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Help me ID this Mystery Cub

Untitled-1_copy_tiny by Andre Fonseca on Comment 294 comments

Img_1153_medium

via torturedfanbase.com

 

I have poured through so many web sites trying to ID this LHP.  I picked it up at a Wrigley Garage Sale a few years back when they demo'd the Bleachers and it has been hanging in my Cubs shrine since. Based on the uniform it is probably late 70s thru 80s. I just  could not find an African American LHP that looks remotely like this guy.

The distinctive pitching style should have set him apart to someone discerning eye and a good memory.  The fact that he earned a place on the office wall in Wrigley probably means someone in Cubby Land remembers him!

The way peoples faces get distorted when they are pitching probably doesn't help much.

Any clues? If we decide the negative was flipped and this was actually a RHP then I have to start my search all over again.

I have another pic after the jump- Bring back the Stirrups!

 

 

 

Star-divide

Img_1152_medium

via torturedfanbase.com

 

 

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

6 recs | Comment 294 comments

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He is a lefty

Based on the logo location. It isn’t a reversed negative.

by rlpete on Dec 18, 2008 9:54 AM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

good point

i remember finding a LHP reliever who saved a bunch of games for the Cubbies in the right era, but the picture wasn’t close.

Cubs Karma: Don't take anything for granted.....

by Andre Fonseca on Dec 18, 2008 10:10 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hernandez had an Afro

at least in his earlier years with the team.

"Who's Bob Brenly? The guy that used to be the manager for Arizona?" ~ Alfonso Guilleard Soriano

by JohnM on Dec 18, 2008 10:18 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Anyone remember

a Royko column about one time when Hernandez got an Andy Frain to bring a heckler from the bleachers to the clubhouse door for a little payback?

"Who's Bob Brenly? The guy that used to be the manager for Arizona?" ~ Alfonso Guilleard Soriano

by JohnM on Dec 18, 2008 10:23 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What is the background?

It is tough to make out in the picture. It could have spring training and he was a minor leaguer. That will make it harder to identify.

by rlpete on Dec 18, 2008 10:03 AM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

its hard to say

but it looks like an ivy covered wall below a packed bleachers….. are the walls in Ho Ho Kam green?

Cubs Karma: Don't take anything for granted.....

by Andre Fonseca on Dec 18, 2008 10:07 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sounds like Wrigley then,

If the ivy is green then it is later in the year too. Interesting mystery.

Anyone remember Ron Meridith? A lefty that appeared with the Cubs in ’84 and ’85. I have no idea what he looked like.

by rlpete on Dec 18, 2008 10:44 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That's what I thought, too.

But Foster was a righty. Maybe the image is reversed after all?

Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.

by dat cubfan daver on Dec 18, 2008 10:07 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Check the logo

"Who's Bob Brenly? The guy that used to be the manager for Arizona?" ~ Alfonso Guilleard Soriano

by JohnM on Dec 18, 2008 10:09 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Chuck McElroy?

"Who's Bob Brenly? The guy that used to be the manager for Arizona?" ~ Alfonso Guilleard Soriano

by JohnM on Dec 18, 2008 10:17 AM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Never contacts?

"Who's Bob Brenly? The guy that used to be the manager for Arizona?" ~ Alfonso Guilleard Soriano

by JohnM on Dec 18, 2008 10:18 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Not that I remember...

Also the uniform doesn’t match up (different belt).

by SouthernCub on Dec 18, 2008 10:22 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i found an article that says

chuck started wearing contacts in 93
http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4157711.html
i dont know if he stuck with it though….

Cubs Karma: Don't take anything for granted.....

by Andre Fonseca on Dec 18, 2008 10:31 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Still, doesn't really look like Chuck...

Chuck had some fat puffy cheeks. That guy above looks skinny. Who knows, though?

by SouthernCub on Dec 18, 2008 10:34 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If McElroy started wearing contacts in 93...

… that’s still after the uniform style in the photo.

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

by Al on Dec 18, 2008 11:47 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Thats gotta be mid-late 80s/early 90s

Based on the Maddux style stir-ups

Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.

by bren on Dec 18, 2008 10:48 AM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

at one point there was an awesome site

that had great images of all the mlb uni styles over the years (going back to the start of the NL) – I think the guy made it into a book and shut the site down since I cant find it again.

Cubs Karma: Don't take anything for granted.....

by Andre Fonseca on Dec 18, 2008 10:57 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It is still available

At the bottom of a player’s page at Baseball Reference is a link.

by rlpete on Dec 18, 2008 10:58 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Thanks. This was a good clue.

I’m checking through the rosters. Will post if I figure it out.

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

by Al on Dec 18, 2008 11:22 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I don't see any patches on this uniform.

Perhaps because of the angle… or maybe there are none… which would imply a fake right?

I haz blurg: hotbeans.wordpress.com

by digitalbenjamin on Dec 19, 2008 12:07 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

that's the way uniforms

were meant to be…

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Dec 18, 2008 11:04 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I thought that show...

…was hosted by Robert Stack.

Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.

by dat cubfan daver on Dec 18, 2008 11:28 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I looked over the major league rosters and couldn't find a match

Maybe this was an Iowa Cubs player. Didn’t they have similar uniforms, with Iowa on the caps and maybe shoulders?

Fontenot (fon-te-no): Cajun for "scrappy"

by zambranofan on Dec 18, 2008 11:29 AM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Iowa wasn't a Cubs farm team till 1983...

… and I believe they were called the Oaks at that time.

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

by Al on Dec 18, 2008 11:30 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No, Iowa was a Cubs farm team before '83

I went to college at Drake from ‘81 to ’85 and remember going to see them play in ’81 when Randy Hundley was manager-they WERE called the Oaks then though. I can’t remember exactly when they changed the name but I’m pretty sure it was by 1982.

by bluekoolaide on Dec 18, 2008 6:01 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Thanks for the clarification.

I thought it was ’83.

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

by Al on Dec 18, 2008 8:49 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well, I'm stumped.

The Cubs had almost no black pitchers in the 1970’s and 1980’s — and most of the ones they DID have were right-handed.

I went all the way back to 1972, the first year of that style belt. There are only two other black LHP in that era that haven’t been mentioned — Juan Pizarro and Lynn McGlothen. But it isn’t either of them.

Here’s a question: is the background of that photo clearly Wrigley Field? If it’s not, maybe it’s a spring training photo, a guy who pitched only for the Cubs in March and never made the major league roster.

Is there any chance you could take the photo out of the frame, scan it and post a higher-resolution copy?

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

by Al on Dec 18, 2008 11:31 AM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What about Willie Prall?

I don’t know if he was black or not. Does anyone remember him?

by Blazeswim on Dec 18, 2008 11:54 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Prall was white.

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

by Al on Dec 18, 2008 12:02 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

White.

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

by Al on Dec 18, 2008 12:19 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It looks very much like Wrigley Field...

that said, could there have been exhibition games played at Wrigley before the season? I guess it COULD be a minor league/spring training park, but it really looks like the LF bleachers in the background.

by SouthernCub on Dec 18, 2008 12:24 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You may be on to something.

Not PRE-season games — but in the 80’s, there were a handful of Cubs/White Sox exhibition games played at Wrigley. This could have been taken at one of those.

I don’t have any scorecards handy from them and no boxscores from any such games are online.

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

by Al on Dec 18, 2008 12:30 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

When were the Sox games usually played...

"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb

by TheRiot Police on Dec 18, 2008 12:34 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Midseason.

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

by Al on Dec 18, 2008 12:39 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The condition of the ivy in the picture would help determine time of the year

Also it doesn’t look like there are any players behind him. If he was warming up you would expect to see someone behind him.

by rlpete on Dec 18, 2008 12:43 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The lack of players could just be an angle thing...

You’d only maybe see the 3B, SS, or LF from that angle. And it could be that those guys happen to be positioned out of the camera angle. There appear to be fans in the stands, which would suggest its some sort of game.

And the wall is green, suggesting ivy is present, so midseason would seem reasonable (definitely not March/April).

by SouthernCub on Dec 18, 2008 12:47 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You are right

The fans would indicate a game.

by rlpete on Dec 18, 2008 12:52 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think we need the original poster to take the photo out of the frame, scan it, and repost it.

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

by Al on Dec 18, 2008 12:55 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

wouldn't the Cubs PR Dept.

be able to help out? If it was hanging in Wrigley somebody’s got to have the scoop.

"Truth does not do as much good in the world as the semblance of truth does evil," - Duc de La Rochefoucauld, Maxims, 64.

by Emelie on Dec 18, 2008 5:00 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I wonder if Pat Hughes would know.

Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.

by dat cubfan daver on Dec 18, 2008 5:02 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Doubt it.

Pat’s only been here since 1996.

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

by Al on Dec 18, 2008 5:07 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ohhhh yeah.

Seems longer. (And I mean that in a good way.)

Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.

by dat cubfan daver on Dec 18, 2008 5:08 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

TWSS

It’s back!!!

Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Dec 18, 2008 5:09 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The sleeping bear is awake!

And it’s hungry!

Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.

by dat cubfan daver on Dec 18, 2008 5:14 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I will get a full resolution scan on the photo

I won’t get a chance until tomorrow night at the earliest, possibly not until Monday if my home scanner isn’t working properly.

It is definitely a Mizuno mitt- I believe the shoes were Mizuno as well but I wouldn’t know where to begin to find records for mitt/ shoe years.

Cubs Karma: Don't take anything for granted.....

by Andre Fonseca on Dec 18, 2008 3:53 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Thanks! If you can post that, I can possibly help you more.

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

by Al on Dec 18, 2008 5:08 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Didn't the Cubs play a pre-season exhibition against Iowa for a number of years?

Is it possible this is an AAA player? I don’t know the history of the I-Cubs unis, so I have no real basis for suggesting this, but since it hasn’t been mentioned yet….

Bleed Cubbie Blue: Like Drāno for your internet tubes.

by znohitter on Dec 18, 2008 10:25 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The other way around.

McGlothen was a LHP. But it’s not him.

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

by Al on Dec 19, 2008 5:34 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

maybe it wasn't a pitcher

but rather a position player that took the mound in a blowout. Just a suggestion that maybe we should look at entire rosters and not just pitching staffs from that era.

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Dec 18, 2008 12:20 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I looked at the baseball-reference rosters.

If any such position player pitched, his pitching stats are listed along with the other pitchers. No such player exists.

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

by Al on Dec 18, 2008 12:28 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Mark DeRosa

could still get the record!

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Dec 18, 2008 2:27 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If you can zoom in on the glove

and the shoes you might be able to date the picture more by dating the models of those items…. of course this assumes he uses a new glove/new shoes every year and the models are unique to a year.

Other piece of evidence is that the game being pitched in is either an Early Season or a Late Season game passed on the long sleeves.

"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb

by TheRiot Police on Dec 18, 2008 12:31 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Not necessarily.

Some pitchers wear long sleeves all year.

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

by Al on Dec 18, 2008 12:40 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Never pitched.

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

by Al on Dec 18, 2008 12:40 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It does look a bit like him, though...

This is bugging me haha…

Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Dec 18, 2008 12:40 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah, me too.

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

by Al on Dec 18, 2008 12:41 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

There is no proof this is during a game.

Could it be warm-ups? Someone screwing around?

Formerly NO100

by jerry morales rules on Dec 18, 2008 12:50 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Not necessarily.

Could be BP…

"Thank god I threw out my belt & shoelaces."-Bernies Mustache Wax on Evil BCB, 7/31/08

by Bildo1805 on Dec 18, 2008 2:28 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nor from the mound

"Who's Bob Brenly? The guy that used to be the manager for Arizona?" ~ Alfonso Guilleard Soriano

by JohnM on Dec 18, 2008 2:30 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ok, well maybe not BP

But it could be a position player screwing around before a game.

Still would have fans…

"Thank god I threw out my belt & shoelaces."-Bernies Mustache Wax on Evil BCB, 7/31/08

by Bildo1805 on Dec 18, 2008 2:30 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I really think it's a pitcher...

Look at that delivery and grip on the ball. That’s someone throwing a breaking ball, not a position player screwing around.

Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Dec 18, 2008 2:33 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That looks like a four seam fastball grip...

"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb

by TheRiot Police on Dec 18, 2008 2:39 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Could be a position player trying it on for size.

Think about it: maybe the Cubs used a lot of pitchers the night before and were checking out a position player just to see.

Anyone have a picture of Jesus Figueroa? Played 2 games in 1980. From the DR…was an outfielder who threw lefty.

"Thank god I threw out my belt & shoelaces."-Bernies Mustache Wax on Evil BCB, 7/31/08

by Bildo1805 on Dec 18, 2008 2:38 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Figeroa pic can be seen here...

Hard to tell, but I guess it’s possible.

by SouthernCub on Dec 18, 2008 2:50 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Darn.

99% sure that’s not a match.

Swing and a miss…

"Thank god I threw out my belt & shoelaces."-Bernies Mustache Wax on Evil BCB, 7/31/08

by Bildo1805 on Dec 18, 2008 2:55 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If you are going with a position player

Thad Bosley isn’t out of the question. Bosley never pitched in a regular season game though.

by rlpete on Dec 18, 2008 2:58 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah

I guessed that, but he never pitched so it can’t be him…

Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Dec 18, 2008 3:03 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

or Doug Dascenzo

(who has a perfect career 0.00 ERA by the way)

I haz blurg: hotbeans.wordpress.com

by digitalbenjamin on Dec 18, 2008 3:10 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Disagree...

breaking ball grip wouldn’t cross the seams like that. I’m pretty sure it’s a fastball grip.

by SouthernCub on Dec 18, 2008 4:09 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Eh, I thought the seam on the left side

of the ball was running from 12-6 o’clock…A 4-seam fastball (like suggested above) would be across the 2 seams…which that doesn’t appear to be…

Haha I think I have looked at this for too long…

Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Dec 18, 2008 4:23 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Here ya go

Just the Grips mam just the Grips

"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb

by TheRiot Police on Dec 19, 2008 8:54 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I still think he is coming across the seams

but it is hard to tell..

"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb

by TheRiot Police on Dec 19, 2008 8:55 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

People, people...

…if we can’t agree on what pitch the man is throwing, how can we ever expect to solve his identity?

Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.

by dat cubfan daver on Dec 18, 2008 4:26 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ahem...

this is a family site.

"Truth does not do as much good in the world as the semblance of truth does evil," - Duc de La Rochefoucauld, Maxims, 64.

by Emelie on Dec 18, 2008 5:03 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Umm...

And Mighty Ducks 2 is a family movie.

Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Dec 18, 2008 5:08 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

just pulling yer leg :D

"Truth does not do as much good in the world as the semblance of truth does evil," - Duc de La Rochefoucauld, Maxims, 64.

by Emelie on Dec 18, 2008 5:11 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Haha :)

Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Dec 18, 2008 5:11 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

perhaps it's on of the deals where...

you get to up on a generic uniform and pose for a picture on a fake mound in front a screen that looks like Wrigley…

I haz blurg: hotbeans.wordpress.com

by digitalbenjamin on Dec 18, 2008 3:09 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If so, that guy is one hell of an actor.

Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.

by dat cubfan daver on Dec 18, 2008 3:14 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If you are any good at determining

the time from the Sun, you should be able to figure out the time of day by the shadow. Might allow us to assume he “started” the game.

"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb

by TheRiot Police on Dec 18, 2008 12:55 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Are you suggesting...

…a left-handed fan with a baseball glove ran onto the field in full Cubs garb and made it all the way to the pitcher’s mound whereupon he hurled a ball he brought from home toward home plate? Because, well…hey, that gives me an idea…

Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.

by dat cubfan daver on Dec 18, 2008 12:59 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Al

This would be a good weekly game to play here…Who’s that Cub? Sometimes it could be a picture, sometimes it could be obscure stats, etc, etc.

"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb

by TheRiot Police on Dec 18, 2008 12:51 PM CST reply reply actions actions   1 recs

Good idea.

Let me think about how to do that and maybe we’ll try it next week.

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

by Al on Dec 18, 2008 12:55 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

is it just me

or does the background look more like bare trees behind the wall, rather than fans or bleachers? I have a feeling this isn’t at Wrigley.

"I'm not much of a chemistry guy. Chemistry to me is a pinch-hit double with the bases loaded." -Jim Frey

by lapetino on Dec 18, 2008 1:24 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hmm

I was sure that was Wrigley, but it could be that seeing the home uniform is just a powerful form of suggestion.

Now that I look closer, what I thought were “fans” looks more like a reflection of the camera flash (from the picture of the picture). I think that’s BCB Poster Andre Fonseca’s arms in the reflection too.

"Who's Bob Brenly? The guy that used to be the manager for Arizona?" ~ Alfonso Guilleard Soriano

by JohnM on Dec 18, 2008 1:34 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The more I think about this...

… the more I think it’s a spring training game.

But we can’t know for sure until Andre Fonseca posts a better looking version of the photo.

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

by Al on Dec 18, 2008 1:36 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He appears to be wearing a turtleneck though...

Which implies it would be chilly, which leads me to believe it is PROBABLY at Wrigley…

Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Dec 18, 2008 1:57 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I agree...

the park background and the sweatshirt both suggest Wrigley. Also, do the Cubs even wear their Wrigley-home whites in spring training?

by SouthernCub on Dec 18, 2008 2:32 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well

What they do now in ST and what they did in 1980 isn’t necessarily the same.

"Who's Bob Brenly? The guy that used to be the manager for Arizona?" ~ Alfonso Guilleard Soriano

by JohnM on Dec 18, 2008 2:33 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Doesn't really answer my question...

do they (or DID they) even wear the regular season uniforms in spring training? I honestly don’t know.

Regardless, I still think it’s Wrigley based on the other clues. But the uniform thing could have eliminated the possibility of a spring game altogether.

by SouthernCub on Dec 18, 2008 2:35 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nowadays

I believe they break out the home whites only once or twice near the end of ST, but those who attend would have a better idea.

But regarding your previous comment – I don’t think you can really see the park background other than the height of the outfield wall, which does seem consistent with what it would be at Wrigley. But the background appears to be very blurred and obscured by reflections in the picture frame. Could be anywhere.

"Who's Bob Brenly? The guy that used to be the manager for Arizona?" ~ Alfonso Guilleard Soriano

by JohnM on Dec 18, 2008 2:45 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The height of the wall and the color and the home unis and...

the sweatshirt all seem consistent with playing midseason baseball in Wrigley.

by SouthernCub on Dec 18, 2008 2:48 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No argument there

but the sweatshirt, wall and color could also be consistent with other ballparks.

I was going to say “Old Comiskey”? – but they wouldn’t be wearing the home uni there. Hmmmm.

"Who's Bob Brenly? The guy that used to be the manager for Arizona?" ~ Alfonso Guilleard Soriano

by JohnM on Dec 18, 2008 2:55 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Not that one can really tell,

But the mound kind of looks “grainy” — not MLB caliber.

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Dec 18, 2008 2:56 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

But maybe MLB caliber 25-30 years ago...

Ballpark field quality has improved greatly in the past few decades.

by SouthernCub on Dec 18, 2008 2:58 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Right...

it’s the combination of the home uniforms (meaning Wrigley or a spring training stadium) and the sweatshirt and wall height/color point to regular-season Wrigley.

by SouthernCub on Dec 18, 2008 2:57 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Right... it's the combination of the background AND the home unis...

The home unis would eliminate all the other MLB parks, leaving spring training (if they wear those unis then) and Wrigley. And the background and sweatshirt suggest Wrigley.

by SouthernCub on Dec 18, 2008 3:03 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Interesting!

And Bowa and Eck are wearing a sweatshirt. Now I’m waffling back toward Spring Training in Mesa.

The backdrop is still debatable. It’s too bad you couldn’t get some stadium shots back then, so we could settle it.

But I’m now leaning toward Mesa, which would explain why he’s not familiar (may have never made the Cubs).

by SouthernCub on Dec 18, 2008 5:17 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

There are definately photo artifacts

like my chandelier, arm, camera, and part of my face… I laid the picture on the table to eliminate glare from the windows.

the background is way out of focus so it will be hard to get much info from it even with a full on scan.

Cubs Karma: Don't take anything for granted.....

by Andre Fonseca on Dec 18, 2008 4:01 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Whoa, it's like an optical illusion.

The closer I look, the more confused I get.

Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.

by dat cubfan daver on Dec 18, 2008 1:43 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

How about

It’s a bullpen mound, and he’s making a throw on a ball in play?

by JodyDavis on Dec 18, 2008 1:55 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

plus

from the second picture, you can see that it’s the middle-of-the-field pitcher’s mound.

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Dec 18, 2008 2:29 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Right, and further...

and the bullpen mound for the Cubs is on the LF side. So if he were in the bullpen, the background would be the LF line fans (and the bullpen guys). Not the OF wall.

by SouthernCub on Dec 18, 2008 2:33 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Alright Andre

You started this. We need a better picture!

by rlpete on Dec 18, 2008 2:21 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

is this a joke, come clean

The Cubs logo looks like a giant sticker you can see the folds and shadows of it coming off the shirt, you my friend have a photo of nobody in a Cubs uniform.
What else do you have in your “shrine”? Very curious. I can’t stop picturing you showing off your shrine, "and this is……. well I am not sure but it says Cubs so it makes the shrine."

by becauseicare on Dec 18, 2008 2:59 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You know

when you look at it, I see your point. It may be a prank.

by rlpete on Dec 18, 2008 3:02 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If that were the case...

what a jackass thing to do that would be.

by SouthernCub on Dec 18, 2008 3:04 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hm, that logo does look kinda chintzy now that you mention it.

Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.

by dat cubfan daver on Dec 18, 2008 3:17 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Maybe it's a Pony League team or something

"Who's Bob Brenly? The guy that used to be the manager for Arizona?" ~ Alfonso Guilleard Soriano

by JohnM on Dec 18, 2008 3:19 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah, or maybe he's a really old-looking Little Leaguer.

Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.

by dat cubfan daver on Dec 18, 2008 3:20 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You may be on to something

Danny Almonte is left-handed, Dominican, an old-looking Little Leaguer…

"Every team will win 60 games, every team will lose 60 games, it's what the team does in the other 42 games that decides the season."

by flachimesa on Dec 18, 2008 4:04 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ha, I thought of him, too.

Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.

by dat cubfan daver on Dec 18, 2008 4:27 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I love the conspiracy theory!

But it would go back to some prankster at Wrigley who went to the trouble of framing this and then selling it at the Wrigley garage sale!

My shrine includes some dubious scorecards, mostly crap I picked up when working at Wrigley (including a dried leaf of ivy), maybe I’ll post some pics and you guys can try and figure out which game during the early 90s was some random item given out for free! I’ve got some team flags that flew above the scoreboard, a 1989 press guide, a 2003 plaque, a DLee signed ball, the only ball I ever got at Wrigley (thrown from Fukudome no less!)
It is unintentional but my collection is sort of a weird history of Cubs disappointments.

Mainly because I can’t figure out who this guy is it makes it sort of a prized possession in a weird way.
If I had a Dawson pic up it wouldn’t nearly be that interesting now would it :-)

Maybe in the future Felix Pie pics will have the same effect on some futuristic Cubs message board.

Cubs Karma: Don't take anything for granted.....

by Andre Fonseca on Dec 18, 2008 4:10 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

why not

turn the picture over and look at his #???

by cozmotaylor123 on Dec 18, 2008 3:04 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

There is nothing written on the back

the back of the frame is some shoddy construction paper…. he had to have some significance for the Cubs to frame him and presumably hang him up in the Wrigley offices.

The customer service offices at Wrigley used to have a bunch of these pics lining the walls, and thats where I figured it came from.

Cubs Karma: Don't take anything for granted.....

by Andre Fonseca on Dec 18, 2008 4:20 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That's not the OF behind him

The angle of the pic suggests that the third base line is behind him. The dugout looks too high to be “dug out” — I really don’t think that this is Wrigley Field.

My guess is a spring training game.

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Dec 18, 2008 3:06 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

How do you figure?

Imagine this pic being taken from behind the first base line, right in line with the mound…

Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Dec 18, 2008 3:08 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If that were the case

Then the corner might be visible.

Think about a pitcher’s throwing motion — his chest isn’t to the batter until the arm is about “abeam” (pilot speak) with the body. This guy’s arm is still behind his head.

Now, let’s assume I’m wrong and that is the outfield – that wall is way to low to be Wrigley Field. For example, look at this pic of Eddie Vedder:

The wall is way over his head. I realize the angle has a lot to do with that, but the original pic has what appears to be a wall at approximately the waist of the pitcher — the photo would have to have been taken from at least 20 feet above the field for that to be an 11’ wall — and the cameras are usually field level.

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Dec 18, 2008 3:14 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Unless it's someone sitting in the well...

As photog’s usually are…

Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Dec 18, 2008 3:15 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The well of what? The outfield?

Then you’d see his back, not his chest.

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Dec 18, 2008 3:16 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ah -- so you are referring to the dugout

Because if that were the outfield, the wall would actually look taller if taken from below the pitcher.

I don’t think that the photogs sit as low as the benches, though.

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Dec 18, 2008 3:20 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The photographers' well, near the dugout

"Who's Bob Brenly? The guy that used to be the manager for Arizona?" ~ Alfonso Guilleard Soriano

by JohnM on Dec 18, 2008 3:17 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Haha, also...

Looks like Eddie’s elbow is about to blow out :)

Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Dec 18, 2008 3:16 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well, he and Kerry are good pals . . .

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Dec 18, 2008 3:17 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

"Someday I'll throw it all the way...

…HEYYYY…someday I’ll throw it all the way."

Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.

by dat cubfan daver on Dec 18, 2008 3:18 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

SOMEDAY, I'll see Dr. A!!!!

As in Dr. James Andrews, of course.

Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Dec 18, 2008 3:25 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I agree...

the top of the dug out wall looks too high to be at Wrigley

I haz blurg: hotbeans.wordpress.com

by digitalbenjamin on Dec 18, 2008 3:13 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Disagree...

It looks like it’s taken from an angle that projects between 2nd and 3rd base into LF. Imagine somewhere between home plate and the visitor’s dugout, but closer to home plate. It’s not a straight-on shot, but it’s definitely not a profile shot. What you see in the background is almost certainly the OF.

by SouthernCub on Dec 18, 2008 3:28 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

This picture seems familiar to me

there is a chance this guy played for the Iowa Cubs as well. It might be easier to look for former I Cubs that were left handed in this era

by cozmotaylor123 on Dec 18, 2008 3:06 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

go to

thebaseballcube.com it has pics of every team..every year by player

by cozmotaylor123 on Dec 18, 2008 3:17 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

This has easily been

one of the most amusing/frustrating/thought-provoking parts of my week…Glad to share it with you guys :)

Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Dec 18, 2008 3:25 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The bleachers look enormous......

Someone at a random photo store..taking his obsession to a new level..

THAT IS ALL!

I think

What to do, with Larry Hughe?

by Rudey on Dec 18, 2008 3:39 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

EDIT: Did the old uniforms look like they

had a cubs symbol taped on their chest?

What to do, with Larry Hughe?

by Rudey on Dec 18, 2008 3:39 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

There actually a shadow

underneath the Cubs logo. If you look closely, it is not completely attached to the uniform.

"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Dec 18, 2008 3:43 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Umm...All your comments confuse me.

There is no way they are real.

Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Dec 18, 2008 3:42 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

IM sry

but look at the closeup of his chest, there is no way that cubs symbol is real.

What to do, with Larry Hughe?

by Rudey on Dec 18, 2008 3:43 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I see no buttons, either

When did they ever wear pullovers?

"Every team will win 60 games, every team will lose 60 games, it's what the team does in the other 42 games that decides the season."

by flachimesa on Dec 18, 2008 4:11 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

from 1979-1989

Cubs Karma: Don't take anything for granted.....

by Andre Fonseca on Dec 18, 2008 4:13 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ron Meredith?

My 2008 Christmas wish list includes this jersey. In Hendry We Trust!

by initram on Dec 18, 2008 4:47 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

white

Dear Santa:: All I want for X-mas this year is an official 2009 Jake Peavy Cubs Jersey. Oh and a Beimel one too. I've been a real good guy for the most part!!!

by cubsluver22 on Dec 18, 2008 4:56 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

23 possibilities...

A quick search on BR’s play index tells us that 23 left-handed pitchers appeared for the Cubs between 1979 and 1989. Out of that group, I can eliminate 21 of them based on either memory or google searches. That leaves two pitchers, as I don’t remember what Steve Engel or George Riley looked like.

Actually, I think that I recall Engel (who appeared in 11 games for the Cubs in 1985) but the memory is so vague that I don’t want to say, absolutely, that it isn’t him. Riley, who pitched in 26 games in ’79 and ’80, was before my time.

If in fact that is Wrigley Field, then another possibility is that the photo was taken during one of the old “Crosstown Classic” exhibition games that they would play against the White Sox before interleague games were added to the schedule. As those games were mid-season exhibitions, the Cubs would call up minor league players so that they could rest the real big leaguers. So we might be looking at someone that wore a Cubs uniform at Wrigley but never appeared in a regular season game.

"Some people will look at a glass of water and say it's half-empty, while another guy will look at it and say it's half-full. A Cubs fan looks at the same glass and asks, "When's it gonna spill?" - Mike Royko

by LaddieRenfroe on Dec 18, 2008 4:54 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Riley is White

My 2008 Christmas wish list includes this jersey. In Hendry We Trust!

by initram on Dec 18, 2008 5:02 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm guessing this is a spring training photo...

… of a pitcher who never pitched for the major league Cubs.

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

by Al on Dec 18, 2008 5:09 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Spring training or a crosstown classic...

…I think that we’ve eliminated every LHP that appeared for the Cubs between 79 and 89.

"Some people will look at a glass of water and say it's half-empty, while another guy will look at it and say it's half-full. A Cubs fan looks at the same glass and asks, "When's it gonna spill?" - Mike Royko

by LaddieRenfroe on Dec 18, 2008 5:11 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Steve Engel

Kasey

See what old Cubs Scorecards looked like at http://cubsbythenumbers.com/scorecards.html
Also, see the Cubs 2009 schedule at http://cubsbythenumbers.com/sched2009.html

by kaseyi on Dec 18, 2008 5:28 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Match!

"Thank god I threw out my belt & shoelaces."-Bernies Mustache Wax on Evil BCB, 7/31/08

by Bildo1805 on Dec 19, 2008 8:07 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Y'know what's really crazy?

The more I stare at the picture, the more he starts to look like…Alfonso Soriano.

Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.

by dat cubfan daver on Dec 18, 2008 5:00 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Quit Staring!

;-)

Is that Gameboard?

My 2008 Christmas wish list includes this jersey. In Hendry We Trust!

by initram on Dec 18, 2008 5:02 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

My first thought was Dunston...

Wasnt LH though

Just because I don't care doesn't mean I don't understand. - Homer J Simpson

by MikeOxbyg on Dec 19, 2008 12:47 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Is There Any Way...

… from the original picture to zoom in on the hat or shoe to see if a number was on there?

My 2008 Christmas wish list includes this jersey. In Hendry We Trust!

by initram on Dec 18, 2008 5:01 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Amaury Telemaco

throwing lefty

Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Dec 18, 2008 5:09 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hey, it could happen.

Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.

by dat cubfan daver on Dec 18, 2008 5:24 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Interesting photo

I can’t come up with a name either. My guess is it is someone who ‘almost’ made the roster either from a White Sox game or some other exhibition game.

My first 2 thoughts were Jessie Hollins and Willie Banks, but they are both righties and wouldn’t have pitched in this uniform as major leaguers.

This could also possibly be a draftee…alot of them are taken to the stadium and put in uniform? Although if there is a large crowd in attendence, it would discount that as a theory.

by jeff_pico on Dec 18, 2008 7:10 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

This is driving me crazier

I won’t say it’s driving me crazy because I am crazy so it’s driving me crazier.

I feel for you my friend. I carried around a picture I bought in a group of pictures for 2 years before finding out who it was. (Micah Bowie)

MaIne South Hawks 2008 Class 8a Champs!

by cubstoseriesby100 on Dec 18, 2008 7:26 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Could it be from a movie?

If it is Wrigley, based on the shoddy uniform, it looks like it could almost be a shot from when a movie was being filmed at Wrigley.

Did you check the glove? Is there anything written on it?

In the middle of a good time, Truth gave me her icy kiss. Look around, you must be joking. All that way, all that way for this? -Oysterband

by Ross on Dec 18, 2008 7:47 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

As a collector of old Cub uniforms

I can tell you that the vintage late 70’s, early 80’s uniform jerseys had the Cubs logo sewn on very poorly. It was not uncommon for the stitching on the logo to come apart from the jersey, so from looking at that photo, it does look authentic.

by sharkfan on Dec 18, 2008 8:01 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Man....

….was every manufactured product in that era crummy or what?

Interesting bit of info – thanks for sharing!

"[Lou Piniella] might be over 100, but he still has a lot of fire in him." - Ted Lilly, Sept. 10, 2008

by CaughtInTheVines on Dec 19, 2008 9:11 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Seemed like it at the time

In the seventies and eighties it seemed like product quality was cheap — more manufacturing shortcuts, more plastic, etc. — compared to older stuff you might have around the house made in the 50s-60s.

"Who's Bob Brenly? The guy that used to be the manager for Arizona?" ~ Alfonso Guilleard Soriano

by JohnM on Dec 20, 2008 4:32 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

This is proof....

that you can definitely over analyze something

by northpaw22k on Dec 18, 2008 8:10 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You needed proof?

"Who's Bob Brenly? The guy that used to be the manager for Arizona?" ~ Alfonso Guilleard Soriano

by JohnM on Dec 19, 2008 4:11 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I just spent

an hour on Cubs.com looking at the all time roster, and no one from the 70’s-80’s resembles that man.

Its funny, you spend most of your life gripping a baseball. And in the end, its almost always the other way around.

by TCobb1911 on Dec 18, 2008 8:27 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hmmm

Does Ronnie Woo throw left-handed?

Who needs a stinkin' tag line? What are they for anyway?

by krummy12 on Dec 18, 2008 8:52 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That's DEFINITELY not him.

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

by Al on Dec 18, 2008 9:02 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I went

through my collection of cub team sets from 86-92 and nothing.

Dear Santa:: All I want for X-mas this year is an official 2009 Jake Peavy Cubs Jersey. Oh and a Beimel one too. I've been a real good guy for the most part!!!

by cubsluver22 on Dec 18, 2008 8:55 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cubs draft picks 1979-1989

Here are the LHP draft picks between 1979 and 1989

I’ll do some further research and see if any are good matches…some of the guys made it to the majors so its easy to know if they were white or black. Of course its not a guarantee that he was taken by the Cubs in the draft. But here is a list to work from. I’ll do some googling and research and see if I can come up with anything plausible.

1979
Thomas Morris 9th round BYU
Brian Hardy 17th round BYU
Bryan Oelkers 20th round Pattonville HS (Bridgeton, MO) – not him he is white
Dough Huffman 31st round NC state
Michael Thompson 32nd round Farleigh Dickinson
William Trapani 39th round Bellevue College

1980
Craig Lefferts 9th round Arizona – not him he is white
Brian Roerden 10th round Adelphi University
Todd Shulte 22nd round Winfield HS (Old Monroe, MO)

1981
Vance Lovelace 1st round Hillsborough HS (Tampa, FL) – not him he is white
Bill Hobbs 11th round Arroyo HS (El Monte, CA)
Robert HOok 21st round Victor Valley Cc
Derril Lewis 28th round San Bernadino College

1982
Guy Normand 6th round Gresham Union HS (Gresham, OR)
Eric Nolte 7th round Hemet HS (Hemet, CA) – not him he is white
Rudy Serafini 12th round Shippensburg University
Stephen Young 13th round Amadoro HS (Pioneer, CA)
Jim Boudreau 22nd round Arizona State

1983
Steve Engel 5th round Eastern Kentucky – not him he is white
John Cox 6th round UC-Berkely
Eric Bauer 18th round Clackamas College

1984
Drew Hall 1st round Morehead State – not him he is white
Jamie Moyer 6th round St. Joseph’s – not him he is white
Myron Hunter 15th round Springfield HS (Springfield, IL)
Frank Spear 21st round UCSB
Tim Rice 22nd round Clemson
Bill Blount 28th round San Diego State

1985
Joe Kraemer 16th round Vancouver – not him he is white
John Horn 28th round Georgia Tech
Mark Jefferson 29th round North Marion HS (Worthington, WV)

1986
Pat Gomez 4th round San Juan HS (Citrus Heights, CA) – not him he is white
Mike Curtis 10th round – Ohio State
Steve Parket 12th round – Arkansas
Phil Harrison 16th round – Nebraska
Greg Burlingame 31st round – Hawaii

1987
Gregg Patterson 5th round LSU
Gabby Rodriguez 14th round UC-Irvine
Derek Stroud 22nd round Fresno State
Sean Reed 28th round Linn-Benton CC
Bill Lantrip 35th round Overton HS (Memphis, TN)
Tom Thombe 38th round Edison HS (Huntington Beach, CA) – not him he is white

1988
Dennis Gray 9th round Banning HS (Banning, CA)
Tim Ellis 28th round Rosemont JC
Mike Sodders 29th round Alabama

1989
Scott Teague 28th round North Carolina-Asheville
Eric Jacques 29th round Indiana
Don Gillespie 33rd round Eisenhower HS (Rialto, CA)

Hopefully one of the name ring a bell

by jeff_pico on Dec 18, 2008 9:15 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That uniform look really suspect,

the logo looks like real fake. Other then that I think it looks like Dunston throwing lefty.

Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living."

by DC Cubbie on Dec 18, 2008 9:53 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

nevermind its looks noting like shawon

Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living."

by DC Cubbie on Dec 18, 2008 9:57 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yorkis Perez?

At least he was a lefty, but I am reaching here.

"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."

by Itchy on Dec 18, 2008 11:00 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Juan Pizarro?

Another 70s lefty.

"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."

by Itchy on Dec 18, 2008 11:14 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think Juan was too early....

….70-73, no pullovers yet…

Whoever said you can't mix business with pleasure never owned a PuttPutt course---Andy Bernard

by carmen_fanzone on Dec 19, 2008 5:00 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They had pullovers in 1972 and 1973.

But it’s not Pizarro. This is Pizarro:

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

by Al on Dec 19, 2008 7:53 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Printed very light. ("Up", as we used to say.)

I sat maybe 50 feet from a Pizarro bullpen warmup many years ago and he was much darker-complexioned than that picture shows.

I wonder what the photogs in those days would have thought about Photoshop…

by MN exile on Dec 19, 2008 11:01 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's not Yorkis Perez.

Here’s Yorkis Perez:

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

by Al on Dec 19, 2008 7:52 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Lester Strode?

Could this be Cubs bullpen coach Lester Strode? According to the records he spent part of his 1988 season with the Iowa Cubs and he was a left handed pitcher.

I’m really bad with faces unfortunately, but I can’t automatically rule him out.

by jeff_pico on Dec 18, 2008 11:41 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

According to this picture....

 http://cubbienation.net/media/p/720.aspx

Lester’s a righty….

Whoever said you can't mix business with pleasure never owned a PuttPutt course---Andy Bernard

by carmen_fanzone on Dec 19, 2008 4:47 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yes conflicting information

According to this he’s a lefty. I would trust the picture more though. Is it completely impossible that he can throw batting practice with both hands? hmmm…

The mysery contines.

by jeff_pico on Dec 19, 2008 5:01 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

baseball reference has him listed as a lefty when drafted?

Baseball reference draft info also lists him as a left when drafted:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/draft/?name=strode

It may not be him but it seems like the kind of thing that would end up at this auction, old property of cubs employees/coaches.

by jeff_pico on Dec 19, 2008 5:18 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

conflicting info

According to this:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Lester_Strode

He throws right and bats left? I’m so confused.

Whoever said you can't mix business with pleasure never owned a PuttPutt course---Andy Bernard

by carmen_fanzone on Dec 19, 2008 5:27 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Pics of Strode...there isn't a realy great one out there

Ok for any facial recognition specialists out there: Of course he is 20 years older in these pics….

To me the smallish ears and the eyebrows DO match?

by jeff_pico on Dec 19, 2008 6:50 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Also

Also might explain why the Cubs would have a picture of an obscure minor league pitcher.

Barbara V. October 14, 1941 - December 19, 2008. A great lady who was a friend to all and like a second mom to her children's friends (she was my best friend's mom)

by cubstoseriesby100 on Dec 19, 2008 7:57 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ambidextrous?

Apparantly Lester is ambidextrous?

The video clearly shows him throwing left handed and some pictures throw him showing right handed.

Greg Harris has company.

Almost no pitcher can throw competently with both hands but apparantly Lester can.

by jeff_pico on Dec 19, 2008 10:02 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

LHP

Strode is identified as being drafted as an ‘LHP’ on every website except the user edited BR Bullpen.

If he really was right handed then the records are all wrong.

He’s a member of the Warren County, TN Hall of fame if anyone is from that area and might have information. He went to Kentucky State University and was drafted in the 4th round of the 1980 draft by the Royals.

by jeff_pico on Dec 19, 2008 10:20 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Blake Strode

Looking around found out that Strode’s son is on the University of Arkansas Tennis Team. If this is similar to what Lester looked like 20+ years ago still can’t rule him out.

by jeff_pico on Dec 20, 2008 12:36 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Other possibilities

Here are some of the other Left Handed Pitchers that either were drafted by the Cubs or played for Iowa between 1979-1989…I tried googling the names but many are fairly common names and there weren’t alot of results other than from the school websites listing players that had been drafted over the years:

Michael Thompson 1979 32nd round pick played 4 seasons in the minor leauges making it to Double A in 1982

Carl Hamilton 1983 January draft 8th round…played 5 seasons in Cubs minor league system. Played with Iowa in 1987.

Tim Rice 1984 22nd round pick….pitched 3 seasons in the minor leauges last year double A in 1987

Steve Parker 1986 12th round pick..pitched 5 years in Cubs minor league system AAA in 1989 and 1990.

Phil Harrison 1986 16th round pick..pitched 5 seasons in Cubs minor league system AAA in 1990

Bill Earley pitched for the Cubs minor leagues for 7 years AAA Iowa in 1980-1984. Also had a cup of coffee with the Cardinals in 1986.

by jeff_pico on Dec 19, 2008 12:26 AM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If this is a Spring Training Pix

This would have been taken in the era of the first Ho Ho Kam Park. I only attended one game there (and the pix are are stored somewhere) I recall the old field was much farther away from Center St — there was no RF berm, as the fences went back to the housing development. (There, you still had rooftop seating)

I think there was a CF/LF berm, but I really don’t recall….So, this would be kinda looking toward CF…I think there was a green tarp covering the chain-link fence….with some ads on the fencing…which doesn’t seem to be visible….

Or, this is just a fake pix.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Dec 19, 2008 2:55 AM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Can't be looking toward CF

Unless he’s pitching to third base.

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Dec 19, 2008 8:24 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

solved (maybe)

I believe it’s a reversed image of Heathcliff Slocumb.

check out this pic:

To me, the nose gives it away!

http://peoriachiefs.com.ismmedia.com/ISM3/std-content/repos/Top/25th20Team20Images/slocumb.jpg

by Gucci on Dec 19, 2008 7:54 AM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm not sold on this.

"Thank god I threw out my belt & shoelaces."-Bernies Mustache Wax on Evil BCB, 7/31/08

by Bildo1805 on Dec 19, 2008 8:10 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Neither am I.

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

by Al on Dec 19, 2008 8:18 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

So Heathcliff was wearing a shirt with the logo on the left and backwards?

Because the logo in this pic is not reversed. If the image were reversed, the real logo would have to be.

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Dec 19, 2008 8:22 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

*logo on the right

I trust you get the point. The logo in the pic is correct, so the image ain’t reversed.

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Dec 19, 2008 8:23 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Whoever it is,

we need to go to the Under the Sea dance and punch Biff—and quickly. Otherwise, he’ll disappear from the picture.

"Thank god I threw out my belt & shoelaces."-Bernies Mustache Wax on Evil BCB, 7/31/08

by Bildo1805 on Dec 19, 2008 8:10 AM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I rec'd this post

but I really really hate it. I’ve spent hours on this. I’m down to going through old baseball cards and looking at trade info on the back of them, then googling them. I cant stop! plz someone crack the mystery.

Dear Santa:: All I want for X-mas this year is an official 2009 Jake Peavy Cubs Jersey. Oh and a Beimel one too. I've been a real good guy for the most part!!!

by cubsluver22 on Dec 19, 2008 8:52 AM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

When he can scan the photo and post a better version...

… I think that will help, because that will more clearly show where it was taken.

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

by Al on Dec 19, 2008 9:27 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

well...

whoever it is, he obviously wasn’t very good.

by Lows05 on Dec 19, 2008 11:34 AM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I am betting it was from the Cubs-WS exhibition game.

It really is the only option left. He’s probably a AA or AAA guy who is wearing his minor league or hand-me-down jersey for his one appearance on the big league mound.

In the middle of a good time, Truth gave me her icy kiss. Look around, you must be joking. All that way, all that way for this? -Oysterband

by Ross on Dec 19, 2008 11:41 AM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Either that or a spring training game...

… because you can’t really tell if the background is Wrigley Field or not.

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

by Al on Dec 19, 2008 11:46 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

it's clear to me...

it’s a bogus uniform…also, it’s totally a fake background as well. It’s a pulldown back drop or something. Pretty hilarious…yet sad at the same time.

by Lows05 on Dec 19, 2008 11:48 AM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That shadow on the mound looks too clean to be a fake.

If it were a studio shot, there wouldn’t be one highly defined shadow but a number of light shadows in all directions.

Based on that shadow being pretty much directly underneath him and the orientation of Wrigley, this must have been taken around the start of an afternoon game near the summer solstice (i.e., in late June or very early July).

Is it possible that this is someone throwing out a first pitch, and they took the honor a little too seriously?

Bleed Cubbie Blue: Like Drāno for your internet tubes.

by znohitter on Dec 19, 2008 11:57 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

hah...

I really hope it’s not a first pitch taken too seriously…would be hysterical though. This is actually really funny. I went to baseball almanac and looked up every team from 80-92….nothin. Definitely a good time killer though.

by Lows05 on Dec 19, 2008 12:00 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

good point about the shadow...

is it possible this was a fan day or something…?? Fans get to dress like a Cub and throw a ball from the mound?

by Lows05 on Dec 19, 2008 12:05 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Doubt it

not that its a great pic, but again this would be the late 70s early 80s, probably not the best camera, and we have no idea the condition of the photo itself, plus its behind glass in a frame. I think the period itself lends it to not being a “fan experience” type of photo. And I would think if it was that sort of thing…it would be ten times worse (believe it or not). And yes it would be ten times worse…anyone thats ever been to a theme park or state fair knows how bad those things can look.

by StevenABQ on Dec 19, 2008 12:39 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

last year at the convention

my buddy and I got a picture taken at the Old Style booth. I think it’s kind of the same thing, back drop thingy…the background is way too blurry to be real…either that or it’s a terrrrrible camera.

by Lows05 on Dec 19, 2008 11:56 AM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

A long lens would throw the BG soft.

And there’s no way to take a photo of someone on the Wrigley mound during a game situation (which this may or may not be) without a long lens.

by MN exile on Dec 19, 2008 4:34 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

one thing is for sure though...

he needs to get with Tom House…his mechanics are crap….do some towel drills or some thera-band work

by Lows05 on Dec 19, 2008 12:02 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Roberto Rivera?

Anybody remember what he looked like? We’re getting out of the 79-89 era, but since we’re all running out of ideas ….

fantasy box office ... catch the fever

by rob9802 on Dec 19, 2008 12:40 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs