In Memoriam
by Al Yellon on Oct 3, 2008 1:34 PM CDT
in Chicago Cubs News
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PrintThis isn't about the Cubs.
Actually, come to think of it, it is. A little over a year ago -- in September 2007 -- I posted this story, told to me by a man who became a dear friend to me and my family. Read it if you haven't before.
This morning, this man, whose name is Bob, suffered a massive heart attack and passed away at the age of 75. He was as big a Cubs fan as any of us, and last night he was in his regular seat in the first row of the upper deck -- suffering along with the rest of us.
Now he has a better seat for the rest of this series. Perhaps there was a higher calling for him to help his team out. He was a good man and a good friend. Rest in peace, my dear friend. Go Cubs.
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I'm so sorry for the loss
Let’s win one for Bob. May he rest in peace and joy.
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Lost my Dad almost a year ago...
I think that is why I wanted this season so bad…sort of as a vindication for him. I still wear his Cubs Believe bracelet…win or lose…it will be officially retired at the end of this season
Hopefully him and Bob know something that we don’t and shed a few victory tears with us in a few weeks.
"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey
Rest in peace Bob. Here's hoping the Cubs can
win the big game just for you.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Oct 3, 2008 1:40 PM CDT reply actions
My condolences to you Al, for the loss of your friend.
Along with Bob’s entire family. It’s a shame that he had to pass on after a game like last night, but you are right…now he has a better seat. Maybe he can send some divine intervention for the rest of the games.
Rest in peace, Bob.
Beautiful story, Al.
I’m old enough to remember 1984, and good things have been known to happen to this team this season. I remember the road game streak of victories we went on.
I won’t turn the TV off until the game’s over, Bob.
Proud recipient of a hot dog shot from the Iowa Cubs hot dog gun.
So Sorry....
My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends….
Should be an interesting off season....
Sorry to hear that Al
"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella
Rest in Peace
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space. That day appears to be near.
He's gone to a place where the Cubs never lose
RIP to him, I’m sure the view is better from above.
"I still don't know what happened"- Fergie Jenkins on '69
Thanks, Al, for the great story
Puts things in perspective on a day like today. Sorry for your and his family’s loss.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
I remember that story...
…and am saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. My condolences to his family and friends.
I guess things can’t get much sadder around here at this point. Maybe karma will do us all a solid and give Bob – and the rest of us – at least one more win to celebrate this season.
I'm open to a miracle.
Condolscences
Cub players should commit to salvaging and winning this series in memory of this fine fan.
There are no more excuses, rationalizations, analysis on paper, extrapolation of regular season performance, examination of the statute of limitations on certain curses, whatever...
I am almost in tears
I know there is way more to life than baseball, but to think of all these great fans who never saw their beloved cubs win a WS
Heartbreaking
This is the first time that I’d read the original. Bob is not much older than my own father — and every time the Cubs come close only to fail, it hurts that much more because I want him to see them win the whole thing at least once.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
I wanted my wife to read this...
I have been searching for it on google hoping to find it so I could send it to her..I had remembered it from last year.
Thank you for all your kind words.
You know what, it does take 3 to win. We have lost one of our own today, a dedicated and loyal Cubs fan. Maybe the team can pull it out for him, us, and themselves.
Go Cubs.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
It's amazing how much this team means to so many people.
The most heartbreaking part of the Cubs woes is that the older generation hasn’t seen the ultimate victory of their beloved team. Everytime I get angry or sad that I’ve been a Cubs fan for 27 of my 33 years and haven’t seen a World Series, I think about the fan that’s lived and died with this team for twice as long as me, and it makes me sad.
I find it fitting...
…that the man stayed around long enough to watch the first two playoffs games, and possibly had enough. May he rest in peace.
Dan
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
Yeah
Very strange coincidence. Maybe not a coincidence. I don’t know much about what happens after you die, but maybe people are right, maybe the guy will help them out somehow. It can’t hurt to think that way at least.
Sounds like he was ready to go, ya know?
Waiting to see if this was the year…and although we are all optimists, right now it’s not looking like the Cubs’ year. And he said that he’s ready.
Dan
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
I made a similar comment
back in April when my grandfather-in-law passed away after a terrible battle with cancer. He was a very loyal Cubs fan, wanting to know the score of the game on the day he passed away. You would think that at some point there will be enough Cubs fans in heaven pullin for this team that they eventually can’t help but win.
This is why if the Cubs pull off winning it all in my lifetime, I will party for days to celebrate for everyone who never had the chance.
It has to start some place. It has to start some time. What better place than here. What better time than now. ~Rage Against the Machine
Hear, hear.
I’ll do that too.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
+2
You’ll see the fireworks and hear the screaming all the way from Iowa, and I will NOT be apologetic about it. All my departed fellow Cub fans deserve that.
That's a great, touching story
Even though I didn’t know Bob, I always find it especially sad when someone with such direct ties to a part of Cubs history passes on. It’s like a special link to the past has been irretrievably lost.
On the other hand, it’s nice to be able to share in one final Cubs memory with other people who feel the same passion and, yes, frustration that I do.
My heart breaks for you, Al
what a tragic 24 hours this has been. Here’s to Bob. Here’s to the Cubs.
That's the beauty of baseball. You never know what's going to happen until the final out -- Lou
I remember reading that last year, Al ..
and wanted sooooooooo bad to save that to disk.
I am sad that, at this time in the season, it has to be remembered now, especially in the ultimate context of a man’s passing.
The loss of any human life diminishes our planet that much more, and in our own little community, to feel what this man – as so many of our grandfathers, uncles, moms, big brothers, etc. – surely makes a lump come up in this old Cub fan’s throat.
God bless and keep that man’s family .. may they be solaced by a well lived life and the promise of a better one Elsewhere ..
Well, Next Year is here .. and Jack's century's gotta end some time .. GO CUBBIES!
The dying man’s friends told him to cut it out
They said stop it that’s an awful shame
He whispered, “Don’t Cry, we’ll meet by and by near the Heavenly Hall of Fame
He said, "I’ve got season’s tickets to watch the Angels now,
So its just what I’m going to do
He said, "but you the living, you’re stuck here with the Cubs,
So its me that feels sorry for you!”
RIP, Bob. Enjoy the Angels and the playoff run in the other league.
The day we lose our will to fight - Is the day we lose our Freedom.
Amen.
It has to start some place. It has to start some time. What better place than here. What better time than now. ~Rage Against the Machine
Sad story...sorry to hear he's gone.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Oct 3, 2008 2:31 PM CDT reply actions
God Bless Bob and his family and friends
Reading that story from last year and the news we just received is heart wrenching. We are all upset and mad that the Cubs lost 2 games in the NLDS. Bob lost his life, just remember that even though the Cubs are tearing us apart, there is more to life than just the Cubs. Bob this ones for you!
“It’s always easier to leave, than to be left.” Dave Matthews
Wow
Thanks for linking that and my condolences to his family and to everyone. Very sad.
My condolences on the series so far too, though I know it very much ain’t over yet. Been through too many sports collapses over the years… Anyway, cheers, good luck, and again thanks for the perspective check. Very sad.
Remember this story
Really heartbreaking. So unfortunate for Bob, but he is certainly in a much better place.
"I got a PBS mind in an MTV world"...Jimmy Buffett
by The Ryno and I Know on Oct 3, 2008 2:45 PM CDT reply actions
May his memory be as a blessing
No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main….any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bells tolls; it tolls for thee.
—John Donne
"I'm not much of a chemistry guy, you know. Chemistry to me is a pinch-hit double with the bases loaded"--Jim Frey, Chicago Tribune, 1985.
Sincere condolences Al...
…better times are ahead.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Sorry for you loss Al. I was at Wednesday's game with my
79 year old father hoping and praying we would finally see “the day”.
Dallas Green!
Sorry to hear that
He’s with Harry, Jack and all the other good Cubs we’ve lost. It’s not over yet.
Someday we'll go all the way.
by Cubbinstrongsince86 on Oct 3, 2008 2:59 PM CDT reply actions
I remember reading this last year
Sorry his last game was not a winner. My dad passed away in July 2003 after watching a Cubs loss earlier that day.
A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings. ~Earl Wilson
Condolences
Makes all of us realize what grown millionaires hitting a ball with a stick really is- entertainment only.
*Synth intro to "Jump"*
Sad to hear this.
Hope he’s got a front row seat and provides a wee bit of magic tomorrow night.
make*art
Al,
very sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. Trying times my friend. My thoughts are with you.
"I sail now?" - Bob Wiley
Condolences
to his family, friends and you Al. Sure does put everything into place.
Go Cubs.
"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"
Condolences to his family and friends
I remember this story. It was one of the things that drew me into BCB and Al’s perspective on the Cubs and the community he supports.
The eternal optimism of the life long Cub fan is powerful and too many have passed away without the payoff we all still hope for, even this year. May he rest in peace. May we have such durable faith. May we all see the payoff pitch.
Go Cubs.
Win.
My condolences
To you Al and his family. I hope that we can go something big for him this weekend and that he is watching over this team.
GO CUBS GO!!!
A definite gut check story
I don’t know why, but that story makes me think of the scene from the movie “Fever Pitch” when the Red Sox had just lost a key game the main characters see a few players at a restaurant eating dinner and wonder how the players could be stuffing their faces while fans writhe in agony. As angry (bad word – disappointed) as we are with the players for their performance, I was just looking at the video clips of the four errors and you can just see that these players want it as much for the fans as they do for themselves. They are are carrying a heavy burden of expectations – it isn’t an excuse for them but a testament to the unique relationship between a team and its fans.
During the offseason we can sit on the board and discuss who deserves the blame, but until the final elimination out I’d say we cast aside the virtual boos and anger and hope the cub players performance matches their desire to win
Sorry to hear about this
Another reminder that this is just a game and not life and death… although we make it seem that way sometimes. Maybe the Cubs can pull out some wins starting tomorrow.
Sorry about your loss
He sounds like a wonderful man, and I hope he’s at peace.
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
I remember reading this
story last year. Sorry for the loss of your friend Bob. I had been doing fine until I read that but it has made me stronger in my belief of this team. God bless him and his family.
Sorry about your friend, Al
This is the story that drew me in to BCB for good. And I sent the link to that story to a few friends last year, and they too were hooked on this site.
The sadness I feel at reading this post is hard to express. And the timing of it his passing almost unbelievable.
So sorry to hear this.
The very least the Cubs could have done is played a reasonable game on this nice man’s last day for goodness sake.
REST IN PEACE
My thoughts and prayers are with Bob and his entire family …..Very sorry to hear of his passing .
My Condolences
Man, this has been a cruddy week. I’m really sad, and I never met the man. My loss, I’m sure.
Al, my condolences on your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with Bob and his family
"When I got to Chicago, fans came to Wrigley Field just to have fun, now they come to see us win. The expectations have changed, for the players and for the fans. It’s about winning." Kerry Wood, 7/14/08
Thank you
Thank you Al and everyone else for your wonderful and heartfelt condolences. Bob wsa my father and I’m really gong to miss him. He took me to my first game when I was 8 (and so many others after that) and I was absolutely hooked. Living in Atlanta for 20 years, I would come back once a year, in the summer when the Cubs were in town so Dad and I could go to a game together. Last night he called me when he and my brother got to their seats in the upper deck. From his first row perch, he could see where I was in the bleachers. He was supposed to drive me to the airport so I could go to the LA games.
My dad first told me that 1945 story in 1984. I was getting ready to move to Atlanta and had tried to get into Wrigley for a playoff game, but there were no tickets. My friends and I found a nearby bar and after that second win, we partied by Wrigley for a while. It was before cell phones. Someone in the neighborhood was nice enough to let me use the washroom and the telephone. I called my dad to tell him where I was because I was staying with them at the time. When I got back around midnight, he was watiing up for me because he had a story to tell me. It was his World Series story. I asked why he hadn’t told me before and he said he hadn’t wanted to think about it, but my call about not getting into Wrigley reminded him of the entire thing. After that he told me many stories sitting up in that upper deck.
When Al shared his story a year ago, he was extremely touched by all the comments it generated. And genuinely surprised at the wonderful and thoughtful responses. He also was pleasantly surprised to meet some people who came over just to say hello to him.
I’ve been writing a book, “Summers at Wrigley with my Dad.” A year ago Father’s Day I gave him a copy of the preface and first two chapters. He cried when he read them. Just a couple of weeks ago I asked him to write the Forward. I didn’t want Ernie Banks or anyone else to write it — it had to be my dad. I’ know he had some ideas and in a few days, wihen things settle down, I’ll go through his computer and see if he started anything. At this point, Wrigley for me will never be the same.
For those of you who never met him, my dad was the most incredible person you could ever meet. He had a huge heart and always put others before himself. My wish for him, for the past 25 years at least has been to have him finally see a World Series win. He will never get that chance here with us, but I’m sure he’s up there somewhere watching and rooting. When that happens, and it still might this year, it will be the most bittersweet day of my life. My dad has eternal season tickets now. He never got a last request, that huge heart of his gave out immediately. His last words to me last night on the phone after he said he’d be picking me up for the airport were “GO CUBS.”
"I'm a Cubs fan. I'm very, very patient." -- from a Shoe cartoon.
by No Southern Belle on Oct 3, 2008 10:35 PM CDT reply actions
ah, SB .. that was your dad ..
God richly bless you in this hour. I am sorry to hear about your father’s loss. What a man and a life! I pray that His grace and peace and consolation be upon you and yours as you make preparations and in the days and months ahead. I am saddened with you yet at the same time glad that your father was such a man and death being the parter it is, having a history such as you enjoyed with him is a great legacy.
Forgive me for being so personal here but I have no other way to communicate with you other than here on BCB. I dont want to presume upon what is a deeply private moment, but I want to thank you for allowing us into your lives just a bit and sharing with us in our common passion, the Cubs.
Life is bigger then the games ever will be, though, and as sad and shocking as this may have been, it’s so wonderful to hear that your father lived a bigger life for you and yours, one greater than any Cub game could ever be. That in the end is what counts more than anything else.
I will eagerly await to get a copy of that book .. and if you ever need a proofer .. lemme know! I would be honored to help you in any way i could, being a lifelong Cubs fan and Chicago boy living just north of you here near Chattanooga. God bless ..
rafael
Well, Next Year is here .. and Jack's century's gotta end some time .. GO CUBBIES!
My condolences to you NSB
“GO CUBS”, indeed.
My next sig line quote will also be from Lou Piniella, and the first word will be either "Look", or "Listen", followed by a comma.
My condolences
I agree with a lot of the sentiments posted here — especially with BricksandIvy below. No matter what the team does, I know that the hurt will be there, but I hope that they can give you something to comfort you as you think about your dad.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Oct 4, 2008 8:31 AM CDT up reply actions
I would imagine
your father is in Heaven, hoisting a tall, cold one with Harry right now and singing loudly. Sadness and loss are earthly matters, but the joy that our loved ones imprint on our hearts stays with us forever, even into eternity. My heart goes out to you, NSB, and may God bless you and comfort you in your time of sorrow.
"They played the best all year, so they're the winners." ~Tony LaRussa on the 2008 Cubs
Your dad sounds a
lot like mine. My dad was a huge Cub fan and an incredible dad tome. I know they, Harry and all the other Cub fans in heaven will get to celebrate a Cub’s WS win together.
God Bless you and your family.
NSB, I don't even know where to start......
speechless…. I am, and have been been since yesterday when Al called me. Your father was a Prince among men. I really mean that. The times I got to spend with him were educational, exceptional, and very enjoyable. I will miss him, and his wit and humor.
J
big hitter....the Lama - Carl
May His Memory Be Eternal!
And may the generations of Cubs Fans who follow all of us remember and honor the passion, loyalty, enjoyment, and eternal optimism of people like your Dad, and my Mom too, who truly deserved to be described as Bleeding Cubbie Blue!
“Someday…”
by GeneticCubsFan on Oct 5, 2008 2:53 AM CDT up reply actions
No Southern Belle
I’m very sorry for the loss of your father. Thank you for sharing his story with us. It sounds like you made the most of your time together. He sounded like he was a wonderful man. My thoughts are with you and hopefully, the Cubs can make his and all of our dreams come true.
Isn't it amazing how a baseball team can make so many people who
don’t even no each other to be so close? I never met Bob but it hurts to see his passing without witnessing his team win it all. There’s gonna be a huge party in heaven once the Cubs do win it.
Bleeding Cubbie Blue since 1985.
I remember that story from last year
RIP. Maybe he can help work some magic up there for us…
My condolences
Very, very sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Southern Belle, Al, and anyone else who may have been his family member or friend.
by Craig in South Bend on Oct 4, 2008 8:17 AM CDT reply actions
I don't really
Need more reasons to keep rooting for the Cubs until I join my fellow fans in the Great Eternal Ballpark, but I’ll take them anyway. This one will be for NSB’s Dad, my Grandpa, and everyone else on the other side. My prayers are with all of you, for all time. We have another chance to get back on track today, and I will be glued to the TV for as long as it takes. GO CUBS GO.
Al
please pass on my thoughts and prayers to the family of Bob from me, I had the same thing happen with my Dad just a few weeks ago.
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
NSB and mrcubsfan
I am so sorry for your losses.
"A catchers biggest concern behind the plate is to make his pitcher pitch a little better than he can" Roy Campanella
by Madison Cub Fan on Oct 4, 2008 10:37 AM CDT reply actions
Very sad. Sounds like a true cubs fan
My condolences from the VEB
gonna need more franklins to get through this one.
by hoofhearted-pujols on Oct 4, 2008 1:10 PM CDT reply actions
Very Sad story
Shame he his last Cub game was the one that it was. Hopefully we can rally and win while he watches from above.
Your 2008 Missouri Tigers! #3/4 4-0 (0-0). Next up at Nebraska October 4th. Live on ESPN in primetime. Chase Daniel and Jeremy Maclin for Co-Heisman!
Great story, Al...
I remember reading it last season. Let’s hope Bob has a reason to celebrate with Harry from his new bleachers seat tonight!
by ReleaseTheHounds on Oct 4, 2008 9:51 PM CDT reply actions
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