Don Cardwell's No Hitter

On this day in 1960, newly acquired Cubs pitcher Don Cardwell made his Cubs debut a memorable one: he pitched a no-hitter.

Len & Bob interviewed Don about that game on their blog a few years ago.

Cardwell passed away last year at the age of 72.

Going to Wrigley

I'm going to the Cubs game today. If you're there too, stop by section 228, row 2, seats 5 & 6 (my regular seats) and say hello.

Does a Bear in the Woods?

Contributed by "KK"...

Cubs release Dizzy Dean

He was one of the most popular players in Major League history, and then one of the most popular announcers. Dizzy Dean was one of a kind.

On this day in 1941, the Cubs released Ol' Diz, officially ending his playing career.

Read about his last stand; the 1938 World Series.

Joke for a Thursday morning

Contributed by "DS"...



A student of proctology is in the morgue one day after classes, getting a little practice in before the final exams. He goes over to a table where a body is lying face down. He uncovers the sheet over the body, and to his surprise he finds a cork in the corpse's rectum. Figuring that this is fairly unusual, he pulls the cork out, and to his surprise, the rectum starts singing, "Hey Chicago what do you say... the Cubs are gonna..."

The student is amazed, and places the cork back in the backside. The music stops. Totally freaked out, the student calls the Medical Examiner over to the corpse. "Look at this, this is really something," the student tells the examiner as he pulls the cork back out again. "Hey Chicago what do you say... the Cubs are gonna..."

So what? " the Medical Examiner replies, obviously unimpressed with the students discovery. "But isn't that the most amazing thing you've ever seen?" asked the student. Are you kidding?" replied the Examiner, "I've heard hundreds of a-holes sing that stupid song."

The American Mustache Institute interviews Fergie

The interview is here.

Harry, Skip & Chip

On this date in 1991, Harry, Skip and Chip Caray made history when three generations of Carays broadcast a game together. Tom Glavine and the Braves beat the Cubs 5-3.

Crowd sings Hey Jude

I kept waiting for McCartney to show up. He was probably in the neighborhood somewhere...



If Chicago did this, what would we all sing together?

E-mails, we get e-mails...

From "RP" regarding my post "CBS to wield knife"

"Here it comes: NewsRadio on the cheap. Remember when All-News WMAQ used to record their 1am and 2am hours, then just replay them for the 3am and 4am hours? Maybe WBBM will also subscribe to the Channel 2/5/9/32 pool for tape. Or just cover everything by phone. How about weekend infomercials, like at KFWB?"

Anything can happen as long as these mega-corporations stay in the radio business.

Hank Borowy

He was the star pitcher on the 1945 Cubs, arguably the player most responsible for getting them to the World Series. (Unfortunately, he was also the loser of Game 7. Read all about that story here.)

Hank Borowy was born on this day in 1916.

E-mail, we get e-mails...

AS writes...



"People magazine is running a "Leno Looks Back" article in the May 18 issue (Kirstie Alley on the cover), with Leno commenting on the highlights of his late night show. There is a photo of the Dancing Itos under "1995" and it says the following:

"'The Dancing Itos....it was my idea,' Leno says of the routine prompted by O.J. Simpson's 'ridiculous trial- everybody was preening for the cameras. But Judge Ito still drops me notes. He's a very nice man.'"

Okay, is there something in the back of his mind that still prompts him, 14 years later, to comment on who's idea the whole thing was?"

If you're not familiar with the story and my (and John Landecker's) involvement in it, the whole story is here.

Ryan Freel

From this morning's Tribune. Looks like the newest Cub (Ryan Freel) will make things a little more interesting in the Cubs dugout...

"The newest Cub also addressed rumors that he has an imaginary friend named "Farney." In a 2006 interview with the Dayton Daily News, Freel said: "He's a little guy who lives in my head who talks to me and I talk to him. That little midget in my head said, 'That was a great catch, Ryan.' I said, 'Hey, Farney, I don't know if that was you who really caught the ball, but that was pretty good if it was.'"

Father Knows Nothing

I just posted this week's "Father Knows Nothing" column. It's about my mom (on Mother's Day). I call it "Hildegard."

This week in...

1929

The Cubs are in the midst of a pennant winning season.

*While the Cubs unwind on the train from Boston to Chicago after a grueling 19-game roadtrip (they won 11), the first Academy Awards are held. "Wings" wins for best picture, Janet Gayner wins for best actress and the best actor award goes to Emil Jennings.

********************
1969

The Cubs are in the midst of one of their most memorable seasons.

*On the same day the Cubs are rained out at Wrigley Field against the San Francisco Giants (featuring Willie Mays, Juan Marichal & Willie McCovey), the first color photos of Earth are transmitted from space by Apollo 10, and the Turtles play at the White House. Singer Mark Volman falls off the stage 5 times.


********************
1984

The Cubs are hoping to make the playoffs for the first time since World War 2.

*Jody Davis hits a 3-run pinch hit homer in the ninth inning to beat the Astros at the Astrodome on the same day that South African prisoner Nelson Mandela is permitted to see his wife for the first time in 22 years.


********************
1989

The Boys of Zimmer are taking Chicago by storm.

*While Mitch Williams is blowing a save at Wrigley Field during a 4-3 loss to the Giants at Wrigley Field, President George H.W. Bush is ordering troops into Panama.

Chicago Radio Spotlight: Mitch Michaels

This weekend's Chicago Radio Spotlight is with one of the most legendary rock jocks in Chicago radio history: Mitch Michaels. You can read the whole (very lively) interview here.

Notorious Birthdays

Anton Cermak was born on this day in 1873. He becomes the Mayor of Chicago, attends the World Series at Wrigley Field with FDR, and then is shot right in front of the President a few months later. Read his story here.




Billy Jurges was born on this day in 1908, during the Cubs last championship season. He later becomes a Cub and is shot by a female fan. All the details of that notorious event are here.

Anna Kaempfer

If she were still alive, my grandmother Anna would be turning 95 today. I wrote about her when she passed away last year.

Mother's Day weekend is still a little strange without her. Because her birthday was May 8th, we always celebrated Mother's Day/Birthday with her.

Dissing Heino

The Tribune has been doing a feature about the worst album covers of all-time, but they've gone too far this time.

They dissed Heino. My mother loves the Albino Heino. And this particular album cover is translated: "Dear mother: A bouquet of flowers that never wilts." Just four days before Mother's Day. Shame on you, Tribune.



(I'm not kidding about my mom loving Heino. She actually has this album. Heino, by the way, has a deep baritone voice. I used to play some of his covers of English songs on Ebony & Ivory. Imagine Robert Goulet doing "Spanish Eyes" in German, and that's what Heino sounds like.)

Bill Lee

They called him The General, and he made his Cubs debut on this day in 1934.

He pitched a shutout.

Mother's Day

I just got off the phone with the mother in your life, and you know what she told me?

She said she really, really wants a Just One Bad Century shirt for Mother's Day. It's true. If you order today, it will be there in time for Mother's Day. I can't force you to make the mother in your life smile, but remember, you can get them right here, and it's easy as pie. (Although not as delicious as the pie she makes...just one of the many things she has done for you over the years. The woman just wants a shirt--it's the least you can do.)

Cannonball Run Outtakes

Get the feeling Dom was a fun guy on the set?

RIP: Dom Deluise

OUT OF ORDER - watch more funny videos

Reaction to Father Knows Nothing

Last weekend I posted a Father Knows Nothing column called "Potty Mouth" that has been getting a lot of reaction on the blog, on Facebook, and in my e-mail box. Here are a few of the responses...



WS writes: "wish I was as good...my daughter grew up around the hockey rink (and its language), and I was never good at keeping it clean..one Christmas (I think she was 2?) the whole extended family was gathered...she was trying to fit a toy horse in a toy truck...wouldn't fit..very matter-of-factly, she let loose a "f***ing horsie!!!!"...and went to playing with something else...either no one heard, or was too polite to show it :)"

KL writes: "We were at Thanksgiving at my sister's house in 2007 and we were trying to assemble one of those light-up Christmas lawn animals. The kids were all playing upstairs. Suddenly my nephew came running downstairs and around the corner. He came to a screeching halt in front of us and said "what the h*** is that? We all laughed so hard once he had left the room."

ML writes: "One of my sister's friends used to keep a bar of soap in the mini-van so if one of her three boys said something out of line, she'd pull over and do the deed right there!"

DB writes: "My wife and I have tried to be careful with our language around our kids, but ultimately, we don't have to wonder "where did they hear that?" I will say, when I do let slip, I apologize to my kids, and try to use it as an opportunity to explain the difference between "bad" words and acceptable words. Usually, though, when my daughter tattles on her brother for using the "S" word, she is referring to "shut up"."

AS writes: "Hi. My name is Anita, and I’m a potty mouth. I plead Italian. Ummm….we’re swearers. Especially New York Italians, which is the stock I come from. Evidently, as I was sitting in the playpen back in ‘65 or so, I ripped the head off a doll and said the “S” word and my grandfather thought it was the most hilarious thing he’d ever heard (well, guess who I got it from?). So, of course, I continued, because there was no person in this world that I adored more than Papa, and if I could make him laugh…SCORE! Flash forward about 22 years and my mother calling me at work. “DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR SON JUST SAID?” Oh no. Can’t imagine. Evidently, the apple didn’t fall far, because he broke a toy and uttered the OTHER “s” word, “sonofa….” Now, I really don’t say that one. Too many syllables. I like it quick and singular. So, I thought about it, as my mother was lecturing me about how I need to watch my mouth around my son, because he’s “at that age…” and I interrupted, “Mom….where is he right now?” “On the deck with your father.” “Mom….what is Dad’s favorite phrase?” Dead silence. “Exactly. Now, go lecture your husband.” Click. I’m sorry. I’ll try to do better. Can’t speak for Dad, however…"

JP writes: "I’ve never known anyone who’s actually had their mouth washed out with soap. I wish I could be that hard-core but I too, could never do it. Sounds like you handled this perfectly, though. Especially placing the soap right next to him. Brilliant."

Annie writes: "my mom’s thing was lying. she used to make us bite down on a bar of soap…not to get a lot, just to make a point. it sure straightened us out!"

In honor of Sigmund Freud

The father of psychoanalysis would be celebrating a birthday today if he were still alive.

Of course Freud had absolutely nothing to do with the Cubs, but this believer in Freud's theories did. If you haven't heard the story before, you're never going to believe it.

Lennie Merullo...

...was born on this day in 1917.

If you don't remember Lennie, here is his story.

This week in...

1929

The Cubs are in the midst of a pennant winning season.

*On the same day the Cubs trounce the Phillies in a double-header behind the pitching of Pat Malone & Charlie Root, Prussia outlaws anti-fascists.



********************
1969

The Cubs are in the midst of one of their most memorable seasons.

*While Adolopho Phillips is being walked to force in the winning run (Ron Santo) against the Mets at Wrigley Field, Majestic Prince wins the Kentucky Derby.




********************
1984

The Cubs are hoping to make the playoffs for the first time since World War 2.

*The same afternoon that Ron Cey knocks in Ryne Sandberg to beat the Padres in the bottom of the tenth inning at Wrigley Field (and Garvey goes 0-4), Swain wins the Kentucky Derby. Laffit Pincay Jr. is the jockey.


********************
1989

The Boys of Zimmer are taking Chicago by storm.

*Scott Sanderson beats the Dodgers 4-2 in Los Angeles thanks to home runs by Andre Dawson and Ryne Sandberg, just hours before Mike Tyson gets a speeding ticket for drag racing in Albany, New York.

Father Knows Nothing

I just posted my weekly "Father Knows Nothing" column at NWI Parent. This week's column is entitled "Potty Mouth."

Yikes

I know she's a local girl (Downers Grove), and I know she's pretty, but whoo boy, singing is not on her list of accomplishments...

Chicago Radio Spotlight: Bernie Tafoya

This week at Chicago Radio Spotlight I interview the ace reporter for News Radio WBBM (780-AM), Bernie Tafoya. We talk about the news biz, the radio biz, and some of the stories he has covered in his three decades on the job.

The entire interview is here.

Joke for a Friday morning

"AS" sent this to me with the note: "Did one of your neighbors write this joke?"


I was having trouble with my computer. So I called Tommy , the 11 year old next door, who’s bedroom looks like Mission Control, and asked him to come over.

Tom my clicked a couple of buttons and solved the problem. As he was walking away, I called after him, “So, what was wrong?"

He replied, “It was an ID ten T error.”

I didn't want to appear stupid, but nonetheless inquired, “An, ID ten T error? What's that? In case I need to fix it again.”

Tommy grinned. “Haven't you ever heard of an ID ten T error before?''

“No,” I replied.

“Write it down,” he said, “and I think you'll figure it out.”

So I wrote down: I D 1 0 T

I used to like the little s***.

The Cubs...

...are already waiting until next year. I know it's early, but I'm officially putting a fork in this season.

Am I wrong? You know in your heart I'm not.

American Mustache Institute

I've been in contact with the guy who runs this site: The American Mustache Institute.

He reminds me of me. Today he runs a feature on the two players the Cubs will honor this month: Greg Maddux and Fergie Jenkins.

As it turns out, at one time in their careers they both had mustaches.

I also featured both of their mustaches at Just One Bad Century last year...

Greg Maddux


Fergie Jenkins

Swine Flu 1976

Grover Cleveland Alexander Ships Out

On this day in 1918, the Cubs lost their star pitcher Grover Cleveland Alexander. Not to an injury, and not in a trade, but to Uncle Sam.

He was drafted.

Lee Elia

I can't let the anniversary (4/29/83) go by without giving you the audio one more time. Oh Lee Elia, we love you so.

What would that audio sound like put to the tune of Eddie Vedder's Cubs song? Wonder no more...

Deluxe Hugs

Free Hug Prank - Watch more Funny Videos

E-mail, we get e-mails

"AS" writes...



"Now, that “Eye of the Tiger” is just plain adorable!! Didn’t the original group do some type of coffee commercial recently? Going by that, I’d have to agree that, yeah, the kids are MUCH better than Survivor! I’m kind of embarrassed that I used to listen to them. Then again, I also listened to Night Ranger in 1985, as well. I know a lot of people like to rip on 70’s music, but I actually think the 1980’s were a LOT worse. Thanks, MTV!"

Rick responds: I agree. And so do my parachute pants and my mullet.

Eye of the Tiger

"BP" sent me this. I like this better than the original. These kids are really good.


Kids Sing Eye of the Tiger - Watch more Funny Videos

Scrabble?

I bet you think of Scrabble as a simple board game.

If so, you haven't seen this Scrabble commercial. It's waaaaay out there.

Why some people like cats

I'm allergic as can be, but I do understand the appeal.

Watching Television With Your Kids

I'm still getting a few stragglers wondering what happened to the old Tuesday feature; Suburban Man. Well, its now called "Father Knows Nothing" and I post it every Sunday at the NWI Parent blog. This week's column, "Watching TV with your Kids", is getting a good reaction in my e-mail box.

Utility Mustache

This utility mustache is celebrating a birthday today. He's 47.

Joke for a Monday morning

Contributed by "KK"


Aging Aunt Mildred was a 93-year-old woman who was particularly despondent over the recent death of her husband. She decided that she would just kill herself and join him in death.

Thinking that it would be best to get it over with quickly, she took out his old Army pistol and made the decision to shoot herself in the heart, since it was badly broken in the first place.

Not wanting to miss the vital organ and become a vegetable and a burden to someone, she called her doctor's office to inquire as to just exactly where the heart would be on a woman. The doctor said, 'Your heart would be just below your left breast'.

Later that night........ Mildred was admitted to the hospital with a gunshot wound to her knee.

This week in 1929, 1969, 1984, & 1989

1929

The Cubs are in the midst of a pennant winning season.

*While the Cubs/Reds game is being suspended because of darkness after 13 innings in Cincinnati, police in Berlin shoot 19 demonstrators during the May Day parade.



********************
1969

The Cubs are in the midst of one of their most memorable seasons.

*While Ron Santo is knocking in the winning run in the tenth inning to beat the Phillies 2-1 at Connie Mack Stadium in Philadelphia, Charles de Gaulle resigns as the President of France.




********************
1984

The Cubs are hoping to make the playoffs for the first time since World War 2.

*While Steve Trout is beating the Pirates 2-1 in Pittsburgh thanks to Gary Matthews' 2 RBI, President Reagan tours China on an official state visit.




********************
1989

The Boys of Zimmer were taking Chicago by storm.

*While Damon Berryhill is homering in the twelfth inning to beat the Giants 4-3 in Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Iran protests the sale of "Satanic Verses" by Salman Rushdie.

Father Knows Nothing

This week's Father Knows Nothing column is called "Watching TV with your Kids".

Ease the pain

These two items from the Just One Bad Century Souvenir Shop just may help ease your pain, Cub Fans...



Is there anything that more closely approximates your internal feelings than this crying cub logo? Get yours today.







This really helps ease the pain of the St. Louis series, believe me. There's nothing like seeing your baby wearing our famous toothless onsie. Get yours today.

A man named Hack

Hack Wilson was born on this day in 1900. He still holds the major league record for most RBI in a season (191), a record he set in 1930. He also still holds the record for hell-raising, a record he shares with his good friend Pat Malone.