Your Voices Were Heard

by Al on Apr 18, 2008 6:37 PM CDT in News Comment 66 comments

This morning, BCB reader lemon20pie posted about the racist T-shirt being sold by outside vendors near Wrigley Field.

The outrage expressed here was heard all the way to the ballpark. I know a number of you emailed Cubs media relations director Peter Chase on this issue, and the Cubs had also begun to investigate this early this morning, and these T-shirts will no longer be sold.

Thanks to Peter and the Cubs for getting involved and proactive and putting a stop to this, and thanks to all the BCB readers who also got involved.

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Here's the e-mail I received from Peter Chase:

On Fri, Apr 18, 2008 at 6:31 PM, Chase, Peter <pchase@cubs.com> wrote:

Phil,

Thank you for your e-mail.  The Cubs found the t-shirts to be offensive and confronted the issue directly.  You'll be happy to know that as of this afternoon, all sales of the shirt were put to a stop.

Thanks again for your concerns and for taking the time to write.

Peter Chase

Outfuckingstanding. Great job Cubs and great job lemon20pie bringing this to our attention.

"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 Apr 18, 2008 6:42 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Here's a letter...

From the editor of the article regarding the t-shirts. I wrote him a letter telling him about the response from this community and Peter Chase, here is the response.

“Peter,

Thank you for passing that along. I was able to get in touch with Peter Chase, get details and put a story together for the web site tonight and for Saturday’s paper.

I got dozens of e-mails today from fans—with the sentiment running about 50-50 against the shirt/against me. Many from the anti-shirt side said they also contacted the Cubs.

It was great to see so many people take action and even better to see the Cubs do the right thing so quickly.

Thanks, again.

Gordon”

I will definitely pick up a copy of Saturday’s paper, again, good job everyone.

by Peter the Cubbie on Apr 19, 2008 12:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I got the same email just now

I’m glad we could get this resolved, awesome team effort guys.

by Peter the Cubbie on Apr 18, 2008 6:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

No idea

what happened with the formatting there. Try again:

pchase@cubs.com> wrote: Phil, Thank you for your e-mail. The Cubs found the t-shirts to be offensive and confronted the issue directly. You’ll be happy to know that as of this afternoon, all sales of the shirt were put to a stop. Thanks again for your concerns and for taking the time to write. Peter Chase”>Insert text of the quote here

"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 Apr 18, 2008 6:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I've sent an email to the bugreport address...

... about this formatting issue.

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

by Al on Apr 18, 2008 6:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I've noticed this weird formatting when...

...I type in some leading spaces in the hopes of indenting text to set it apart from the rest of my comment. When I take the leading spaces out, everything goes back to normal. I usually use preview mode so that’s how I was able to play around with this and isolate it.

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

by ballhawk on Apr 18, 2008 7:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Send that to the bugreport address.

That way they can know what’s causing this. Thanks.

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

by Al on Apr 18, 2008 7:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

There is also

a headband that says “Horry Cow” that I find offensive as well.

"Cubs Win!!"

by northofwrigley on Apr 18, 2008 6:54 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I think this was being sold by the same vendor.

It’s likely also been stopped.

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

by Al on Apr 18, 2008 6:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Now this.....

makes me proud to be a Cubs fan!! My hats off everyone involved, and to the Cubs front office, for taking a stand against stupidity.

"Don't complain to me about the stormy weather, boys. Just bring the ship into port." --Steve Stone, September 2004

by ctcoff99 on Apr 18, 2008 7:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

GOOD JOB BCBers!

I am proud to be apart of this community. It is good to know we are not only loyal Cubs fans, but stand-up persons. I’m glad to see this was stopped.

Dan

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Apr 18, 2008 7:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Now if only Peter can work the same magic on Marty Brennaman... ;-)

Congrats BCB on a job well done!

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

by ballhawk on Apr 18, 2008 7:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Just learned about this issue

Thanks you folks for your proactive actions on this.
It’s quite a bummer stuff in anyway…

I'm bleeding Dragons Blue.

by dragonsfanatic on Apr 18, 2008 7:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Good on the Cubs for this!

n/t

by MN exile on Apr 18, 2008 7:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Makes me prouder than ever

To be a Cubs fan and part of the BCB and SB Nation community. Well done gentlemen.

"The good lord wants the Cubs to win" - Harry

by Bump Bailey on Apr 18, 2008 7:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

lemon20pie- thank you!

..Great efforts towards solving an embarrassing and offensive issue.

Perfect example of how to make a difference.

Very proud to be part of BCB tonight.

Felix Pie must play everyday!

by JB 23 on Apr 18, 2008 7:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Great work.

Thanks, lemon20pie, for bringing up the issue, and to everyone who e-mailed about it.

This is awesome.

Before each game, please remember to feed the bats.

by Cool Hand on Apr 18, 2008 7:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I sent a reply to G. Wittenmyer

About this situation as well, I’m sure he’ll be happy to know that these shirts will no longer be sold.

by Peter the Cubbie on Apr 18, 2008 7:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Extremely Loud, Sustained Applause

for everyone who stood up and voiced their opposition.

Beer, of course, is actually a depressant. But poor people will never stop hoping otherwise. -- Kurt Vonnegut

by bluebythebook on Apr 18, 2008 7:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

And, let's send thank you emails too.

There’s no such thing as expressing too much gratitude. And it is wholly deserved.

Beer, of course, is actually a depressant. But poor people will never stop hoping otherwise. -- Kurt Vonnegut

by bluebythebook on Apr 18, 2008 8:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well if the marketing people listen

How bout getting Lou and Hendry TO BRING UP MURTON since the overwhelming majority of us both by poll and post support that.

Works for me

by Doggie Stalker on Apr 18, 2008 8:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

You're late to the party.

Murton is out of the lineup at Iowa tonight, and there are peoples saying he’s on his way to Chicago.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Apr 18, 2008 8:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yikes! Just reading about this for the first time

and would like to also commend the BCB nation and the Cubs for doing the right thing and putting a stop to this foolishness.

It’s unfortunate that the rush to make a buck brings out the knuckleheaded stuff like these “quick strike” t-shirts- ie. run them off, make as much as you can and then hope no one complains.

Until we consumers simply stop buying this kind of junk, unfortunately there’s always going to be someone who wants to turn a dollar.

Hopefully the Cubs and his teammates have let Kosuke know that the VAST majority of Cubs fans find this kind of thing vulgar and hurtful.

Thanks for the post Al.

Go Green! Go White! GO STATE! (#13031 on the Cubs season ticket waiting list...)

by Zeke on Apr 18, 2008 8:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Job very

well done by all. Thanks so much.

by sue369 on Apr 18, 2008 8:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

thats awesome

im glad to hear that the Cubs took care of that.

---AC 00 00 00 - Believe

by mjk83 on Apr 18, 2008 8:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

that's pretty cool

but i hope the cubs organization always agrees with us re: what they find to be “offensive.”

I'm the guy in the blue under armour shirt

by joeschmitt on Apr 18, 2008 8:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

meh

i’m as anti-big government as the next guy. can’t say i’ll lose any sleep over the cubs squashing potential offensive t-shirts and maybe squashing one that doesn’t offend me.

by billywan on Apr 18, 2008 8:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

nicely done

everyone.
i cynically assumed this would just have to be endured all year. thanks for proving me wrong.

by billywan on Apr 18, 2008 8:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Good job BCBers!!!!

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Apr 18, 2008 9:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

If I had known the Cubs would take action so quickly...

...I would have done more than just express my outrage in a fanpost. In any case, thank you to all who contacted the Cubs directly. And thank you to the organization itself for dealing with this matter so swiftly and decisively. I am very, very pleased!

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Apr 18, 2008 9:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

yup...

... it was ALL BCB.

It has NOTHING to do with the fact that it was in a major newspaper this morning.

by big_lowitzki on Apr 18, 2008 9:42 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Of course that helped.

And the galvanized effort in the original thread to communicate our displeasure to Cubs brass also helped.

Beer, of course, is actually a depressant. But poor people will never stop hoping otherwise. -- Kurt Vonnegut

by bluebythebook on Apr 18, 2008 10:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

OT- Sheets leaves the game with Triceps problem

who had April 18th in the pool?

by LT on Apr 18, 2008 9:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Great, Job!

Congratulations to all those who confronted this crap and for bringing it to the Cubs’s attention. The world needs people of courage like yourselves.

by DudeVf11 on Apr 18, 2008 10:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Just came here to say congrats to everyone

who worked to have this stuff end. Hopefully it’s over and done w/ now.

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

by Jayo525 on Apr 18, 2008 10:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Awesome!

I saw that shirt today and was shocked! Now if they will get rid of all the headbands, all of them! What’s next, SUMO shorts????

by dlansfor on Apr 18, 2008 10:56 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I second all the sentiments regarding this item

but when i was at the stadium today, it was ALL OVER. I saw multiple people wearing them, and more than a few street walkers hawking them. I think they realized what was going on and were trying to move the merchandise as fast as possible. So there will still be a few of these items being worn.

by cubsonWGN4ever on Apr 18, 2008 11:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Good work to all

not living in Chicago, “on the streets” so to speak, don’t get to see it first hand, Just yanks my chain when idiots do garbage like this only for the buck.
Dome is a Cub, a player, a human being, not a novelty.
Good job all.

"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"

by Grockcubs on Apr 18, 2008 11:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Well he's a novelty in terms of his ability, but you're right.

: )

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on Apr 18, 2008 11:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Classless TShirt

I’m not into being politically correct, but that stupid tshirt certainly crossed the line into pointlessly rude territory. American players in Japan report fair and courteous treatment; surely we’re adult enough to return the favor. Besides, Fukudome is a CUB. That’s our team, and thank you to the organization for stepping in on this issue.

by Mordecai Brown on Apr 18, 2008 11:54 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Cub Nation....

For showing that the actions of a few do not repesent all of us. I’m glad that a few proactive individuals stood up to this and took action. Those folks are real Cub fans.

by NOLA_Cub_Fan on Apr 19, 2008 12:06 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

outstanding.

Thanks Al for updating us on the developements of this topic and for giving us the platform to voice our frustrations on such topics as this. This is just another reason why BCB is the best Cubs blog out there and the best collection of true Cub fans out there. I saw this topic posted on other boards and for the most part, the majority opinion was “who cares” or “That’s actually funny” et cetera et cetera et cetera and so forth.

I actually felt much better about this topic after reading all the posts in that fanpost and that not everyone or “1 out of 10” didn’t care and that most were as angered about this as I was and that many took actions against this insensitive display of greed.

The best part too me about all this, is that Mr. Fukudome will undoubtedbly hear about us Cub fans who came to his support and showed are displeasure about it. We got your back DOme!!!!!!

Thanks again Al.

Over time, your quickness with a cocky rejoinder must have gotten you many punches in the face - Al Swearengen

by lemon20pie on Apr 19, 2008 12:56 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

oh and...

SUCK ON THAT MARTY!!!!!

Over time, your quickness with a cocky rejoinder must have gotten you many punches in the face - Al Swearengen

by lemon20pie on Apr 19, 2008 12:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Great Job....

lemon20pie for putting a stop to this before it got out of hand. It reminds me of the idiot that got a signed ball from Fukudome in the second day of spring training, only to try to sell it on E-BAY for his own selfish profit.

by montecarlo on Apr 19, 2008 1:19 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

good job and thanks...

...to everybody involved, from lemon20pie for first bringing it up, to Gary Varsho for suggesting the emails, and to the Cubs for taking action.

by LaddieRenfroe on Apr 19, 2008 4:31 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

All that wore in good job!

Enough said. That was unacceptable

"Hey Chicago what do you say the Cubs are gonna win today"

by fischisgod on Apr 19, 2008 4:47 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

So now.....

.....how do we get rid of the Kamikaze Headbands? I find that even more offensive than the tshirt.

by carmen_fanzone on Apr 19, 2008 6:58 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

So True!

It was funny the first time but now it’s dumb. What’s next, some moron selling samuri bats, sumo shorts?

by dlansfor on Apr 19, 2008 7:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is that offensive if "Kamikaze" is not written on it?

Understood most of you folks cannot read the kanji chatactors on it (and some of you wear it upside down ;), but what I found in recent Cubs fan’s pictures were “Hissho” (must win), Ichiban (#1), or “Fukudome Kosuke” on them. I don’t see Kamikaze ones even in Japan very often, other than at souvenir shops in Asakusa, Tokyo (exclusively for foreign sightseer).
BTW. unfortunately, this is upside down....;)

Anyhow, those headbands are pretty common until now here in Japan, for long time, not like “OLD” rising sun flag, and nobody here in Japan feels it’s offensive or military related. You don’t need to feel like it’s offensive.

This is pretty normal scene at high school baseball.

I'm bleeding Dragons Blue.

by dragonsfanatic on Apr 19, 2008 7:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for this.

It’s hard to understand things like the headbands when they’re completely divorced from their cultural context. Again, thanks for letting us know these aren’t crude or stereotypical sorts of things.

"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 Apr 19, 2008 7:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for this.

I did see some of the headbands with the “Horry Kow” writing on them and I hope those are also no longer going to be made.

The rest of them had positive messages, and based on this photo, I’d say they’d be OK.

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

by Al on Apr 19, 2008 7:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks!

I had no idea that they werestill worn with pride. It takes a lot for me to get annoyed but for some reason those just got to me. I’drather see these then those “It’s Gonna Happen” signs. The famus guy who ran on the field years ago, I’ll never forgive! ;)

by dlansfor on Apr 19, 2008 7:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

thanks

and pls follow the links above and wear them upside up….

I'm bleeding Dragons Blue.

by dragonsfanatic on Apr 19, 2008 7:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks dragonsfanatic!

BTW, I would love to go to a game there, the fans looks very passionate and are really into it. I’ve been to 15 MLB stadiums and a lot of them seem too corporate. I went to a soccer game in Italy during my honeymoon last year and wow, they were into every second of it!

by dlansfor on Apr 19, 2008 8:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

right....

Even high schools baseball is always passionate, even in local towns….

I'm bleeding Dragons Blue.

by dragonsfanatic on Apr 19, 2008 8:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks so much

Your voice is one of the most fun and enlightened on BCB, Dragon. Thanks so much for educating us on the headbands. I still don’t like them but it’s good to know they aren’t flat out offensive. The difference, for me, is that headbands in Japan are worn in cultural context. Here they are not. Nonetheless, it’s good to know they won’t offend Dome. I’ll give the fans a pass on this one—as if they asked me for one ;)

"He's not pining, he's passed on. This parrot is no more. He has ceased to be. He's expired and gone to meet his maker. He's a stiff, bereft of life, he rests in peace. If you hadn't have nailed him to the perch he'd be pushing up the daisies. He's rung down the curtain and joined the choir invisible. This is an ex-parrot!"

by Emelie on Apr 19, 2008 9:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You're welcome

Yes, we do have different cultural backgrounds, but we’d better to enjoy the difference – and we know we both have same passion to support Dome as a Cub now, and love baseball.

I'm bleeding Dragons Blue.

by dragonsfanatic on Apr 19, 2008 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I do too

The BBC would like to apologize for the following announcement. -- Monty Python

by Emelie on Apr 19, 2008 7:18 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

BCB rocks, Sun Times drives me nuts sometimes...

WOW! SunTimes saves the day! How bout the other venues on the net – BCB for example – that also mobilized to make this happen. http://www.suntimes.com/sports/903754,cubshirt041808.article

by socalicubsfan on Apr 19, 2008 10:03 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

"Love is simple...

...Hate breeds those who think difference is the child of disease.” Taupin

"This field, this game...it reminds us of all that once was good, and it could be again." ~ Terence Mann

by chr15 on Apr 19, 2008 10:06 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Elton John?

I'm bleeding Dragons Blue.

by dragonsfanatic on Apr 19, 2008 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Music by...

Sir Elton.

"This field, this game...it reminds us of all that once was good, and it could be again." ~ Terence Mann

by chr15 on Apr 19, 2008 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

New T-Shirt

Replace the racist one with “Marty Brennaman Is A Bitter And Jealous Old Woman”.

by SecondSon on Apr 19, 2008 10:49 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

n/t

"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." - Alvin Dark

by Lou In Blue on Apr 19, 2008 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs