Cubs To Have First "Turn Back The Clock" Promotion

by Al on Dec 11, 2007 4:11 PM CST in News Comment 66 comments

As we await The Fukudome Decision (sounds like a good spy movie title, right?), this announcement flew under the radar, as I hadn't heard it anywhere until sharp-eyed BCB reader TheRamZamDLEE sent me this article from the Bloomington Pantagraph profiling new marketing director Jay Blunk and some of the things he's planning for 2008. The "Ultimate 7th Inning Stretch" competition, which drew 2700 entries in 2007, will return. But what got my attention was this:

Blunk said the Cubs will hold their first retro game in the coming season. Players will wear replica 1948 uniforms as part of the 60th anniversary of WGN-TV.

"We've never done one at Wrigley," he said. "It seems like a perfect fit. Every day is turn back the clock day at Wrigley."

I think that last sentence has been the philosophy of the marketing department for many years, and I'm sure you can see why. But having a day like this will draw some attention, and I'm guessing they'll wind up auctioning off the jerseys worn that day for Cubs Care.

Waiting... for... Fukudome...

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For those curious...

...the '48 uniforms can be seen here.

Why they chose the '48 Cubs, who placed dead last in the NL and had no really recognizable players, is beyond me.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Dec 11, 2007 4:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

It says so right in the article.

It's to commemorate the 60th anniversary of WGN-TV... it's also the 60th anniversary of the first WGN Cub telecast, which was on April 5, 1948.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Dec 11, 2007 4:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Look at that wishbone C on their caps

Just like the Reds and Bears have.

Old Style is the nectar of life.

by Mordecai on Dec 11, 2007 5:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The original "wishbone C"...

... was and is worn by the University of Chicago's athletic teams, who were once a powerhouse (they were the original "Monsters of the Midway).

You can see that logo here.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Dec 11, 2007 5:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yep - The Maroons.

The Chicago Bears took the Maroons' "Wishbone C" logo, and the Fighting Illini's orange and blue color scheme. It's an homage to Chicago and Illinois.

by ChipSet on Dec 11, 2007 10:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

those stirrups are sweet

everyon should be required to wear knee highs that day.

AC 00 00 00 - BELIEVE

by mike on Dec 11, 2007 5:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I will like this...

I have wanted them to do this for a while. Should be a "neato" game to be at!

MMMMM...Golden shrimp and chicken combo from Ron of Japan!

by Kinky Reggae on Dec 11, 2007 4:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

For those curious...

"neato" was my retro term used as a tribute to this retro themed diary.

MMMMM...Golden shrimp and chicken combo from Ron of Japan!

by Kinky Reggae on Dec 11, 2007 4:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Keen-o!

n/t

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Dec 11, 2007 4:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Retro

Compared to the '48 team, the '08 Cubs are a crackerjack bunch of base-ballers. Pardon me now. Twenty-three skiddoo.

by Copter OBob on Dec 11, 2007 4:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Golly gosh dang gee whiz!

by Arbusto on Dec 11, 2007 4:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Niiice.

May I go with groovy, or nifty perhaps?

MMMMM...Golden shrimp and chicken combo from Ron of Japan!

by Kinky Reggae on Dec 11, 2007 4:05 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Do you think the tickets will be at 1940's prices?

That would be nice...2-cent beers would be good too...

by bergs55 on Dec 11, 2007 4:10 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

1948 Cubs: 64-90

Turn back the clock day honors a 90 loss team? Ugh. What's wrong with the '45 team?

At least some of those guys are still with us. Pafko and Cavarretta were on that team. A young Gene Mauch was on that team for a spell too (sadly, Mauch is no longer around). Roy Smalley is still around, I believe. Not many others.

1948 was before the pinstripes and they wore the old logo with the "ubs" inside the "C" on the front (similar to the one still worn but, well, not the same and I think I prefer the old logo). The caps were blue with just a red "c." I know for a while back then they wore jerseys with zippers but that may have been in the early 50s. Were they wearing the vest style jerseys in '48?

by Copter OBob on Dec 11, 2007 4:13 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

If you look at...

... the 1945 uniforms, they're nearly identical to the '48 version. So you could pretend it's the '45 team out there.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Dec 11, 2007 4:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The Bloomington Pantagraph...

First time I've seen my hometown newspaper in a cubs related story, neat

by Walker71421 on Dec 11, 2007 4:39 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

They should use the 1908 version

n/t

"Who are you going to believe, me or your own eyes?"

by Jettero2112 on Dec 11, 2007 4:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

We can bitch about anything,

can't we?

The TV arm of Tribune might have suggested the idea, so really it's more for WGN than a 'Cubs Tribute.' I would assume the TV side of the ledger will pay for the unis.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Dec 11, 2007 4:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I hope...

... that they schedule this on a day when they're playing a team they could have played in 1948, which is still located in the same city it was in 1948.

That limits it pretty severely. The only such teams are Philadelphia, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and St. Louis. (Who should also wear the uni's they wore in '48.)

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Dec 11, 2007 4:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That wiuld be very cool

n/t

"Who are you going to believe, me or your own eyes?"

by Jettero2112 on Dec 11, 2007 4:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

...or a relocated team with 1948 uni's...

Brooklyn Dodgers, NY Giants, or Boston Braves? That would be cool too.

by ChipSet on Dec 11, 2007 10:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Robert Ludlum

"The Fukudome Decision" totally sounds like one of those cheesy Robert Ludlum-ish books they advertise on the radio. Now available at a bus depot near you, without a lot of pages and with no big words!

Since I left, I've always missed Chicago but never as much as I do right now!

by TMOX on Dec 11, 2007 4:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

If we're going to do this

I at least hope the game is on WGN and not comcast or ESPN!

A little help also!! I've been trying to find the jersey patch from this era. I found one on ebay and didn't buy it, thinking I could get it another time but haven't seen one since. If anyone could help locate one, let me know. I want it for a jacket. Contact me at mrcubsfan at msn.com. Thanks in advance!

This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).

by mrcubsfan on Dec 11, 2007 5:10 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

1969 patch will do to!

This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).

by mrcubsfan on Dec 11, 2007 5:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

there goes my job

in the marketing department. That was my million dollar idea the Cubs have ignored for far too long. Ok so it wasn't exactly what my plan was, but for my ego, I'll say the Cubs read this site, called me a sucker, and the rest is history.

Hahah honestly...just kidding.

"Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball."- Harry Caray

by TkGoUWGB on Dec 11, 2007 5:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I have always wondered why..

..the Cubs havent done this.

Looking forward to seeing the uni's!

I am getting tired of waiting BTW...

Let me get back to you, will ya, Charlie? I got a guy on the other line asking about some white walls.

by JB 23 on Dec 11, 2007 5:35 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

A retro game

is a great idea. I always like seeing other teams do it. No matter what media or advertiser, etc will make money off of it, it is still a great way to pay homage to where the Cubs came from. Someone else had mentioned having all of the players in knee highs. I have always liked that. It is classic.

And woohoo for the 7th Inning Stretch Competition coming back! This was really a no brainer for the Cubs to do as well. I don't know if I will try out again or not. It was a priviledge just to make the first audition of the maiden voyage of the contest!

Anxiously awaiting the arrival of Opening Day '08

by love the ivy on Dec 11, 2007 6:15 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

It would also be cool....

...if they did a 'retro' broadcast the way Fox did a few years ago when the Dodgers played in Chicago. Each inning was a decade from the paast graphics and TV angle wise.

Good stuff.

As an aside, I plan (living in LA) on going to the Dodgers/Red Sox preseason games which will be playe din the LA Coliseum, laid out (sp?) in the way it was when the Dodgers first landed in LA.

Here: http://www.ballparkwatch.com/images/la_coliseum_10.jpg

That's a throwback too, eh?

Besides the obvious - Go Irish.

Z. He doesn't need an exclamtion point. He is one.

by PopeFlick on Dec 11, 2007 7:45 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

BTW

That's a 251ft Foul Pole in left, with a 40 foot wall.

Pop up homeruns!

Besides the obvious - Go Irish.

Z. He doesn't need an exclamtion point. He is one.

by PopeFlick on Dec 11, 2007 7:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I seem to remember

...that WGN did do this a few years back, although I can't remember why. Every inning was a different decade. Chip Caray did a shaving cream ad from the '30s, stuff like that. It was kind of a nice change of pace.

"And heeeere cooome the pretzels!"

by NightPutting on Dec 12, 2007 5:48 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

In other news...

...the Twins signed Craig Monroe. They have until May 1st to send up the PTBNL, "probably a low-level minor leaguer."

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Dec 11, 2007 8:00 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Oh, and...

...the Tigers resigned Perez.

(Relax: some OTHER Perez.)

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Dec 11, 2007 8:15 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

just in

dodgers have signed kuroda according to our favorite site!!

GO CUBS GO!!!!!

by cubsluver22 on Dec 11, 2007 8:20 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

fuku/mitchell

the padres really think they got fuku. it may take 15M per for the cubs to get him. is there any value there?

BTW...Off topic, but this is hilarious...A Mitchell Report Draft! haha..

http://mlbfleecefactor.com/2007/12/11/the-mitchell-report-draft/

by em3 on Dec 11, 2007 8:53 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Don't know why the Pads think that

In fact, they are now talking with the Bucs for Jason Bay -- with Michael Barrett's name being tossed around as heading east-ward. (This, according to XTRA Sports Radio/SD.)

If this report has legs, it's plan B and C for the Padres.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Dec 11, 2007 9:29 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

If we're going to turn back the clock

It'll be nice if we could do it to the stadium also, within reason. Take down the ads on the outfield doors and behind home plate. Don't use the LED displays in the stadium. Strictly organ music. Stuff like that.

I know this will never happen, but it would be neat.

There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!

by sanantonecub on Dec 11, 2007 9:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I think they kinda did this several years ago

I'm a bit fuzzy on the details since I was out on Waveland for the game, but I'm pretty sure there was no PA system. I also believe they had 'barkers' near the dugouts with little cardboard megaphones shouting out the players names. I do remember that we had a blast out on the street - we could hear so much more without all that noise. That seems like an oxymoronic statement but I'm sure you know what I mean.

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Dec 12, 2007 2:07 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That was...

... the day after Darryl Kile died; they didn't use any organ or other prerecorded music and I think they might have dispensed with any announcements other than batters and pitching changes.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Dec 12, 2007 4:41 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yup, remember it well

The Sat nat'l televised game got canceled. Girardi made the heart-felt, sympathetic and well spoken announcement and 40,000 folks dispersed. The next night on ESPN it was very subdued - for good reason - and the centerfield electronic board just had a "57" and "Darryl Kyle" for the game.

Our grandparents used to say, "I hope the Cubs win the Series before I die". Now the teenagers are saying it.

by blackhawk24 on Dec 12, 2007 6:21 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Can some one explain this math....

Brewers pay Gagne $10 million for a year. WOW!

I'll be surprised if he makes it past the All-star game. I love Gagne, but he really does seem to have no arm left.

This seems to be a odd move. Maybe Mike Maddux (isn't that the pitching coach?) can work a miracle...

I can't wait for 2008!

by LAcarl519 on Dec 11, 2007 9:35 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

FUKU A CUB!!!!!!!!!!!!!

At least Bruce Levine reports:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3151060

Calm down until it is SEALED! You know how its been lately!

Wait 'til next year. And the next. And the Next. And the next after that too.

by TheEman on Dec 11, 2007 9:53 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

F-Dome info - Looks like he is coming!

According to the San Diego paper, EPSN radio and WGN Radio

by 100 Years is Nothing on Dec 11, 2007 9:54 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Rosenthal Confirms

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7554498

F-BOMB!!!

Wait 'til next year. And the next. And the Next. And the next after that too.

by TheEman on Dec 11, 2007 9:55 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Can't wait to say F-BOMB!

Hope I get to say it about 30 times next year :)

Ed Lynch is STILL on the Cubs payroll, as our D-Backs scout in Phoenix. Lynch attends all 81 D-Back home games with a notepad in hand. Really paid off for us!

by SackMan on Dec 12, 2007 7:52 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

But how soon will his jersey be on sale?

Should I head to the Woodfield Cubs Clubhouse tomorrow?

Rich

by rgonzale on Dec 11, 2007 9:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

A great way to end the last night of Hanukah

This has been a GREAT Holiday!

I won a Sony Vaio laptop during my Squadron's holiday party last weekend, and now, Jim Hendry topped the holiday off for Jewish Cub fans everywhere :)

There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!

by sanantonecub on Dec 11, 2007 10:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Did you know

FUKU's REAL name is: FUKUSTEIN?

LOL!

Great end to Hannukah 2008, and great prelude to 2008 Christmas for those that celebrate!

Wait 'til next year. And the next. And the Next. And the next after that too.

by TheEman on Dec 11, 2007 10:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Great news!

Let the endless stream of Fuku name jokes begin...

by Itchy on Dec 11, 2007 10:11 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

FUKUDOME!

hey i need a little help finding that fuku jersey someone photoshoped.

this is great news.

by xene on Dec 11, 2007 10:17 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Here you go

Courtesy of the MLB Store custom jersey generator...

There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!

by sanantonecub on Dec 11, 2007 10:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Nice

but according to Alex Ochoa, his teammate with Chunichi, he wants to have "Kosuke" on his uniform in America.

"I've also told him that he wants to have "Kosuke" on his uniform if he plays here. He doesn't want to have "Fukudome."

I'm assuming that's supposed to be "He told me" and not "I told him."

The artist formerly known as JoshinLA

by Josh77 on Dec 11, 2007 11:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Or maybe not

And that was just Ochoa warning him. That same article says that Ochoa had "Alex" on his uniform, supposedly because Ochoa was similar to the Japanese word for "clumsy oaf."

The artist formerly known as JoshinLA

by Josh77 on Dec 12, 2007 12:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

What's next

I think this is the first domino to drop for the Cubs off-season. What's next? Murton traded? I really see no place for him now and he has trade value. Or do we think nothing really happens until Baltimore makes their first move?

What about other teams? White Sox, Fathers are going to have to go to plan B, is there an obvious move there? Bay traveling? Ah, this is the fun part.

On the plus side, we're pretty sure Fukudome isn't going to show up on the Michell report....

"Look, what's important is to be in first place on the last day of the season." -Lou 8/1/07

by 26.2cubfan on Dec 11, 2007 10:21 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

FUKudome yeah!

That said, I hope he pans out...

"I got mad hits like I was Rod Carew!"

by lostinthevines on Dec 11, 2007 10:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Welcome Kusoke!

This is terrific news.

Brian Roberts next?

"Hey Hey, Holy Mackerel, No Doubt About It!"

by scottsdalecubs on Dec 11, 2007 10:28 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Irashaimasu Kusoke

You will enjoy being a Chicago Cub very much.

"Good pitching will always stop good hitting and vice-versa." -Casey Stengel

by cubbybear on Dec 11, 2007 10:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

FUKU-DOME

You can't quiet THE RIOT (riotshirts.com)

by TipsyMcStagger on Dec 11, 2007 10:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

yay!

I just heard it on the news! Fukudome a Cub. Finally something big and inspiring has happened this boring cold winter! I hope he feels at home in Chicago and plays his guts out for all of us.

Anxiously awaiting the arrival of Opening Day '08

by love the ivy on Dec 11, 2007 10:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Thank you!

Now can we talk about something else? Like maybe the 'roids story? Any predictions of Cub names?

I say, not necessarily in this order, Tuffy Rhodes, Rick Wilkins and of course Hundley's kid.

by Northpith on Dec 11, 2007 10:44 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Oh yeah,

and of course, Samma Lamma

by Northpith on Dec 11, 2007 10:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Cubs will win the division by 8-10 games?

I thought Sori, DeRo were great pick-ups. Fukudome should put us over the top!

Aug 15 - Ted Lilly walked by the lineup card and said to nobody in particular "I can't believe I'm batting 9th again".

by mweil on Dec 11, 2007 10:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

fear the reds if they get bedard (haren).

"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie

by buckmulligan on Dec 12, 2007 4:07 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Forget the Reds & Bedard, IMHO

I'd like Hendry to pull off a deal to get Roberts and Bedard.

I refuse to think the Cubs are not interested in Bedard as has been suggested in the media.

Give the O's Marshall, Hart, Gallagher, Fontenot, Pie and Colvin. All young, all 0-3 players, SP/RP, OF and IF covered. OK, let the flaming begin. The O's get some good youngsters and the Cubs still keep Hill and Soto.

And while I'm at this insanity, why not sign Rowand for CF? I know, the budget. But hey, I can wish, correct? The Cubs could would surpass the $150M range and possibly the BoSox. The OF is set, the starting staff is upgraded, the Cubs keep their young stud LHP & C. The only thing left is assuring DeRo can do a serious amount of time at SS, leaving TheRiot as super-sub.

OK, I'm delirious but I've been up all night working on a big project here at work and just checked back in with BCB a little while ago.

Our grandparents used to say, "I hope the Cubs win the Series before I die". Now the teenagers are saying it.

by blackhawk24 on Dec 12, 2007 6:29 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If only...

...we could land Santana somehow. :)

You can't quiet THE RIOT (riotshirts.com)

by TipsyMcStagger on Dec 11, 2007 11:00 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Thank You!

I'm as happy as a little girl!!!!11!

"In all the categories that you pay the most attention to, except the loss column, we're doing very well" - Jim Hendry

by Jayo525 on Dec 11, 2007 11:20 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

1948 Cubbies

1948 was the last season Eddie Waitkus played for the Northsiders. His trade to the Phillies in 1949 led Ruth Steinhagen to trick him into visiting her Edgewater hotel room on June 14, 1949 after the Phils' 9-2 victory at Wrigley to shoot him and yadda, yadda, yadda...Malamud's "the Natural".

by DonGerard on Dec 12, 2007 11:57 AM CST reply actions 0 recs