Open Thread: Cubs vs. Padres, Sunday 6/17, 1:20 CT

Rather than comment on this afternoon's matchup, or yesterday's dustup, I wanted to tell you a few things about my dad.

Without going into great detail, through my entire life, and many personal tragedies and setbacks, he has always, without fail, stood beside me and supported me. He's 85 now and I'm lucky to still have him here. So today, wherever your dad is, if he's around, thank him for all he's done for you. I know he reads BCB, though he'll never post here, so -- Happy Father's Day, Dad.

And thanks for everything.

I'll be spending Father's Day at the ballpark with my son. Happy Father's Day to all of you, too.

Today's Starting Pitchers

R. Hill Cubs vs. G. Maddux Padres 5-4 W-L 5-3 2.81 ERA 3.86 78 SO 45 26 BB 13 12 HR 5 vs. SD -- vs. Cubs

I have only one thing to say about this pitching matchup: I love Greg Maddux, as do, I am sure, all of you. He is one of the greatest pitchers in Cubs history and has given us many, many fond memories. But I hope the Cubs beat the living daylights out of him today (figuratively, of course).

Obscure stat note from yesterday: before yesterday, the last time there were 1-0 games at at both Wrigley Field and Fenway Park on the same day was nearly 44 years ago: on July 23, 1963.

Less-obscure stat note from yesterday: yesterday's game was the first time since September 9, 1965 -- Sandy Koufax' perfect game against the Cubs -- that the Cubs had both allowed two hits or less, and had two hits or less themselves, in a game.

Another WGN game means that whatever excitement (and let's hope it's limited to baseball today) we have is again available nationally; also check the Mediacenter.

MLB.com Gameday (2007 version)

MLB.com Gameday (2006 version)

Discuss amongst yourselves.