Just One Bad Century

Cubs 365, January 31

2012-01-31T06:30:00.015-06:00

Every day in 2012, the Just One Bad Century blog will feature a story about this day in Cubs history. We're calling it Cubs 365.

On this day in 1931, Mr. Cub, Ernie Banks was born. 22 years later he became the first African American player to play for the Chicago Cubs.

The way he became a Cub is almost a fluke. At the end of the 1953 season, Gene Baker was called up to be the first African-American Cubs player. Ernie was signed shortly thereafter from the Kansas City Monarchs. They signed Ernie strictly because they needed another black player to room with Baker. If they didn’t have Baker, they wouldn't have signed Banks. They honestly had no idea what they were getting in Banks, either. One of the Cubs coaches, Ray Blades, gave Ernie a book called "How to play baseball" even though he had hit .380 for the Monarchs.

Banks only got in the lineup first because Baker was hurt (he got into a game three days later). At the time, inserting Banks into the lineup was a very controversial move, because shortstop was considered a "thinking man's" position, and Banks was the first African-American in Major League history to play shortstop on a regular basis.

Needless to say, it worked out just fine.

Cubs 365, January 30

2012-01-30T06:30:00.014-06:00

Every day in 2012, the Just One Bad Century blog will feature a story about this day in Cubs history. We're calling it Cubs 365.

On this day in 1904, Andy Frain was born. Frain's first job was in the stockyards, but he quickly discovered that he had the skill of keeping peace. He approached the owner of the Blackhawks first, and after he did a good job for them, he pitched his services to William Wrigley, the owner of the Chicago Cubs.

The year was 1928, and Wrigley Field was known as a place that ushers would take bribes to allow people into the good seats. Frain offered to give back Mr. Wrigley's money if he wasn't completely satisfied with his performance as an usher. Wrigley was so impressed he hired Frain to run the entire show, and gave him $5000 for uniforms.

Those uniforms became his company's trademark.

In the 1930s, 40s, and 50s, the Notre Dame blue and gold Andy Frain uniforms were on hand at every major sporting event in Chicago, including football, baseball, and hockey games. They also kept the peace at political conventions, the Kentucky Derby, and more.

Here are a few tips for keeping the peace, directly from the mouth of Andy Frain...

*"Never trust a man with a mustache or a man who carries an umbrella"

*"No muscle is gonna clip me. I never had a nickel. Finally after a lot of hard work I made something of myself. They're gonna take that away from me?"

*"Ninety percent of the public wants somethin' for nothin'. When you run a big sports event, every one of those seats is there to be cracked. They throw every gimmick in the book at you."

*"The only color I'm interested in is the color of the customer's ticket."

*"There's nothing like a six-footer in uniform to control a panicky crowd. Besides that, a tough guy isn't so likely to give you an argument if you're lookin' down on him. That's psychology."

*"Never let a standee sit down. Once they sit down, you can't get 'em up."

Andy died in 1964. His sons carried on the company until 1982 when they sold it to a group of investors from Cleveland. The people that bought it went belly up a few years later and the Frain brothers repurchased the company once again. They finally sold it off for good in 1991.

Cubs 365, January 29

2012-01-29T06:30:00.037-06:00

Every day in 2012, the Just One Bad Century blog will feature a story about this day in Cubs history. We're calling it Cubs 365.

On this day in 1915 one of the best pitchers of the Cubs dynasty, Big Ed Reulbach, hung up his MLB spikes so he could sign with the new upstart Federal League. After starring in the Federal League, he came back to the National League with the Boston Braves (1916 and 1917), but wasn't nearly the pitcher he once was.

During his years with the Cubs, Ed was a superstar. It seemed that Ed always saved his best performances for the most crucial games. He pitched a one-hitter in the 1906 World Series against the White Sox (one of only 5 one-hitters in World Series history). In 1907 he won another World Series game for the Cubs. In 1908 he did something truly remarkable; he pitched two shutouts in one day! Those late September games against Brooklyn were crucial to the Cubs pennant hopes. He was rewarded for his heroic performance by being given the ball for Game 1 of the 1908 World Series, which he also won.

His final World Series appearance for the Cubs came in Game 3 of the series against the Philadelphia Athletics in 1910. Big Ed's luck run out that day, as the A's beat the Cubs 12-5 at West Side Grounds.

Ed was the last surviving member of the last World Series Champion Cubs team when he passed away at age 79 in 1961.

Cubs 365, January 28

2012-01-28T06:30:00.049-06:00

Every day in 2012, the Just One Bad Century blog will feature a story about this day in Cubs history. We're calling it Cubs 365.

On this day in 1967, the Chicago Cubs had the first pick in the amateur draft. Most of the teams in the league agreed the top two picks were outfielder Ken Singleton and catcher Carlton Fisk. The Cubs disagreed with most teams.

They chose a pitcher instead; an 18-year-old high schooler from California. His name was Al Distaso. The Cubs considered him the second coming of Don Drysdale. He didn't have Drysdale's size or fastball, but he did resemble him physically. And at first, he showed some promise. In his first two minor league seasons he struck out 225 in just over 300 innings.

But he also hurt his elbow, and by the time spring training rolled around in 1969, he wasn't the same pitcher. Leo Durocher took a chance he could rediscover the magic, and named him the 10th man on the pitching staff going into the season. Al debuted on April 20th against the Expos and pitched two scoreless innings.

He came in again on April 22nd, but this time he wasn't facing the Expos. He was facing the fearsome Pittsburgh Pirates. Richie Hebner, Matty Alou, Roberto Clemente, and Willie Stargell all got hits against Al in what turned out to be his final major league appearance.

He was sent down to the minors after that and never returned.

But Al found a higher calling after leaving baseball for good in 1970. He became a police officer; a decorated homicide detective in the roughest neighborhood of Los Angeles. Al retired from the force in 1994, and as a gift for the other guys in his unit, he presented all of them with a copy of his 1969 Cubs Rookie card.

Al Distaso passed away in 2009.

Cubs 365, January 27

2012-01-27T06:30:00.004-06:00

Every day in 2012, the Just One Bad Century blog will feature a story about this day in Cubs history. We're calling it Cubs 365.

On this day in 1982, the Cubs acquired veteran shortstop Larry Bowa from the Philadelphia Phillies for Ivan DeJesus. The Phillies also threw in a minor league infielder to sweeten the deal. (Photo)

His name escapes me at the moment. I need to check how his career turned out.

Cubs 365, January 26

2012-01-26T06:30:00.014-06:00

Every day in 2012, the Just One Bad Century blog will feature a story about this day in Cubs history. We're calling it Cubs 365.

On this day in 1932, Cubs owner William Wrigley Jr. passed away. It was a great loss for the Cubs, not only because Wrigley was a savvy businessman. He was also the last owner before Tom Ricketts that LOVED baseball. This is William Wrigley in his own words, in Time Magazine in 1930...

"Outside of school hours, when I was a boy in Philadelphia, I worked for my father. This seemed to me a cruel conspiracy of the fates. He was a kind man, but he belonged to a generation which was work-minded. Baseball was nothing to him. My work took me directly past the ball park of the Nationals (the Phillies). That was the trouble! I hadn’t a chance in the world to get away to the ball game on any of the familiar alibis. The near relatives of my boy friends were buried regularly on ball game days. No use to tell my employer of the imaginary funeral in my family, for he was my father and had the death statistics of the family down to the minute. No other excuses worked. Whenever I came to the ball park and heard the wild cheering within, I was in a state of rebellion. One day when the cheering was particularly wild in the park, I resolved that one day I would own a ball team and a ball park. My interest in the game has never relaxed for one instant from that moment to this.”

On his deathbed, William Wrigley made his son Phillip promise never to sell the team. Even though Phillip didn't much care about baseball, he honored his father's wish, and held on to the Cubs until his own death in 1977.

Under the son, the Cubs atrophied and became the worst team in baseball, but they still played, and continue to play in the stadium that is named after his father; baseball lover William Wrigley.

Cubs 365, January 25

2012-01-25T06:30:00.000-06:00

Every day in 2012, the Just One Bad Century blog will feature a story about this day in Cubs history. We're calling it Cubs 365.

On this day in 1983, the Cubs made a rare blockbuster trade with the crosstown White Sox. The Cubs gave up Scott Fletcher, Randy Martz, Pat Tabler and Dick Tidrow and received Steve Trout and Warren Brusstar in return.

This was one of those rare good trades for the Cubs. Fletcher became the starting second baseman for the White Sox, but the Cubs had another youngster at that position named Sandberg. Tidrow was a serviceable reliever for the Sox, but he was near the end of his career.

Meanwhile, Steve Trout, the son of a man who had beaten the Cubs in the 1945 World Series, somehow became a fan favorite at Wrigley Field. In 1984 he was part of a great rotation that led the team to the brink of the World Series. In his only postseason start, Trout even won Game 2 of that series in Wrigley Field.

Cubs 365, January 24

2012-01-24T06:33:00.000-06:00

Every day in 2012, the Just One Bad Century blog will feature a story about this day in Cubs history. We're calling it Cubs 365.

On this day in 1916, Hall of Fame Cubs broadcaster Jack Brickhouse was born. Jack was the man that had to describe the play of play of a Cubs team that went twenty seasons in a row without being in the upper division.

There were bright spots, though, and Jack was always able to find them. Just like his favorite player on the Cubs during that era, Ernie Banks...

Cubs 365, January 23

2012-01-23T06:33:00.008-06:00

Every day in 2012, the Just One Bad Century blog will feature a story about this day in Cubs history. We're calling it Cubs 365.

On this day in 1927, Cubs radio announcer Jack Quinlan was born. He was the radio play by play man for the Cubs for nearly a decade, starting in the mid-1950s. When he first began there were several stations covering the Cubs, and he handled the honors for WIND-AM.

Beginning in 1957, he moved over to what became the exclusive flagship station of the Cubs, WGN. Jack was at the microphone during both of Ernie Banks' MVP seasons, and was the first Cubs radio announcer to mention the names of future Hall of Famers Billy Williams, Lou Brock, and Ron Santo.

Jack Quinlan was a master of painting a picture with his words, and when he died in a car crash after a golf outing during Spring Training 1965, the Cubs lost one of the best. Since 1967 a charity golf tournament in his name is staged every year to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago.

Cubs 365, January 22

2012-01-22T06:30:00.018-06:00

Every day in 2012, the Just One Bad Century blog will feature a story about this day in Cubs history. We're calling it Cubs 365.

On this day in 1945, future Cubs pitcher Jophery Brown was born. The story of Jophery Brown's Cubs career is a short one. He pitched exactly two innings of one game on a Saturday afternoon, September 21, 1968, at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh.

Joe Niekro started that game for the Cubs against the Pirates, but he simply didn't have it. He gave up four runs in the fourth inning, so Cubs manager Leo Durocher sent Brown out to start the 5th inning.

The first batter he faced was Maury Wills. Wills singled to center. Freddie Patek batted second, and he sacrificed Wills to second base. Brown must not have felt too comfortable on the mound with Matty Alou, Roberto Clemente, and Don Clendenon due up next, but he buckled down, and got Alou to fly harmlessly to left field.

That brought up future Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente. There was no question what had to be done in this situation. Cubs catcher Randy Hundley held up four fingers, and Brown intentionally walked the fierce Pittsburgh slugger to face Don Clendenon.

If you mention the name Clendenon to Brown today, it would probably still elicit a groan from him, because Clendenon singled to left, driving in Maury Wills. That run turned out to be the only one given up by Jophery Brown in his big league career.

Brown pitched one more year in the minors after that, developed arm trouble, and retired from the game at the ripe old age of 24.

But Jophery Brown certainly didn't go quietly. Even during his minor league career he had dabbled in Hollywood, working as a stuntman for the television series "I Spy" (starring Bill Cosby). When his baseball career was officially over, he returned to Hollywood and was soon working steadily.

Among his 117 feature films and television shows, Jophery Brown has done stunts for "Live and Let Die," "Papillon," "Smokey and the Bandit," "Convoy," "Foul Play," "The Blues Brothers," "Vacation," "Scarface," "To Live and Die in LA," "Die Hard," "Speed," "Get Shorty" and all three "Lethal Weapon" movies.

In 2006, he was interviewed about his stuntman career by the Las Vegas Review Journal...

Jophery Brown worked during the time before computer-generated graphics came along or before greater emphasis was placed on stunt safety. Working in the early 1970s meant, as a stuntman, you had to rely on your physical abilities more than anything else, he says. "You're an athlete. You couldn't be a stuntperson without being an athlete," he says. "You've got to have a degree of insanity to do this. But you didn't want crazy stuntpeople. They get you hurt." Still, "something hurts me every day," says Jophery Brown, who is semiretired and will double only for Morgan Freeman these days. In the past, he has doubled for dozens of actors, including Danny Glover, Gregory Hines, Mr. T and Denzel Washington.

The many famous people on Jophery Brown's "Brushes with Greatness" list are truly astounding, but if you asked him which celebrity impressed him the most, would it be one of those Hollywood legends with stars on the Walk of Fame, or would it be one of his teammates with plaques in Baseball's Hall of Fame?

Hall of Famer Billy Williams played left field behind him and threw the ball back to the infield after Clendenon's RBI hit. Ron Santo was at third base. Fergie Jenkins was a fellow member of Brown's pitching staff. Mr. Cub himself, Ernie Banks, was the heart and soul of that 1968 team. Even the manager of the Cubs, Leo Durocher, was a future Hall of Famer.

That's not to say that Brown's Hollywood career hasn't been remarkable, because it surely has. But how many players in MLB history managed to play only two innings in the big leagues, and can still say they played for a Hall of Famer, played with four Hall of Famers, and pitched to another Hall of Famer?

I'm betting Jophery Brown has told that story to his Hollywood friends more than a few times, and even they were impressed.

Cubs 365, January 21

2012-01-21T06:30:00.021-06:00

Every day in 2012, the Just One Bad Century blog will feature a story about this day in Cubs history. We're calling it Cubs 365.

On this day in 1899, Lew Fonseca was born. Fonseca went on to become a major league player and manager. In 12 big league seasons he played first base, second base and left field for the Reds, Phillies, Indians, and White Sox. As a manager, he led the White Sox to one of their worst seasons of all time in 1932. They finished that year 49-102.

After his playing/managing career ended, he settled in Chicago and became one of the early radio announcers for the Chicago Cubs.

Listen for his play-by-play in this montage of very early Cubs announcers.

Lew Fonseca is buried in the same cemetery (All Saints in Des Plaines) as another famous Cubs announcer, Harry Caray.

Cubs 365, January 20

2012-01-20T06:30:00.014-06:00

Every day in 2012, the Just One Bad Century blog will feature a story about this day in Cubs history. We're calling it Cubs 365.

On this day in 1983, Cubs general manager Dallas Green acquired a player that he thought would be the cornerstone of a Cubs World Series team. His name was Ron Cey, and he holds the distinction of being the last Cub to sign a contract that included an attendance clause. (It's hard to believe that was ever necessary, but those of us who lived through those dark days remember it well)

He had a couple of good years with the Cubs in the mid 80s (including 97 RBI in the division winning season of '84), but he really didn't have much range anymore at 3B. By this stage of his career, his squatty body and bushy mustache got in the way of any ball hit directly at him, but anything else was ticketed for left field.

After the 1987 season he was traded for a lesser bat with a lesser mustache, Luis Quinones.

Cubs 365, January 19

2012-01-19T06:30:00.010-06:00

Every day in 2012, the Just One Bad Century blog will feature a story about this day in Cubs history. We're calling it Cubs 365.

On this day in 2000, the Cubs signed a slugging free agent third baseman to finally, once and for all, solve their long 3B woes.

His name was Willie Greene.

He batted .201 in more than 300 at bats and never played in the big leagues again.

Cubs 365, January 18

2012-01-18T06:30:00.012-06:00

Every day in 2012, the Just One Bad Century blog will feature a story about this day in Cubs history. We're calling it Cubs 365.

On this day in 1901, the Cubs acquired a catcher/infielder/outfielder named Dirty Jack Doyle. His colorful life story, including his stint with the Cubs, and the origin of his nickname, is told wonderfully by the Baseball Biography Project.

You can read it here.

Cubs 365, January 17

2012-01-17T06:30:00.012-06:00

Every day in 2012, the Just One Bad Century blog will feature a story about this day in Cubs history. We're calling it Cubs 365.

On this day in 1931, future Cubs player and manager Don Zimmer was born. Most modern day Cub fans know the tale of his managing days in Chicago, but not many know about his interesting stint as a Cubs player. In April of 1960, the Cubs made a trade with the reigning World Champion Dodgers to acquire one of their backup infielders. That backup infielder's name was Don Zimmer.

It was one of those moves that caused everyone in the league to scratch their heads. Although Zimmer was a competent enough player (he managed to stay in the majors for twelve seasons), he was coming off a season in which he hit only .165 in nearly 250 at bats. He had very little power, very little range in the infield, and his best days were behind him. Plus, the Dodgers didn't really have a place to play the 29-year-old Zimmer. He clearly wasn't going to crack the lineup in 1960. They had all-star infielders like Charlie Neal (2B), Maury Wills (SS), and Junior Gilliam (3B).

Nevertheless, the Cubs traded promising young minor league pitcher Ron Perranoski (and two other players) to get him.

Plus, the Cubs said they acquired Zimmer to play him at 3B--and they already had a rookie phenom poised to take over the position...a youngster by the name of Ron Santo. Santo was furious when the trade was announced, and threatened to quit. Rather than upset the youngster, the Cubs put Zimmer at Second Base, and traded their fine young second baseman Tony Taylor to the Phillies.

How did this trade work out for the Cubs? Perranoski ended up becoming one of the premier relief pitchers in baseball for the next decade. He pitched in two league championship series, and three World Series, winning two rings with the 1963 and 1965 Dodgers. He also led the league in saves twice, and saved a total 179 games between 1961 and 1971.

Tony Taylor, who was only 24 years old at the time of the trade, played another sixteen years in the majors with the Phillies and the Tigers. When he retired after the 1976 season he was the oldest player in baseball (40 years old). Don Zimmer was the manager of the Boston Red Sox at the time.

Zimmer's Cubs career is probably best remembered for his very public criticism of the ridiculous "College of Coaches" system, which he claimed was stunting the growth of budding superstars Ron Santo, Billy Williams, and Lou Brock. His candor was rewarded with being left unprotected in the expansion draft of 1962.

He was drafted by the New York Mets, and played on the worst team in baseball history.

Cubs 365, January 16

2012-01-16T06:30:00.005-06:00

Every day in 2012, the Just One Bad Century blog will feature a story about this day in Cubs history. We're calling it Cubs 365.

On this day in 1910, Dizzy Dean was born. Dean was given his nickname by his sergeant in the army, where he picked up the basics of pitching. He was colorful, exciting, cocky, and the best pitcher in baseball. Unfortunately, that last description only applied to his years before he joined the Cubs in 1938.

His best years were with the Cardinals, where he led the league in strikeouts 4 times, wins twice (including 30 wins one year), innings pitched three times, complete games three times, and even saves once. In 1934, he won the Most Valuable Player award when he led the Cardinals to the World Championship. During those years he was undoubtedly the cockiest player in the game. He once bet he could strike out Vince DiMaggio four times in one game. He struck him out his first three at bats, but when he hit a popup behind the plate at his fourth, Dean screamed at his catcher, "Drop it!, Drop it!" The catcher did and Dean fanned DiMaggio, winning the bet.

He suffered an arm injury, however, and by the time Cubs owner P.K. Wrigley ordered his scouts to acquire Dean at any cost, he was just an ordinary pitcher. They signed him for $185,000 in 1938, which was a huge contract for the time. Dean helped the Cubs win the 1938 National League pennant, and pitched pretty well in Game 2 of the World Series before losing to the New York Yankees in what became known as "Ol' Diz's Last Stand."

After that, he was done. He tried to pitch for the Cubs until 1941, but he just couldn't do it anymore. He retired after that season. That's when he started his second popular career: radio broadcaster. His malapropisms were legendary, and fans loved it. In 1950 he began doing baseball's Game of the Week on national television. He remained in sportscasting for more than 20 years.

Cubs 365, January 15

2012-01-15T06:30:00.011-06:00

Every day in 2012, the Just One Bad Century blog will feature a story about this day in Cubs history. We're calling it Cubs 365.

On this day in 1998, the Cubs signed free agent closer Rod Beck. They called him "The Shooter" because he was like a gunslinger out there, and he didn't waste any of his bullets. Rod Beck was the Cubs closer during that wild card season of 1998, saving 51 games in truly scary fashion. His fastball was in the mid-80s at the very best—but he somehow still got the outs. Without him, the Cubs wouldn't have made the playoffs that year.

Chicago fans embraced him and his blue collar attitude. But after more arm problems the following year, he was traded to the Boston Red Sox. He managed to stay in the majors until 2004, and had a few more good seasons in Boston and San Diego, but he died tragically in 2007 from an apparent drug overdose.

Rod Beck was only 38 years old.

Cubs 365, January 14

2012-01-14T06:10:00.000-06:00

Every day in 2012, the Just One Bad Century blog will feature a story about this day in Cubs history. We're calling it Cubs 365.

On this day in 1984, Ray Kroc passed away. He is one of the most famous entrepreneurs in history, the man who made the golden arches famous around the world, and he grew up in Oak Park--a die-hard Cubs fan.

When he became a multi-millionaire he tried to rescue his favorite team from Wrigley family ownership, which he felt was ruining the team. He asked his good buddy George Halas to serve as intermediary with the Wrigley Family, to convince them to sell.

At the time (this was the early 70s), Phillip K. Wrigley was a disinterested owner, barely paying attention to his team. Nevertheless, he refused to sell the Cubs to Kroc because he had made a deathbed pact with his father never to sell the team.

Frustrated by his inability to buy his favorite team, Kroc settled on buying the San Diego Padres in 1974. He spent a fortune on the team and transformed them into a winner.

When he died in January of 1984, the Padres pledged to dedicate the season to their beloved owner. If memory serves, that team did manage to make it all the way to the World Series that season.

Unfortunately, the team they discarded on the side of the road on the way to that pennant was the team of Ray Kroc's childhood: The Chicago Cubs.

Cubs 365, January 13

2012-01-13T06:30:00.007-06:00

Every day in 2012, the Just One Bad Century blog will feature a story about this day in Cubs history. We're calling it Cubs 365.

On this day in 1950, future Cubs second baseman Mike Tyson was born.

As we mentioned earlier this week, he didn't have the greatest Cubs career, and it cost the Cubs a prized relief pitcher named Donnie Moore to acquire him, but Tyson had something that Moore could never quite pull off.

He had a hell of a mustache.

Cubs 365, January 12

2012-01-12T06:30:00.065-06:00

Every day in 2012, the Just One Bad Century blog will feature a story about this day in Cubs history. We're calling it Cubs 365.

On this day in 1902, future Chicago entertainer Joe E. Lewis (photo) was born. He was the headliner at the famous north side jazz club The Green Mill during the 1927 season. The owner of the club was Machine Gun Jack McGurn.

As you might have guessed from his name, Machine Gun Jack McGurn was a Capone henchman. When his star attraction Lewis refused to renew his contract and went to a competitor (New Rendezvous) instead, McGurn wasn't a happy man. Each day that Lewis packed the house there, McGurn got angrier.

On November 27, three of McGurn’s men stormed into Lewis’ hotel suite, beat him up, and cut his throat from ear to ear. The comedian survived the attack, and was even able to recover his singing voice, but McGurn's boss--Al Capone, was very unhappy with his lieutenant's behavior. He advanced Lewis $10,000 so that the performer could get back on his feet.

What does this have to do with the Cubs, you ask?

Well, on the very day this story was making headlines in all the Chicago newspapers, the Cubs quietly acquired KiKi Cuyler (photo) from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Cuyler would lead them to two National League pennants during his Hall of Fame Cubs career. He was such an exciting player, Al Capone even came out to see him play at Wrigley Field.

No word on whether Machine Gun Jack McGurn saw Cuyler play or not, but their Chicago careers lasted almost exactly the same length of time. Cuyler left the Cubs in 1935. McGurn left the earth in a hail of bullets in 1936.

Cubs 365, January 11

2012-01-11T06:30:00.019-06:00

Every day in 2012, the Just One Bad Century blog will feature a story about this day in Cubs history. We're calling it Cubs 365.

On this day in 1933, the Cubs were rudderless. Team president William Veeck had just died only months after team owner William Wrigley had died, and new owner Phillip K. Wrigley didn't know anything about baseball.

So, he turned to one of the minority owners of the team, William Walker, and named him President of the Cubs. The outspoken Walker hadn't been allowed to contribute to any baseball decisions during the Wrigley/Veeck era, and was chomping at the bit to take over. Why hadn't Veeck or the elder Wrigley listened to Walker? For a very good reason. He also didn't know anything about baseball; he was the owner of a wholesale seafood business.

Walker didn't last the year.

It didn't take long for word to get out that the Cubs had a neophyte running their organization. One of his first trades is still known as one the worst trades in Cubs history. He traded slugger Dolph Camilli (photo) to the Phillies for Don Hurst. Camilli went on to hit over 200 home runs, made two all-star teams, and led the 1941 Brooklyn Dodgers to the World Series. He won the MVP that year too.

Don Hurst, on the other hand, hit .199 and retired after the season. Walker was such a terrible team president that PK Wrigley was forced to buy him out just to get him to stop destroying the team. The man who succeeded Walker as team president, however, remains the worst team president in Cubs history.

PK Wrigley himself.

He remained in the job until the year he died (1977).

Cubs 365, January 10

2012-01-10T06:30:00.011-06:00

Every day in 2012, the Just One Bad Century blog will feature a story about this day in Cubs history. We're calling it Cubs 365.

On this day in 1973 the Cubs picked a young pitcher named Donnie Moore in the first round. Moore pitched parts of four seasons in Chicago and was beginning to show some promise when they traded him away for a middle infielder named Mike Tyson.

In typical Cubs fashion, Tyson didn't do much, while Moore became an all-star closer for the Angels.

Unfortunately, the Donnie Moore story has a very tragic ending. He was haunted by a home run he gave up in the 1986 ALCS, and just a year after the Angels released him, he took his own life at the age of 35.

This is the LA Times obituary, printed the day after his death.

Cubs 365, January 9

2012-01-09T06:30:00.019-06:00

Every day in 2012, the Just One Bad Century blog will feature a story about this day in Cubs history. We're calling it Cubs 365.

On this day in 1952, future Cub "Tarzan" was born. Joe Wallis earned the nickname "Tarzan" because he was fond of cliff diving. He played parts of four seasons (75-79) with the Cubs, playing all three outfield positions, but predominantly a very shallow centerfield.

Tarzan didn't hit much for average (lifetime .244), or power (16 career homers), and he didn't have a lot of speed (7 stolen bases in 5 big league seasons), but he did have one thing that many of his teammates desired for themselves...a great nickname.

Cubs 365, January 8

2012-01-08T06:29:00.001-06:00

Every day in 2012, the Just One Bad Century blog will feature a story about this day in Cubs history. We're calling it Cubs 365.

On this day in 1953, future Cubs Hall of Famer Bruce Sutter was born. He was a great relief pitcher for the Cubs, winning the Cy Young Award and going to four all-star games as a Cub, but he entered the Hall of Fame wearing a Cardinals hat.

His Hall of Fame credentials are here.

Cubs 365, January 7

2012-01-07T06:30:00.002-06:00

Every day in 2012, the Just One Bad Century blog will feature a story about this day in Cubs history. We're calling it Cubs 365.

On this day in 1922, future Cub Alvin Dark was born. Dark had his best years with the Giants in New York, but as a member of the Cubs he was involved in one of the strangest plays in baseball history. It happened on June 30, 1959.

It all started when a missed strike three got away from Cubs catcher Sammy Taylor. Taylor, thinking it was a foul ball, didn't go after the ball. The bat boy, also thinking it was a foul ball, picked it up and tossed it to field announcer Pat Pieper.

Pieper saw that the batter was running to first base, so he realized it was a live ball, and let it drop at his feet. Third baseman Alvin Dark ran over to grab it. Meanwhile, the umpire gave Sammy Taylor a new ball out of habit.

In the confusion, the runner on first base, Stan Musial, made a run for second base. Cubs pitcher Bob Anderson took the ball out of Sammy Taylor's catcher's mitt and fired it to second base at the same time that third baseman Alvin Dark threw his ball to second base. Ernie Banks was covering second and caught one of the balls heading his way, while the other ball escaped into centerfield.

Ernie tagged out Musial with one ball, while center fielder Bobby Thomson lobbed the other ball into the dugout. Thinking that "real" ball has been tossed into the dugout, Musial kept on running and scored.

The umpires had a very long discussion about this play on the field before finally ruling that Musial was out because Ernie tagged him. The Cardinals were enraged by the call on the field and lodged an official protest.

The protest wasn't necessary.

The Cardinals won the game anyway, 4-1.

Cubs 365, January 6

2012-01-06T06:30:00.004-06:00

Every day in 2012, the Just One Bad Century blog will feature a story about this day in Cubs history. We're calling it Cubs 365.

On this day in 1900, Clyde "Jersey" Beck was born. Beck was a backup infielder for the Cubs for most of his five year Cubs career (1926-1930). He started nearly 90 games for them in the 1928 season, and then went back to the bench for the pennant winning 1929 season. The highlight of his career was probably May 12, 1930. The Cubs hit four homers in the seventh inning that day and were only the second team in history to do it. Clyde Jersey Beck hit the record-tying HR.

Jersey hit a career-high six HR that season but batted only .213, 90 points below the league average. The Cubs shipped him off to Cincinnati after the season, and that's where he played his final year in the big leagues.

He died in 1988 in his native California.

Cubs 365, January 5

2012-01-05T06:30:00.002-06:00

Every day in 2012, the Just One Bad Century blog will feature a story about this day in Cubs history. We're calling it Cubs 365.

On this day in 1898, future Cub outfielder Riggs Stephenson was born. Stephenson was a former All-American football player, and his nickname Old Hoss fit his build. Old Hoss was a great hitter, one of the best in Cubs history. He still holds the Cubs record for hitters with more than 2000 ABs, with a .336 lifetime average.

In the Cubs' 1929 pennant-winning year, he combined with Hall of Famers Hack Wilson and Kiki Cuyler to form the only outfield in National League history with 100 RBI players at each spot. (Stephenson 110, Wilson 159, Cuyler 102).

He had his problems in the outfield, however. Old Hoss threw like an Old Hoss thanks to an old football injury. He had major arm problems which hampered him, and eventually shortened his career (1926-1934).

Cubs 365, January 4

2012-01-04T06:30:00.002-06:00

Every day in 2012, the Just One Bad Century blog will feature a story about this day in Cubs history. We're calling it Cubs 365.

On this day in 1918, the Cubs acquired a left handed starting pitcher named Lefty Tyler. He was in his 8th major league season when he came to the Cubs from the Boston Braves. (That's Lefty on the far left, along with fellow 1918 rotation members Hippo Vaughn, Phil Douglas and Claude Hendrix)

Lefty had one great season for the Cubs, going 19-8 in 1918, and pitched well in the World Series that year, but developed a strange shoulder injury the next year. He was sent to Minnesota by the Cubs to get examined at the Mayo Clinic. They said there was nothing wrong with his shoulder...his problems were caused by unusually bad teeth. They extracted almost all of his teeth to cure his shoulder injury, which amazingly, didn't do the trick.

Lefty was never the same after that. By the end of 1921, his big league career was over.

Cubs 365, January 3

2012-01-03T06:37:00.001-06:00

Every day in 2012, the Just One Bad Century blog will feature a story about this day in Cubs history. We're calling it Cubs 365.

On this day in 1919, future Cub Ed Sauer was born. Sauer was a member of the last Cubs pennant winning team (1945). After two years as a seldom used reserve, Sauer was in the 1945 Opening day lineup because of the holdout of Peanuts Lowrey and the injury to Frank Secory, and remained on the roster all season. He even get two at-bats in the World Series. Unfortunately, he struck out both times.

When all of the World War II veterans came back to baseball the following season, Sauer went back to the minors. Ed got his last shot at the big leagues with the Cardinals and Braves in 1949, and by then, his big brother Hank had taken his slot in the Cubs outfield.

Hank Sauer won the MVP as a Cubs outfielder in 1952.

Cubs 365, January 2

2012-01-02T10:29:00.002-06:00

Every day in 2012, the Just One Bad Century blog will feature a story about this day in Cubs history. We're calling it Cubs 365.

On this day in 1951, future Cub Bill Madlock was born. He is remembered by his nickname "Mad Dog" but to his teammates on the Cubs, he was known simply as "Buns".

His story is here.

Cubs 365, January 1

2012-01-01T12:28:00.001-06:00

Every day in 2012, the Just One Bad Century blog will feature a story about this day in Cubs history. We're calling it Cubs 365.

On this day in 1894, future Cub Lawrence "Hack" Miller was born. He was the son of a circus performer named "Sebastian the Strong Man", and he was one of the more interesting figures in Cubs history.

Here's a short excerpt from the Baseball Biography Project...

"Hack Miller entertained teammates by using his bare hand to pound tenpenny nails through two-inch planks of wood and taking the same-size nails and bending them with his fingers. It has been written that he pulled up “fair-sized trees by the roots” during spring training. He once was photographed holding a baseball bat above his head like a barbell, with a teammate hanging from each end. He bragged that one winter he lifted a car to free a woman who had been trapped beneath its wheels. And though he normally swung a 47-ounce bat, on occasion in the minor leagues he wielded a 65-ounce club that was two pounds heavier than those used by modern major leaguers of the 21st century."

Read the full Hack Miller profile here.

Moises Alou

2011-12-19T09:56:00.001-06:00

Ten years ago today the Cubs signed an outfielder that liked to toughen his hands by urinating on them. Remember him?

Can't recall if he had any memorable moments in a Cubs uniform.

Cubs interested in Rizzo

2011-12-19T09:32:00.002-06:00

You may not have heard of Anthony Rizzo, but he appears to be the guy the Cubs are really interested in acquiring to play 1B for them.

He's 22 years old, hit .331 with 26 HR and 101 RBI in only 93 games for San Diego's AAA team last year. The Padres got him in the Adrian Gonzales trade with Boston last year. The GM of Boston at the time was Theo Epstein, and the GM of San Diego was Jed Hoyer. Plus, the Padres just got another young 1B stud in a trade with the Reds (for Mat Latos), which means Rizzo is probably available.

It will cost them, but wouldn't you rather see them get a young stud for once, rather sign a big name free agent that could be 300 pounds in a few years? (Not naming names)

By the way, this Rizzo is no relation to that other Rizzo.

Yu Darvish

2011-12-16T08:20:00.001-06:00

The Cubs are interested in Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish. From the LA Times...

"Bidding for Darvish, 25, closed Wednesday, and the Nippon Ham Fighters, his Japanese team, have until Tuesday to decide which bid to accept. The bidding process allows major-league teams to send a blind, one-time-only bid to the Fighters to be the only team to negotiate a contract with Darvish. The winning team has 30 days to come to an agreement with the pitcher.

The posting fee, which is paid in addition to whatever contract the team and Darvish settle on, will be paid only if an agreement is reached. If a contract is not agreed on between the player and the highest-posting team, the money is returned. The highest bid in history for a Japanese player was made by the Boston Red Sox, who bid $51 million to negotiate with Daisuke Matsuzaka. The Red Sox's general manager at the time was Theo Epstein, who now serves the same role with the Cubs.

Darvish was 18-6 with a 1.44 ERA and a league-leading 276 strikeouts last season."

Hmmm. Sounds interesting. Obviously the last time it didn't work out so well for Theo. Dick K has been hurt for the last few years. And last time it also didn't work out for the Cubs, Kosuke was nowhere near the player the Cubs thought he would be.

Not Being Koyie

2011-12-13T07:45:00.002-06:00

The Koyie Hill era is officially over in Chicago too.

He was not offered a contract by new Cubs management.

Totally understandable, if you ask me. When you're starting catcher is suspect, at the very least you need a Major League worthy backup. Click on the link above and read the breakdown of his numbers by the Bleed Cubbie Blue website. It's not a pretty sight.

But my son will be bummed. Koyie once gave him a game-used baseball at a Cubs game.

Aramis

2011-12-13T07:33:00.002-06:00

The Aramis Ramirez era is officially over.

The cock-fighting enthusiast is now a Brewer.

He can still hit, but I really thought he would end up in the American League. He's been absolutely horrible at 3B for a few years now.

The Prince of Wrigley?

2011-12-12T07:23:00.001-06:00

This little nugget was in Joel Sherman's column in the New York Post over the weekend...

"In canvassing executives, the Cubs were generally viewed as the most likely landing place, mainly for two reasons: 1) A belief that new team president Theo Epstein wants to make a statement sign in his first year and 2) Epstein recognizes the dearth of power in the game and sees Fielder as one of the few bona fide sluggers who will be available over the next few years."

I'm torn. I'll be OK with it as long as it's not one of those ridiculous ten year contracts. But six years? That's something I can live with when you're talking about a 27-year-old.

I'm of the opinion that the Angels are really going to regret that deal with Pujols by year four or five. He'll be 42 when that contract ends. That's just crazy.

Ian Stewart

2011-12-09T07:28:00.002-06:00

On the day that the Angels acquired the best hitter (Albert Pujols) and the best pitcher (C.J. Wilson) on the free agent market, the Cubs got...Ian Stewart.

OK, guys. I'm trusting you. It goes against my nature, but I'm trusting you. I said I wasn't feeling this one on my JOBC Facebook page and a few of my JOBC Friends told me that this was a good move, so again...I'm trusting you, Theo.

Ian Stewart did have a pretty good season a few years ago and the pitcher the Rockies threw in the deal was a former first round pick...and Tyler Colvin hasn't been the same since he was impaled in the chest by a bat fragment, and DJ Lemahieu didn't impress me much last summer when he was called up...so I guess it's possible that this is a good deal.

I'll put my doubt back on the shelf for now.

I must say, trusting Cubs management is not as easy as you'd think.

Blago

2011-12-08T07:35:00.000-06:00

He was sentenced to 14 years in prison yesterday, and Lord knows his flaws have been publicly displayed for all to see over the past few years, but there is one thing to remember about Rod Blagojevich. He's not irredeemable.

He is, after all, a Cubs fan.

Think they get Comcast Sports or WGN in prison?

Let There Be Lights!

2011-12-08T07:13:00.000-06:00

70 years ago today, the same day that FDR made his "Date in Infamy" speech to the nation urging national sacrifice as the country went to war, Cubs owner P.K. Wrigley took the president's words to heart and donated his most recent purchase. He had been planning on installing lights at Wrigley Field for the 1942 season. But, when duty called, Wrigley answered. He donated those lights to the United States Army, figuring they could help with the war effort.

In the last 36 years of his life, P.K. Wrigley stubbornly refused to shell out the money for lights again. They weren't purchased until eleven years after his death, in 1988...a full 47 years after Pearl Harbor.

Ron Santo

2011-12-05T13:16:00.001-06:00

Finally. A Hall of Famer.

The JOBC Souvenir Stand

2011-12-05T07:23:00.001-06:00

A note for all of you Christmas shoppers out there, even though our website Just One Bad Century has closed down shop for the off-season, the JOBC Souvenir Stand remains open. There are a handful of different shirt options, not to mention our popular JOBC hat.

The "Losing is soooo last century" shirt is a popular choice this year. It looks like optimism has returned to Wrigley Field.

David DeJesus?

2011-12-01T08:22:00.002-06:00

The first signing of the Theo Epstein era is not exactly a blockbuster. They signed left-handed outfielder David DeJesus.

He had been with the KC Royals for eight seasons before going to Oakland last year. In his nine big league seasons, his highest total of home runs in a year was 13. The most RBI in a season? 73. The most stolen bases? 11. And yes, he was a full-time player.

So, not exactly exciting, but still probably better than what we had there (and how sad is that?). At least he hits for average most years (lifetime .284) and has a good on-base percentage (lifetime .356).

His greatest asset however, may be his wife. She's from Chicago, is a die-hard Cubs fan, had a childhood crush on Ryne Sandberg, and nearly burned out Twitter yesterday with her excited tweets.

You can read them here. It's nice to see that somebody is excited about coming to Chicago.

The (Suddenly Different) New Cubs Way

2011-11-30T08:15:00.002-06:00

I haven't written about this yet, because I've been letting the details sink in, but this new Collective Bargaining Agreement that MLB signed with the Player's Union just before Thanksgiving is only going to hurt a few teams...and one of them is the Cubs.

One of the lesser discussed features of the agreement is the capping of spending on minor league prospects and facilities. In other words, we finally get a group in here that understands how to do it, and suddenly the rules change and they won't be allowed to do it.

That is so Cubs.

So, it looks like they have to change course a bit, and now it looks like they really are interested in signing a big name free agent.

Bruce Levine has his take on that here.

I suspect that the Cubs really aren't interested in Pujols. Remember what Epstein said in his news conference..."You don't pay for past performance, you pay for future performance." Pujols is a great player, but his best years are most likely behind him. Signing him is what the old regime would have done. Then they'd get two or three good (or even great years) before paying him $30 million a year during his decline.

I think the guy they are really targeting is Prince Fielder. He's 27. His peak years are approaching. And he would welcome coming to Chicago.

We'll have to wait and see.

Maybe it's just me, but this new approach is scaring me a little bit. Now the fact that Epstein and company gave huge contracts to the likes of Carl Crawford, John Lackey, and J.D. Drew seems more relevant than it did before. Are they just going to turn into smarter, better dressed versions of Jim Hendry?

I'm suddenly nervous again.

Oh well, at least I had a few solid months there of genuine optimism.

Theo Epstein Rocks?

2011-11-30T07:06:00.000-06:00

I didn't know that either.

The Beachwood Reporter has the back story, and several videos of Theo on stage.

Trading Matt Garza?

2011-11-29T07:40:00.003-06:00

It sounds like the Cubs are considering trading Matt Garza if they get a good package of youngsters in return...you know, like the package they sent Tampa to acquire Garza in the first place.

(Sigh)

This explains a lot

2011-11-28T07:24:00.001-06:00

CBS Sportsline is doing a feature about the "homegrown players" each MLB team has produced. The lineup of the Chicago Cubs could be the worst I've ever seen. These are the players that would have started for the Cubs if they only relied on their own farm system and didn't sign any free agents or acquire anyone via trade.

Ready? I warned you...it's bad.

1. Kosuke Fukudome, RF
2. Darwin Barney, 2B
3. Starlin Castro, SS
4. Tyler Colvin, LF
5. Casey McGehee, 3B
6. Eric Hinske, 1B
7. Geovany Soto, C
8. Sam Fuld, CF

Here are the pitchers...

1. Ricky Nolasco
2. Kyle Lohse
3. Andrew Cashner
4. Carlos Zambrano
5. Randy Wells

It's hard to believe, but I'd say this team is even worse than the crappy team they actually fielded last year.

This is the real reason the Cubs have always been terrible, and it's also the reason I'm excited by the new management team they've brought in--people that have actually focused on building a farm system from the ground up.

Sveum reaction

2011-11-18T08:04:00.001-06:00

From my e-mail box and Facebook page...

AA writes: "Isn't Sveum the new drug from Pfizer? I thought I saw an ad for it. Featured two guys sitting in side by side bathtubs looking out at Wrigley Field. But maybe that was something else."

RS writes: "No truth to the rumor that the Cubs are replacing their W flag with a V."

BP writes: "When Dale Sveum was third base coach for the Red Sox a lot of fans were unhappy with him for sending too many runners who were ultimately thrown out at the plate. One joke circulating during the time when the Iraq War was in full operation mode was “Put Dale Sveum in charge of the Iraq War. He sends everyone home.”

Sveum!

2011-11-18T07:30:00.002-06:00

Sounds like something my German mother would say, but no, it's the name of the new Cubs manager Dale Sveum. His press conference will be later today. (Phil Rogers has some great quotes from other Cubs managers when they took over the job.)

I personally think he'll make a svell manager. Hopefully the Cubs will sving the bats for him this season.

Kid K

2011-11-16T07:08:00.002-06:00

He's not a kid anymore, he's 34, but it sounds like Kerry Wood will be coming back to the Cubs for at least one more season.

The new guys like him.

Hasta mañana Aramis

2011-11-15T07:13:00.000-06:00

He says he is done with the Cubs ("that door is closed") and his agent is mad at Bob Brenley (for comments he made about Aramis on the Waddle and Silvy show on ESPN AM 1000)

Details are here.

Aramis does have a few more good years left in him, but the Cubs should be able to spend that money more wisely (namely on younger players...hopefully pitching). I think we may have some people in place now that may actually do that.

I think in the long run, Aramis will be remembered fondly in Chicago. He did have some pretty darn good years here. Let's not forget that he was the best 3B we've had since Ron Santo. But on a rebuilding team, there's really no spot for a 33-year-old third baseman asking for close to $20 million a season.

Cubs Workout Cuban Star

2011-11-14T08:12:00.002-06:00

According to this report in the Sporting News, the Cubs are going to workout Cuban star Yoenis Cespedes. He's considered the top star to come out of Cuba in years; a five-tool 26-year-old outfielder.

If they sign him, he would be the Cubs biggest Cuban star since one of my all-time favorites: Jose Cardenal.

The Cubs Farm System

2011-11-11T06:51:00.002-06:00

Now that he's had a little time to evaluate the Cubs, Theo was asked about our farm system. He responded: “We have work to do. I’m not going to sugarcoat it. I think there’s a pretty significant gap between where we are right now between impact and depth and where we want to be."

At least he's being honest.

More details from his conference call are here.

The Latest Candidate

2011-11-10T06:41:00.001-06:00

Greg Maddux's big brother Mike.

Here's how it went.

I like what he said about Zambrano: "First thing you got to do is get to meet him. I heard he's a big teddy bear," Maddux said. "I might pick him up and just burp him."

Joe Bohringer

2011-11-08T09:22:00.000-06:00

I'm trying to control my excitement here, but I fear it's not working. The Cubs made another great hire this week, when they hired Joe Bohringer as their new director of pro scouting.

Details are here.

I love the way this new staff is emphasizing scouting and player development. I'm a student of Cubs history, and this is literally the first time they have made that their number one priority. Let's hope they keep their eye on the ball and don't get tempted to take shortcuts (like all the others that came before them).

Dale Sveum

2011-11-08T09:13:00.002-06:00

Meet the latest Cubs managerial prospect.

During his playing days he was one of the five or six best players with a "V" in their last name.

The 1945 World Series

2011-11-07T06:45:00.002-06:00

A ChicagoNow blogger remembers the 1945 World Series.

He was there.

Cory Provus

2011-11-04T11:08:00.001-05:00

Former Cubs announcer Cory Provus is leaving the Brewers to become the play by play man for the Minnesota Twins.

Details are here.

Boston or Chicago

2011-11-04T09:20:00.002-05:00

Which managerial opening is more attractive, Boston or Chicago?

Two ESPN writers debate the subject.

There's also a video at the link of the PTI guys debating it. They both agree that the Cardinals opening is better than both of the others.

Quade is out

2011-11-02T14:38:00.001-05:00

And Ryno will not be his replacement.

The details are here.

The Theo Trio

2011-11-02T09:34:00.002-05:00

This is the brain trust of the new Chicago Cubs. I'm calling them "The Theo Trio". Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein, center, and new general manager Jed Hoyer, right, and new head of scouting and player development Jason McLeod, during a news conference yesterday in Chicago.

I'm willing to give these guys a chance.

AP PHOTO/CHARLES REX ARBOGAST

AP Article

2011-10-30T12:00:00.002-05:00

There's a great AP reporter named Don Babwin who likes to call me for quotes when the Cubs are in the news, especially when he's writing a story that could use a Cub fan's perspective. He calls me because he knows that I'll be following the story (because of Just One Bad Century) and he knows that I'll give him a colorful quote (because of Just One Bad Century).

The best thing about getting quoted in an AP story is that runs all across the country. And this week's story about Theo Epstein is no exception.

It's in the Boston Globe.

It's in the Washington Post.

And it's in just about every other newspaper in the country, and some others outside the country, like The Winnipeg Free Press.

All I can say is: "Thanks Don."

Cubs fan in the Cardinal's Clubhouse

2011-10-28T09:53:00.001-05:00

The guy who caught the game winning homer by David Freese yesterday returned the ball to Freese, and in return was allowed to come into the clubhouse and meet the team. He brought his buddy with him too. And his buddy was wearing a Cubs shirt.

It's in all the pictures.

Love it.

Theo's Boys

2011-10-27T09:05:00.001-05:00

Two more of Theo Epstein's boys have officially come aboard.

Meet Jed Hoyer and Jason McLeod.

"Hoyer worked with Epstein on Boston player acquisitions, contract negotiations and player evaluations. His speciality was quantitative analysis, also known as sabermetrics. But he combined that with practical scouting, which he also helped direct. McLeod's expertise is in amateur scouting. He is given credit for stocking and fortifying the Red Sox farm system under the guidance of Epstein and Hoyer."

This is making me salivate. I'm like Homer Simpson looking at bacon.

Uh oh

2011-10-27T09:03:00.002-05:00

We're not all like this, Theo, I swear...

Theo in Chicago

2011-10-26T07:20:00.002-05:00

I listened to this entire press conference on the radio yesterday, and I've never been this excited to be a Cubs fan. (Watch part of it here. It's just nice to see that Cubs logo behind him, isn't it?) I'm still giddy. I know the naysayers are out there (I've been hearing from you--and by the way, you Boston fans could be the most ungrateful group of fans on the face of the Earth), but would you mind letting us have this moment to dream again? At least for a season or two. Is that really too much to ask?

RIP Roy Smalley

2011-10-25T06:45:00.002-05:00

He was the shortstop for the Cubs before a young Ernie Banks took his place. While he was on the Cubs, Smalley made headlines by marrying the sister of his teammate Gene Mauch.

Roy had some pop and a rifle arm, but he could never put it all together in the big leagues. His son (also named Roy) later played in the big leagues too.

Roy Smalley died on Saturday at the age of 85.

Oldest Cubs Fan

2011-10-24T07:06:00.001-05:00

There aren't many left that were alive when the Cubs last won the World Series, but there is at least one. His name is Archie, he lives in Peoria, and he's 107 years old.

Theo's a Cub

2011-10-22T10:06:00.002-05:00

ABC News reported it last night.

Full details are here.

Time for a collective exhale, Chicago.

Theo Update

2011-10-21T06:55:00.002-05:00

Depending on who you believe, Theo will either be announced by the Cubs today (on the World Series off day) or Commissioner Selig may have to step in to mediate the situation. Both of those possibilities are suggested within this one article.

Book about Bartman Play

2011-10-20T07:22:00.001-05:00

A man from New Lenox has written a book about the Bartman play, looking at every conceivable angle. His conclusion: the ump should have called fan interference.

The details about the book are here.

Epstein Talks Stalemate

2011-10-19T07:03:00.002-05:00

It sounds like the talks between the Cubs and Red Sox have hit a bit of a snag. According to this piece on ESPN.com, the Red Sox have agreed to let him bring along a couple of their staffers (including the guy Ricketts admires the most--the guy who remodeled Fenway) but they haven't yet agreed on compensation.

Full details are here.

Red Sux

2011-10-18T07:33:00.002-05:00

Good to see the Red Sox are being reasonable. All they wanted in return for Theo Epstein is our only good pitcher, Matt Garza.

Details are here.

And yes, the Cubs refused.

The Billy Goat

2011-10-17T06:56:00.002-05:00

There's quite a bit of background about William Sianis and the Billy Goat in this article.

I knew about the Cubs game portion of this story, but hadn't heard about what happened with the goat and Sianis in the eleven years before the Cubs incident. It's pretty interesting if you're into Chicago history.

Bob Newhart

2011-10-14T06:51:00.002-05:00

Bob is coming to town this weekend, and in this interview with Dean Richards he fondly recalls greeting the pennant winning 1945 Cubs.

Marlins Interested in Zambrano

2011-10-11T06:46:00.002-05:00

So says a Miami television station.

Of course, Ozzie is the manager in Miami now, and he and his fellow Venezuelan have always gotten along well.

This may help land our new general manager. One less potential headache.

Was that Theo Epstein?

2011-10-10T08:31:00.002-05:00

The Chicago Tribune discusses the rumor that Epstein was spotted this weekend in Lincoln Park.

This week in 1908, 1945

2011-10-09T10:01:00.002-05:00

The Cubs win the World Series for the last time, This week in 1908.

The goat legacy begins, This week in 1945.

Should Epstein Come To Chicago?

2011-10-07T07:04:00.002-05:00

Two ESPN.com writers debate the pros and cons.

Also, ESPN Radio's Marc Silverman begs him to come, via video.

RIP Bear Tracks

2011-10-06T08:01:00.001-05:00

His nickname was Bear Tracks, but his actual name was Johnny Schmitz.

He was a member of the Cubs during some of their darkest days, but Schmitz was also one of their best players. He actually won 18 games (and appeared in the All-Star game) for one of their worst teams of all-time, the 1948 Cubs. So of course, they traded him.

Bear Tracks passed away this weekend in Wisconsin at the age of 90.

Steve Bartman Night is cancelled

2011-10-06T07:44:00.000-05:00

The Dayton Gems minor league hockey team announced and planned a Steve Bartman night at their pre-season game October 14th. The idea was to leave a ticket at the box office for Bartman, and to allow anyone dressed as Bartman to come in for free.

It sounds like Bartman's people were less than thrilled with the idea.

It will no longer be a Steve Bartman night.

The 1910 Cubs

2011-10-06T07:29:00.000-05:00

A bonus tale from a bad century this week at JOBC. It's about the last gasp of the Cubs one and only "championship era": The 1910 Cubs.

Speed Martin

2011-10-05T07:22:00.000-05:00

We featured Speed this year as one of our Great Nicknames.

This article has a few more details about a guy that was born in a town that no longer even exists.

Cubs Ask Permission To Speak To Espstein

2011-10-05T06:54:00.000-05:00

So says the Boston Globe's Dan Shaughnessy, who is about as clued in as anyone.

This is beginning to get very interesting.

Bleeding Cubbie Blue

2011-10-04T07:25:00.001-05:00

A song that attempts to explain the self torture of being a Cubs fan...

Steve Bartman Night?

2011-10-03T07:51:00.002-05:00

Looks like the "Catching Hell" special on ESPN is having repercussions in the hockey world too. A minor league hockey team in Fort Wayne is having a Steve Bartman night. They're leaving a ticket for him at the gate, and anyone who dresses like Bartman (from that infamous night) will get in free.

Somehow, I don't think Bartman would approve.

Details are here.

Theo Is "Very Interested"

2011-10-03T07:21:00.002-05:00

That's Theo Epstein, the general manager that brought the Boston Red Sox two World Series championships in the past seven years after they had ZERO for the previous 86 years. And the thing he's allegedly "very interested" in is the Cubs general manager job.

Sign him up now. I'm serious.

I have friends that live in the Boston area and they've soured on Theo, and blame him for the demise of the team this past year, but it seems to me that they've got a ridiculously short memory in Boston. They've already fired the manager of those two championship teams, and now they're ready for the GM to leave too.

We'll take them both off your hands.

We already know what Francona would look like wearing a Cubs hat...

The Cubs Win The Pennant!

2011-10-02T10:28:00.000-05:00

The Cubs win the pennant! The Cubs win the pennant!

This week in 1908

The Cubs Win The Pennant!

2011-10-01T10:33:00.001-05:00

The Cubs win the pennant! The Cubs win the pennant!

This week in 1945.

The Cubs on Catalina Island

2011-09-29T08:08:00.001-05:00

From 1921-1951, the Cubs had their spring training on Catalina Island...

Stan Musial in Wrigley Field

2011-09-29T06:47:00.001-05:00

There were two "Cubs-like" epic collapses in baseball this season, though most of us missed it in Chicago because we stopped paying attention. Both the Braves and the Red Sox had huge leads for the wild card lead, and both of them blew it.

Because of that, the Tampa Rays and the St. Louis Cardinals are going to the playoffs. In light of that, it seems only fitting to talk about a Cardinal, so the last Tale from a Bad Century this season at JOBC is about Stan Musial's big career moments in Wrigley Field.

You can read it here.

The Great War

2011-09-28T07:54:00.000-05:00

Today's Tale from a Bad Century is about the Cubs during the first World War.

Read all about it here.

Catching Hell

2011-09-28T06:50:00.001-05:00

If you saw "Catching Hell" last night on ESPN, you saw a moment in our history that wasn't exactly Cubs fans finest hour. I actually thought the filmmaker did a really nice (and fair) job of capturing the zeitgeist. One of the participants in the program was Fox 32's Dane Placko--and they asked him to participate because they saw this video on my website Just One Bad Century...

The Duke of Tralee

2011-09-27T06:48:00.002-05:00

We saved the best Great Nickname of the season for last at JOBC.

Meet The Duke of Tralee.

Rube Waddell

2011-09-26T06:52:00.001-05:00

This is finally the last merciful week of the baseball season, so this is the last week of stories to come from Just One Bad Century.

The final Cubs Hall of Famer for the season is Rube Waddell.

This week at Just One Bad Century

2011-09-17T10:17:00.001-05:00

I'm out of the country this coming week, but just because I'm gone, and the Cubs haven't shown up for months, doesn't mean that we aren't still going strong at Just One Bad Century.

We'll still have our weekly Cubs Hall of Famer: Bruce Sutter

We'll still have our weekly Great Nickname: The Rajah

We'll still have two Tales from a Bad Century: Bill Veeck Jr. and Norman Rockwell Nails the Cubs

We'll still feature Sights & Sounds

And of course, go back This Week in 1908, and This Week in 1945.

But even more importantly, our souvenir stand remains open, and wouldn't you like to buy one of our snazzy shirts or hats?

That's what I thought: Buy those here.

This week in 1908, 1945

2011-09-17T08:46:00.000-05:00

Every weekend JOBC goes back in time to the last year the Cubs won the World Series (1908) and the NL Pennant (1945).

This week in 1908, the most notorious game in Chicago Cubs history (that turned out well for the Cubs).

This week in 1945,
Shirley Temple gets married, Danny Thomas opens the season at the Chez Paree, and Cubs outfielder Bill Nicholson sets a record.

Sights & Sounds

2011-09-16T08:30:00.002-05:00

My favorite Harry Caray moment of all-time is the video featured this week on Sights & Sounds at JOBC. This is a YouTube video that the crack JOBC staff put together, and it has had about a half million views. The audio this week is a great Cubs song by the Cleaning Ladies.

Watch and listen here.

Hoyt Wilhelm

2011-09-15T06:49:00.002-05:00

The story of the Hall of Famer Hoyt Wilhelm's very brief stay on the Cubs is today's Tale from a Bad Century.

Read it here.

A Presidential Scandal

2011-09-14T07:04:00.002-05:00

Today`s Tale from a Bad Century is an honest to goodness Presidential Scandal involving the Cubs. Not just any team can claim to have one of those. It happened to the Cubs in the 1920s.

Read all about it here.