out of town bcb shirts

by Les Lancaster on Mar 4, 2008 4:41 PM CST

To All:

I have just got some progress on as to there where abouts of the shirts I have been contacted by the US Postal Service and there has obviously been too lengthy a time for you all to get your shirts. For some reason or another the post office has for some reason set aside your orders when I got them to the post office two weeks ago and they NEVER GOT SHIPPED! i was pissed to say the least and let them hear about it. I am going there first thing tommorrow to straighten this out, please accept my apoligy I have been in constant contact with azweber and I have no or have ever had no malicious intentions in getting these out to you all, the shirts will be out tommorrow with tracking numbers that I will post here asap. I have no reason to hold these from you and there is no reason to think otherwise. This was simply a mix up, I will get on it immediately and please do not think I am trying to steal or privately sell 30 to 40 of the same shirts, if I were obviously I would not be posting and answering all of azweber's calls. My apoligies again I understand all the anger, name calling and all, just please try and understand that I will make sure the shirts are out tommorrow.

LES

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

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Thank you.

Yes, please do POST the tracking numbers -- that way EVERYONE can see that they have officially been sent out.

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

by Al Yellon on Mar 4, 2008 4:40 PM CST reply actions

I can't tell you how many

times i mailed something at the post office, then went there 2 weeks later and my contact said they accidentally set it aside and never sent it. Boy is that frustrating!

by jazzypete on Mar 4, 2008 5:42 PM CST reply actions

Maybe

Neumann is his postman.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 4, 2008 5:46 PM CST up reply actions

Or maybe

This is actually Les Lancaster.

Lemon20Pie's 2008 PECOTA for Rich Hill: 204 IP 30 HR 75 BB 180 SO 1.35 WHIP 4.25 ERA

by lemon20pie on Mar 4, 2008 5:51 PM CST up reply actions

Now THAT'S a subtle pun.

Well done, sir.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 4, 2008 6:05 PM CST up reply actions

Yep - the shirts were packed in a Fresh Fish box,

then loaded in a mail truck Newman was driving, and then... well, the rest is just too horrible to type.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwinnODU0yo

Oh, the humanity...

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

by ballhawk on Mar 4, 2008 5:54 PM CST up reply actions

Or, maybe

the mailman and his wacky friend were chasing another friend's stolen car, a car which contained JFK's golf clubs, and they had to lighten the load, thus dumping the shirts on the side of the road.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 4, 2008 6:06 PM CST up reply actions

Sonsabitches!!!!

n/t.

Hey Lou, we're long overdue.

by deadcatbounce on Mar 4, 2008 6:46 PM CST up reply actions

When

you control the mail, you control.................Information!

by tizzle on Mar 4, 2008 7:00 PM CST up reply actions

The cops show up at Newman's door

Newman says "What took you so long??" Sounds about right.

by LT on Mar 4, 2008 7:12 PM CST up reply actions

I wonder if...

I'm the only one strangely disappointed that the shirts are actually going to get shipped. I guess I was just curious to see what would have happened if this actually was a scam.

In Bo I trust.

by Schwa on Mar 4, 2008 7:39 PM CST reply actions

LOL

Let me tell you, I'm not disappointed. Just glad this is finally going to be worked out.

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

by Al Yellon on Mar 4, 2008 8:07 PM CST up reply actions

this whole ordeal is proof

that cubs fans really are the most optimistic people in the world. especially this time of year...

there is a forgotten victim in all this, the real les lancaster has had his good name dragged through the proverbial mud.

hope he is too busy preparing for the sioux city explorers season to notice.

"It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so." -- Mark Twain

by circuitclout on Mar 4, 2008 8:24 PM CST up reply actions

So you were

in constant contact with AZWEBER? Really? from what we all hear/type/write he cant get a hold of you at all......If I were you (well Id be full of lots of things) but Id also apologize to azweber

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry "I strongly dislike Steve Stone." ---Hammer

by Hammer on Mar 4, 2008 8:56 PM CST reply actions

Can somebody collect links to all of these diaries

I think that they should have their own website. It would be a good read.

GOATBUSTERS! - I ain't afraid of no goat!

by gjdow on Mar 4, 2008 9:49 PM CST reply actions

I concur

Did he just say funky butt-loving?

by Louie on Mar 4, 2008 9:57 PM CST up reply actions

I did my part

I noticed that only two of the three bcb shirts diaries from "les lancaster" were recommended, so I went ahead and recommended the third. Makes it easier to stay on top of them all.

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

by ballhawk on Mar 4, 2008 10:10 PM CST up reply actions

Good call

It should be a permanent link on the left sidebar. I rank this below the Top 100 Cubs, but above the Bleacher Reconstruction and the Drainage System Installation.

Fukudome is my homie

by Porfi on Mar 4, 2008 10:20 PM CST up reply actions

I think an editorial cartoon is needed

Something with stick figures, thought balloons and lots and lots of dark, bold action.

That would be just so cool right now ..

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

by cubnational on Mar 4, 2008 9:59 PM CST reply actions

Every single shirt wasn't mailed?

I'm with Al. I want the tracking numbers posted on this site--tomorrow. That kind of gross (how much is a gross again?) mistake is something the usps just doesn't make. Go ahead, Les. Mail them tomorrow. I'll get over it.

--t.

(BTW: A-P-O-L-O-G-I-E-S)

GEAUX THERIOT!

by Littlerock Rynofan on Mar 4, 2008 10:31 PM CST reply actions

Given my experience with the USPS...

... I have no trouble believing that they had a screwup this massive.

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

by Al Yellon on Mar 5, 2008 3:25 AM CST up reply actions

LOL ...!

I've only had that kind of snafu with DHL .... uhh, I hope nobody works for them here!

GEAUX THERIOT!

by Littlerock Rynofan on Mar 5, 2008 9:43 AM CST up reply actions

hello again

i am on my way to work and will post tracking numbers asap, and again i understand all of your frustrations

by Les Lancaster on Mar 5, 2008 5:26 AM CST reply actions

Hold on Everybody.....

I would much prefer for Les to send ALL the shirts to azweber, myself, al, jettero2112, letting someone else take on the task of distributing. I'm sorry, but the post office doesn't put 4, or 10 or 20 packages aside. They are a very tidy bunch and would not let packages accumulate. If Les truly has the shirts I would like to see them in capable hands.

by coral on Mar 5, 2008 5:48 AM CST reply actions

if you don't trust him to send them out....

what does it matter if they are to the individuals, or we add another step and send them to Al? I'm not trying to be a jerk I just don't understand the logic.

AC 00 00 00 - BELIEVE

by mike @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Mar 5, 2008 8:15 AM CST up reply actions

really

if trust is an issue, and at this point i don't see why it wouldn't be, I think the better course of action would be for the money and all the documentation of this to be given to Al as soon as possible.

If the money is in Al's hands no one can accuse azweber9 of any wrongdoing. And if the shirts show up, all the better.

just a thought.

"It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so." -- Mark Twain

by circuitclout on Mar 5, 2008 8:23 AM CST up reply actions

I don't believe that trust in me

IS an issue. Al has never wanted to be incharge of this and I do not blame him.

Let's see if Chad gets us tracking #s.

MMMMM...Nutrisystem!

by Kinky Reggae on Mar 5, 2008 8:42 AM CST up reply actions

All I was trying to say is

if you are sick of all the negative comments and the minority of people that have been hard on you (as you've said) then it would make sense to wash your hands of this.

after all, you have said repeatedly that chad was involved because you didn't want to take on the whole project. so why not delegate the remaining tasks (reimbursing chad, donating the proceeds to charity) to Al or someone of Al's choosing.

that would take any heat you have been getting off of you. It would also help Chad out a bit, because if no money is involved he would just be incompetent instead of potentially devious.

"It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so." -- Mark Twain

by circuitclout on Mar 5, 2008 10:54 AM CST up reply actions

I understand

and when I have reimbursed Chad for shipping should this all get done, I plan on handing over the funds to Al (if he will have them) to donate on behalf of BCB.

At this point, I don't mind this small part of the process. What I mind most is all the criticism when I am simply trying to get this project done once and for all.

Reimbursing Chad, should he complete this task and get me a receipt for the shipping, is not at all a high stress part of the project.

The consistent criticism from certain individuals is what has pissed me off.

I know you are tryig to help so I am not directing an hostility at you.

MMMMM...Nutrisystem!

by Kinky Reggae on Mar 5, 2008 11:11 AM CST up reply actions

Does USPS still offer COD?

Otherwise, Chad should be able to prove that USPS is in possession of the shirts because he should have the receipt showing he shipped them. If he dropped the shirts off over a week ago you would think he would've already submitted that to you. Wonder why he hasn't, or even brought the cost up?

All of the criticism you have received, I think, stems from the fact that you have been holding approximately $1800 for several months now.

For your own mental health I would think you would want to turn the money over now so you can be done with this and serve people like Kanderber a big plate of crow.

"It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so." -- Mark Twain

by circuitclout on Mar 5, 2008 11:32 AM CST up reply actions

Like I have said

my plan from here on out is if we do not get proof of shipping by Friday. I will get rid of the money by refunding peoples' investments.

that ought to take care of the whole "people don't trust me" issue.

To be totally honest, I don't care if people trust me here. Al does and will and when people get their refund, Kanderber can't eat a plate of whatever he wants. I know what I would have served on that plate but that's just me.

MMMMM...Nutrisystem!

by Kinky Reggae on Mar 5, 2008 1:02 PM CST up reply actions

Time out!

Can everyone cool it with the nasty comments? Like Al said, the USPS has been known to make mistakes. Les is trying to resolve the situation. It's not ideal, but it's the reality of the situation. I'm sure those who ordered shirts will be happy if the shirts are finally mailed. The comments from those who did not order shirts seem to be made strictly for their own entertainment. We've been waiting for months. What's one more week?

by nextyearisthisyear on Mar 5, 2008 7:30 AM CST reply actions

Actually, they were for your entertainment as well

"your" (and "you") meaning one of the shirt orderers.

Speaking as one of the "non-orderers", yes, I did post several comments along the humorous vein - at least I was hoping they were humorous. I wasn't laughing "at" you, and given your situation, I don't suspect I was laughing "with" you either. I was just trying to get you to laugh, period. Regardless of what really happened with all this - and I don't know if we'll ever know the whole story - this has all the makings of a dramedy (drama + comedy). I was just trying to highlight some of the comedy because hearing the drama part rehashed over and over again couldn't be healthy.

After all that has happened (or not happened) I have a hard time believing this latest set of explanations, but I have an even harder time believing how or why anyone would go to such lengths to create or fabricate a scam for such little return. It just doesn't make sense. So I tend to agree with your thinking - you all have waited this long; what's one more week.

I think this is a perfect situation where the saying "someday, you'll look back at all this and laugh" applies. Some of us were just looking back a little sooner than usual.

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

by ballhawk on Mar 5, 2008 8:59 AM CST up reply actions

How is it possible...

in the age of paranoia and fear of terrorism that we live in, for the post office to accidentally hold on to 15-20 packages? If that is truly the case, I would be far more worried about our national security, than I am about getting a t-shirt in the mail. I think someone needs to call up this post office branch and talk directly to the supervisor, so that we can find out exactly how a mistake of this magnitude could be made. If you were any small business and the post office decided to hold on to this many items, it could potentially ruin you. If it is indeed true that the shirts are being sent today, then that is fantastic, I just don't know why we have to keep putting up with all of these stories about passing the blame around.

Did he just say funky butt-loving?

by Louie on Mar 5, 2008 7:40 AM CST reply actions

Let's wait and see...

... if the tracking numbers actually get posted before we decide whether a "next step" is necessary.

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

by Al Yellon on Mar 5, 2008 8:07 AM CST reply actions

Well thankfully

we are talking about t-shirts here and not an organ or something.

Did anyone else notice that we are playing BASEBALL SOON. Man, I love it

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry "I strongly dislike Steve Stone." ---Hammer

by Hammer on Mar 5, 2008 9:01 AM CST reply actions

I won't be shy...

I don't trust all the stories we've gotten from Les. (azweber has been totally sincere)

The above post sounds like another story.
I don't think the post office gives tracking numbers for packages unless they are registered mail. UPS does that. If Les truly has the shirts, he has lost my trust in handling the situation properly. The least complicated way of relieving him from this responsibility (let someone else handle this) is best.

by coral on Mar 5, 2008 9:23 AM CST reply actions

Hey Coral

I asked him the same question. I was not aware of tracking numbers for USPS but I have been informed that in fact they can offer a tracking number but it seems to only confirm shipment (which at this point would be great!). Apparently they do not update the process so you can see that it "is at ___ station in Illinois" or something like that.

I do agree with Al, recently, I ordered something on ebay on something called UPS-USPS where is starts in UPS and gets transferred to USPS. It took over a month for my CD to get to me and I was real pissed.

So I can believe that USPS messes up but in this case, I believe Chad and USPS have fault in this matter.

I can only hope it is resolved soon because I am spent. Thanks again for the patientce to those who have continually been supportive and OVERLY understanding!

MMMMM...Nutrisystem!

by Kinky Reggae on Mar 5, 2008 9:29 AM CST up reply actions

I have received...

... plenty of mail, and sent mail, through USPS with "delivery confirmation", which is, essentially, a "tracking number". It does indeed show the same trail that a UPS or FedEx number gives you, and if/when it is delivered.

We still await the posting of the actual numbers.

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

by Al Yellon on Mar 5, 2008 10:06 AM CST up reply actions

Good to know Al.

I was under a different impression. I think you'll agree though at this point if we can see that they were shipped, we will be happy.

MMMMM...Nutrisystem!

by Kinky Reggae on Mar 5, 2008 10:09 AM CST up reply actions

Well

Hope Les/Chad got to work because he left for it 5 hours ago.

I love talking anything Cubs. AZ, man, sorry dude---you have been put in the line of fire. Your Karma level must be through the roof, Id play the lottery today if I were you

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry "I strongly dislike Steve Stone." ---Hammer

by Hammer on Mar 5, 2008 10:17 AM CST up reply actions

Thanks man.

You got any ideas for numbers? I could use an extra few million. Tell ya what, if I win, I will reorder shirts for everyone involved in this fiasco, on me!

MMMMM...Nutrisystem!

by Kinky Reggae on Mar 5, 2008 10:23 AM CST up reply actions

10, 14, 23, 26, 31...

...21???

Oh well, 5 out of 6 still ought to get you a good chunk of change.

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

by ballhawk on Mar 5, 2008 10:33 AM CST up reply actions

Those sound good to me!

I'll keep you posted. And I wil not take your number to the post office and have them just sit there for a couple weeks either!

MMMMM...Nutrisystem!

by Kinky Reggae on Mar 5, 2008 10:41 AM CST up reply actions

Lottery numbers

Heck if you use the tracking numbers that you are gonna get from les then i guarantee you can't lose

by carolinacub on Mar 5, 2008 10:52 AM CST up reply actions

long commute

Man, it has been what, 6 hours since Les left for work? That is one long ass commute.

by mannytrillo on Mar 5, 2008 11:31 AM CST reply actions

Its now 7 hours.

I could have driven to the Quad Cities and back from Evanston

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry "I strongly dislike Steve Stone." ---Hammer

by Hammer on Mar 5, 2008 12:37 PM CST up reply actions

and stopped off to check out the park in davenport

AC 00 00 00 - BELIEVE

by mike @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Mar 5, 2008 1:49 PM CST up reply actions

As I mentioned above

Chad should be able to prove that the shirts are in the possession of USPS because he should have a receipt from when he paid for shipping.

So why are we waiting for tracking numbers when he could have simply produced the receipt for packages he claims to have dropped off over a week ago?

And remember that the deal was that Adam would reimburse him once he produced the receipt.....

"It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so." -- Mark Twain

by circuitclout on Mar 5, 2008 12:56 PM CST reply actions

He hasn't

gone to the post office yet. Hence to receipt, no tracking numbers, no shirts.

Did he just say funky butt-loving?

by Louie on Mar 5, 2008 1:07 PM CST up reply actions

Tick Tock...

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 5, 2008 1:12 PM CST reply actions

Here's a little game to play

Guess today's excuse! We have heard all sorts of excuses from Les, including "Mother has Cancer" and "The Post Office Forgot to Ship".

So, what's it going to be today?

I'll guess the shirts had been routed to the U.S. Embassy in Serbia by mistake and that when protesters against Kosovo's independance destroyed the building, the shirts were distroyed as well. But he is talking with his contact in the U.S. State Department to figure out how to get reimbursed from the protesters themselves. Should have word next on the matter later this week.

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

by DTJchris on Mar 5, 2008 2:06 PM CST reply actions

I just spoke with him and

he says he is in a meeting, is heading to the PO AFTER the mtg, and will call me.

Before you bite my head off, I KNOW, he said he was going in the AM. I am currently sending him a msg saying that this is not acceptable.

He said "I got it". I am still going with the same gameplan: refunds begin to go out this weekend if no proof of shipping by Friday.

Here is also the gameplan. We (whoever knows this process best) are going to contact authorities if I have to refund. This IS, IMO, theft/fraud.

MMMMM...Nutrisystem!

by Kinky Reggae on Mar 5, 2008 2:18 PM CST reply actions

I hope

that all the money that was supposed to go to project 3000 still does, despite all this mess, and whatever is left over goes back to the buyers who were scammed. It's one thing to steal someone's t-shirts, it's another to promise money to a charity and then back out because you didn't get your t-shirt. I know it's easy for me to say since I didn't order one, but I hope people who ordered them do the right thing and direct their refunds to the charity.

Also, my bet is this guy lost the shirts. No other reason to let this drag on so long.

by jazzypete on Mar 5, 2008 2:18 PM CST reply actions

Actually

I have to refund all the OOTers money because that would be theft too IMO. I will have something left over to donate, it will simply be much less than expected.

MMMMM...Nutrisystem!

by Kinky Reggae on Mar 5, 2008 2:20 PM CST up reply actions