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Kerry Wood Is A Class Act

If this was discussed elsewhere I apologize, but even then, I think it deserves its own mention. Yesterday, 104 year old Leo Hildebrand threw out one of the ceremonial first pitches. Mr. Hildebrand has been a Cub fan for 85 years. He was at Wrigley when Babe Ruth called his shot. Mr. Hildebrand has been through it all. Apparently, there was an article in the paper about him  as friends and relatives have been lobbying to get him to throw the first pitch. He had even been practicing. The Cubs weren't able to accomodate him, but did give him free tickets for yesterday's game.

Enter Kerry Wood. As part of the free ticket compromise, Mr. Hildebrand and family got to go on the field and meet the players. Wood apparently took it upon himself and surprised Mr. Hildebrand by telling him he would catch Mr. Hildebrand's first pitch. So when Mr. Hildebrand got out of his wheelchair and threw the ball 30 feet to Wood, that was the culmination of a dream for the 104 year old gentleman and the big heart of Wood.

As a sidebar to this, listening to the extended post game radio show yesterday, Billy Williams told a story about meeting Mr. Hildebrand before the game. He noticed that he appeared to be crying. Williams asked him if he was okay, and Mr. Hildebrand replied that he was crying because he wished his own father could have been there to see all this. As Williams said,  nothing could better describe being a long time Cub fan.

 

 

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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Forgot the link

http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080920&content_id=3515118&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc

"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008

by BeerCub on Sep 21, 2008 9:21 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Nice fanpost BeerCub

and + 1 gazillion on the Kerry Wood is a class act.

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

by DTJchris on Sep 21, 2008 9:35 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I hadn't heard the reason why Mr. Hildebrand finally got to throw out the pitch.

Kerry Wood has ALWAYS been a class act. What a great guy to have on OUR team.

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

by Al on Sep 21, 2008 9:54 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Here is what I love...

considering the JC Romeros and the Jose Valverdes, and yes, even the Carlos Marmols at times, I especially appreciated that when Woody got the final out to clinch, a time certainly worth celebrating, he simply pumped his fist once and then celebrated with everyone else.

I like someone who doesn’t need to stick it to the other team. When Valverde and Romero act like buffoons out there in fairly unimportant games, it annoys the crap out of me.

Woody is class, no two ways about it.

Side note, I thought I heard the announcer announce this guy as “A really old man” on Saturday. I am sure I am wrong but it made for a pretty good laugh.

Kwa...Ki...Sur...Pee...Nee...Ku?

by Kinky Reggae on Sep 22, 2008 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It even appeared

that he was content with patting Geo on the helmet and calling it a day. He didn’t start celebrating til the rest of the team came out first. Shows not only his leadership, but his knowingness that this is only the beginning.

make*art

by neverAcquiesce on Sep 22, 2008 12:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Woodie Is A True Texas Gentleman

Kind of a shame that he and Ryno never got a chance to be on the same team. Two of the finest gentlemen to ever wear Cubbie blue, and both have carried on the tradition of class and sportsmanship from Ernie Banks and Billy Williams.

Never, but NEVER, put ketchup on a hot dog.

by CaliCub on Sep 21, 2008 10:07 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Ryno could coach Wood someday.

Just saying.

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

by DTJchris on Sep 21, 2008 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

This very well could happen.

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

by Al on Sep 21, 2008 7:35 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And this, readers, is why we stuck it out through thick and thin.

Whatever happens, no matter how dismal, no matter the heights from which we’ve fallen, no matter the barrels of super glue we need to put our hearts back together over and over, it is from the love of the game, and the respect for class and history.

Oh, and a few exciting wins here and there don’t hurt, do they?

Good on ya, Kerry Wood. Glad you’re still (and will always be) a Cub.

Thanks for a great story.

by MN exile on Sep 21, 2008 11:06 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Wood catching the pitch was classy

The “honor” of catching the first pitch usually goes to whatever guy has low senority and can’t get out of it. Woody must have volunteered to do it.

On the WGN-AM postgame, he talked to Cory Provus and Pat Hughes like they were co-workers of his. Also cool. Helps to put the Stone mess in the rearview mirror – both sides handled that poorly.

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

by Shanghai Badger on Sep 21, 2008 1:11 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

and I should have read the whole thing before commenting

because Wood OBVIOUSLY volunteered. Sheesh.

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

by Shanghai Badger on Sep 22, 2008 8:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I wholeheartedly agree

Kerry Wood is the definition of a class act. If my children need to look up to some sports figure as their hero, he is the one I will direct them to. I’m not sure why Mr Hildebrand got to throw out the pitch, but the reason really doesn’t matter. The fact that the organization afforded him the opportunity also displays classiness on all levels of the organization. I am also completely in agreement with Mr Hildebrand, I wish my father were here to see this—and his father. I have no doubt whatsoever, though, that they are pulling whatever strings necessary to get some bloop flies to drop and enjoying every second of this.

Time is an illusion--lunch time doubly so.

by snowyman28 on Sep 21, 2008 3:58 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

one of my favorite Wood moments is when

after he saves a game,,before he walks into the dugout he looks up to the crowd and I assume is waiving to his kids with his glove….its always a cool moment…

I'm a reader not a poster, but I'm also a poster so don't get any ideas.

by cozmotaylor123 on Sep 21, 2008 4:53 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Another reason why

I love Kerry Wood. That article made me cry.

by sue369 on Sep 21, 2008 5:17 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I strongly suspect

Wood is headed for the ’GN broadcast booth when he hangs it up.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Sep 21, 2008 5:23 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Or coaching with the Cubs.

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

by Al on Sep 21, 2008 7:35 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He would be a great pitching coach.

Look at what he has gone through in career. He would be a great role model for young pitchers.

"The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been . . . baseball. It rules over America like an army of steamrollers." Terrance Mann
Tommie Agee was out.

by Weeghman Park on Sep 21, 2008 8:29 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

As if I really needed another reason to get all misty

when I see Kerry Wood. When you think how close he was to hanging ’em up last year and then see him on the mound for the last out of a title…

and then THIS side of him.

I’m so glad he’s our guy.

"He's a pro. Me? I just try not to swear on the air.'' Bob Brenly talking about Len Kasper

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Sep 21, 2008 5:44 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Always a class act...

Kerry has always been a claas act, with all he has been through, he really deserves this.

ernie81

by ernie81 on Sep 21, 2008 6:41 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Its not just his talent and those baby blues

It’s not just that talent and those baby blues why I love Kerry so much.

Is there any other player we want more to throw that last strike sometime late October? Or maybe hit a game winning homerun?

I have a good friend who is very involved in charity in Chicago who is a diehard Sox fan who normally hates all things Cubs who adores Kerry and his wife.

Kerry is a Cub for life. And I wouldn’t be surprised if post career he has some involvement with the Cubs whether it be in the booth, coaching or front office.

Go Cubs

by cubstoseriesby100 on Sep 21, 2008 6:52 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I think he's a Cub-for-life, too. However...

…I always thought the same thing about Grace. I just hope Cubs management doesn’t pull the same crap again with THIS long-time Cub favorite.

Unfortunately for me, I’ve been so busy with other things that I haven’t been able to see any of the games for the last couple weeks. I had to get a text message when they clinched!

by CJElven on Sep 24, 2008 8:35 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Different management, different situation.

Plus, Grace wasn’t the class act that Wood is. Grace was pretty much in it for himself, despite his public perception.

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

by Al on Sep 24, 2008 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

How can anyone not like Kerry Wood?

He’s a stud pitcher, a model professional, and a good human being. Not to mention that he worked hard to come back and then signed a deal here (probably for less than he could have gotten elsewhere) because he felt like he owed it to the organization and the fans. What more can I add?

"They played the best all year, so they're the winners." ~Tony LaRussa on the 2008 Cubs

by Goodie1969 on Sep 21, 2008 8:35 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Kerry Wood is easy to like....

….but I still get ulcer thinking about him pitching in a tight pressure packed playoff game. I just hope his control and movement on the fastball doesn’t abandon him these playoffs.

My biggest concern for the postseason??? That our bullpen is not up to the challenge and will blow ballgames.

by MDBNIU on Sep 21, 2008 10:32 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Nice way to ruin a thread

This was not about Wood’s pitching ability or the Cubs bullpen. It was about a really nice act by a really nice guy. Can’t we just
sometimes appreciate certain players as human beings ? As it happens I was walking right past the plate when this was happening and I was confused as to why Wood was out there. I had read about Mr. Hildebrand’s desire to throw out the first pitch at a World Series game but nothing about Wood etc.

FYI . We should all be able to throw a ball like that at 104 or even a hundred.

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry

by Doggie Stalker on Sep 21, 2008 10:54 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He was taking time off

From mocking Brewers fans on the other BCB. After all, Milwaukee won today

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

by Shanghai Badger on Sep 21, 2008 11:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Its not a tumor

(This story was produced by BCPDnewservice. Our motto: If you don’t like this story then suck it!)

by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Sep 21, 2008 11:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Dude, just for once ..

Can’t you just flow with the spirit of even just THIS post?

Worry about the postseason then, will you?

We have come to praise Kerry Wood, not damn him.

Please go back to the lair from whence you came.

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

by cubnational on Sep 21, 2008 11:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Just when I think you can't become a bigger jackass...

you go and prove me wrong. WTF man. This is a thread about WOODY the person, not the pitcher.

There's magic in the ivy...

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Sep 22, 2008 1:08 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Honest to God

what the hell is your problem?

by sue369 on Sep 22, 2008 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

This is a typical troll move...

…divert the discussion from the topic at hand in a negative way. YAWN.

The Chicago Cubs: 2008 Central Division Champions

by dat cubfan daver on Sep 22, 2008 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hey, MDBNIU! Kerry would like to respond personally.

Kerry

The Chicago Cubs: 2008 Central Division Champions

by dat cubfan daver on Sep 22, 2008 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Win.

Aren’t trolls sposed to reside under bridges?

make*art

by neverAcquiesce on Sep 22, 2008 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

They don't make...

…too many like Kerry anymore, the guy is really a throwback to an era when these guys weren’t making millions of dollars.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Sep 21, 2008 11:01 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Great Story

Kerry is a good guy but it seems like the team is full of stand up guys (just like most MLB teams). I wish more stories like theses came to print.

(This story was produced by BCPDnewservice. Our motto: If you don’t like this story then suck it!)

by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Sep 21, 2008 11:13 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Very cool

2008 National League Central Division Champs!!!!!

by BradB311 on Sep 21, 2008 11:18 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Just another reason

why I love the guy, he has been through it all. Cubs need to sign him and make sure he does not leave this team.
 Great story, thanks.

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

by Grockcubs on Sep 21, 2008 11:43 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

This gave me chills... my grandpa died this year at age 93

I wish he could have seen this years team, but my grandmother lives on at the age of 90 healthy as can be cheering on this 08 team

"This balls got a chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannce, GONE!" - Pat Hughes

by SouthsideCUBSfan on Sep 21, 2008 11:52 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Class Act!

"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella

by Lou In Blue on Sep 22, 2008 10:36 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

This gives me an idea.

The Chicago Cubs: 2008 Central Division Champions

by dat cubfan daver on Sep 22, 2008 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Refresh my memory...

…who was he flipping off in that picture.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Sep 22, 2008 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

We can only hope it was Ozzie.

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

by Al on Sep 22, 2008 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

just seeing mr hildebrand

throw out the first pitch made me think of my great grandfather is not here for this. he was born in 1906 and was a cubs fan most of his life. he got me into the team at a very young age. when he got older he went blind and listened to the games on the radio. I remember always going over to my great grandparents house and asking him how the cubs were doing, i still get misty eyed thinking about him and the team. he died 12 years ago this october.

by truthaddict11 on Sep 23, 2008 6:09 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Great Post

Thanks for sharing. With how amazing this season has been and continues to be, it’s great to hear stories like this of guys going above and beyond.

Kerry is, and will always be, one of the all-time great Cubs both on and off the field. Simply a class act.

by Tangled Up In Blue on Sep 23, 2008 12:19 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Kerry Wood a Class Act

This story is great. Eventhough Mr H cried at the end because he wished his dad could have been there, his whole family, children, grand children, maybe even great grand children can all smile knowing he got to experience all this. Kerry Wood can and should feel good about that.

Join the BCB Flickr Group: http://flickr.com/groups/bleedcubbieblue

by tony412 on Sep 23, 2008 2:56 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Kerry story

I think I’ve shared this before.

A couple of summers ago my friend from Australia visited. When we were downtown we were getting ready to go into dinner at a restaurant and she had gone to the restroom and came back and said “There’s a commotion. One of the Cubs is in the lobby signing autographs”

We went over and sure enough Kerry was there signing autographs. She got her picture taken with him.

My friend’s company oversees offices over there for companies that want to have a presence in Australia.

She had a man from Chicago across the desk from her staring at the picture and couldn’t believe he was on the other side of the world and saw a Cubs picture on someone’s desk!

Go Cubs

by cubstoseriesby100 on Sep 23, 2008 3:27 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

My all time favorite...

…..He was one of three guys I was hoping to get my first foul ball signed by……Him, Lou or Lee……Wood is the best.

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip

by Hammer on Sep 23, 2008 8:12 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Wood is the best

TWSS

There's magic in the ivy...

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Sep 24, 2008 3:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

-1 for TWSS'ing yourself

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

by Shanghai Badger on Sep 25, 2008 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I didn't

i quoted!

There's magic in the ivy...

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Sep 25, 2008 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

oh. yeah. duh.

-1 to me

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

by Shanghai Badger on Sep 25, 2008 10:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Woody is the real deal!

Just wanted to chime in with another Woody story. Several years ago at the Cub Convention, my grandson and I had the chance to meet Woody and get his autograph. My grandson was about 6 or 7 @ the time and was nearly speechless when got up to the table where Woody was sitting. He told Woody that he was his favorite Cub and they shook hands. All I could really think about was what a great job Woodys’ parents did raising him; his warmth and sincere attitude impressed the heck out of both of us! He is a Cub player we can be proud of… John L.

by gocubswin08 on Sep 24, 2008 7:24 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

1998

1998 was a turning point season for the Cubs. While it’s taken 10 more years to get us to where we are, I think the arrival of Kerry signaled a new era for the Cubs as it also was the same time we saw Ryno retire and Harry pass away.

Including 1998 we are on our 4th playoff appearance since he arrived and our 6th winning season.

Go Cubs

by cubstoseriesby100 on Sep 24, 2008 9:54 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

The whole package

He’s a very good player.

He is a very nice person.

He has a terrific personality with a very dry goofy sense of humor.

And he’s very easy on the eyes.

Go Cubs

by cubstoseriesby100 on Sep 24, 2008 9:55 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

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