SB Nation User Blog: hellfreezesoverwaittillnextyear

Exorcising "Demons"

hellfreezesoverwaittillnextyear — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:58:46 -0000

My last Cubs poem was written very late into the night following that most infamous and regrettable of games that we would love to forget; but unfortunately gets woven in the fiery depths of our tortured Cubs fabric.

I do not believe in jinxes, other than human mismanagement - which too many Cubs teams have been "over blessed" with for far too many seasons.

In the "Hope Springs Eternal" optimism of Opening Day 2008, I am sharing a poem that I dedicated to my Mom, who died in early July 2003, before the Cubbies clinched their Central Division Championship.

Perhaps my 2008 Cubbies poem will be written very late into October with Mom permanently grinning her beaming Cubbie Blue smile - forever and ever! Amen!

[Note by hellfreezesoverwaittillnextyear, 03/31/08 8:09 PM CDT ](Poem Follows)

The Fifteenth of October, Twenty-O-Three


An Autumn-Spring twilight on Chicago’s Northside,
	Marked the end of an era, a long Summer’s ride.
A Prior engagement Wood just have to wait,
	To silence the echoes of Half a Century plus Eight.
Ten-Fifteen-O-Three had finally arrived!	

	To lay to rest the ghosts where Wrigley Field survived;
	To exorcise the demons of Eight in the Eighth;
	To call on the Diehards to just keep the Faith;
	To quench the Thirsty Confines;
	To end the endless drought;
	To squeeze hard the hardball;
	To end the final out…
To play more Mid-October baseball---the Cubbies Millennium at last!

From Forty-Five to Sixty-Nine,
	Eighty-Four to Eighty-Nine;
		Forgotten memories of O-Eight
To long lost thrills of Ninety-Eight:
	The Fifteenth of October, Twenty-O-Three.

Next Year Nearly erased... 
	By leather and Wood,
		The Cubbie Blue Angels,
			And the Dusty Engine that Could!

© 2003; Genetic Cubs Fan Press; Bolingbrook, IL 60440
Written by a Genetic Cubs Fan-HellFreezesOverWaitTillNextYear

Dedicated to my Mom, Florence - a Cubbie Blue Angel and Diehard Cubs Fan

Opening Day Poem

hellfreezesoverwaittillnextyear — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 05:49:46 -0000

After spending time in Texas with the USAF and completing school in San Marcos, I returned home to Chicago in the late Seventies at long last. Suffering from major Cubs and Wrigley Field withdrawal, I vowed to never leave home again, and remedy my baseball fever ASAP.

I was fortunate to attend Opening Day 1980 in Wrigley.

Later that night I composed my first ever Wrigley Field/Cubs poem. Al, I hope that you allow me to post this here to share with my favorite Cubs community.

http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1980/B04170CHN1980.htm

The 17th of April 19 Eight O

An Autumn-Spring sky on Chicago’s North side,

Marked the most special occasion as Opening Day.

From season to season the structure had stood,

That was called Wrigley Field – Cubs Park, just as good.

The neighborhood, East Lakeview, where the crowds had arrived

By L, bus, and auto was coming alive.

Not Mardi Gras, or Christmas, or Fourth of July,

Could match the anticipation, the bravado, the high.

Loyal fans they were called- Diehards to some

Who weathered each Winter and still they would come,

With an indomitable spirit and hopes of the day,

When ‘Wait Till Next Year’ would just fade away…

In pregame festivities the fans milled about,

Buying hotdogs and beers to help with the shouts;

For their Cubbies were heroes from early childhood days,

No matter the fact that no pennant was won.

But now the game’s starting – the perennial chance

To play Autumn-Spring baseball in October at last!

In this dreamlike sense of aura, thoughts drift to the past.

For here in the Friendly Confines, no time seems to elapse...

The young and the old, the new and the few,

All share in a time capsule which bridges the gaps

Of generations who will follow the footsteps, the tracks,

Which lead to Clark and Addison, Waveland, Sheffield, and back!

Cub Power 2008 - A New Century Rising!

hellfreezesoverwaittillnextyear — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 23:43:33 -0000

Baseball Musings just posted a review of the Cubs projected lineup production for this year that looks very promising:

http://www.baseballmusings.com/archives/024657.php

After an ugly 2006 season that was my most "unenjoyable" to watch, the Central Division Championship under Lou's first year brought welcome relief and excitement; albeit a "dud" of a finish.

Perhaps the possible trade-not-to-be-named could skyrocket these projections, but could also be considered unnecessary - given the current Cubs positive lineup chemistry and increased projections.

Barring a certain "Zealot greed-monger" from gumming up the works, a post season run into the Promised Land might complete this Century as a Championship Celebration!

Given the luck factor, our Cubbies are way past due!

A few L.D.B., Casey, & Ernie Quotes en route to October

hellfreezesoverwaittillnextyear — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 05:38:43 -0000

"Bear" repeating just in case we get too serious and hypertensive in the final stretch:

I abhor averages. I like the individual case. A man may have six meals one day and none the next, making an average of three meals per day, but that is not a good way to live.
Louis D. Brandeis

Most of the things worth doing in the world had been declared impossible before they were done.
Louis D. Brandeis

Finding good players is easy. Getting them to play as a team is another story.
Casey Stengel

If we're going to win the pennant, we've got to start thinking we're not as good as we think we are.
Casey Stengel

Most ball games are lost, not won.
Casey Stengel

No baseball pitcher would be worth a darn without a catcher who could handle the hot fastball.
Casey Stengel

Now there's three things that can happen in a ballgame: you can win, you can lose, or it can rain.
Casey Stengel

Oldtimers, weekends, and airplane landings are alike. If you can walk away from them, they're successful.
Casey Stengel

Son, we'd like to keep you around this season but we're going to try and win a pennant.
Casey Stengel

The Yankees don't pay me to win every day, just two out of three.
Casey Stengel

Two hundred million Americans, and there ain't two good catchers among 'em.
Casey Stengel

You gotta lose 'em some of the time. When you do, lose 'em right.
Casey Stengel

You have to have a catcher because if you don't you're likely to have a lot of passed balls.
Casey Stengel

The Cubs are due in sixty-two.
Ernie Banks

The Cubs are gonna shine in sixty-nine.
Ernie Banks

The only way to prove that you're a good sport is to lose.
Ernie Banks

The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money.
Ernie Banks

When I wake up in the morning, I feel like a billionaire without paying taxes.
Ernie Banks

When I was the first black Ford dealer in the United States, Mr. Wrigley and my friendship with him is what made that happen.
Ernie Banks

Work? I never worked a day in my life. I always loved what I was doing, had a passion for it.
Ernie Banks

You must try to generate happiness within yourself. If you aren't happy in one place, chances are you won't be happy anyplace.
Ernie Banks

People ask me a lot about the values I got from playing for the Cubs for so many years. The value I got out of it was patience. A lot of people these days are not very patient.
Ernie Banks

Never make predictions, especially about the future.
Casey Stengel

The team has come along slow but fast.
Casey Stengel

You got to get twenty-seven outs to win.
Casey Stengel

Brood Crude Poll

hellfreezesoverwaittillnextyear — Sun, 08 Jul 2007 06:33:43 -0000

Wrigley Field North references do not play well in Cheeseheadland. The SB Nation site for our Northerly Neighbors is usually a place that I enjoy perusing, if only to check on the current milk and cheese futures. Tonight I found a rather disturbed "poll" posted there, that BCB readers might want to take note of, if only to remind Brew Crew Ball fans that BCB stands for Bleed Cubbie Blue!

Below is the "poll" that was posted (any guess which team's fans were notably missing?):

What NL Central rival has the most passionate and knowledgeable fans?
St. Louis Cardinals     113 votes - 79 %
Pittsburgh Pirates     14 votes - 9 %
Cincinnati Reds     6 votes - 4 %
Houston Astros     10 votes - 6 %

143 Total Votes

I can only speculate as to why their "poll" dissed the Cubs - perhaps fear that true BCB fans would overwhelm and skew their numbers, or maybe they just can't handle the truth!

Poll

What NL Central rival has the most passionate and knowledgeable fans?

1. Cincinnati Reds

4 votes

2. Houston Astros

2 votes

3. Milwaukee Braves

8 votes

4. Pittsburgh Pirates

6 votes

5. St. Louis Cardinals

55 votes

75 votes | Poll has closed

"My Right Arm" - a Kerry Wood article

hellfreezesoverwaittillnextyear — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 08:49:55 -0000

by Buzz Bissinger, NY Times, June 3, 2007 appeared in the NYT Play Magazine section:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/03/sports/playmagazine/0603play-wood.html?ex=1339560000&en=1b7292 1630385363&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

(Buzz Bissinger is also the author of "Friday Night Lights" and "Three Nights in August")

After reading this article that reviews the tragic history of Kerry Wood's career and slim prospect of ever pitching again in MLB, I again am reminded of Dr. Mike Marshall's "injurious free" scientific-based approach to pitching that is largely rejected by MLB, as well as so-called experts in mechanics like Tom House (Mark Prior's early pitching "guru").

According to this article, there is plenty of "blame" to go around - too much to believe that Kerry Wood will ever find himself fulfilling his hope and promise to return to MLB pitching.

Even Dusty Baker is cited as having raised early concerns about Kerry Wood's mechanics, with the Cubs organization ignoring his concern. The "killer" story for me involved Steve Stone's talk with Andy McPhail, in which he clearly predicts future surgeries and significant DL time; and Andy McPhail (according to the author) does not recall Steve Stone's warnings/conversation!

Is there any doubt that the Cubs need new ownership/management, and MLB needs to begin exploring the existing science of pitching mechanics?! Apparently financial waste is an accepted practice with many MLB teams; however, the tragedy of crushing and debilitating pain, suffering, and emotional distress to promising pitching prospects should not be part of their money formula, especially when this is preventable!

Cubs Fans, Stephen King & Stephen Crane

hellfreezesoverwaittillnextyear — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 15:37:13 -0000

After reading some of the latest BCB diaries, yet again, bemoaning the Cubs latest, and historical, woe-is-us, this team REALLY sucks laments, I turned to a book by Stephen King & Stewart O'Nan about the 2004 Red Sox: FAITHFUL.

The book chapters are indexed and titled by months. Appropriately, the chapter titled June, is subtitled 'The June Swoon'. Even more ironically, the accompanying chapter's black and white photo shows Nomar G. while fielding a ground ball.

Here's where Stephen King & Stewart O'Nan come in to play... &nbsp. So, for what it's worth, here is Crane's poem, 'In the Desert' written in 1905, EVEN before Cubs fans had a chance to be embittered, cynical, pessimistic, forlorn, catastrophic, and any other negative descriptor you may feel or wish to add:

In the Desert

In the desert
I saw a creature, naked, bestial,
Who, squatting upon the ground,
Held his heart in his hands,
And ate of it.
I said: "Is it good, friend?"
"It is bitter - bitter," he answered;
"But I like it
Because it is bitter,
And because it is my heart."

Stephen King is furiously recalling the BoSox early June losing streak while the Yankees keep winning; and how serious Sox (Boston that is) fans "CAN'T DO A F***ING THING ABOUT IT"...all I can do is stand by and watch."

However, two other things are mentioned. One is to find the Stephan Crane poem about a guy that says that "he likes what he's eating because it's bitter, and because it is his heart."

Kinda reminds me of embittered Cubs Fans right now! King immediately follows that thought with reality: "Stop that and stay upbeat, I tell myself." He goes on to add that the season is a long one, and that September is the only month where a long losing streak can kill a team, and only when coupled with a winning streak by the "wrong team."

I highly recommend FAITHFUL as a timely read right now.

At this juncture, the 2007 Cubs remind me a lot of the 2003 Cubbies when they were losing in pitiful style during early and midsummer, pre-Aramis, and Lofton trades.

So, from the master of the macabre, weird, and twisted tales of darkness, Mr. Stephen King, our 'June Swoon' has yet to kickoff (barring the Barrett/Big Z Brawlgame today!), so try to stay a bit more optimistic:

"Stop that and stay upbeat, I tell myself."

SOMEDAY…

"If they won a world championship, sure, we'd be proud. But we couldn't love them any more than we already do." –anon. Cub fan

Relief for Relief Pitching NOW!

hellfreezesoverwaittillnextyear — Sat, 26 May 2007 15:41:31 -0000

Remember the old Alka Seltzer commercial (well some of you may not): "Relief is just a swallow away!", is what their caricature "Speedy Alka Seltzer" would pitch. Well, this is exactly what the Cubs need right now!

No, Speedy can't pitch; but Cubs management/Jim Hendry, needs to get back down to the Tampa area pronto, and visit with Dr. Mike Marshall and one of his protégés, Jeff Sparks.

A Yahoo sports article (May 10, 2007) by Jeff Passan, exquisitely laid out the ironic scenario about Jim's trip to Tampa, where he received a handwritten note from another young Marshall pitcher, former Mets minor league pitcher, and Cubs fan from Alsip, IL & St. Xavier University, Joe Williams, who recommended that Jim contact Dr. Mike Marshall, who could help straighten out the "relief pitching mess" (my words not Joe's).

I have chosen not to post here in a while, as I have been busy pursuing a new business during my retirement - analysis and training involving pitching efficiency.

I was visiting Dr. Mike Marshall's Second Pitching clinic that took place in Zephyrhills, FL recently - May 12 & 13. I talked at length with Dr. Marshall, the young pitchers whom he is training, two of their fathers, other clinic participants, and the person that Dr. Marshall still cites as one of the best pitchers in the world, Mr. Jeff Sparks!

Jeff came out on Sunday morning for his bullpen session, after having worked at Lowe's in his night security job until around 1 or 2 AM the night before, and after having fought the flu all week long. Jeff is now attending Florida's firefighter's college to begin a new career.

I could go on forever about Jeff's current outstanding pitching effectiveness, and efficiency, at age 36, but suffice it to say, HE STILL CAN PITCH EFFECTIVELY, and probably better than ANY of the current Cubs relievers! Plus he KNOWS the strategic approach and sequences of pitching effectively to different hitters!
AND HE IS AVAILABLE, AND STILL WANTS TO PITCH IN MLB!

So, the $64 million dollar questions, `Why didn't Jim Hendry go after him on his recent trip to Tampa?', or 'Has Jim Hendry gone after him and/or Dr. Marshall as his pitching coach/systems instructor/advisor?'

Dr. Marshall has guaranteed that he could have turned around Kerry Wood and Mark Prior's pitching problems. I absolutely believe this after attending his clinic and witnessing firsthand Dr. Marshall's scientific approach to pitching, plus his positive approach to supporting pitchers.

Thank God that the Cubs will soon have new ownership! If Jim Hendry and current management does not/cannot recognize the core problems that they have with their current approach to pitching/training, then perhaps new owners/management will be more insightful, and at least investigate the highly superior scientific approach that Dr. Marshall can provide.

John McDonough stated that 'THE CUBS WILL WIN THE WORLD SERIES NOW!' Well it's getting late, if NOW means this season!

Dr. Marshall is now 64 years old, and would love to have the rich resources of a MLB organization to really demonstrate the applied superiority of his injurious pain-free, and effective scientific approach to pitching. He might even be available this summer if someone in MLB would visit with him, and just see how truly knowledgeable, and effective his coaching and training is!

'Waiting IS the hardest part! But Waiting without effective action and plans is much worse, and this has been the tragic legacy of the Cubs!

Mr. McDonough, Mr. Hendry:

Isn't 100 years long enough? Don't you really mean what you say when you talk about the Cubs fans as being the greatest, most loyal, and most deserving of a championship?

Well why not give Dr. Marshall a call? I'll even pay for it! Please end this century long nightmare!

What do the Cubs have to lose, besides more hellish games like last night, as well as another century of futility and frustrated, yet loyal fans!?

Relief is just, a CLICK away! : http://www.drmikemarshall.com/

Poll

Should Jim Hendry and Cubs management immediately contact Dr. Mike Marshall to relieve the Cubs relief mess?

Yes

13 votes

No

6 votes

19 votes | Poll has closed

Ron Santo BELONGS IN COOPERSTOWN!

hellfreezesoverwaittillnextyear — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 23:30:17 -0000

Al,

Thank you for your tremendously inspiring and laudatory account of my favorite Cubs player of all time!

Yes, I will ALWAYS acknowledge that Ernie IS Mr. Cub, but as one of our posts indicated, perhaps view Ron as Mr. Cub 2.

Well, I really would like to piggyback on Al's suggestion and aptly described tribute to Ron Santo: 'He's one of us!', 'He epitomizes BleedCubbieBlue!' YES! and Dennis Franz in 'This Old Cub' agreed!

Let's give Ron the absolutely deserved and well-earned distinction of being FOREVER referred to as "Mr. BleedCubbieBlue" !!!

I vowed in one of the HOF petitions that I will NEVER step foot into the Hall of Fame UNTIL AND UNLESS Ron Santo is elected - and I have always treasured and cherished making that trip. But without Ron's inclusion in Cooperstown, in my eyes and heart, the Hall will remain an empty hollow structure: a mere shadow of a building that represents THE injustice foisted by an utter lack of convictions and class among those members who disgracefully have prevented Ron's inclusion.

Let's hope and pray that Ron will FINALLY get to really re-celebrate his birthday later this month with the honor that has unfathomably and undeservedly alluded him for all too many agonizing years! Even Mike Schmidt has reconsidered his narrow view of who deserves HOF status! Perhaps 2007 will be the end of the drought for everything Cubs!

Ron Santo represents the very brick and mortar which will allow the HOF to once again shine proudly as the hallowed place it was chartered to be!

Ron Santo BELONGS IN COOPERSTOWN!

Jack Quinlan: Forgotten Greatness

hellfreezesoverwaittillnextyear — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 19:22:01 -0000

Before there was Harry Carey, Steve Stone, and Ron and Pat calling Cubs games for WGN, THE man in the booth was Jack Quinlan, a voice and human being beyond stellar in his spirit and the scope of accomplishments that he enriched us with in his too short-lived life.

Al graciously gave me some tips about posting this diary in order to head-off any possible misperceptions. First, a few words of disclaimer: let me state explicitly that I am NOT promoting for any profit or personal gain in any manner by sharing information about Jack Quinlan and the person whom I have encouraged to join BCB, Mr. Ron Barber. Ron received the endorsement and blessing of Jack Quinlan's wife to proceed on his work. All of the profits from the sales of these CD's are going to the favorite charities of Mrs. Quinlan, Jack's widow, which includes the Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago.

I attended my first Cubs Convention recently, and had the pleasure and honor of meeting Ron Barber, a Cubs fan extroadinaire, and a Cubbie historian and preservationist who single-handedly is resurrecting the irrepaceable life's work of Jack Quinlan.

Please visit Ron's website (www.forgottengreatness.com) for a heartwarming (tears and smiles) trip to the glory of yesteryear when Jack was in the WGN radio booth announcing Cubs games in the mid 1950s until his untimely and all-to-early and tragic death during the Cubs spring training season in 1965.

In my earliest childhood memories of the Cubs, Jack Quinlan and his radio booth partner, Lou Boudreau, are permanently etched as the best part of the tapestry that helped to weave me into the BCB fan that I am today. I will always cherish that I had the privilege and honor of listening to Jack Quinlan. As I relayed to Ron, it was like having a boxseat, front row, to every Cubs game-home and away.

Please explore Ron's site about Jack's magnificent contributions to the Cubs and baseball. His CD's even include Jack's recording from the 1960 World Series between the Pirates and Yankees!

Ron is joining BCB and hopefully will be able to share more of his wealth of knowledge with us soon. I am forever grateful to Ron and Al for providing their support and opportunities to continue to network with people who love the Cubs and baseball.

Thank you for being the caring Cubs fans who make it an honor to invite people like Ron to join our Cubs community!

Someday...