SB Nation User Blog: JD

Do you know who Steve Goodman is?

JD — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 05:59:02 -0000

If you were a Cubs fan in the early '80s, then there's a good chance you do.

Reading the MetsBlog post-game post, at the end it said:

"…lastly, how long have Cubs fans been singing that song after a win…is this new, or have i been living in a cave…".

And then I felt compelled to write this post, after reading through the game thread comments here, seeing a comment about the song "Go, Cubs, Go" being kinda cheesy.

Now, I'm not trying to argue with anyone about their taste in music, and when it comes to music from the early '80s, sometimes it's the cheesiness that people like most about the music. But knowing a bit of history about the guy who wrote "Go, Cubs, Go" (Steve Goodman, for those that hadn't made the connection yet) could perhaps bring some new appreciation for the song.

For me, at least, knowing that the song was written by someone who lived and breathed the Cubs the same way I do, it really makes me feel like this is our song. I don't care if Cardinals fans think it sucks, or Sox fans find it annoying as hell, it's not for them. And I'll always associate the song with the great feeling of knowing the Cubs won (which I got to feel again last night, as I was leaving Wrigley, singing along with hundreds of Cubs fans around me).

Check out the wikipedia page on Steve Goodman to learn more.

And his song "A Dying Cubs Fan's Last Request" is a classic that any Cubs fan can relate to. Seriously, if you've never heard this song, it's almost mandatory that you click on this link.

Tougher security around Bonds?

JD — Sun, 03 Sep 2006 14:51:30 -0000

Perhaps the security is stepped up more in the bleachers than elsewhere. I was at the game on Friday in aisle 421 and Saturday in 515 and didn't notice any difference in the level of security or the number of ejections, of which I saw none (I practicaly never see any around my season tickets in 515 anyway).

Also, I did have an anti-Barry banner that I held up whenever he was at bat. It's 4' wide, orange with black leters, and all it says is "BARRY", but each "R" was replaced with an "Rx". Perhaps it was too subtle or I was sitting too far away for anyone to care.

I'll be sitting in aisle 115 today, let's see if I draw any extra attention from security when I hold the banner up.

UPDATE: While nothing was said about the intent of my banner, I was told that it was the ballpark policy that signs could only be held up between innings. I guess they don't care as much when you're in the cheap seats.

Photos from opening day

JD — Sun, 16 Apr 2006 18:23:39 -0000

It's been over a week, but I finally got my photos from opening day up online. Click here to see the photos.

The last time I was at opening day was 2004, the weather was a lot colder than this year and the result was nowhere near as pleasant.

I've picked up my photography hobby again and I plan on taking my camera to more games this year, I might post again if I get anything interesting.

A bit of history today

JD — Mon, 27 Feb 2006 22:03:22 -0000

Baseball Hall of Fame Elects First Woman

"TAMPA, Fla. Feb 27, 2006 (AP)-- Effa Manley became the first woman elected to the baseball Hall of Fame when the former Newark Eagles executive was among 17 people from the Negro Leagues and pre-Negro Leagues chosen Monday by a special committee."

Personally, I think it's nice to see team owners as well as players get recognition for what they did on the path towards integration. And I'm sure "Effa Manley" will become the answer to a trivia question in the not too distant future.

The Royals need to sign Garciaparra at SS

JD — Fri, 16 Dec 2005 19:31:57 -0000

With the Royals' recent signing of Doug Mientkiewicz and Mark Grudzielanek, the addition of Nomar would give them the longest (to announce) double play combo in baseball. And the hardest to spell.

Can anyone else think of any other double play combos from the past that would give announcers fits?

Really good seats still available for tonight's game

JD — Wed, 14 Sep 2005 16:03:12 -0000

On a whim, I checked the Cubs website to see what kind of seats were available for tonight's game. I selected 2 seats, best available section. The resulting tickets were section 11, row 5, seat 1 & 2, $50 apiece. Right behind the Cubs dugout. Unfortunately, I don't have a spare $100 to spend at this moment, but if anyone wants the rare opportunity of sitting behind the dugout for face value, here's your chance.

Poll: Next year's douple play combo?

JD — Fri, 09 Sep 2005 21:26:26 -0000

With Ronny Cedeno playing second base during the upcoming winter-ball season, the Cubs could find themselves with a number of options for filling the middle of the infield next year. Hence, the poll.

Keep in mind, I'm asking you to pick who you would like to see, not predict what you think the Cubs are going to do. So, this is kind of a fantasy poll, but based on reality (which is why you won't see Tejada - Soriano as a choice).

If you picked "Other" for SS or 2B, add a comment stating who you would like to see.

Poll

What double play combo would you like to see next year?

Cedeno - Other 2B

4 votes

Other SS - Other 2B

1 votes

Garciaparra - Walker

12 votes

Garciaparra - Cedeno

16 votes

Cedeno - Walker

17 votes

Perez - Walker

0 votes

Perez - Cedeno (or Cedeno - Perez)

0 votes

Other SS - Walker

2 votes

Other SS - Cedeno

7 votes

Garciaparra - Other 2B

2 votes

61 votes | Poll has closed

Observations while at Wrigley this Saturday

JD — Sun, 17 Jul 2005 08:42:21 -0000

It's nice to see someone patient hitting leadoff (well, more so than we've been used to).

AC026097: They finally fixed the sign.

Maddux pitched good enough to win.

Hitting into four double plays is a good way to get more hits than your opponent and still get shutout.

The color scoreboard in center likes to ignore hits, during Jason Bay's second at bat, it briefly read "0 for 0, 1 Solo HR" (I've seen this kind of ignorance a lot on that scoreboard this year).

Henry Blanco is going to lower his career average this year.

Is it only out-of-towners that bring binoculars to Wrigley Field?

A game like this is more depressing when sitting next to Astros fans.

If Zach Duke keeps pitching like this, it won't be too long before the Pirates can't afford him.

I was hoping to see the Cubs score 4 in the ninth just to give Jose Mesa the loss. He deserves a loss just for being Jose Mesa.

It's nice to see the Cubs in pinstripes.

It's nice not to hear any loud booing of a Cubs player.

No matter what the final score, Wrigley Field is still one of the best places to spend a summer afternoon. I feel privileged that I get to go as often as I do.

Good bleacher seats?

JD — Tue, 10 May 2005 18:51:47 -0000

I have bleacher tickets to tomorrow afternoon's game and the last time I sat in the bleachers was 25 years ago. It's my ritual to arrive at Wrigley around the time the gates open, regardless of where my seats are, and I'm hoping the same practice will allow me to choose some decent seats in the bleachers.

My goal is to watch the game, not get drunk or pick up coeds. Where is the best place to sit where I'll have a good view and there will be a minimum of drunken disturbances?