It was rare, but here's a favorite 2006 Cubs moment

by Ihatethecards on Oct 4, 2006 8:29 AM CDT

There were not many moments that we wish to remember in 2006. As usual, 2/5ths of the starting rotation was not on the field for those first few days, but we were all hopeful of the good summer to come. There were lots of questions: *Who will play second base? *Will any of the pitching ever stay health? *Why is Neifi on this team? *Who is this Bynum guy?

Ok - I know there were not a lot of good moments, but there's one that I really really liked. That moment is Michael Barrett decking A.J. Pierzynski. I've just never liked that guy. I'm not a violent person, and in spite of my screen name, I hate very few people, but that arrogant a** just rubs me the wrong way.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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Ryan O Malley's

major league debut against the Astros...

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Oct 4, 2006 8:58 AM CDT reply actions

my first time at wrigley

against the giants this year. we won, with the riot belting his first home run, and murton adding another one. hill pitched a great game.

WE ARE... PENN STATE

by NittanyCub on Oct 4, 2006 9:19 AM CDT reply actions

Favorite moments

My personal favorite moments--

Seeing the Cubs beat the Cards on Opening Day.

Going to a Cubs-Sox game with my dad (a Sox fan), and having the Cubs actually win the game.

Watching a game from the bleachers.

Maddux vs Clemens (even if we lost).

When trouble arises there is always one individual who perceives a solution and is willing to take command. Very often, that individual is crazy. - Dave Barry

by Jesse Guam on Oct 4, 2006 9:42 AM CDT reply actions

Maddux v Clemens..

..is a good memory from this year. And even though the Cubs lost, Maddux threw well.

A matchup like that won't be happening any time soon.

Chicks dig the long ball

by Will23 on Oct 4, 2006 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions

fav moments

the wacky game that i attended on july 29th gregs last game as a cubs vs STL. great atmosphere felt like the playoffs. i was right behind the dugout when maddux walked off the field too...awesome. also october 2nd when the cubs announced that baker was GONE!!!

by tbizzle83 on Oct 4, 2006 10:00 AM CDT reply actions

probably

the sunday night game early in the season when the Cubs won a come from behind game against the Cardinals. That was awesome.

by tal1286 on Oct 4, 2006 10:04 AM CDT reply actions

I second that

Barrett's GS was great.
So much hope back then

I HATE NED COLLETTI

by jessica on Oct 4, 2006 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions

Relive the moment

LINK

by ttagaris on Oct 4, 2006 11:56 PM CDT up reply actions

Two moments, provided by JP

On defense, both occasions. First, when he lept at SF to rob Barry Bonds on what would have been a record-breaking home run.

Later, when he lept in the ivy to snag Poo-holes' shot that everyone thought was a grand slam, and allowed the Cubs to further their dominance over the Cards (one bright spot)

Poppppppppped it up...

by nextyearcub on Oct 4, 2006 10:51 AM CDT reply actions

Say what you will

about Pierre, but those were excellent plays.

by JFCubFan on Oct 4, 2006 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions

hmm

Monday night in NY, with a large group of Cubs fans, (including the parents) watching the Cubs win and getting the ever sweet grudginly congratulations message from the Mets fan friend

oh and meeting Al in the bleachers, even though I'm pretty sure he thinks I'm crazy

by flyball on Oct 4, 2006 11:01 AM CDT reply actions

You are crazy

You're a Cubs fan, right?

When trouble arises there is always one individual who perceives a solution and is willing to take command. Very often, that individual is crazy. - Dave Barry

by Jesse Guam on Oct 4, 2006 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions

now

is that a sign of being crazy, or the cause of it?

I'm guessing a little bit of both

by flyball on Oct 4, 2006 1:32 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm not saying

I'm just saying.

When trouble arises there is always one individual who perceives a solution and is willing to take command. Very often, that individual is crazy. - Dave Barry

by Jesse Guam on Oct 4, 2006 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions

My favorite moment was

the Rich Hill complete game because I realized then that even though the Wood/Prior era was over, we had a legitimate guy out of our severely-maligned farm system who could very well be an important member of a future, contending team. I can't wait to see how he does in spring training next year.

by JFCubFan on Oct 4, 2006 11:24 AM CDT reply actions

I won

my fantasy league playoff because of that game. Thank you Rich.

by NO100 on Oct 4, 2006 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions

Ditto

by airweino on Oct 4, 2006 10:06 PM CDT up reply actions

Ironically...

In retrospect, the best moment was the injury to Derek Lee. Not that I wish injuries on anyone, but....

If Lee isn't hurt, the Cubs probably struggle to a near-.500 record, the major deficiencies in the Cubs minor league system are not demonstrated, blame is placed solely on the injuries to pitchers, Dusty gets resigned for another four years, MacPhail sticks around, and the Cubs continue their embrace with mediocrity.

Now, there is no guarantee that things won't stay the same, but I love giving change a chance.

Ask Don Young what he thinks of Ron Santo.

by Ross on Oct 4, 2006 1:53 PM CDT reply actions

and

I apologize for spelling Mr. Lee's name incorrectly. Please do not flog me.

Ask Don Young what he thinks of Ron Santo.

by Ross on Oct 4, 2006 1:53 PM CDT up reply actions

interesting

but only true if actual changes in philosophy happen and the team puts a plan together.

The injury could very well affect the rest of his career. I hope not and I don't think it will but it was a pretty severe injury to his wrist.

by tal1286 on Oct 4, 2006 3:48 PM CDT up reply actions

fav 2006 memory

I watched Marshall win his 1st career game in pittsburgh. The game was messy, but it was my 1st time in the Steel City, got tickets the morning of the game, and took a completely spontaneous road trip. Met some Cubs fans there who knew Marshall, met his twin brother, and had seats about 15 rows up directly behind home plate. Sat next to some corporate guy and his colleagues coming from Asia, and got to discuss the differences between US and Asian baseball. All in all, a good trip and a great memory!

Second fav moment was being heckled in Cincy on Opening Day, and watching the Cubs win that game.

Forget about '07. Let's wait until 2008!

by secdelahc on Oct 4, 2006 3:58 PM CDT reply actions

Favorite

Cubs sweep the Cards at home, opening series. Highlight of the year....in April. Everyone was so hopeful, then look what happened. That was my first home opener and first time anyone was in the "new" bleachers. That's my favorite memory (I just can't believe the highlight was in April!!)

by mrcubsfan on Oct 4, 2006 4:33 PM CDT reply actions

No doubt

I was at school watching it, and after the game was in the bag, a couple of Cubs fan friends and I had to light up cigars. It was really special.

by Perkins on Oct 4, 2006 4:35 PM CDT up reply actions

Second that

Especially when Marshall pitched pretty well against the Cards and I think the Cubs managed to keep Pujols from hitting a HR!

by cubs4ever on Oct 4, 2006 5:21 PM CDT up reply actions

A couple stand out

That sweep of the Cardinals on the season's first weekend was awesome, and had me hoping for a brief and shining moment that this season might have some hope. The game on Memorial Day was good as well, as I got to see Wood's only win of the season, and a thoroughly dominant game by the Cubs. Also the sarcastic ovation for Aramis when he caught a pop-up (the day before was the two base error that cost us the game against Atlanta) was hilarious. Beyond that, seeing MB hit A.J. Pierzynski in the face was pretty damn special.

by Perkins on Oct 4, 2006 4:34 PM CDT reply actions

And let's not forget

Hearing Andy MacPhail's resignation on Sunday.

by Perkins on Oct 4, 2006 5:22 PM CDT up reply actions

Good Ol' Perkins

always comes through, I was waiting for someone to say that.

"I respect the mind's power over the body, it's why I do what I do" - Dr. Jonathan Crane

by Faith plus 1 on Oct 4, 2006 8:27 PM CDT up reply actions

But of course

Had to get out of my sentimental reverie and remember that one, perhaps the best part of the whole season.

by Perkins on Oct 4, 2006 9:10 PM CDT up reply actions

Hmmm...

Zambrano's 1-hitter vs the Astros...

The double digit victory against the Sox...

BOTH sweeps of the cardinals...

maddux's last game....(sniffle... it was very emotional for me)

Murton's 4 two-baggers...

Hill's CG...

Git 'er done!

by KChiCubs on Oct 4, 2006 5:16 PM CDT reply actions

Time for me to chime in.

There really is only one, I think: Greg Maddux' farewell to the Cubs.

Yes, I know, I didn't think he was leaving at the time, but I still stood and cheered him as if he were.

It was a special moment, and I think he felt it too.

by Al Yellon on Oct 4, 2006 6:49 PM CDT reply actions

Maddux was the highlight

of the year - no doubt about that. Not him leaving, but seeing him pitch every 5th day. He still has it. I hope he's back in Chicago next year.

by Ihatethecards on Oct 5, 2006 8:17 AM CDT up reply actions

Game vs the Dodgers

The game versus the Dodgers where Maddux gave up hits to the first two batters, then got Bonds to line into a double play and retired the next 21 batters (I think). That was a great game to watch. Maddux at his absolute best.

I'm glad he was pitching for us then.

When trouble arises there is always one individual who perceives a solution and is willing to take command. Very often, that individual is crazy. - Dave Barry

by Jesse Guam on Oct 5, 2006 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions

The Flowers In The Dung Heap ..

The sweep of the Cards at Wrigley in early April on national TV while those idiots on ESPN kept rolling their Yanks-Red Sox promos so much you wanted to puke. All the wins were manufactured .. Small Ball looked doable and the Cubs looked hungry for more, after kicking the butts of Cincinatti 16-7. THAT was sweet ..

Watching Juan Pierre rob Barroid Bond of a home run in San Francisco, and the FSN replay of the play again .. and again .. and again .. to make the point ..

Bob Brenly tongue-lashing the Cubs after that nightmarish game I can't even bring myself to fully recall .. "Come on, PLAY THE GAME!" I got it on tape but haven't the spine to dig it out.

Seeing Neifi Perez disappear.

After the suckiest, most nightmarish start in years, watching the entire team work to take down the Astros brick by brick in 18 innings, concluded by Rich Hill - and seeing Ryan O'Malley, in a storybook tale, shut them out barely 14 hours later. NOW THAT was cool.

And then, later that same week, watching ol Juan Pierre rob Pujols of a HR in the ivy at Wrigley, to help preserve the precious Cub victory over the Cards in August .. and listening to my 4 year old niece run screaming to her mother in the kitchen as her father and I whooped: "Mommy, the Cubbies won! Cubbies won!"

There's a few other seedlings in the sordid mess of this past season, but that's what I remember ..

Well, Next Year is here .. and Jack's century's gotta end some time .. GO CUBBIES!

by cubnational on Oct 4, 2006 7:21 PM CDT reply actions

hmmm

I would have to go with when Pierre robbed Bonds of 714 or whatever hell number it is (shouldn't say that too loud or else ESPN is going to come and rape me with the number, or the amount of times set number is).

Barret jack Pierzynski in the face, I think there should be someone on the AL payroll of each and every individual team designated to do this each and every series. Nothing fancy, everytime he crosses the plate someone from the opposite dugout comes out and BAM right in the face.

and finally Dusty's contract expire, that was probably my fav.

"I respect the mind's power over the body, it's why I do what I do" - Dr. Jonathan Crane

by Faith plus 1 on Oct 4, 2006 8:32 PM CDT reply actions

There it is!

How could I forget the greatest part of the entire seaosn!! Barret connecting with AJ's ugly mug was by far the highlight. I'll never forget jumping out of my chair cheering for sluggin that assclown.

Second would have to be the mass firings...errr, non-renewals on contratcs.

"Booze, broads, and bullshit. If you got all that, what else do you need?" - Harry Caray

by 10 14 23 26 on Oct 5, 2006 2:27 PM CDT up reply actions

Forgot one

I posted earlier but I forgot Glavine vs. Zambrano. Z had a no hitter through six and Glavine only gave up one hit in the first. I was at this game and we were thinking this would be the day then both pitchers started giving up runs; but Cubs won. Great game. One of few.

by mrcubsfan on Oct 5, 2006 8:19 PM CDT reply actions

Another great Z memory

I wasn't at the game, but I remember the replays of Zambrano breaking a bat over his knee after striking out.

When trouble arises there is always one individual who perceives a solution and is willing to take command. Very often, that individual is crazy. - Dave Barry

by Jesse Guam on Oct 5, 2006 9:52 PM CDT up reply actions