This is a very sad story about my childhood hero Ernie Banks.
Ron Rappoport has a new book out about Ernie, and one of the subjects is how badly the Cubs paid him during his career.
Don't read it if you don't want to be bummed out.
Friday, April 05, 2019
Never Paid the Man
This is a very sad story about my childhood hero Ernie Banks.
Ron Rappoport has a new book out about Ernie, and one of the subjects is how badly the Cubs paid him during his career.
Don't read it if you don't want to be bummed out.
Thursday, April 04, 2019
Jerome vs. Jordan Howard
I was bummed when the Bears traded Jordan Howard last week. He was one of my favorite Bears. Although, I will admit this to you...I never got his name right. I always called him Jerome, which drove my youngest son Sean crazy. I thought it was just a weird verbal tick until it hit me. There was a famous Jerome Howard. He wasn't a football player, but he sure was famous...
Mickey Owen
My book "everycubever" is coming out at the end of this month and features a mini-bio of every Cub who ever played...including today's birthday boy...
~Mickey Owen 1916–2005 (Cubs 1949-1951)
Mickey led a fascinating life in and out of baseball. He was a four-time All-Star with the Brooklyn Dodgers during early 40s, and though he set a fielding record as a catcher in 1941, he is best remembered for a fielding error he made in Game 4 of the World Series that season. He couldn’t handle a pitch that would have been the last out of the game (and tied up the series), but the runner reached first base on Mickey’s error. That led to a four run rally and a Dodgers loss. Owen didn’t serve in the military during the war, he was called up AFTER the war, and missed the 1946 season. When he came back, he was one of the players who bolted to the Mexican league. This angered Commissioner Happy Chandler so much, he wanted to ban those players from the major leagues for life. Chandler eventually cooled off, and Owen was allowed to return in 1949. That’s when he joined the Cubs. Mickey was the starting catcher for a few incredibly bad Cubs teams. After his playing days were over, he became a scout, then formed a baseball academy. Among the graduates of that academy…Michael Jordan, Joe Girardi & Charlie Sheen. Mickey later ran for public office, and served as the sheriff of Greene County in Missouri for three terms.
Mickey led a fascinating life in and out of baseball. He was a four-time All-Star with the Brooklyn Dodgers during early 40s, and though he set a fielding record as a catcher in 1941, he is best remembered for a fielding error he made in Game 4 of the World Series that season. He couldn’t handle a pitch that would have been the last out of the game (and tied up the series), but the runner reached first base on Mickey’s error. That led to a four run rally and a Dodgers loss. Owen didn’t serve in the military during the war, he was called up AFTER the war, and missed the 1946 season. When he came back, he was one of the players who bolted to the Mexican league. This angered Commissioner Happy Chandler so much, he wanted to ban those players from the major leagues for life. Chandler eventually cooled off, and Owen was allowed to return in 1949. That’s when he joined the Cubs. Mickey was the starting catcher for a few incredibly bad Cubs teams. After his playing days were over, he became a scout, then formed a baseball academy. Among the graduates of that academy…Michael Jordan, Joe Girardi & Charlie Sheen. Mickey later ran for public office, and served as the sheriff of Greene County in Missouri for three terms.
Yes!
I got a kick out of this tweet...
"Walking thru Cleveland airport, and ran across the rock ‘n’ roll Hall of Fame display and they happened to be running the entire Yes acceptance and induction! So had a bit of fun with it!" - Jon #1000handstour #jonanderson #yes pic.twitter.com/CABl8SqT12
— Jon Anderson (@TheJonAnderson) April 3, 2019
Wednesday, April 03, 2019
Brandwidth
It's hard to believe it's already five years ago, but Kipper McGee's "Brandwidth" came out on this day in 2014. He has since come out with a second edition, Kipper's media knowledge and wisdom jumps off the pages of his great book, which is still available here
Free Kicks
Listen to it here.
Mick's Health
I have tickets to the show this summer, but when it was announced they were postponing the tour because of Mick's health, I feared the worst. This is pretty bad...but it could be worse. From the RAMP Newsletter...
When The Rolling Stones announced the postponement of the North American leg of their No Filter stadium tour on Saturday, the reason was vaguely explained as frontman Mick Jagger needing "medical treatment." Yesterday that diagnosis came into sharper focus, as several new sources, including The Drudge Report said that the 75-year-old Jagger is scheduled to undergo surgery on Friday in New York to replace a valve in his heart. Rolling Stone says Jagger is expected to make a full recovery and resume the tour this summer. Despite the impending procedure, paparazzi caught Jagger in good spirits on Sunday when he and his family visited Miami. Bandmate Ronnie Wood tweeted his best wishes, saying, "We'll miss you over the next few weeks, but we're looking forward to seeing you all again very soon. Here's to Mick -- thanks for your supportive messages it means so much to us." Keith Richards said, "A big disappointment for everyone but things need to be taken care of and we will see you soon. Mick, we are always there for you!"
Tuesday, April 02, 2019
Every Cub Ever
"Does it really include EVERY Cub?" Yes. "Even the guys who only played..." Yes. "But what about..." Yes. Everycubever. All of them. Every Single One. It's encylopedia-sized folks. We tried to do a regular paperback and it was over 700 pages, so we are going the full 8 1/2 by 11. If you're a Cubs fan, this has to be on your bookshelf.
Reporters Sue for the Full Unredacted Mueller Report
If he's completely exonerated as Trump claims, why is there an issue at all?
Hopefully this group of reporters will get to the bottom of it.
Brandon Herman
My latest Illinois Entertainer column predicts a young up and coming radio star, Brandon Herman.
Read it here.
Monday, April 01, 2019
April Fools, Twin Peaks fans
Friends, I’ve decided that I will only be drinking iced coffee. I am so sorry to disappoint, but my new tagline moving forward will be, “Damn fine coffee! And ice cold ❄️.” pic.twitter.com/VOrST29VRB
— Kyle MacLachlan (@Kyle_MacLachlan) April 1, 2019
Jake Jaeckel
My book everycubever comes out later this month via Eckhartz Press, and features a mini-bio of every Cub who ever played for the team. Some of them, like today's birthday boy, only had a limited shot at the big-time...
~Jake Jaeckel 1942– (Cubs 1964)
His real first name was Paul, but his teammates called him Jake. Jaeckel got a cup of coffee as a September call up for the last place 1964 Cubs. He pitched two scoreless innings in his debut, retiring the likes of Sandy Alomar, Matty Alou, Rico Carty, and Joe Torre. In his second appearance, he won the game as the Cubs rallied in the bottom of the 9th at Wrigley to beat the Dodgers 4-3. In his third appearance he picked up the save in another 4-3 win against the Dodgers, striking out Willie Crawford to win the game. His last game with the Cubs was at Candlestick Park in San Francisco. He pitched two more scoreless innings, retiring Orlando Cepeda and Jose Cardenal, among others. Though he was lights out in the big leagues, Jaeckel never got another chance. He spent the next three seasons in the minors before hanging up his spikes at the ripe old age of 26. (Photo: 1965 Topps Baseball card)
His real first name was Paul, but his teammates called him Jake. Jaeckel got a cup of coffee as a September call up for the last place 1964 Cubs. He pitched two scoreless innings in his debut, retiring the likes of Sandy Alomar, Matty Alou, Rico Carty, and Joe Torre. In his second appearance, he won the game as the Cubs rallied in the bottom of the 9th at Wrigley to beat the Dodgers 4-3. In his third appearance he picked up the save in another 4-3 win against the Dodgers, striking out Willie Crawford to win the game. His last game with the Cubs was at Candlestick Park in San Francisco. He pitched two more scoreless innings, retiring Orlando Cepeda and Jose Cardenal, among others. Though he was lights out in the big leagues, Jaeckel never got another chance. He spent the next three seasons in the minors before hanging up his spikes at the ripe old age of 26. (Photo: 1965 Topps Baseball card)
Big Fat Cheater
I got a kick out of this piece in the Hill about Trump's golf habits...
A former Sports Illustrated and ESPN writer in a new book paints President Trump Rick Reilly includes accounts from dozens of people who have played with Trump, including professional golfers, about Trump’s cheating in "Commander in Cheat: How Golf Explains Trump." "To say 'Donald Trump cheats' is like saying 'Michael Phelps swims,'" Reilly writes, according to the New York Post.
Former ESPN football announcer Mike Tirico relayed a story to Reilly about playing with Trump, saying Trump’s caddy told him that Trump cheated by throwing Tirico’s ball, which was initially 10 feet from the hole, about 50 feet away from the hole into a bunker.
And actor Samuel L. Jackson is quoted in the book as saying, "We clearly saw him hook a ball into a lake at Trump National [Bedminster, New Jersey], and his caddy told him he found it!"
LPGA Tour golfer Suzann Pettersen, who is friends with Trump, said earlier this year that the president "cheats like hell," telling a Norwegian newspaper, "I’m pretty sure he pays his caddie well."
Robert Smith
One of the reasons I've always liked Robert Smith and the Cure...
Robert Smith keeps it real. pic.twitter.com/SwCN0cDjTB
— Russell Cunningham (@cunninghamshire) March 31, 2019
Is Joe Biden Too Touchy/Feely?
That's the charge that came out against Joe Biden over the weekend. It came in the form of this piece in the New York Times -- a piece written by a woman who felt uncomfortale with Joe's kiss on the back of her neck.
I'm not sure how I feel about this one. On the one hand, I'm the anti-Joe Biden when it comes to kissy/feely actions. I'm German. I shook hands with my grandmother.
But I've also watched Joe over the years and used to get a big kick out of the swearing in ceremonies of congressmen when Joe was VP. He was like that with everyone. Guys and girls. He's the most affectionate human alive. I really don't think there's anything sexual there.
Weird? From my German point of view, yes. But I thought normal people liked affection. Maybe I've been wrong all these years. Maybe I'm the normal one. (That's rhetorical. Don't answer that)
I'm not sure how I feel about this one. On the one hand, I'm the anti-Joe Biden when it comes to kissy/feely actions. I'm German. I shook hands with my grandmother.
But I've also watched Joe over the years and used to get a big kick out of the swearing in ceremonies of congressmen when Joe was VP. He was like that with everyone. Guys and girls. He's the most affectionate human alive. I really don't think there's anything sexual there.
Weird? From my German point of view, yes. But I thought normal people liked affection. Maybe I've been wrong all these years. Maybe I'm the normal one. (That's rhetorical. Don't answer that)
Whoops
This is about as bad as it gets...
“3 Mexican Countries.”
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) March 31, 2019
Just a reminder that these are the same folks who assert their superiority by belittling the intelligence and good faith of others.https://t.co/7JA1kCdIoS pic.twitter.com/CwINMXAarO
Friday, March 29, 2019
Old Friends
Reconnected with a couple of old pals last night in Arlington Heights. It was good seeing Bill Klaproth and Matt Bisbee. Bill was the PD of the Loop when I worked there 15 years ago, and Biz was the production guy when I worked there 30 years ago. It was fun swapping old radio stories.
Thursday, March 28, 2019
Wish I would have known this when I visited Amsterdam
This week marks the 50th anniversary of John Lennon & Yoko Ono’s “Bed-In for World Peace”. Five decades later, the J-160E “John Lennon Peace Model” is still shining in the John & Yoko suite in Amsterdam. #gibson #theoriginal #onlyagibsonisgoodenough pic.twitter.com/VThs3TfI9s
— Gibson (@gibsonguitar) March 27, 2019
JRL
Happy birthday to my old pal/boss/co-author the Radio and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer John Landecker
(Almost) Everyone Loves Minutia Men!
Great show, but not a HISTORY show
in iTunes by Historybuffguy from USA on March 27, 2019
I found this podcast becasue it was a top #1p History show. The only problem is that it has nothing to do with history. That being said, this is a wonderful show. Extremely funny and the hosts are great. The have great guests too. I never listen to these kind of shows, but I've subscribed. I've listen to a dozen or so episodes.
OK
in iTunes by BillyBBoyee from USA on March 27, 2019
If you like podcasts that are like morning radio shows, this is a five-star show. These guys are great mainstream hosts. If you want and edgy Howard Stern like show, these guys are not for you. They get a little out there, but won't satisfy listerners who like edgy. Voices are great, their funny, but not for me.
Great Fun, Great Guests
in iTunes by Rtstramer from USA on March 27, 2019
Rick and Dave are really great. I love their banter and offbeat humor. Their guests or fantastic. It's clear why I found this podcast on the top charts. The Mark Cuban interview was wonderful.
R&D
in iTunes by carmapodcast from UK on March 20, 2019
Rick & Dave are great. Engaging and entertaining I am really enjoying this!
Highly recommend - TFRP
in iTunes by Aaloper from USA on March 19, 2019
Hosts are engaging and intelligent. Truly enjoyed the interviews with guests as well as the humor interspersed throughout. Can’t wait to listen to more!
Why get your news anywhere else?
in iTunes by Andrew Procter from Canada on March 11, 2019
If you're looking to catch up on current events with a little injected humour, you can't do better than this. Great show.
We're off this week, by the way. We will be returning next week.
Wednesday, March 27, 2019
Tarzan
My book "everycubever" comes out in April and features a mini-bio of literally every player who ever played for the Cubs, including today's birthday boy--one of three Cubs who went by the nickname Tarzan...
~Walter Stephenson 1911–1993 (Cubs 1935-1936)
Stephenson was from a small North Carolina mountain town, and he only played in twenty two games for the Cubs in 1935 and 1936. Nicknamed Tarzan for his impressive physique (He was about 6’, 180 pounds), he didn’t get to play much because he was a backup catcher to Cubs ironman catcher Gabby Hartnett. Tarzan was a memorable character though, known for his toughness and temper. In 1935, he and Billy Jurges got into a fist-fight in the dugout at Forbes Field because Jurges made a crack about the south losing the Civil War (Jurges was from Brooklyn). Tarzan Stephenson later played ten more games for the Philadelphia Phillies before drifting off into the minors.
Stephenson was from a small North Carolina mountain town, and he only played in twenty two games for the Cubs in 1935 and 1936. Nicknamed Tarzan for his impressive physique (He was about 6’, 180 pounds), he didn’t get to play much because he was a backup catcher to Cubs ironman catcher Gabby Hartnett. Tarzan was a memorable character though, known for his toughness and temper. In 1935, he and Billy Jurges got into a fist-fight in the dugout at Forbes Field because Jurges made a crack about the south losing the Civil War (Jurges was from Brooklyn). Tarzan Stephenson later played ten more games for the Philadelphia Phillies before drifting off into the minors.
Anniversary
On this day in 2013 we released our best selling book "Records Truly Is My Middle Name". John Landecker celebrated the release date on WGN TV & Eckhartz Press has never looked back. Thank you to #JohnLandecker, #WGN-TV, and all of you who purchased it. (It's still available, by the way)
Exciting news!
Getting ready for Opening day...
EXCLUSIVE: Wrigley Field beer menu gets a major boost for 2019, including more Half Acre, more Revolution and ... yes ... Three Floyds. (Including ... yes ... Zombie Dust.) https://t.co/3Rv29ddOhx pic.twitter.com/z7xfYw0GFd
— Josh Noel (@hopnotes) March 27, 2019
The Twilight Zone
Another reboot of The Twilight Zone is in the works. They've already filmed a few episodes.
Guess who is in the first one?
None other than our good pal Amy Landecker.
Tuesday, March 26, 2019
Turow on Barr
In Vanity Fair, author/lawyer Scott Turow exposes the gigantic hole in William Barr's declaration that there was no obstruction...
I like this one via Bruce Elliot...
In most cases, if the target didn’t commit an underlying offense, he would have no reason to hinder the investigation. But that is not true in Trump’s case. Throughout his election campaign and long after, Trump denied that Russia was responsible for the massive interference in our election that Mueller has now concluded occurred. Trump made these denials “despite,” to quote Barr, “multiple offers from Russian-affiliated individuals to assist the Trump campaign.” Aside from any crimes Trump or his campaign committed by being in cahoots with the Russians, there are other clear gains to Trump in hindering the investigation. The most obvious is that the Russian interference, which both Barr and Mueller say the Trump campaign knew about, calls the legitimacy of the 2016 election into question.
With our focus on whether the president is going to jail, we have run past a point that is now undeniable: Donald J. Trump was elected president of the United States after a sustained series of crimes by the Russian government aimed at boosting his chances of winning. Because of the political damage to the president that Russia’s criminal interference posed, he had an obvious reason to terminate the investigation. In other words, he had something to hide, and the Mueller inquiry seems to have concluded that there was plenty of evidence that he hid it.
To argue that no underlying crime means no obstruction is therefore nonsense. That is fallacious reasoning and it impugns Barr’s integrity and his reputation as a lawyer. Worse, it represents a troubling effort to paper over the acknowledged evidence that Mr. Trump committed a crime in public view.
I like this one via Bruce Elliot...
What more needs to be said. pic.twitter.com/Q2UvvqmhsM
— Bruce Elliott (@GeriatricGenius) March 26, 2019
Tommy Edwards update
From this morning's Robert Feder column...
It looks like we’ll have to wait longer than expected to read the memoirs of Chicago radio legend Tommy Edwards. Eckhartz Press announced in August that it signed Edwards to publish his autobiography this year. Now comes word that may not happen. “It has been a wonderful experience and I am very proud of what I’ve written,” Edwards said Monday. “This is a new experience for me and I want to make sure I do it right. It is taking more time that I imagined.” Edwards, long known as the late Larry Lujack’s “Animal Stories” partner Lil’ Tommy, retired from the former WJMK in 2014, capping a 54-year career as a major market star.
That is a 100% accurate story.
It looks like we’ll have to wait longer than expected to read the memoirs of Chicago radio legend Tommy Edwards. Eckhartz Press announced in August that it signed Edwards to publish his autobiography this year. Now comes word that may not happen. “It has been a wonderful experience and I am very proud of what I’ve written,” Edwards said Monday. “This is a new experience for me and I want to make sure I do it right. It is taking more time that I imagined.” Edwards, long known as the late Larry Lujack’s “Animal Stories” partner Lil’ Tommy, retired from the former WJMK in 2014, capping a 54-year career as a major market star.
That is a 100% accurate story.
Jack McCarthy
My book "everycubever" comes out in April and features a mini-bio of every Cub who ever played. This is a name you might not know--but he did accomplish one feat not likely to be eclipsed...
~Jack McCarthy 1869–1948 (Orphans 1900, Cubs 1903-1905)
Jack was a starting outfielder for the Cubs for a few seasons, but he wasn’t considered anything special. He was part of the package that was offered to Brooklyn to acquire Jimmy Scheckard, who became one of the key members of the Cubs championship dynasty. Since 1900, no player has more at bats without hitting a home run than Jack. McCarthy went 2736 at bats without one after hitting his last homer in 1899.
He was born 150 years ago today.
Jack was a starting outfielder for the Cubs for a few seasons, but he wasn’t considered anything special. He was part of the package that was offered to Brooklyn to acquire Jimmy Scheckard, who became one of the key members of the Cubs championship dynasty. Since 1900, no player has more at bats without hitting a home run than Jack. McCarthy went 2736 at bats without one after hitting his last homer in 1899.
He was born 150 years ago today.
Breathtaking
Barry Butler strikes again...
Northern Lights in Illinois. Photo by @barrybutler9 pic.twitter.com/Y1WmSvpftH
— Julio Maiz (@maiz_julio) March 25, 2019
Monday, March 25, 2019
Dutch
My book "everycubever" comes out in April and will feature a mini-bio of every Cub who ever played, including today's birthday boy...the 40-year-old All Star...
~Dutch Leonard 1909–1983 (Cubs 1949-1953)
Dutch was one of the oldest players to ever suit up for the Cubs, and the oldest player in all of baseball during his time with the Cubs. Dutch was already 40 when the Cubs acquired the four-time All-Star (with the Senators during the war years) in 1949. They switched the knuckleballer to the bullpen, and in 1951, Dutch Leonard made the All-Star team a fifth time, at the tender age of 42. Dutch Leonard’s impressive 20-year big league career ended in 1953. He was 44 years old at the time. After his retirement, Dutch became the Cubs pitching coach for three seasons. (Photo: Bowman 1951 Baseball Card)
Dutch was one of the oldest players to ever suit up for the Cubs, and the oldest player in all of baseball during his time with the Cubs. Dutch was already 40 when the Cubs acquired the four-time All-Star (with the Senators during the war years) in 1949. They switched the knuckleballer to the bullpen, and in 1951, Dutch Leonard made the All-Star team a fifth time, at the tender age of 42. Dutch Leonard’s impressive 20-year big league career ended in 1953. He was 44 years old at the time. After his retirement, Dutch became the Cubs pitching coach for three seasons. (Photo: Bowman 1951 Baseball Card)
Mueller Probe Over, but...
This question remains unanswered. I have yet to hear a plausible explanation...
One question:
— David Axelrod (@davidaxelrod) March 24, 2019
What the Mueller probe established, according to the AG, is that the Russians hacked the DNC and engaged in an aggressive, covert campaign to influence our election.
So why did @realDonaldTrump stand next to Putin in Helsinki and meekly accept his denials?
Barbra Steps In It
Babra Streisand has said some pretty controversial things in her lifetime, but this past week she really stepped in it. While discussing the Neverland special on HBO, she defended Michael Jackson, and said that Michael's sexual abuse "didn't kill" his victims.
Yowza.
She's in full apology mode now.
Yowza.
She's in full apology mode now.
Friday, March 22, 2019
GlenAllen Hill
My book "everycubever" comes out in April and features a mini-bio of every Cub who ever played, including today's birthday boy...
~Glenallen Hill 1965 (Cubs 1993-1994, 1998-2000)
The bulging biceps and nasty scowl on Hill’s face may have come from artificial sources (as the Mitchell Report intimated in 2007), but he will always be remembered for a home run he hit on May 11, 2000. That day Hill became the only player in history to hit a homer onto the rooftop of the building across the street. It was a momumental blast, estimated at well over 500 feet.
~Glenallen Hill 1965 (Cubs 1993-1994, 1998-2000)
The bulging biceps and nasty scowl on Hill’s face may have come from artificial sources (as the Mitchell Report intimated in 2007), but he will always be remembered for a home run he hit on May 11, 2000. That day Hill became the only player in history to hit a homer onto the rooftop of the building across the street. It was a momumental blast, estimated at well over 500 feet.
Bill & Ted 3?
As 40-somethings.
That could be excellent, and it could be "What in the world?'
Release Date
Flashback
I saw this last night on Facebook and just had to post it. Great memories. It's hard to explain to people today just how big Johnny B was in 1986...
Thursday, March 21, 2019
Oscar Bielaski
My book "everycubever" is coming out in April and will include a mini-bio about every Cub who ever played, including today's birthday boy. He is one of two Cubs players who were also Civil War veterans...
~Oscar Bielaski 1847–1911 (White Stockings 1875-1876)
Oscar was the right fielder of the Cubs (then known as the White Stockings) the season before the National League was founded, and also played with them in the National League’s first season (1876). Bielaski’s lifetime batting average was .240. His baseball career might not have amounted to much, but he holds a special distinction among players that have worn the Chicago uniform. A decade before joining the team, Oscar served in the 11th Calvary Regiment of New York in 1864. That’s right, Oscar was a Civil War veteran. He is buried in Arlington Cemetery in Washington. Shortly after he died in 1911, his nephew Alexander was named the director of the FBI. Oscar’s father was also a Captain in the Civil War and died in action.
Oscar was the right fielder of the Cubs (then known as the White Stockings) the season before the National League was founded, and also played with them in the National League’s first season (1876). Bielaski’s lifetime batting average was .240. His baseball career might not have amounted to much, but he holds a special distinction among players that have worn the Chicago uniform. A decade before joining the team, Oscar served in the 11th Calvary Regiment of New York in 1864. That’s right, Oscar was a Civil War veteran. He is buried in Arlington Cemetery in Washington. Shortly after he died in 1911, his nephew Alexander was named the director of the FBI. Oscar’s father was also a Captain in the Civil War and died in action.
Emilia Clarke
Ichiro
Going out the way he deserves to go out...
Heroes get remembered. #MLB開幕戦 pic.twitter.com/Wv5eRpzOPE
— MLB (@MLB) March 21, 2019
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
Trolley Line Butler
My book "everycubever" comes out in April and features a mini-bio of every Cub who ever played. I spent a good week researching today's birthday boy intrigued by his nickname...
~Johnny Butler 1893–1967 (Cubs 1928)
They called him Trolley Line, and Johnny more than likely acquired his nickname thanks to the town of Butler, Pennsylvania, which featured a well-known Trolley line (the Butler Short Line). Butler didn’t have much power (3 career home runs), and he didn’t hit that well (career .252 hitter), but he was a pretty good glove man in the infield, and he was versatile. Trolley Line Butler played 3B/SS for 1928 Cubs. He stayed in the big leagues for four seasons–two years with Brooklyn before joining the Cubs, and one season with the Cardinals in 1929. By the turn of the decade, the Trolley Line was shut down.
They called him Trolley Line, and Johnny more than likely acquired his nickname thanks to the town of Butler, Pennsylvania, which featured a well-known Trolley line (the Butler Short Line). Butler didn’t have much power (3 career home runs), and he didn’t hit that well (career .252 hitter), but he was a pretty good glove man in the infield, and he was versatile. Trolley Line Butler played 3B/SS for 1928 Cubs. He stayed in the big leagues for four seasons–two years with Brooklyn before joining the Cubs, and one season with the Cardinals in 1929. By the turn of the decade, the Trolley Line was shut down.
20 Very Bad Chicago Media Gaffes
Steve Dahl's on-air vasectomy in 1989 was one of them.
I produced that show. I thought it was radio gold.
It was around the same time this classy photo was taken.
Woodstock 50
Interesting lineup for the 50th anniversary of Woodstock. From today's RAMP newsletter...
The Woodstock 50 Music and Arts Fair announced the official lineup for its three-day 50th anniversary celebration, which is scheduled on the original festival's 50th anniversary weekend, August 16-18, this time in Watkins Glen, NY. More than 80 acts will perform over the three days, including some original Woodstock '69 icons and legacy acts -- Santana, Dead & Company, Robert Plant and The Sensational Space Shifters, David Crosby & Friends, John Fogerty, Canned Heat, Country Joe McDonald, John Sebastian and Melanie.
Here is a preview of just some of the other amazing artists scheduled to perform -- Friday, Aug. 16: The Killers, Miley Cyrus, The Lumineers, The Raconteurs, Nathaniel Rateliff and The Night Sweats, Run The Jewels, The Head and The Heart, Maggie Rogers, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Bishop Briggs, Anderson East, Akon, Grandson, Fever 333, Larkin Poe and more.
Saturday, Aug. 17: Chance The Rapper, The Black Keys, Sturgill Simpson, Greta Van Fleet, Portugal. The Man, Leon Bridges, Gary Clark Jr., Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Dawes, Margo Price, Nahko And Medicine For The People, India.Arie and more.
Sunday, Aug. 18: Jay-Z, Imagine Dragons, Halsey, Cage the Elephant, Brandi Carlile, Janelle Monáe, Young the Giant, Courtney Barnett, Common, Vince Staples, Judah and The Lion, The Zombies, Pussy Riot and more.
The Woodstock 50 Music and Arts Fair announced the official lineup for its three-day 50th anniversary celebration, which is scheduled on the original festival's 50th anniversary weekend, August 16-18, this time in Watkins Glen, NY. More than 80 acts will perform over the three days, including some original Woodstock '69 icons and legacy acts -- Santana, Dead & Company, Robert Plant and The Sensational Space Shifters, David Crosby & Friends, John Fogerty, Canned Heat, Country Joe McDonald, John Sebastian and Melanie.
Here is a preview of just some of the other amazing artists scheduled to perform -- Friday, Aug. 16: The Killers, Miley Cyrus, The Lumineers, The Raconteurs, Nathaniel Rateliff and The Night Sweats, Run The Jewels, The Head and The Heart, Maggie Rogers, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Bishop Briggs, Anderson East, Akon, Grandson, Fever 333, Larkin Poe and more.
Saturday, Aug. 17: Chance The Rapper, The Black Keys, Sturgill Simpson, Greta Van Fleet, Portugal. The Man, Leon Bridges, Gary Clark Jr., Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Dawes, Margo Price, Nahko And Medicine For The People, India.Arie and more.
Sunday, Aug. 18: Jay-Z, Imagine Dragons, Halsey, Cage the Elephant, Brandi Carlile, Janelle Monáe, Young the Giant, Courtney Barnett, Common, Vince Staples, Judah and The Lion, The Zombies, Pussy Riot and more.
Joe Scarborough's Retake
If you watch the Morning Joe show, you know that Joe Scarborough was a frequent critic of President Obama. How bad has Donald Trump been for the country and his party? Here's what Joe wrote in today's Washington Post op-ed...
Holy crap. Now that's a transformation in thinking.
Americans who still have faith in the upward arc of King’s moral universe should be grateful for Obama’s presidency and the way his election exposed the white racism that is still at large in our land. If changing the Constitution and reelecting Obama two more times would break the fever that now ravages Trump’s Washington, I would cheerfully champion the passage of that constitutional amendment, slap a “Hope and Change” sticker on my shirt, and race to the nearest voting booth to support the man historians will remember as the most significant president since Abraham Lincoln.
Holy crap. Now that's a transformation in thinking.
New WLS Program Director
From this morning's Radio Online...
Cumulus Media News/Talk WLS-AM/Chicago appoints Stephanie Tichenor as its new Program Director, effective immediately. Tichenor joins WLS from Tribune's crosstown News/Talk WGN-AM where she served as Director of News & Operations. She's also held positions including Operations Manager, Assistant Program Director and Executive Producer during her tenure at WGN.
Bob Lawson
My old colleague Bob Lawson has a new gig. Via Robert Feder's column this morning...
WRME 87.7-FM, the Weigel Broadcasting soft-rock oldies and classic hits station known as Me-TV FM, just fortified its ranks with the addition of another Chicago radio veteran. Bob Lawson, best known for his many years as production director at the former WJMK, has been hired as production and programming assistant. He’ll report to program director Rick O’Dell and imaging and production director Bill Cochran. “Bob’s a great addition to the team because his background is a rare combination of production and programming,” O’Dell said. “Weigel likes to hire people whose baseball card would say ‘Infield-Outfield.’ Bob’s versatility is a huge plus for Me.”
Nose Over Toes Book Launch
We had a great time last night at Ditka's restaurant for the launch of Janet Sutherland Madden's book "Nose Over Toes". A few celebs stopped by including WSHE's Susan Wiencek, radio legend and fellow Eckhartz Press author Chet Coppock, fellow Eckhartz Press author Ken Korber, WLS production guru Vince Argento, and even a former professional wrestler the Russian Brute...
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