Kuy, not Kee-Kee) is a Hall of Famer, and one of the greatest players to ever wear a Chicago Cubs uniform.

Read all about him here.

1918




Probably the most fascinating season in Cubs history is profiled today in this week's bonus Tale from a Bad Century: 1918.

Father Knows Nothing

I just posted my latest "Father Knows Nothing" column at NWI Parent. This one is called "Unbridled Enthusiasm" and it's about the uncontainable Sean. You can read it here.