Jam Packed Weekend

2 weekend book signings--3 great Eckhartz Press #books. 1st on Saturday from 2-4pm, at Moretti's in Mt. Prospect selling my book "EveryCubEver" along with @BeckySarwate of "Cubsessions". (#Cubs) Sunday I'll be in Wheaton for "Nose Over Toes" signing at Emmett's Brewing. Stop by! pic.twitter.com/gaAajJ2LtF

— Rick Kaempfer (@RickKaempfer) May 2, 2019

Sinclair Going All-In on Sports

Sinclair announced they are buying 21 regional sports networks from Disney.

That comes with a hefty $10 billion price tag.

This news follows the news that they are starting up a sports network in Chicago with the Cubs, beginning next season. Let's hope this new focus on sports causes them to give up politics.

EveryCubEver in the Daily Herald

Super appreciative of this article in the Daily Herald: So you think you know the Cubs?

If you'd like to win a copy of my book "EveryCubEver" you have a chance via this piece There's a trivia question--and it's a reeeeeeally hard one. I didn't even know the answer.

Do you?

Elvis Costello with Spinal Tap!

Janet Sutherland

This is a great piece in the Kane County Chronicle about Eckhartz Press author Janet Sutherland and her book "Nose Over Toes". I'll be in Wheaton on Sunday with her. If you're in the neighborhood, stop by. I'll buy you a beer. (Another signing at a brewery? Is this how they get you to show up to all of these things, Rick?)

Paul Still Isn't Dead

Gibb worked for WKNR and led the discussion about the "clues" that pointed to McCartney's death. #radiohistory

Russ Gibb — Detroit rock visionary, schoolteacher and 'Paul is dead' prankster — dies at 87 https://t.co/a0izEW4fvc via @freep

— Len O'Kelly (@LenOKelly) May 1, 2019

May Day

My book "everycubever" is available now via eckhartzpress (https://eckhartzpress.com/shop/everycubever/). It features a mini-bio of every Cub who ever played--including all three that are worthy of featuring on May Day...

~Derrick May 1968-- (Cubs 1990-1994)
Derrick was a first round Cubs draft choice in 1986, and made his big league debut in 1990. The son of big leaguer Dave May didn’t really get regular playing time until 1992, but in his final three seasons with the Cubs he did show some promise. In ’93 he had his best campaign, hitting 10 homers and driving in 77 while batting .295. After the 1994/1995 strike, May was permitted to leave as a free agent, and later played with the Brewers, Astros, Phillies, Expos, and Orioles.

~Jakie May 1895--1970 (Cubs 1931-1932)
The little lefty (only 5’8″) pitched 14 seasons in the big leagues, the last two of which were for the Cubs. He was used almost exclusively out of the bullpen. Jakie won 7 games and saved 3. He retired after the 1932 World Series loss to the Yankees, a few months shy of his 37th birthday. He had been rocked for seven runs in only two innings pitched in that series.

~Scott May 1961-- (Cubs 1991)
Scott was a September call-up at the end of the 1991 season and appeared in two games. The right-handed reliever gave up six hits and four earned runs in only two innings (an ERA of 18.00). It was his last chance at the big leagues. He previously had a cup of coffee with the Rangers.

Jim O'Donnell

This month's Illinois Entertainer is out and features a great cover story about Steve Earle. It also features my media column about Daily Herald sports-media columnist Jim O'Donnell.

You can read it here.

Book Signing Weekend

On Saturday you'll find me (and Becky Sarwate-Maxwell from "Cubsessions") here...



On Sunday you'll find me (and Janet Sutherland from "Nose Over Toes) here...

Rick on TV

This morning I traveled down the WGN-TV studios to do a bit with the morning team (and naturally, promote my book). Here's the link to my appearance this morning on WGN-TV Morning News.

Next time I'll have to bring a photographer. These are the only pictures I have...

Last Farewell to Chet

We said a final farewell to our old buddy Chet Coppock yesterday. I thought his family and friends did a nice job creating a fitting send off service. Mark Giangreco, John McDonough, Bruce Levine, and several others including Chet’s kids gave poignant speeches, and the packed church swapped Chet stories for quite a while after the service ended. Saw a lot of my old Loop pals there including some I haven’t seen in years. Wish I could have seen them under better circumstances. Rest In Peace, Chet. We will miss you.

Teddy Greenstein of the Tribune was there (sitting just a few spots away from me), and filed this very accurate report for the Chicago Tribune.

Minutia Men, Episode 132

This week's episode of Minutia Men contains our tribute to Chet Coppock, including the last interview he did with us, and the audio to the famous Cobb Salad encounter...

Listen to it here.

Big Weekend

On Friday my first batch of books arrived...



On Saturday I did my first book signing in Orland Park. One of the Cubs showed up (Steve Trout with his grandosn)...





On Sunday I went on the Playtime wiht Bill Turck and Kerri Kendall show and did a toast for our old pal Chet Coppock, and then talked about my new book...



And this morning I'm heading in to the city for Chet Coppock's memorial service.

Tomorrow morning I'll be on WGN-TV.

Just explaining my lack of posting here. Things will return to normal soon.