Father Knows Nothing

I just posted my latest "Father Knows Nothing" column. This one is called "Separation Anxiety," and it's about the latest addition to our house.

You can read it here.

Confessions of a Cubs fanatic

No, it's not me (this time).

It's a professor emeritus from Louisiana Tech University.

Memorial Day

For the fallen...

Gale Sayers

One of the greatest players to play his home games at Wrigley Field wasn't even a baseball player.

Gale Sayers turned 67 years old over the weekend.

His greatest game ever was at Wrigley.

Chicago Radio Spotlight: Marty Lennartz

I just posted my latest Chicago Radio Spotlight interview. This week I talked to WXRT's jack-of-all-trades, Marty Lennartz.

You can read it here.

Ringo

I just got the June issue of Shore Magazine in the mail. It's the music issue, and contains a back page essay I wrote about my brush with a Beatle.

If you're interested, you can read it here.

JFK

Tomorrow is the anniversary of John F. Kennedy's birth. I think of JFK every time I drive to a Cubs game.

Read about the Kennedy-Cubs symmetry here.

Congress won't pursue perjury case against Sammy Sosa

It's not because they don't think he lied to Congress.

It's mainly because the five-year statute of limitations has expired.

Papa Bear

He retired as the Bears coach on this day in 1968 after 48 years as their head coach. He finished under .500 only six times, and he won six championships during those years. And though he was nicknamed Papa Bear, he was anything but warm and cuddly. I love this video...

Art Linkletter

He passed away yesterday in Los Angeles at 97. He is survived by his wife of 74 years.

Punky Brewster

On this day in 1986 the final Punky Brewster episode aired. I've only seen one episode of that show. Watch part of it, and see if you can guess why...

BP

The Stones on Shindig!

It's was 45 years ago tonight. They were no Lee DeWyze ratings-wise, but they did OK for themselves...



Also on that show, by the way: Jackie DeShannon, Sonny & Cher and Jimmy Rodgers.

100 years ago

Exactly 100 years ago today, Cubs pitcher Orval Overall threw a one hitter against the Phillies. The only hit came off the bat of Sherrie McGee.

The Cubs were in first place, on their way to their fourth World Series of the past five years.

Overall would sit out the next two seasons in a contract dispute.

A truly mixed marriage

Don't think I've ever seen this before...

Keith Moon

On this day in 1978, Keith Moon played with the Who for the very last time. He died just a few months later. The Who has never been the same.

This video features an isolated Keith Moon drum track...

Fergie's 3000th

On this day in 1982, Fergie Jenkins struck out the 3000th batter of his career (Gary Templeton of the San Diego Padres). He was in his second tour with the Cubs at the time, in the second to last season of his Major League career.

Have you read his book yet? It's a good read...

Music

Music is different things to different people. To you it may be an opera or a symphony. To someone else it might be rock and roll or jazz.

To me it's the sound of Tony LaRussa and Albert Pujols feuding.

It's like Mozart is conducting.

Catalina Island

I just finished reading another good baseball book for those of you that share my love of Cubs history.

It's an Arcadia Publishing book called "Chicago Cubs: Baseball on Catalina Island" and it chronicles the era the Cubs had spring training there. The words by author Jim Vitti are informative, but it's the photographs that really caught my eye.

Look closely at the first one below. That's Stan Hack taking a swing, but that's not the most interesting part of the picture. See that guy bending over, checking the levels on his recording device? That's a Cubs radio announcer from Iowa named Ronald Reagan (in 1936). That same spring he took advantage of the Cubs spring training location (near Hollywood) to make a screen test. The rest, as they say, is history.

The second photo is from one of the first seasons at Catalina. That's Hall of Famer Grover Cleveland Alexander on the beach with teammates Bill Killefer and Speed Martin.

(These are republished with permission from the publisher.)

Cool stuff. Check it out here if you're interested.

Tommy Chong

Tommy Chong is 72 years old today. Here is he is accompanying Cheech's protest song about Mexican-Americans. I was a big fan at one time, but it somehow doesn't really stand the test of time, does it?

Let there be lights!

It was seventy five years ago today--the very first night game in Major League history.

The game was played on May 24, 1935, with the Cincinnati Reds defeating the Philadelphia Phillies 2-1 at Cincinnati's Crosley Field.

By the late 40s every team but one had lights.

I guess I don't need to tell you which one that was.

The Tribune Tower

On this day in 1924, the Tribune company broke ground for the building of the iconic Tribune Tower.

Read all about that story here.

Father Knows Nothing

I just posted my latest Father Knows Nothing column at NWI Parent. This one is called "And Puppy Makes Six." I think you guess what it's about.

You can read it here.

Chicago Radio Spotlight: Pat Hughes

This week's Chicago Radio Spotlight is a special one for me, for obvious reasons. This week I spoke with Chicago Cubs radio play-by-play man Pat Hughes.

You can read the interview here.

The Empire Strikes Back

It was 30 years ago today.

Some of the stars recall that big day.

Bobby Howry?

You can't be serious. He was released by Arizona. When the Diamondbacks were in town, the Cubs lit him up. When he pitched for the Cubs, the whole league lit him up.

And yet, the Cubs just signed Bobby Howry.

Chuck Klein

He's a Hall-of-Famer, and he played on one pennant winner for the Cubs, but he was never as good for the Cubs as he had been in Philadelphia.

On this day in 1936, the Cubs traded him back to the Phillies.

So ended the Cubs career of the Hoosier Hammerer.

Ivy

Meet the newest member of the Kaempfer family. She moved in with us today. Her name is Ivy...

Jimmy Stewart

He was born the year the Cubs last won the World Series, which means he would be 102 years old today. He was also one of the easiest all-time mystery guests on What's My Line...

Babe says bye-bye to Chicago

It happened on this day in 1935, exactly 75 years ago.

E-mails, we get e-mails

MB sent this link to me: Hank Jones, Versatile Jazz Pianist, is Dead at 91

Why did he send the link?

Because Hank Jones played the piano for Marilyn Monroe at JFK's birthday party (video below). Who would have thought that the musician would be the one to live the long full life, while the politician and the actress would both die young.

Big Z coming back to the rotation

I must say, this is not exactly a surprise. Carlos Zambrano will be returning to the starting rotation after he pitches in middle relief a few times.

I still think it was worth a shot, but it didn't work out.

Happy Birthday Mr. President

It happened this week in 1962 at his 45th birthday party. Reminds me a lot of my 45th birthday party...



Marilyn died less than three months later. JFK died 18 months later.

If they were still alive, Marilyn would be 84, and JFK would be 93.

Happy birthday to a great mustache

The Cub attached to this great mustache turns 54 years old today. Happy birthday Luis Salazar.

Looking on the bright side

I've been following the story about the Euro's decline, and while I know this is probably bad for the world's economy, I can't help but consider how this could selfishly benefit me.

If it keeps going down, I may actually be able to afford to take my kids there. I don't want them to be the first generation of Kaempfers to never step foot in the Fatherland.

It would help alleviate my guilt that I never taught them German.*



*That's right, Germans feel guilt too. At least this one does. It's one of my two emotions. (The other one is worry.)

Ryno

Something remarkable happened to Ryne Sandberg on this day in 1990.

He made an error.

That ended a streak of 123 consecutive games played at 2B without making one, a Major League record at the time. (It was recently broken by Luis Castillo of the Mets)

The World Cup

I don't know if I've mentioned it on the blog yet, but I'm going to the World Cup in South Africa at the end of June. I'm starting to get very excited about this adventure (I'm going with my brother, sister, and cousin).

This is the official song of the World Cup. Not bad at all...

Here come the Hawks

What a hockey game yesterday afternoon. This Blackhawks team is the most exciting Chicago hockey team since the days of Bobby Hull and Tony Esposito.

And I still love this song. I don't care if it sounds like a WCFL jingle from the 1960s. I loved those jingles. 

23-22

On this day in 1979, the Cubs played the Phillies in the ultimate slugfest. The final score was 23-22. Fox 32's Dane Placko was there...

Father Knows Nothing

I just posted my latest "Father Knows Nothing" column at NWI Parent. This week's is called "Can money buy love?"

You can read it here.

Chicago Radio Spotlight: Roy Leonard

I just posted my latest interview. This week I talked to WGN radio legend, Roy Leonard. We talked about his incredibly interesting 30-year run in Chicago radio.

You can read it here.

DeWyze-a-palooza

I may be hard to reach today, because I'm going to check out DeWyze-a-palooza this afternoon. The motorcade/parade will be just a few blocks away from my house. Mt. Prospect hasn't seen this kind of excitement since Bruce Boxleitner starred in the Scarecrow and Mrs. King. That's right, baby, we've got Boxleitner too...suck on that (insert your suburb's name here). It's an embarrassment of riches here in Dave Kingman's hometown.

Oh snap! Did you see that? I just dropped another name.

Now this is a Cubs fan...

Remember Derick Lehman? We featured him as our JOBC fan of the week back in 2008, when he gave us a tour of his Cubstiva...



Well today he sent me a video of his basement, and let me just say that I'm extremely jealous, even though I know my wife would never consent to letting me do this...

Pet Sounds

It came out on this day in 1966. It's the only Beach Boys album that I can listen to from start to finish. There are a few real gems on that album, including this one...

Dirt

He was a key part of the bullpen in the late 70s for the Chicago Cubs, and his teammates called him Dirt.

Dick Tidrow is 63 today.

Stevie Wonder

He is 60 years old today, and he's been a mega-star since he was a pre-teen. Here he is in 1964 at the age of 14, performing his first hit, "Fingertips." Now that's a child prodigy...

6th grade Gaga

I'm guessing you've seen this, considering that a dozen or so of you sent me the link, but this is a 6th grader doing a performance of Lady Gaga's "Paparazzi." I have a sixth grader living in my house. He plays the piano too, but...sheesh, this kid makes my son sound like...well, a sixth grader.

Jimmy Archer

One of my all-time favorite Cubs, Jimmy Archer, was born on this day in 1883.

I like to call him: The Bionic Cub.

Ernie's 500th homer

It happened exactly 40 years ago today. Hey Hey!

Listen to it here.

(Sadly, I was listening to it then, too.)

A no-no

On this day in 1955, Sam "Toothpick" Jones threw a no-hitter for the Cubs. He was the first African American in history to accomplish the feat.

Listen to the last out here.

The Former Playboy Mansion

One of the luxury condo units in the old Playboy mansion on State Street is for sale. You can check out the listing here.

Bridget and I used to live in the building directly behind the mansion. (You can see our old white building in the picture of the patio). I used to look at the old mansion from our rooftop and try to imagine what it was like twenty years earlier (now forty years).

Rolling Stones biographer Robert Greenfield described it this way in his book: "The couches pulse with women. In the nights to come, the Stones will have their own man on the door, selecting talent, but tonight the gathering is official...mostly bunnies, ex-Playmates, future Playmates, glossy four-color ladies with polished faces and made-up eyes. None of your New York city darkness here, no clean puritan New England faces or spaced-out California smiles; these ladies are the real thing: products of the heartland..."

That doesn't come with the condo, as I understand it. You'd think it does based on the asking price.

Mr. Tamborine Man

The Byrds made their television debut this week 45 years ago. I found the video of it on YouTube. Check out some of the other music stars on the show with them (all are mentioned in the intro--some of whom I've never heard of--some of whom ended up being even bigger stars)...

Salvador Dali

He was born on this day in 1904. Dali was always odd, but even he must have felt like the day he appeared on the game show "What's My Line" was one of the strangest days of his life. One might even call it a surreal experience...

Charlie Grimm

Charlie Grimm retired as a player (he was still the manager) on this day in 1935. He came out of retirement the following year, and gave himself a little more than a hundred at bats, before officially calling it quits for good after the 1936 season.

Charlie's managerial reign with the Cubs is among the most interesting in Cubs history.

He was almost fired on his first day.

He was traded for the radio broadcaster on his last day.

He also led the team to two NL pennants, including their last one.

Billy Jurges

He was born on this day in 1908 and grew up to become the starting shortstop on several pennant winning Cubs teams.

Oh, and he was also shot by a crazy fan.

Father Knows Nothing

I just posted a new Father Knows Nothing column at NWI Parent. This week's is called "Mother's Day" and features an audio presentation from the boys.

Check it out here.

Chicago Radio Spotlight: Mel Tovar

This week I talk to the co-host of the DreX morning show: Mel Tovar.

You can read the interview here.

Castro homers in debut

Nice work here by Edwardo and Squirehogg...

Newton Minnow

On this day in 1961, Newton Minnow made his famous "vast wasteland" speech to the National Association of Broadcasters. Fun to listen to today...

Toyota Sign

The Landmarks commission approved the Toyota sign at Wrigley Field, but it still might not happen.

I've gotten quite a few e-mails from fellow Cub fans at Just One Bad Century, outraged by this potential sign. I just can't seem to conjure up any emotion about it.

Maybe it's because every other renovation done to the park the past few years has turned out just fine, despite dire warnings about destroying the sanctity of Wrigley. The sky didn't fall, and the ballpark still looks great. It's just a sign. Yes, it's an ad, but does anyone really care about the Under Armour ads on the doors in the outfield? Remember what a big deal that was going to be?

I suspect this will be just fine too.

Sammy Sosa

He hit his first home run for the Cubs on this date in 1992.

It was shortly after the Chicago Flood.

Boring Cars

Enjoyed this article describing the ten best boring cars.

As the biggest non-car guy you'll ever meet, you know I'd be happy with any of these boring cars. I have only one requirement: Does it get me from point A to point B without breaking down.

Needless to say, my car (The Honda Oddysey) is not on the list, and not because it isn't boring. It is. It's just not a good car. I found that out when I had to replace the transmission at just over 60,000 miles.

Satisfaction

On this day in 1965 Keith Richards' life changed forever when he wrote the lick to the song "Satisfaction."

Is it just me, or is Mick now completely unable to sing it?

Kerry Wood

On this day in 1998 Kid K wowed the baseball world by striking out 20 Astros in Wrigley Field.

This is what it sounded like.

Different town, same ol' Milton

Now he's not happy in Seattle.

That guy has just got the worst luck of all-time, doesn't he? No need to self-examine.

Bad Moon Rising

Released on this day in 1968...



Note: He's not singing "There's a bathroom on the right."

Cinco De Mayo

I wanted to pay tribute to all of the Mexican born players in Cubs history for Cinco De Mayo. I could only find four. Am I missing anyone? Let me know if I am.


Here's what I found:

Jesse Flores

Jesse was signed as a free agent by the Cubs in 1938, and pitched for them in 1942. He appeared in 4 games, pitched 5 innings, struck out six, and gave up one home run before being sold to the Athletics. The A's converted him into a starter and he won 12 games for them the following year. He played in the majors for seven seasons.

Jesse passed away in 1991 at the age of 77.



Hector Torres

The Cubs acquired Hector in a trade with the Houston Astros in 1971. The Cubs gave up their former first round draft pick, Roger Metzger. Metzger started at shortstop for the Astros until 1979.

Torres, on the other hand, had 58 at bats for the Cubs in 1971, hitting .224 and making several errors in the field during his limited opportunities. The following April they traded him along with Hal Breeden to the Expos for the immortal Dan McGinn.

Torres played nine seasons in the major leagues.




Horacio Pina

He was an important part of the 1973 World Champion Oakland A's bullpen when the Cubs acquired him for the 1974 season (for Bob Locker). He seemed to lose his grip of the strike zone when he got to Chicago and walked 28 men in 47 innings. The Cubs traded him to the Angels in July.

Horacio pitched in the big leagues for eight seasons.



Ismael Valdez

He seemed like a steal when the Cubs got Valdez along with Eric Young for Terry Adams in 2000. Valdez had won ten or more games four of the previous five seasons with the Dodgers. Unfortunately, Ismael was bothered with bad blister problems during his short stay in Chicago. After giving up 17 home runs in 67 innings, with a 5.37 ERA, the Cubs had seen enough.

They sent him back to the Dodgers for a minor league prospect, Jamie Arnold.

Valdez later rediscovered his touch a few seasons later and won 14 games for the Padres and Marlins.

Ernie Harwell

RIP Ernie. He was 92 years old.

This is my favorite audio from Ernie. Enjoy...