Luckiest Man: Cubs vs. Brewers Preview, Saturday 7/4, 12:05 CT
by Al Yellon on Jul 4, 2009 10:00 AM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Game Threads
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Print"For the past two weeks you have been reading about a bad break I got. Yet today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth. I have been in ballparks for 17 years and have never received anything but kindness and encouragement from you fans." -- Lou Gehrig
Since today is a special day, this preview will be a bit different than the usual links and briefs about the Cubs. In addition to being Independence day, today is the 70th anniversary of Lou Gehrig's famous speech at Yankee Stadium; during games this afternoon all MLB teams will honor Gehrig's memory by replaying parts of that speech:
Saturday, Major League Baseball will commemorate the 70th anniversary of Gehrig's famous retirement speech, which he gave on July 4, 1939. Across the nation, in the middle of the seventh inning, the home teams will read the humble words of a dying man in an effort to raise awareness about the disease that took his life.
Gehrig had a marvelous baseball career that, as you likely know, was cut short, as was his life, by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the disease which now bears his name. The tribute today is part of a MLB campaign to raise awareness and funds to fight this disease, which as of now has no cure (and which also recently took the life of longtime ABC7 Chicago anchorman John Drury).
If you have not read Jonathan Eig's recent biography of Gehrig, the title of which adorns this post, "Luckiest Man", I give it my highest recommendation. Here is my BCB review of the book from November 2005.
Lou Gehrig played in a World Series at Wrigley Field, but before that he made his mark at Wrigley as a high schooler. In 1920 he played in a special "national championship" high school game between his NY school, Commerce High, and Lane Tech in Chicago. He was 17 years old. He hit a titanic grand slam onto Sheffield that landed across the street.
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Braden Looper has a 2.57 career ERA vs. the Cubs, but most of that was posted in many relief appearances before he became a starter. He and Rich Harden have already faced each other once this year, on April 10 at Miller Park, a boxscore you probably don't really want to look at if you want to keep your blood pressure down. Since that date Looper's ERA has gone steadily up. Kosuke Fukudome is the Cub who hits him best -- 5-for-16 (.313), a double, a HR.
Rich Harden has done well vs. Milwaukee. He had 10 strikeouts in that April 10 game, and no current Brewer has more than two hits off him; overall, members of the Brewers' active roster are 8-for-68 (.118) against him and his record against them is 1-0, 1.50 in three career starts (26 K and 8 BB in 18 innings). His last start vs. the Pirates was excellent... it's time he started building on that.
Today's game will, despite Bud's Dumb Blackout Rules, be on WGN -- so available nationally. It's also on FSN Wisconsin. For other games today see the MLB.com Mediacenter.
Baseball-reference.com game preview
Overflow comment threads will post today at 1 pm, 2 pm and 2:45 pm CDT.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
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Lou Gehrig is first
When the New York Giants, a team you would give your right arm to beat, and vice versa, sends you a gift — that’s something. When everybody down to the groundskeepers and those boys in white coats remember you with trophies — that’s something. When you have a wonderful mother-in-law who takes sides with you in squabbles with her own daughter — that’s something. When you have a father and a mother who work all their lives so that you can have an education and build your body — it’s a blessing. When you have a wife who has been a tower of strength and shown more courage than you dreamed existed — that’s the finest I know.
Randy Wells - You continue to astound me.
I love the Cubs.
Happy 4th.
This line from a movie, television show or other piece of popular culture pretty much sums up my entire personality.
I saw that report on ESPN
regarding reading his speech during the 7th inning of all games today. Neat idea and a worthy cause to support.
Now, let’s win us a game today and keep the Brewers bats quiet. I’ll be interested to see the lineup today, anyone have it yet?
Happy 4th!
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
So it's my understand that the home team will read the speech?
Or will the audio just be played over the PA system…? It’d be really cool to have Ronny read that… I think it echoes a lot of how he feels about his 50+ years with the Cubs. I’m sure he wakes up every morning feeling like the luckiest man in the world.
Hopefully they don’t have Piniella read it…
“T-t-t-today I consider… m-m-m-m… look, I’m just lucky, ok? What am I supposed to do?” hehe
Happy Birthday, America!
As the French would say, Vive La Liberte!
"You have to have short-term memory, no matter who you are in this game. There's always tomorrow." ~Derrek Lee
Almost forgot...
…if you see a Veteran or Active Military Serviceman today, shake their hand and thank them.
"You have to have short-term memory, no matter who you are in this game. There's always tomorrow." ~Derrek Lee
Happy Independence Day To All
God Bless America, and Go Cubs
"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"
Lou Gehrig's grand slam at Wrigley didn't happen
If a someone hit a grand slam home run and Ballhawk Ken wasn’t there to catch it…did it really happen? NO.
"I'm not much of a chemistry guy, you know. Chemistry to me is a pinch-hit double with the bases loaded"--Jim Frey, Chicago Tribune, 1985.
Happy 4th all
And man…it’s going to be hard to stop myself from tearing up if they broadcast the speech today. It would have been cool if a portion of the money from ticket sales for all games today went towards his foundation.
by Craig in South Bend on Jul 4, 2009 10:26 AM CDT reply actions
One of my favorite baseball stats....
….is that one year Gehrig had 100 RBI’s in road games. I wonder how many times that happened. Hack Wilson’s 191 RBI year, maybe.
here's to 4 rbi's from Fuld on the 4th today!
by doofus cubs guy on Jul 4, 2009 10:34 AM CDT reply actions
looks like you are hoping for a pinch-hit grand slam then...
I haz comedy show in August. You come seez it please?: Hot Beans Delivers
by digitalbenjamin on Jul 4, 2009 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions
A day to remember our founding principles. Happy and Thoughtful 4th to all!
now go cubbies!
Lets grill some brewer pitching!
by CubfaninRaleigh(869milestoWrigley) on Jul 4, 2009 10:38 AM CDT reply actions
Speaking of grilling...and the Brewers...
I half thought about strapping some firecrackers to a can of Miller if the Brewers lost today. I figured it would be festive AND celebratory.
by Craig in South Bend on Jul 4, 2009 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions
I would like to see photos of this.
Nothing more american than beer and blowing shit up.
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"
by AndrewJStone on Jul 4, 2009 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
How do you think Sori will feel
when the Brewers pitch around Fox to get to him in the lineup
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
this should be interesting.
But Bradley continues to sit at #4.
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. [ibid] This is the kind of fan I am.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 4, 2009 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions
hell bring in runs with the bases loaded walk
wells4roty
by jesus christos on Jul 4, 2009 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions
but the excuse for his lack of RBI produciton has been
that there aren’t people on base in front of him to drive in.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 4, 2009 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions
In the interest of symmetry
I would like to see a 4th inning Grand Slam (4 RBI) for our #4 hitter on the 4th. Make it so, Cubs.
"You have to have short-term memory, no matter who you are in this game. There's always tomorrow." ~Derrek Lee
with 4 outs
Linus: Life is rarely all one way, Charlie Brown. You win some, you lose some. Charlie Brown: Really? Gee, that'd be neat.
by CyberCyclist on Jul 4, 2009 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions
Too bad Gregg pitched those 2 innings yesterday...
and therefore probably won’t pitch today.
He’s usually good for 4 outs in an inning…
"People ask me a lot about the values I got from playing for the Cubs for so many years. The value I got out of it was patience. A lot of people these days are not very patient." -- Ernie Banks
by CubFanInCanberra (9387milesfromWrigley) on Jul 4, 2009 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions
Flip Bradley and Fox and I'd be happy.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 4, 2009 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions
so we replaced one ice cold leadoff hitter with another?
seriously, what the hell is Lou thinking?
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 4, 2009 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions
Fukudome
He’s had a HR and two doubles and two walks in the last three games.
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. [ibid] This is the kind of fan I am.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 4, 2009 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions
Good point...
but I’d still like to see Fuld leading off and starting. Seems weird to finally move Soriano down the line-up and the not put Fuld in there.
I haz comedy show in August. You come seez it please?: Hot Beans Delivers
by digitalbenjamin on Jul 4, 2009 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions
I expect
this is another experiment. At some point, these guys have to step up.
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. [ibid] This is the kind of fan I am.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 4, 2009 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm fairly certain I know what Lou's doing
He bats one of the only players colder than Soriano in the leadoff spot, so when Dome goes 0-4, or 0-5 Lou can claim he did all he could, and move Soriano back to the leadoff spot
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 4, 2009 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions
well if fukudome does go 0-4 that would be better than what fonzie did yesterday
wells4roty
by jesus christos on Jul 4, 2009 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions
This lineup needs more leftys no way it can be productive
I kid of course
A ugly win is better than a pretty loss-Lou
I'd rather see The Riot lead off
"We got some pretty good chemistry here. We got some toughness, and it's starting to show." - Lou Pinella
I guess $48MM
wins over the league minimum.
Sam Fuld – know your place!
Also - good thing
it is a cloudy day for Bradley (sorry to those attending!)
Milt is a vampire?
ohhh wait… he can’t field if it’s sunny. Can’t count outs, can’t stay healthy, can’t hit, atleast he can take walks. That’s gotta be worth 5 million right! Might as well bat him cleanup Lou!
If it weren't for the gutter, my mind would be homeless.
Anyone know
how much of the proceeds for the red stars and stripes caps go to the Welcome Back Veterans Foundation? I was considering getting one, but $37 seems pretty steep, especially since I probably wouldn’t be wearing it much-like I just can’t see myself wearing it if we are playing the Cardinals or the Reds. I don’t mind spending the money if a good chunk goes for a worthy cause though.
"Fasten your seatbelts"-Pat Hughes
Why not just donate $25
outright to the foundation?
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas
not these hats
ug-ly
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. [ibid] This is the kind of fan I am.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 4, 2009 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions
the blue hat looks ok but the red ones look stupid
wells4roty
by jesus christos on Jul 4, 2009 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't like red
and that is too much red.
I liked the navy ones last year, though. But they were too dark to wear, for me. Too hot when they’re that dark, you know?
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas
Yeah.
It is pretty ugly and somewhat disturbing looking on the players, especially with the blue jersey. That makes for one ugly uniform. I just talked myself out of the idea of getting one.
"Fasten your seatbelts"-Pat Hughes
Maybe they help
but I doubt $25 of that $37 goes to the foundation.
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas
Anyone else notice the Cleveland hats this year?
It’s a big “C” instead of the Indian with the Old Glory face. Someone must have come to their senses.
"You have to have short-term memory, no matter who you are in this game. There's always tomorrow." ~Derrek Lee
Political Correctness mean always having to say your sorry.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 4, 2009 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions
This + Bumper Sticker = Million$.
"You have to have short-term memory, no matter who you are in this game. There's always tomorrow." ~Derrek Lee
See my sig line.
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"
by AndrewJStone on Jul 4, 2009 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions
Hi everyone
Taking a break from my sabbatical to stop by and say Happy 4th of July!
ALS is an evil disease that I’ve lost too many people to. It needs to be stopped.
Having about 30 people over today for a holiday/birrhday BBQ. Having a birthday 3 days after the 4th you wind up with a lot of celebrations being combined.
Yes I have joined twitter. Find me at puckyprosecutor. First person to identify where the puckish prosecutor is from gets credit! (not enough to spell our puckish).
Happy 4th of July!
I’m Canadian so a big shout out goes out to all the good people in your armed forces! Without them i’m sure we’d be speaking Russian or some other foreign language by now
If it weren't for the gutter, my mind would be homeless.
and we'd be the Chicago Comrades
and the vendors would sell beet soup and vodka
I haz comedy show in August. You come seez it please?: Hot Beans Delivers
by digitalbenjamin on Jul 4, 2009 11:29 AM CDT up reply actions
In Soviet Chicago
Ballgame takes out you!
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. [ibid] This is the kind of fan I am.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 4, 2009 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions
half of you speak French though!
So are you really any better off??
I keed, I keed.. :P
"People ask me a lot about the values I got from playing for the Cubs for so many years. The value I got out of it was patience. A lot of people these days are not very patient." -- Ernie Banks
by CubFanInCanberra (9387milesfromWrigley) on Jul 4, 2009 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions
What's up with Looper's photo above?
he looks like a war criminal or something.. or is it just me??
"People ask me a lot about the values I got from playing for the Cubs for so many years. The value I got out of it was patience. A lot of people these days are not very patient." -- Ernie Banks
by CubFanInCanberra (9387milesfromWrigley) on Jul 4, 2009 11:32 AM CDT reply actions
at least Rich looks less
gansta. A little stretchy, tho.
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. [ibid] This is the kind of fan I am.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 4, 2009 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions
+1
Rich’s old pic was just wrong..
"People ask me a lot about the values I got from playing for the Cubs for so many years. The value I got out of it was patience. A lot of people these days are not very patient." -- Ernie Banks
by CubFanInCanberra (9387milesfromWrigley) on Jul 4, 2009 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions
maybe he's so sad
because he wanted to be a model.
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. [ibid] This is the kind of fan I am.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 4, 2009 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions
All the Brewer pictures
have been dark and brooding.
’course… thats probably b/c mil sucks!
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas
Many teams have those done in spring training....
More Here: http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/rd2NYBMRn-D/Chicago+Cubs+Photo+Day/Aurbv8Iqrdc
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Jul 4, 2009 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions
that or a magician
reminds me of one of those cheesy David Copperfield pictures
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."
yeah, I can definitely see that.. lol
"People ask me a lot about the values I got from playing for the Cubs for so many years. The value I got out of it was patience. A lot of people these days are not very patient." -- Ernie Banks
by CubFanInCanberra (9387milesfromWrigley) on Jul 4, 2009 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions
2 days away from Rami coming back
I heard he spanked a double his first AB, walked, lined out and had 2 runs. After the game he said he was feeling fine…. excitement!
If it weren't for the gutter, my mind would be homeless.
He also played 3rd
for 4 innings.
:-) I miss that man.
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas
guzman threw 1.1 innings in iowa and had 1 strike out
wells4roty
by jesus christos on Jul 4, 2009 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions
That double was a foot or two from going over the wall
and man was it crushed
A ugly win is better than a pretty loss-Lou
its something about third baseman that cause them to hit a HR in their first AB
wells4roty
by jesus christos on Jul 4, 2009 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions
I think he should come back on Tuesday for my birthday. But my birthday game is Monday so he is in a way.
Yes I have joined twitter. Find me at puckyprosecutor. First person to identify where the puckish prosecutor is from gets credit! (not enough to spell our puckish).
by puckishcubsfan on Jul 4, 2009 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions
how'd it get to be so late??
If I don’t go to bed soon, it’s going to become really tempting to stay up for the game… :-\
"People ask me a lot about the values I got from playing for the Cubs for so many years. The value I got out of it was patience. A lot of people these days are not very patient." -- Ernie Banks
by CubFanInCanberra (9387milesfromWrigley) on Jul 4, 2009 11:42 AM CDT reply actions
DO IT!!!!!
Missing the sweep that turns around this season would be sad.
Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008
oh great..
now it’s on me? lol
"People ask me a lot about the values I got from playing for the Cubs for so many years. The value I got out of it was patience. A lot of people these days are not very patient." -- Ernie Banks
by CubFanInCanberra (9387milesfromWrigley) on Jul 4, 2009 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions
well being the obsessive fan I am..
I would still listen to the game on the gameday audio archive when I get up in the morning.. :)
"People ask me a lot about the values I got from playing for the Cubs for so many years. The value I got out of it was patience. A lot of people these days are not very patient." -- Ernie Banks
by CubFanInCanberra (9387milesfromWrigley) on Jul 4, 2009 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions
Maybe you can keep yourself entertained
by watching the water swirl down the drain the wrong way until game time. :-)
"You have to have short-term memory, no matter who you are in this game. There's always tomorrow." ~Derrek Lee
I sure get tired of kids from the States
.. calling me collect to ask me to go flush my toilet…
"People ask me a lot about the values I got from playing for the Cubs for so many years. The value I got out of it was patience. A lot of people these days are not very patient." -- Ernie Banks
by CubFanInCanberra (9387milesfromWrigley) on Jul 4, 2009 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions
do you have Prince Albert
in a can?
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. [ibid] This is the kind of fan I am.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 4, 2009 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions
nearly, yes
"People ask me a lot about the values I got from playing for the Cubs for so many years. The value I got out of it was patience. A lot of people these days are not very patient." -- Ernie Banks
by CubFanInCanberra (9387milesfromWrigley) on Jul 4, 2009 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions
is it raining in chicago?
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."
Is the game going to start on time?
That will make my decision a lot easier..
"People ask me a lot about the values I got from playing for the Cubs for so many years. The value I got out of it was patience. A lot of people these days are not very patient." -- Ernie Banks
by CubFanInCanberra (9387milesfromWrigley) on Jul 4, 2009 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions
More like a very light mist.
It’s barely noticeable. I don’t see it being a problem.
"You have to have short-term memory, no matter who you are in this game. There's always tomorrow." ~Derrek Lee
When did Ch9
saturday morning cartoons get so awful?
yikes.
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas
LOL
I had to check. “Huntik”? This is sad.
Scooby-Doo, where are you?
"You have to have short-term memory, no matter who you are in this game. There's always tomorrow." ~Derrek Lee
Chicago Cubs Baseball is on the air!!
.. but I’m off to bed… go get ’em Cubbies!
I’ll listen later.. :)
"People ask me a lot about the values I got from playing for the Cubs for so many years. The value I got out of it was patience. A lot of people these days are not very patient." -- Ernie Banks
by CubFanInCanberra (9387milesfromWrigley) on Jul 4, 2009 12:00 PM CDT reply actions
I'm just repeating Pat.. :)
"People ask me a lot about the values I got from playing for the Cubs for so many years. The value I got out of it was patience. A lot of people these days are not very patient." -- Ernie Banks
by CubFanInCanberra (9387milesfromWrigley) on Jul 4, 2009 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Just letting you know
that it appears that the game will start on time
by LT on Jul 4, 2009 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions
'night
hopefully the Cubs keeping winning — keeps the trolls away! :)
"People ask me a lot about the values I got from playing for the Cubs for so many years. The value I got out of it was patience. A lot of people these days are not very patient." -- Ernie Banks
by CubFanInCanberra (9387milesfromWrigley) on Jul 4, 2009 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions
DYLAN!
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. [ibid] This is the kind of fan I am.
?
?
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
by buckmulligan on Jul 4, 2009 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions
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