Musings, observations, and written works from the publisher of Eckhartz Press, the media critic for the Illinois Entertainer, co-host of Minutia Men, Minutia Men Celebrity Interview and Free Kicks, and the author of "The Loop Files", "Back in the D.D.R", "EveryCubEver", "The Living Wills", "$everance," "Father Knows Nothing," "The Radio Producer's Handbook," "Records Truly Is My Middle Name", and "Gruen Weiss Vor".
Saturday, June 27, 2020
Cubs Through History
A significant decision was made by the National League while the nation’s Democrats were slugging it out at the Chicago Stadium. The league passed a rule requiring all teams to wear uniforms with numbers.
During the convention, these new Cubs uniforms (left) made their debut.
The 1932 Cubs were a powerhouse on their way to the pennant, and now they could be identified more easily by the fans.
These are the original numbers passed out that day…
1–Woody English (3B)
2–Billy Herman (2B)
3–Kiki Cuyler (OF)
4–Riggs Stephenson (OF)
5–Johnny Moore (OF)
6–Charlie Grimm (1B/manager)
7–Gabby Hartnett (C)
8–Rollie Hemsley (C)
9–Mark Koenig (SS)
11–Billy Jurges (SS)
12–Charlie Root (SP)
14–Guy Bush (SP)
15–Pat Malone (SP)
16–Burleigh Grimes (SP)
17–Lon Warneke (SP)
18–Bob Smith (RP)
19–Harry Taylor (1B)
21–Bud Tinning (RP)
22–Marv Gudat (RP)
23–Leroy Herman (RP)
27–Bobo Newsom (RP)
31–Stan Hack (3B)
34–Zach Taylor (C)
41–Red Corriden (coach)
42–Charley O’Leary (coach)
49–Vince Barton (OF)
51–Frank Demaree (OF)
56–Lance Richbourg (OF)
The numbers on the backs of uniforms remain to this day, although it should be noted that many of the players on this list eventually took different numbers in later seasons. With their new uniforms, the Cubs played a three game series against the Reds at Wrigley Field, winning the first two and losing the third. Guy Bush (#14) and Lon Warneke (#17) won, and Charlie Root (#12) took the loss. They were in first place as the Democrats left town, and they would go on to win the National League pennant, before losing to Babe Ruth’s Yankees in four straight.
Another great one
🌈 @musicboxtheatre @chicago https://t.co/HxKfUngLHI pic.twitter.com/woqGT4S1cX
— Joshua Mellin (@JoshuaMellin) June 27, 2020
One-Upped Again
Double Pink Rainbow and Lightning Strikes at 821pm in Chicago on Friday. #weather #news #storm #ilwx #chicago #lightning pic.twitter.com/TEKX1VH0SR
— Barry Butler (@barrybutler9) June 27, 2020
Amazing Sunset
Friday, June 26, 2020
Cubs through history
#Cubs through history: June 26, 1963. President Kennedy gives a speech at the Berlin Wall, and says “Ich Bin Ein Berliner!” The Cubs take the lead in the top of the 14th inning against the Mets on a 2-run homer by Billy Williams, only to lose it in the bottom of the 14th in NY.
8th anniversary
#OTD in 2012, a young guy by the name of Anthony Rizzo made his debut with the #Cubs. pic.twitter.com/iHl96Cm401
— Andy MartÃnez (@amartinez_11) June 26, 2020
100 Reasons
It's in chronological order. You've probably forgotten 50 of them. And they are all disqualifying.
Now do Biden. Come up with a hundred of the worst things ever said about him, and compare.
This is not a difficult choice, even if you hate both of them. it's the easiest choice in the history of this country.
The Chicks
The Dixie Chicks have removed the word "Dixie" from their name. In the book "Records Truly Is My Middle Name" John Landecker and I wrote about the day the Dixie Chicks almost ended our radio careers. If you'd like to read it, that story is here.
Sunrise in Chicago
Friday's color explosion over the Chicago skyline at sunrise #weather #news #ilwx #sunrise #chicago pic.twitter.com/vLvFFHLNpf
— Barry Butler (@barrybutler9) June 26, 2020
Chris Wallace started in Chicago?
Fox News anchor Chris Wallace reminisced the other day about his first TV job — as a reporter at CBS 2 in 1973. “I’m still trying to live that down,” the Chicago native joked in an interview with Bob Sirott on WGN 720-AM. (Here is the link.) “I’d worked for the Boston Globe for four years, and I came to Chicago and it was when the Channel 2 newsroom started and the anchors were Bill Kurtis and Walter Jacobson, Brent Musburger was the sports reporter, I was a fledgling but I was the political reporter. And I have to tell you: I knew then that was a really special group. I’m sure a lot of people would remember some of these names — John Callaway, John ‘Bulldog’ Drummond, a bunch of others. It was a really good newsroom, and we were very proud of ourselves.”
Thursday, June 25, 2020
Free Kicks--Smack Barm Pey Wet
Adam and Rick discuss the latest Premier League scores and news, and explain an inexplicable English culinary tradition called Smack Barm Pey Wet. It’s as good as it sounds. [Ep73]
Listen to it here.
The Winning Message
Incredible new ad by @ProjectLincoln. https://t.co/WljeX12U0j
— Republicans for Biden (@GOPforJoe) June 25, 2020
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
Minutia Men Celebrity Interview--Carmen Fanzone
This week's Minutia Men Celebrity interview is with former Chicago Cub Carmen Fanzone. Fun chat with a man who wore #23 before Ryne Sandberg.
Listen to it here.
White House Correspondent's Dinner Canceled
Details are here.
Baseball will finally return!
DH in NL, extra-innings start with runner on 2nd, mega-division with 10 midwest teams including White Sox, 60 game schedule. All of that is a little weird. But I'm still happy Cubs will be back soon.
All the details are here.
Tuesday, June 23, 2020
Phase 4 Sunrise
The motto is now "move, move, move" along Chicago's lakefront. #chicago #covid19 pic.twitter.com/LElivHbP1x
— Barry Butler (@barrybutler9) June 23, 2020
Monday, June 22, 2020
Playing with his head
.@realDonaldTrump’s limp performance in Tulsa is going to seriously agitate his electoral dysfunction. pic.twitter.com/TOHY1ZOKxM
— The Lincoln Project (@ProjectLincoln) June 22, 2020
COVID strikes
Comedian DL Hughley passed out on stage in Nashville, and has tested positive for the virus. He is currently quarantined.
This virus is not going away, folks.
Minutia Men--God Friended Us and a Galapagos Turtle
This week's episode of Minutia Men includes an interview with "God Friended Me" writer/producer Steve Harper (@yourcreatvlife ). He offers his thoughtful insights into the #BLMprotests. Smart guy. Classes up the podcast.
Listen to it here.