Well sir, 2011 definitely wasn't "The Year" for our Cubs, but we had a dandy time documenting the old ballpark nonetheless. Here are some of our better photographs of the year. We sure hope you enjoy them.
Ron Santo Elected to the Hall of Fame - A Year Too Late
Today, Ronnie was voted into the baseball Hall of Fame - an honor he surely deserved and one that should've happened before he passed. They say it's better things happen late than never at all, but this here is still a damn shame.
There are two things Ron Santo never lived to see: the Hall of Fame and his beloved Cubs winning the World Series. I sure hope to heck I see both while still on God's green earth. Not much use for thing happening after you pass.
"Holiday Tree" Lighting Ceremony Planned at Wrigley. What in The Holy Heck is a Holiday Tree?
The other day we received following email from your Chicago Cubs:
The Friendly Confines will add another iconic symbol this holiday season: A 30-foot decorated holiday tree will welcome visitors and ice skaters to Wrigley Field when The Rink at Wrigley opens. A Grand Opening celebration is planned in coordination with the lighting of the decorated holiday tree near the Wrigley Field Marquee on Saturday, December 3, at 5 p.m.
What in the name of baby Jesus is a "holiday tree"? Is this thing trimmed with holiday lights and holiday decorations with the hope that good old holiday nick will deliver some holiday presents?
I understand why most folks take the safe route this time of year; wishing each other a "happy holiday's".. lord knows you wouldn't want to offend anyone. And I am absolutely certain that is what the Cubs braintrust is trying to avoid here - poorly.
The Friendly Confines will add another iconic symbol this holiday season: A 30-foot decorated holiday tree will welcome visitors and ice skaters to Wrigley Field when The Rink at Wrigley opens. A Grand Opening celebration is planned in coordination with the lighting of the decorated holiday tree near the Wrigley Field Marquee on Saturday, December 3, at 5 p.m.
What in the name of baby Jesus is a "holiday tree"? Is this thing trimmed with holiday lights and holiday decorations with the hope that good old holiday nick will deliver some holiday presents?
I understand why most folks take the safe route this time of year; wishing each other a "happy holiday's".. lord knows you wouldn't want to offend anyone. And I am absolutely certain that is what the Cubs braintrust is trying to avoid here - poorly.
Oh, to have been in that room to hear them them spitball this idea:
"Ok boys, we've decided to scrap the Holiday Menorah idea and go with a tree, but we can't call it a Christmas tree. Who's got any ideas?
"How bout a Season's Greetings Spruce?"
"or ... a Festive Holiday Evergreen?"
"Why not call it a Well Lit Winter Tree?"
"or ... perhaps a Tall Non-Religious Shrub?"
"I got it... Decorated Holiday Tree! Brilliant!"
Now I'll be honest here, I don't exactly know why a decorated tree became the symbol for the birth of Jesus. But it did. And that symbol is known as a Christmas Tree. Now grow a pair of shiny oversized Christmas tree balls and call it what it is.
"Ok boys, we've decided to scrap the Holiday Menorah idea and go with a tree, but we can't call it a Christmas tree. Who's got any ideas?
"How bout a Season's Greetings Spruce?"
"or ... a Festive Holiday Evergreen?"
"Why not call it a Well Lit Winter Tree?"
"or ... perhaps a Tall Non-Religious Shrub?"
"I got it... Decorated Holiday Tree! Brilliant!"
Now I'll be honest here, I don't exactly know why a decorated tree became the symbol for the birth of Jesus. But it did. And that symbol is known as a Christmas Tree. Now grow a pair of shiny oversized Christmas tree balls and call it what it is.
Cubs Sign Kim DeJesus' Husband To A 2-Year Deal
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| photo via @KimDeJesus12 (hope that's ok, Kim) |
Kim DeJesus' already lucky husband got a little more fortunate today when he signed a 2 year contract with the Chicago Cubs worth 10 million dollars.
Kim's spouse spent 8 seasons with the Kansas City Royals and one - last season - with the Oakland A's. He has a .284 career batting average; hitting a total of 207 doubles, 50 triples, 71 home runs and 436 RBI. He also has a .356 on-base percentage, and a smoking hot wife.
Kim's spouse spent 8 seasons with the Kansas City Royals and one - last season - with the Oakland A's. He has a .284 career batting average; hitting a total of 207 doubles, 50 triples, 71 home runs and 436 RBI. He also has a .356 on-base percentage, and a smoking hot wife.
The Cubs will introduce Mrs. DeJesus' significant other at a press conference from Wrigley Field tomorrow at 11 am. No word as of yet if Kim, a lifelong Cubs fan from Wheaton, Illinos, will be in attendance. (Hope so)
Go Cubbies!
Lakeview Wal-Marts Opens Today
The Wal-Marts on Broadway that we told you about opened for business this morning - just a stone's throw from our beloved Wrigley Field.
They call it a "Wal-Marts Express" which sounds an awful lot like a "Walgreens Regular" to me. And seeing as how there's one of them Walgreens right next door, I reckon you can go compare for yourself.
My employment challenged grandson Jeremy jokes around that I should go get a job as a greeter. It wouldn't kill the kid to follow his own advice.
Ice Rink to Return to Wrigley
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| They were out there filling it with water this morning. |
Now, you wouldn't catch me dead out there for fear of a broken hip, but this here "Rink at Wrigley" should be opening up this week. The Cubs had hoped to get her going on the 25th but of all things it's been too warm, if you'd believe that.
Go Cubs.
Catching Bartman
Well sir, I broke down and watched that there ESPN movie about that damn walking curse, Steve Bartman. Now, I didn't want to because I figured it would be like watching old war footage and the nightmares would start up again, but I'd heard some of the boys down at the VFW talking about it, and they were sayin the whole thing was made to show that Bartman was a good guy and that the "Friendly Confines" weren't so friendly afterall. Well, that got my damn blood a boilin, so I grabbed a couple Schlitz and the remote and got ready to start my own one-man A'Hole chant right there in my livin room.
The movie started off talkin about ol' Bill Buckner, who if you remember right, was a pretty damn good player back in his days at Wrigley til he went off to Boston and forgot how to field a grounder Then came the talk of the 2003 season, and all these guys pourin salt on the wound of how good the Cubs were that season...and dammit the Cubs were good that year!! We had Prior and Wood, Gonzalez and Karros, probably our best team in a damn long time. Then came the buildup to that Game 6 debacle that will forever be burned into my head. 3-0, top of the 8th, 5 outs away from the Series and Luis Castillo hits a foul ball the other way near the left field wall. Alou's got a line on it, then...WTF?! Some greedy green-turtlenecked, 1987 Walkman-wearin bastard wantin a souvenir to show his mommy when he got home, knocked it away, along with the hopes and dreams of almost 100 years of Cubs fans.
I sat there watchin and takin a drink evertime they showed it. I took it all in until it showed where the computer boys worked their magic and took away all of the fans from the video. They could show that if no one had touched the ball, Alou would have caught it!!!...I couldn't take it any more so I grabbed my '84 Sandberg homerun ball and threw it through the TV. And just so everyone knows, I caught it that ball way up away from the field where there was no way I would have ruined the Cubs chances of a pennant. This Cub fan knows the rules of how not to screw your team and town...if only Bartman did too.
Johnny Davis
The movie started off talkin about ol' Bill Buckner, who if you remember right, was a pretty damn good player back in his days at Wrigley til he went off to Boston and forgot how to field a grounder Then came the talk of the 2003 season, and all these guys pourin salt on the wound of how good the Cubs were that season...and dammit the Cubs were good that year!! We had Prior and Wood, Gonzalez and Karros, probably our best team in a damn long time. Then came the buildup to that Game 6 debacle that will forever be burned into my head. 3-0, top of the 8th, 5 outs away from the Series and Luis Castillo hits a foul ball the other way near the left field wall. Alou's got a line on it, then...WTF?! Some greedy green-turtlenecked, 1987 Walkman-wearin bastard wantin a souvenir to show his mommy when he got home, knocked it away, along with the hopes and dreams of almost 100 years of Cubs fans.
I sat there watchin and takin a drink evertime they showed it. I took it all in until it showed where the computer boys worked their magic and took away all of the fans from the video. They could show that if no one had touched the ball, Alou would have caught it!!!...I couldn't take it any more so I grabbed my '84 Sandberg homerun ball and threw it through the TV. And just so everyone knows, I caught it that ball way up away from the field where there was no way I would have ruined the Cubs chances of a pennant. This Cub fan knows the rules of how not to screw your team and town...if only Bartman did too.
Johnny Davis
Restored Ernie Banks Statue Looks Spiffy
Ernie Banks' bronze statue returned to Wrigley Field today after a week of restoration, and boy does it look spiffy. Apparently the likeness of Mr. Cub was starting to turn green prematurely so they did what they had to do. For good measure they also brightened up the blue accents that were much more subtle when unveiled back in March of '08. That bright blue now matches Ronnie Santo over on Addison.
Let me tell ya, it's a real dandy!
Extreme Snowmobiling Coming To Wrigley Field
Something called the "Red Bull Fuel and Fury" is heading to Wrigley Field this Saturday, November 5th, from 5-8pm. This looks to be some type of stunt show with snowmobiles set for the Clark Street parking lot.
What will they think of next?
It says here that eight of the world's top snowmobilers (how many can there possibly be) will "ascend into the night sky" next to historic Wrigley Field. This will supposedly place our beloved ballpark "into uncharted territory - the center of an extreme machine playground" (wowzers) and "if history is any indicator, the spectacle promises to be and outdoor laboratory for extreme innovation"
You know, I've come to notice that kids these days like to talk about extreme this and extreme that. Try living through a Chicago winter with not much more than a blanket or a Chicago summer without air conditioning. That there is extreme...
In case you were wondering, the event will include Winter X Games (never heard of it) gold medalist Daniel Bodin, plus Heath Frisby (frisby?) and Justin Hoyer, as well as all-stars (all-stars of what?) Cory Davis, Jimmy Fejas and Jeff Mullen. The competition will be scored by a "panel of five judges, all of whom are industry heavyweights" (impressive)
Gates at the corner of Clark and Addison will open at 5pm and the show will start at 6. Admission is free to the public and "for sure... will be insane!"
It's Official: Waters To Bring "The Wall" To Wrigley on June 8, 2012
A press conference will be held later today to announce that Roger Waters of Pink Floyd will play Wrigley Field on June 8th 2012. Tickets will go on sale on November 14th.
Also announced: There are plans for an additional concert on June 9th (Grandpa's birthday) but "no additional details are available at this time". Not sure if that means Waters will perform "The Wall" twice or if there will be two different concerts.
Either way... Let the Pearl Jam rumors commence!
An obviously flustered Crane Kenney forgets to turn off his car lights
No doubt frazzled by Theo Epstein recent hiring, Chicago Cubs President Crane Kenney accidentally left his car lights on this morning. Who could blame the guy for being a little preoccupied. Following the coronation of Epstein as President of Baseball Operations many have started to wonder what exactly Mr. Kenney's role with the team will be. While the Cubs new regime has yet to discuss Kenney's future, it is obvious that he is no longer Cubs owner Tom Ricketts right hand man. Also obvious is Crane's discombobulation by this weeks events.
Theo Epstein Definitely Maybe Seen Near Wrigley Field
The Chicago Tribune reported yesterday that a Lakeview resident, and lifelong Cubs fan, was 99.9 percent sure he saw Theo Epstein at a Starbucks kinda near Wrigley Field.
Well, if it's in The Chicago Tribune. . . it has to be true.
I mean, It's THE Tribune. It's not like the report came from some blog where they do their "reporting" out of their basement while wearing underwear and eating lucky charms. No sir, this story has been corroborated by "one Lakeview resident in a purple T-shirt" according to Tribune reporter Paul Sullivan. And if Paul Sullivan wrote it - it's gotta be solid. Because Paul Sullivan is a real life reporter. I mean, obviously Mr. Sullivan went to an esteemed university where he earned his journalism degree - probably with honors. (Ok, we just looked it up... Paul Sullivan only has a B.A. in English from Mizzou... close enough) What we are trying to say is, it's not like it was written by some hacks who would rather photoshop a funny picture than actually make sure things are true.
We're certain it's true, and it can mean only on thing: Theo Epstein is going to be the next General Manager of the Chicago Cubs... as soon as the Cubs ship Starlin Castro to the Red Sox as compensation.
Roger Waters wants to bring The Wall to Wrigley Field
According to a story by Rolling Stone, Roger Waters will be taking his "The Wall" tour to baseball stadiums across America next summer. That tour, you'd think, would include Wrigley Field.
And that. would. be. Awesome!
In the article, the former Pink Floyd bassist said (in a British accent): "We've done light tests (in) Fenway Park and Wrigley Field and Yankee Stadium just to see what the ambient light is like. And it's fine. It works. We've taken part of The Wall and the projectors into those three places."
Sounds like a done deal to us: The Wall at Wrigley Field - Summer 2012.
Sweeeet.
Closing Day 2011
Well sir, it is that time of year again.
Time for one last home game before they kick us out and close the gates on 2011.
I guess you could say that this season has been over for quite some time. I don't believe the Cubs were ever more than a game over .500 - and that happened way back in April. Ridiculous.
Be sure to come back and check out this here blog from time to time. We will document any work they do on the old stadium, and me and the boys have plenty of photographs in and around the Friendly Confines. We will continue to share it all while we wait out another long Chicago winter and dream once again of Cubby success in 2012.
Wait Til Next Year.
Movie Night at Wrigley Field to show Ferris Bueller's Day Off
We heard about this "Movie Night" idea a couple of weeks back, and now it looks like it'll be a reality.
Today the folks down at Groupon announced they are "presenting" Movie Night at Wrigley Field on Saturday, October 1 at 5:30pm. Usually Groupon gives you a discount to things, but in this case I guess they just are gonna flash their name so you think it is cheaper.
As far as we can recall, this will be the first such event at the Friendly Confines, but it's only the latest in a long line of ways the Ricketts and his team of marketers have figured out how to milk Wrigley Field.
Tickets are $10 for Bleachers, $25 to bring a blanket and sit on the field, or $75 to be a "VIP", sit closer on the field and get free food and drinks for a couple of hours.
They're gonna set up three 30-foot screens along the infield to show the 25 year old movie, and get this: "guests arriving before 7pm can take part in a historic attempt to top the world record for Most People Singing in the Round. A stadium-wide rendition of "Danke Schoen" pits left and right field against each other in aural combat, with all participants counted toward the immoral record by official cleverly disguised as counting Muppets."
Dear Lord...
Star Wars Day At Wrigley
For reasons beyond us, today was Star Wars Day at Wrigley Field.
My grandson, Jeremy volunteered to head down to the game to take some photographs. He didn't pay the extra $50 to actually sit in the Star Wars Section, and as you can see neither did a whole heck of a lot of people.
Oh, and if anyone cares - The Cubs lost to the Astros 3-2
Wrigley Ready for Final Homestand
An early chill of Fall is in the air as the Chicago Cubs (65-85) get set to host the Houston Astros (51-98) to start the final homestand of 2011.
This here, is Playoff weather - or so I'm told.
A couple of items to perhaps witness during these last 6 games:
Attendance going over 3 million for the year, again - somehow
Starlin Castro getting his 200th hit on the season - that would be dandy
and Houston suffering their 100th loss of the year - be nice to see
Go Cubs
Star Wars Night At Wrigley Field? With only one homestand left, Cubs pulling out all the stops
The Chicago Cubs need to average a little over 32,000 fans a day over their final 6 game homestand to reach their magic 3 million attendance figure. Well sir, it appears the boys over at marketing are pulling out all the stops to make certain it happens
First you've got Friday's game which they've dubbed: "Music Night" where they say they'll let something called "loopt" hand out "FREE Song Downloads from Today’s Hottest Artists!" Whatever the hell that means. Funny thing is: Music Night is during a DAY game, and even more hilarious is the fact that the "first 40,000 fans" will get these songs. They'll be lucky to have 30,000 actual people show up.
On Sunday the 18th they're having "Star Wars Night" - again, during a DAY game - where you can "watch the Cubs use the Force" against the Houston Astros.
Come again?
The kicker is that this thing won't be free for the first 40,000 fans. This thing costs money. "JUST $50 includes a special Cubs "Use the Force for Good" Star Wars t-shirt and a Bleacher Box ticket in the special Star Wars section, where you can enjoy the game with fellow fans. During the game, you'll be treated to appearances from some of your favorite Star Wars characters!"
I'd be willing to bet an Old Style that this Bleacher Box section will be more interested in starting The Wave than watching the game
September 11, 2001
This here is one of my more prized possessions - from that damn awful day.Hard to believe it has been 10 years. . .
But let me tell ya, I still believe the same damn thing we all thought that night - as soon as the dust began to settle:
God Bless America.
Unfortunate Wrigley Field Headlines of the Week
Two news stories came out today about our beloved Wrigley Field.
First they announced that our alderman and the Cubs are pushing for a "Movie Night" sometime in October inside the Friendly Confines. Why, you might ask?
Because: "You’d make money — not from the ticket price, but from the advertisement and concession sales" said Mike Lufrano, Cubs general counsel and executive vice-president of community affairs.
Unfortunately, a second news story also came out about Wrigley Field today: Black Slime Found Among Concessions at Wrigley Field.
Good luck with that one there, Mike.
Unfortunately, a second news story also came out about Wrigley Field today: Black Slime Found Among Concessions at Wrigley Field.
Good luck with that one there, Mike.
Blog Contest! What movie should they show at Wrigley Field for the first ever "Movie Night"?
So, here's the contest:
What movie should they show?
The winner (decided by Grandpa and the boys) will receive One Cold Beer!
We'll pick the winner and mail out your cash in time to enjoy one last Old Style before the end of the season - a $7 value!
Please leave us some way to reach you via twitter handle, email, whatev..
Good luck
Good luck
Old Style BACK As Official Beer of Wrigley Field
You see, about a month or so back we learned that some big wigs who just took over at Old Style had decided to take their beer and leave Wrigley Field - after 61 seasons at the park.
We heard all sorts of reasons: That the Cubs were charging them too much to be the “official beer”, or that the new owners were just kooks looking to “rebrand” their beer or some such nonsense like that.
As you can imagine, this proposal caused a bit of a stir around here. For one thing, it seemed like a piss poor business decision. Besides Cubs fans, who the heck even drinks the stuff? Nobody I’ve ever heard of.
Not that I give a damn, but It also made the Cubs look bad. You see, even though Ricketts and his clowns probably wouldn’t be to blame for the move, we all sure the heck would have blamed em. Those suits had to know that substituting Old Style with some other big name beer would've just looked like another greedy decision guided more by the bottom line than by what is right.
Well sir, we received some rare good news from The Friendly Confines this evening when we learned the beer isn’t going anywhere. For at least the next two seasons, Old Style will remain the Official Beer of Wrigley Field just like it’s been since 1950.
Who knows what’ll happen after that, but we sure will take it.
Go Cubs
Cubs vs Cardinals: Two Teams Not Making The Playoffs
This afternoon the Chicago Cubs (54-70) host the St. Louis Cardinals (66-58) at beautiful Wrigley Field.
Took a gander at the standings in the paper this morning and I see here that the Cards are 6 1/2 games out of 1st as well as the Wild Card. Now, I don't typically take pleasure in another teams misfortune, but it is good to know that just like our Cubs - the Cardinals look to be watching the playoffs from their couches.
Oh and by the way, The Cubs fired GM Jim Hendry this morning.
Go Cubs
Ron Santo Statue Sneak Peek
A few workers have installed a nice banner and what looks to be a dandy statue for our old pal, Ron Santo, who passed last December. Ernie and Billy already have have their statues - both with the Cubs greats up to bat. But Ronnie is captured in this here statue playing defense - forever frozen firing the ball across the diamond from third.
The dedication ceremony will be held before Wednesday's game against the Washington Nationals at 5:30 pm
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