Around the Field
Out of the Ballpark, which we've mentioned before, has expanded to cover not just Wrigley but also The Cell -- and the areas around stadiums in some other cities as well.
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Maybe that 2am Stroll Wasn't a Great Idea
Rashard Mendenhall, current Pittsburgh Steelers player and former Illini star was robbed at gunpoint along the lake late last night.
The Dancers Call Him "Stats"
The Boston Celtics' statistical "secret weapon" (and U of C grad) Mike Zarren gets the Freakonomics treatment in the New York Times magazine.
Let's Play Two
A look at the rare Chicago vs. New York City baseball "double-header" we had in town yesterday, from a New York Times perspective.
Sue-a-Bull
Don Kalant, an oral surgeon from Naperville, is suing the Chicago Bulls for injuries he suffered at the hands of the team's mascot at a February game. During a spirited high-five with Kalant, Benny the Bull reportedly tripped and hyperextended Kalant's arm, rupturing his biceps muscle.
Another Bicyclist Death
In another tragic car-bicycle accident, 22 year-old Tyler Fabeck was struck and killed early Sunday morning.
Not Even Close
According to the U.S. Olympic Committee chief Peter Ueberroth (and he should know, right?), Chicago is "not anywhere near first" when it comes to the bidding for the 2016 Olympics. Think about it: it's possible we're pulling up the rear with Baku, Azerbaijan (whose name, ironically, means "windy city").
April Is The Cruelest Month
Would any other fan write poetry about their losing baseball team? I doubt the White Sox have inspired verse, but the Cubs apparently have.
Chinese Protests Go National
While the Olympic torch was in San Francisco yesterday, the Tibetan community in Chicago was active with a protest of their own.
The Slippery Slope
Not that anyone wants to think about winter after this glorious weekend, but the Swallow Cliff toboggan slides (also known as "Terror Hill") in Palos Township are in danger of demolition. The mayor of Palos Park and other concerned south suburban citizens want to preserve the slides. Those with happy childhood memories of sliding down the slope at 65 mph under the constant threat of contusions, concussion, and broken bones are invited to contact the Forest Preserve District of Cook County and protest.
So Ends That, Right?
Almost five years later, Moises Alou comes clean. He couldn't have caught the ball anyway.
'Big Ben' To Toll For UK?
Bulls' star Ben Gordon, along with teammate Luol Deng, have been tapped by the Brits to play for their national team in the Eurobasket qualifying tournament, a springboard to 2012 Olympic Games. Why Gordon and Deng? Well, Deng moved to London to escape conflict in his native Sudan while Gordon was born in London but moved to the U.S. shortly afterwards.
New Sections, New Staff
If you've been exploring the new design, you may have spotted a new blog: Tailgate, our freshly minted sports blog. We're looking for writers, so if you're into sports (or know someone who is), get in touch. Conversely, if you're into arts & culture, we're looking for a few bright folks for A/C, too.
Are the Friendly Confines Getting Feisty?
The NYTimes turns its attention to the hundred year itch on the North Side.
Chicago Hope(s)
Baseball season kicked off today (yes, today...in Japan no less) so it might be a good time to take a look at what one sports website thinks of the prospects of the White Sox and Cubs this season.
100 Reasons
Why this will be the year for the Cubs.
The Sagacious Don Guillote
Despite the snow on the ground, Baseball's Opening Day (the great ritual of spring) is only ten days away! Southsiders can get in the mood by catching up with Carl Skanberg's "Palehose8: An Illustrated History of Sagacious Don Guillote."
I'm #1, For a Price
If you're planning to ride in the May 25 Bike the Drive event, a few Ebay bids began today to buy Bibs #1 and #2 and to select your own unique bib number; the proceeds benefit the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation. The auctions end March 28.
Upwards and Onwards!
In what is clearly the most important sporting contest of the year, Chicagoan Jesse Lucas Berg won Seattle's Big Climb.
And Then There Were Two
The Bears won't have Brian Griese to kick around anymore. He's off to Tampa Bay, where at least he'll be warmer. That leaves Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton to duke it out for QB supremacy.
Embedded in Chiditarod
That massive 360° coverage campaign the Methods Reporter planned for last weekend's Chiditarod really paid off.
Industrial-Strength Anthem for Hawks
Who knew? Industrial music godfather Al Jourgensen (Ministry) is a big Blackhawks fan. So big that he has written a new anthem for the team, "Keys To The City", that will debut on March 5. Jourgensen said he hopes the song "inspires some awesome fights on the ice."
Cover the Chiditarod
If you're planning to watch the Chiditarod this weekend, The Methods Reporter would like to make you a correspondent.
The Perfect Dog-Gone Gift
What do you get your dog-owner friend who has everything, including a tendency to get lost? This tote bag for carrying dog toys, dog treats, and doggie bags to the dog park.
Big Three-Way Trade for the Bulls
Ben Wallace and Joe Smith are gone-- off to Cleveland. Adrian Griffin to Seattle. Cleveland sends Larry Hughes, Drew Gooden, Cedric Simmons and Shannon Brown to the Bulls. Wally Szczerbiak goes from Seattle to Cleveland.
Not Leaving Chicago When You Leave Chicago
The Trib has the scoop on hanging out with the Cubs and White Sox in Arizona.
Ivy Licensing
Noted in this interview with EveryBlock founder Adrian Holovaty, Chicago has a business license designation of "Wrigley Field," which applies to the rooftop decks on Waveland and Sheffield.
Pitchers and Catchers Report... They've Been Robbed!
Bases aren't the only thing being stolen as spring training begins. Three Cubs players were among the victims of a Mesa, Arizona burgler.
Frank Lloyd Wright, Merchandise Mart and Tokyo's Imperial Hotel
What do they have in common? Lincoln Logs! Check out bullet #3 in this Mental Floss article to find out the connections.
A Decade Without Stars
As if this season's 18-27 record isn't bad enough, the Chicago Bulls haven't had an All-Star performer in 10 years!
This Year's Marathon™
Registration for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon™ (yep, that's the new name) opens tomorrow. Runners, on your mark.
Vote Cubs
Got a favorite Cubs blog or site? Vote for it in Cubscast's first annual Strodes Awards.
Windy City Rollers 2008 Season Opener
You haven't seen a roller derby bout yet? Let's amend that ASAP. The Windy City Rollers, Chicago's all-girl roller derby league, has its first game of the 2008 season next Saturday, January 26. Check out their website for tickets and info.
Evanston's Animal House
A fraternity at Northwestern is under investigation for hosting a midget wrestling ring.
$2,000,000,000 Estimated for Olympics
Officials estimate the costs of a 2016 Olympic Games in Chicago at $2 billion: $900 million for venue construction and $1.1 billion for an Olympic Village near McCormick Place. But calculating the costs of an Olympics is notoriously imprecise enterprise. London's 2012 games could cost four times the city's initial estimates. Here's Chicago's Olympic application.
An Olympic-sized Makeover
While the city gets set to unveil a detailed plan of its 2016 Olympic bid Tuesday, it seems we're still fighting the old Al Capone stereotype. Gee, he's only been dead for more than 60 years...
Bears with Guns
The Legend of Cecilio Guante site recalls a time when it was okay for the Monsters of the Midway to pack heat. Clever gun positioning there, Jim.
Now That's Tall
The NYT has a profile on Chicago native Kenny George, a Latin School grad who is 7 feet 7, 360 pounds, with size 26 shoes.
Olympic Press Conferences Can Get Hairy
Word to the wise for any Chicago Olympic bid officials: keep your own house in order. The wife of a sportscaster involved in the planning of the upcoming Olympics in Beijing hijacked his press conference and let his infidelity cat out of the bag. Includes video.
Looking Ahead to Olympic Dates
Olympic coverage already seems plenty stale, but some important deadlines are coming up. The most significant date before the June decision on formal candidacy is the January 14th filing deadline for the vision, venues and budget. Prepare for the first real look at the plan and some serious politics.
Chicago and the Mitchell Report
A quick search for the word "Chicago" in the Mitchell Report on steroids in baseball yields these players who had stints with the Cubs or White Sox: Todd Hundley, Matt Franco, Rondell White, Glenallen Hill, Todd Pratt, Kent Mercker, Scott Schoeneweis, Jerry Hairston, Jr., and Jim Parque. The only thing we can fairly say at this time is that these people are named in the report. Cancelled checks, FedEx slips -- they've got the goods. Matt Karchner provided some snitch-alation. The word "Sosa" appears but once, in a note indicating that Mitchell wrote him a letter with specific questions. Sosa didn't write back.
Da Coach Sure Likes to Golf, Huh?
Former Bears coach Mike Ditka displayed his well-developed sense of outrage this year to Congress over how the NFL treats it retirees. Now comes USA Today, with a report that the charity he formed in 2004 expressly to help those players has spent $57,000 on them and $715,000 on golf outings.
Devin Devotees Unite!
Stopping just short of calling opposing coaches chickens, a new website pretty much DEMANDS that teams be forced to kick to the Bears' freakishly-amazing return man Devin Hester.
That's Rough
The golf world is aghast at a Golf Magazine survey that placed Chicago 46th out of 50 best cities in America for golf.
Giants Covering Spread Against Bears?
The Freakonomics guys are wondering out loud why the Giants risked kicking to Hester on Sunday. Could it be... gambling?
Black Sox Documents Up for Auction
Mastro Auctions in Burr Ridge has put "thousands of rare documents, letters and memos" pertaining to the Black Sox scandal of 1919 up for auction. Included are notes from fans, angry letters from Charles Comiskey, and legal documents from the 1921 criminal trial in which eight White Sox players were banned from baseball after allegedly throwing the World Series. Items will remain on auction until December 13th, because nothing says "Merry Christmas Granny" like Shoeless Joe's canceled paycheck.
Former Pitching Stars
The Cubs signed a one-year contract with Kerry Wood (he'll be a reliever, not a starter). Mark Prior, on the other hand, may not be long for the team.
Name that Park
Speaking of city facility names, the Chicago Park District has some curiously named parks. Among them: Indian Road, Golden Gate, Valley Forge and, of course, the colorfully named No. 484.
The Glory Days of High School Football
The Tribune has compiled an extensive report of the 2007 season for the Mooseheart Red Ramblers. Complete in three parts, with supplemental video and photos. Suburban high school football at its most enthralling.
No Garland this Christmas
Retooling their lineup to try and get back to the World Series, the White Sox have shipped starter Jon Garland to the California Angels for shortstop Orlando Cabrera. The White Sox also get cash too, which should help the next time manager Ozzie Guillen gets fined.
Sadie Hawkins' Day Race & Style Ride
The now annual Sadie Hawkins' Day Race & Style Ride is back again, November 10th. What is it? "Sadie Hawkins Day Race/Style Ride is an on-street, in-traffic, point-to-point bike adventure for couples or pairs... There are prizes for the fastest couple, fastest tandem team, fastest out of towners, best dressed, and more." Last year's inaugural event drew people from out of town, generated a ton of missed connections and suffice to say, there were a few couples that are still together to this day.
Chicago Scores a Knockout
The head of the International Boxing Association is giving rave reviews to Chicago's hosting of the World Boxing Championships, calling them "the best ever." The hospitality he has received has prompted Dr. Ching-kuo Wu to say he'll support the city's bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics. And participating boxers were equally overwhelmed, although three could not be reached for comment. Um, you have gone to a match, right? If not, you have until Saturday, Nov. 3.
Chicago Streetballin'
It's a little known fact that superstar NBA player Kevin Garnett credits his year at Farragut and streetball in Chicago with helping him develop into the player he is today. Even if you're not into sports, it's cool to hear him say "Chicago embraced me when they didn't have to ... [they] embraced a person who embraced them."
Weak, Strong, Who Cares?
Apparently now we're back to looking strong for the 2016 Olympics. We better not have to hear about every waffle for the next several years.
Goal of the Week
The Blackhawks had a great weekend, winning against tough teams -- but this goal by rookie Jonathan Toews was the definite high point. (Thanks, Jim!)
Outdoor Photography
The local Patagonia store is holding a photo contest. Local photographers are invited to submit a photo of themselves or family members doing active outdoor activities -- while wearing Patagonia clothing, of course. Three finalists will be selected to compete nationally for a trip for two to Vietnam. Bring your 4"x6" prints to the store by Oct. 31.
Gleaming the Kennedy
The Chicago Park District is proposing building a sweet skate park near the Kennedy at Logan Boulevard in Logan Square. The park will feature10 ramps, benches and a drinking fountain. The tag is nearly half a million, but it's a small price to pay for reviving that blighted strip while giving skaters a place to show off.
Rolling On
The Chi-Town Sirens, Chicago's second roller derby team, never quite caught on and shut down after just two seasons. Rising from its ashes, though, is the Chicago Outfit -- the toughest, most committed of the Sirens, out to prove they're serious. They're having a costume party/open skate next week; details in Slowdown. (There's a Windy City Rollers bout this weekend, too!)
Hester, Ridiculous
Whether you're a Bears fan who thinks there still might be hope for the 2007 team, or a sportswriter convinced the season is over, everyone can agree that Devin Hester, the Bears return man extraordinaire, is ridiculous.
Boxers on Parade
The human variety, not the canine. As part of a qualification tournament for the 2008 Beijing Olympics there will be a parade of boxers and their trainers next Monday, October 22 at 4 PM from the Palmer House to the Chicago Theatre. Any similarities between this event and the Olympics' opening ceremonies are purely intentional, as local Olympics boosters are hoping that this event will show the IOC that Chicago knows how to take care of international athletic competitions.
A Runner's Perspective
Frank Shorter, a two-time Olympic medalist, weighs in on what went wrong with the Chicago Marathon and what should be done to prepare runners for hot races in the future. (Thanks, Anne!)
Go West, Running Man
Didn't finish in the Chicago Marathon? Head on over to Denver. Runners who did not finish in the marathon here are invited to register for the marathon in Denver, happening this Sunday. Short notice, I know, but if you can get there you won't have to pay the entry fee.
Pwnage
Congrats to Jesse Rodriguez of Chicago, who was part of one of the winning teams in this year's World Cyber Games (an event which is, according to the Sun-Times, the gaming equivalent of the Olympics, so Chicagoans are already kicking butt in Olympics-like events). Jesse (or "AtmosFEAR", as he is known on the Internets) will share a $30,000 prize with his teammates.
Curse of the Billy Goat Continues?
Earlier this week, an unknown Cubs fan, apparently hoping to excise the curse of the Billy Goat, strung up at dead goat on the Harry Caray statue outside of Wrigley Field. The team needs the help: they're down 2-0 to the Diamondbacks.
Window to the Stars
The NY Times features Chicagoan John Spack's $100,000 domed observatory in its discussion of the burgeoning trend in home construction.
Cubs Fans Rejoice
Major League Baseball and the Cubs are sponsoring a rally tomorrow, at noon, in Daley Plaza to celebrate the Cubs' Central Division title. The Mayor and Governor are scheduled to attend, as are former players Billy Williams and Andy Pafko, among others. Of course, fans didn't need anyone to organize them a rally the night the Cubs clinched their postseason spot.
Hello Again, Everybody
Sad that Harry Carey wasn't around to watch another Cubs race to the playoffs, but you can still bring a little of him into your home. (Sad also that Stoney's not in the booth for this, but wait 'til next year, maybe.)
Rolling Hard
The Windy City Rollers have had a tough but rewarding year. The Tribune follows their big match against #1 ranked Madison.
No, You Don't Have to Box
The World Boxing Championships will be held in Chicago next month, and they're looking for volunteers to help with the event. Got what it takes? (Thanks, Evan!)
Bill Wirtz is dead
Alcohol and hockey magnate Bill Wirtz died this morning.
Norm Van Lier's Curse
Thabo Sefolosha might not know that the Bulls #2 is cursed! [via]
And Justice for Cyclists...
GB alumni and fellow teammate Luke Seemann recounts a hit-and-run during the team's weekly Saturday morning ride up to Highland Park and back on his excellent Chicago Bike Racing. Clearly an attack on the riders who were paying attention to the rules of the road, the culprit turned himself in and is now facing felony charges in court. Luke has further details on Thomas Lynch.
The Tequilia Fund
A donation fund has been set up for partially paralyzed Windy City Roller "Tequila Mockingbird," (previous coverage here, here) to help pay for her medical bills (she was uninsured). You can donate via PayPal to TheTahirahJohnsonTrust@gmail.com. All funds will be transferred directly into her North Community Bank trust account and are tax-deductible. (You can use that same address to send her well-wishings, too.)
There Once Was a Team Called the Cubs...
Photos and limericks about our North Side team. (Thanks, Enrich.)
7 Bids for the Olympics
Well, now we know who our competition is. And the local press is already giving Chicago the lead.
Is Chicago Bike-Friendly?
The Tribune sent a reporter and photographer along with two Chicagoland Bicycle Federation employees to ask the question in an article with video. Of course, they find out what most of us already know: cars mean trouble. Go ahead and take the poll, if you're so inclined.
Where to Fish
Want to go fishing? Here's where to go, and what you might catch there.
Cheetah Gym Saga Continues
Drive-Thru contributor Dana says, "I walked by the Andersonville location this morning and saw a sign in the window that said 'Cheetah Gym will be reopening under new ownership on Sept. 9.' Quick turn-around, huh?"
Wanna Be the Next Nitro or Lace?
That's right: "American Gladiators" is returning to TV after an 11-year hiatus. And they're looking for both gladiators and contestants here in Chicago. Show up at the Windy City Fieldhouse Sept. 16 for your chance.
The Heckler
Are the ups & downs of Chicago sports getting to you? The Heckler can help take the edge off.
Know Thy Vendor
Who are the men and women who pour frosty tall boys at Wrigley Field, answering the call of "Hey, beer man!" during the baseball season? Wrigley Beer Vendors has the answer, with 63 vendors profiled in a neat baseball card format. Can you do this?
Rolling the Tollway
Following the great success of Bike the Drive, the Chicago Bike Federation has somehow managed to persuade the Illinois Tollway to give Route 355 over to bicycle traffic on November 11. Six lanes, nothing but bikes.
Free Darko
The prominent hoops bloggers at freedarko.com will be having their first annual Columbian Exposition, er meetup, tonight at 8pm at the Five Star. Afterwards, you should stay at the Five Star for Transmission Thursday.
Lone Surfer of Lake Michigan
Detroit surfer Joe Bidawid landed safely in Chicago yesterday after paddling about 60 miles across Lake Michigan on his board. He did it to raise money for the American Cancer Society.
BREAKING NEWS: Serious Injury @ the Derby
Gapers Block just received word that Saturday night's Windy City Rollers bout was cut short by an incident that left Fury player Tahirah Johnson, aka Tequila Mockingbird, with a fractured cervical vertebra. She was rushed to surgery to relieve pressure and hopefully save her from paralysis. We'll keep you posted as details come in (below the break -- click on "More"); The WCR message board is another good place to watch for updates.
Of Boxers and Pit Bulls
The story of a former boxer and pitt-bull fighter from Freeport, IL. [via]
The Chicago Colts
If you follow baseball (or don't, in my case), you're probably aware of the 30-3 trouncing the Rangers gave the Orioles last night. However, you may not be aware that the team who still holds the record for points in a game (37, back in 1897), the Chicago Colts, was a predecessor to the Cubs.
Regional Fandom
Strange Maps reminds us that Cubs country is a bit bigger than White Sox country. Curse/Bless you SuperStation WGN!
Downtown Poshness Poolside
Apartment Therapy Chicago let us in on a cool option for a downtown getaway: The Hotel Intercontinental offers access to its amazing Roman Bath-style pool and fitness center for just $15. (Check out the virtual reality tour of the pool in the Amenities section of this {unfortunately all-Flash} site.)
Pessimism Reigns Eternal
Got an overconfident Cubs fan in your midst? Here's a song to help bring them back to earth, courtesy of the Beachwood Reporter.
Don't Jenks It
Despite the White Sox' continued suckitude, closer Bobby Jenks has been a bright spot. On Sunday, Jenks tied Jim Barr's all-time record of 41 consecutive batters retired. (Here's a great little profile from back just before Jenks joined the Sox in '05.)
Ping Pong Hype Machine
With a new comedy set to raise the profile of table tennis, it's good to realize that Chicago's own Killerspin has been making ping pong cool for years.
Say Hey, Let Me Play Too
The Cubs are for sale, and Ernie Banks wants in. Mr. Cub made an offer last year, before the Cubbies were available, and has talked to three of the investment teams getting ready to bid.
Look out for the Sky
Despite a loss the other night, the Chicago's 2nd-year franchise in the WNBA, the Sky, is in a playoff hunt. They play at the UIC Pavillion-- tickets here.
Every Cubs Fan Has a Blog
The Trib's Paul Sullivan runs through the goings-on at some major Cubs blogs. Be sure to check the comments to see the blogs he missed.
Chicago-Based Former Bulls + Duct Tape = Fishy
The Antoine Walker home invasion earlier this month was a little goofy, and led to some raised eyebrows. Now comes Eddy Curry, former Bull, currently of Burr Ridge-- he got nicked the exact same way. Police say it wasn't random. Suffice it to say, when the other shoe drops, it'll be a big one.
A City that Fishes Together...
As gun-wielding citizens get taken out by the police at a pretty good clip, Checkerboard Chat says that the Chicago Police Department is hosting Hooked on Fishing at Sherman Park Lagoon, Garfield Park, Northerly Island, Humboldt Park, and Montrose Harbor over the next month.
He Stays!
The "Will He Stay or Will He Go" debate that has swirled around White Sox pitcher Mark Buehrle has finally been resolved with a contract extension. No word about what White Sox fans are left to talk about now.
Where's the Love for No Glove?
Sure hosting the Olympics would be neat, but asking the vital questions, an article on the 16 Inch Hall of Fame website wonders what effect it might have on Chicago's game.
Bagtown
Since we're on the subject of cornhole, you might want to check out ChicagoCornhole.com. The tournament they set up at Pizza Fest was fun, but take some friendly advice and get some practice in first if you don't want to get owned. I know...ahem...from experience.
Beanbags Away!
Don't know how I missed this yesterday: Cornhole, aka Baggo, makes the front page of the Wall Street Journal.
What's Ozzie Thinking?
With the White Sox struggling mightily, the Onion gives us a sense of what might happen if we knew what Ozzie was thinking.
Foot-Powered Festivals
The Chicagoland Bike Federation has put together bike-friendly routes to a few summer festivals, including the Irish American Heritage Festival and Chinatown Summer Fair.
Big Changes for the Lakefront?
In yet another public works project designed to win favor with the IOC (and area boaters), the Park District has released tentative plans to build three additional harbors. The Trib provides renderings.
Hounds Called Off
The Hoffman Estates-based Chicago Hounds United Hockey League team is closing shop after only a year in business due to issues with their home rink, the Sears Centre.
Bardball: Reviving the art of Baseball Doggerel
Submit your baseball-themed poems and songs to Bardball.com, the site that "wants to resurrect the connection between baseball and poetry, between the love of the game and love of language." The site is run by two Chicago writers -- James Finn Garner (Politically Correct Bedtime Stories and the new book Recut Madness: Favorite Movies Retold for Your Partisan Pleasure) and Stuart Shea (Wrigley Field: The Unauthorized Biography and editor of Wrigley Season Ticket 2007.)
No Tank for 8 Games
The Bears' Tank Johnson has been suspended by the NFL for eight games next season as a result of his arrest on weapons charges last year. Which means, unless he gets time off for good behavior, we'll see him suit up for the first time Nov. 11.
Cubs, Cubs, Cubs
It's been quite the weekend for the Cubs with players fighting each other & the manager "Lou-sing" his cool. Also this week, the NYTimes published a video feature on "The Re-education of Kerry Wood".
Obama's Political Hoops
The NYTimes details Senator Obama's hoops profile and it's potential impact on his political career. It turns out that Alexi Giannoulias (Illinois State Treasurer), Martin Nesbitt (Chairperson of CHA), and Arne Duncan (CEO of CPS) were part of his basketball clique. Of the four, it's only Duncan who has played hoops professionally (in Australia).
Yet Another Googlemap, Duffer's Edition
Like golf? Crain's Chicago Business has the map for you, listing 191 courses in Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana.
Olympic Logo Woes
The International Olympic Committee has determined the Chicago bid logo violates the organization's rules. A new logo is now in the works.
Scourge of the Suburbs
A revolt is underway in the suburbs. The target: new sidwalks. After all, with sidewalks, "who knows what you'd be encouraging to come through?" The Trib's online readers are having none of it, with approximately 90% saying sidewalks in neighborhoods are "a positive addition."
Derby Day Approches
Saturday marks the 133rd running of the Kentucky Derby (as well as Cinco de Mayo), and if you like double-fisting mint juleps and margaritas, there are plenty of bars that can accommodate you. If you want to get out to the track, but can't afford the bus fare to Louisville, however, you can take advantage of a coupon for free admission to Arlington Park racetrack in today's Red Eye, just outside the city limits, and on the Metra rail.
Shuttlecocks, Bowls and Wickets
Now that the warm embrace of spring has you snuggled close, it's time to think about some fun springtime sports. Like badminton. Or lawn bowling. But does anybody out there have a croquet hook-up?
Not a Family Values Pick
Greg Olsen, the Bears' first round draft pick, recorded an amazingly sexist song with other students while a freshman in college.
Return on Investment
At the beginning of April, the Tribune profiled baseball card collector Lionel Carter, who was about to put his collection up for auction, fearing for his safety after home invaders stole some of it. The portion he's auctioned so far has earned $1.6 million. NPR interviewed him yesterday.
Rejoice Sports Fans
Chicago sports fans really had something to cheer about this weekend. The Cubs, the Bulls and the Fire all defeated the defending champions of their respective leagues. Unfortunately the Cubs victory is tinged with sadness; the last game of their series was canceled due to the Cardinal family's loss of pitcher Josh Hancock in a car crash.
Enjoying the Hoopla
The Bulls won their first playoff series since "the Jordan era" on Sunday afternoon by defeating the Miami Heat. Up next: Detroit.
Rush Onwards!
Best wishes to Chicago Rush head coach Mike Hohensee, who was hit by a car Friday afternoon and released from the hospital yesterday. Our defending Arena Football League Champion Rush are set to play Jon Bon Jovi's Philadelphia Soul Monday night (7pm, ESPN2) at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont.
No Tinkers. No Evers. No Chance.
Talk about talking smack! The St. Louis Post-Dispatch rewrites a famous baseball poem to articulate why the Cubs will NEVER win the World Series.
Top Dog
They haven't got much attention from the local press, nor did they have a winning record in their first season, but the Chicago Hounds can at least claim one thing: Greg Puhalski was named UHL Coach of the Year.
Get Out of the Ballpark!
And onto this new web site: Out of the Ballpark is "the everything that's close to Wrigley Field guide" that boasts info on dining "beyond peanuts," a handy shopping guide for folks who aren't looking just for jerseys and ballcaps, maps and travel guides and more. Great for out-of-towners and locals alike.
Olympic Arts
With all of the hubbub about the Olympics, there's an argument that sports shouldn't get all of the attention. In a city currently alive with Version>07, and soon to have Artropolis going too, art should also be at the forefront. Tribune art critics provide a few conceptions of how art could work with the Olympics.
Al Capone! Bang Bang!
The city's charming gangster past is further commemorated in RuneSoft's Chicago 1930 game, which now offers any interested parties (with Macs) a demo that "impresses with very detailed and varying backdrops offering dark courtyards and dubious brothels as well as monumental buildings of large towns."
An Expensive Hat
Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher was fined $100,000 for wearing an unsanctioned hat during an NFL event. I wonder how much additional advertising this fine will provide for the brand in question.
Too Late, Slowpokes
If you were planning on running in the Chicago Marathon this year, I hope you signed up already: direct registration closed today, a bit earlier than usual. There are still limited spaces available through the Chicago Area Runners Association and a number of other organizations; check the list on this page. (Thanks, jaymce!)
They're the Wirtz
As readers of Sports in Five know, the Blackhawks' season is over, finishing 13th in their division. The Wall Street Journal takes a look at the man every Hawks fan blames: Bill Wirtz.
Jackie Robinson Day
April 15th, the 60th Anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking baseball's color-barrier, has been designated Jackie Robinson Day by Major League Baseball. In tribute to Robinson, the White Sox Jermaine Dye, Jim Thome, Alex Cintron, (first-base coach) Harold Baines, and (third-base coach) Razor Shines will wear Robinson's # 42. Cubs Derrek Lee, Cliff Floyd, Jacque Jones, Daryle Ward, (hitting coach) Gerald Perry, and (bullpen coach) Lester Strode will do the same.
One Step Closer to the Olympics
Chicago has been picked over Los Angeles by the US Olympic Committee as their preference for hosting the 2016 Olympics. Now we have to persuade the International Olympic Committee that we are worthy. We've got a while to make our case, though; the final decision won't be made until October 2009.
Olympic Decision Pending
The decision of the US Olympic Committee comes down tomorrow, and I don't know about you, but I like Chicago's chances over LA a whole lot better now that Mitt Romney has thrown his support behind us.
Cubs as Commodity
Take a gander at the queue for buying "a shrine, a team and a great place to watch baseball."
Casting a Wider Net
Chicago Sportscast already produces some of the best podcasts on our local sports teams (including one by our own Bears in Five columnists), but they're not satisfied. So they're launching networks in Atlanta, the Bay Area, Boston, D.C., Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia and St. Louis. Auditions are already taking place; if you know a sports nut in one of those towns, put'em in touch.
Darryl Stingley is Dead
Chicago native and community leader Darryl Stingley, who was paralyzed in an NFL football game in 1978 and went on to live a productive, inspiring life from his wheelchair, has died.
Odes to Lou & Ozzie
It might only be two games into the baseball season, but it's never too early to sing odes to managers Ozzie Guillen and Lou Piniella.
Hope Springs Eternal
What else can you say on Opening Day? For those of you looking for some diversions this afternoon, the White Sox are playing Cleveland on the South Side & the Cubs are playing in Cincinnati. Both games are at 1PM. Neither team is going to go 162-0 this season, but for a few more hours it remains a mathematical possibility.
Cricket: More Than Just Wearing All White (Apparently)
With the 2007 Cricket World Cup currently taking place in the Caribbean and the Clue-esque intrigue surrounding the murder of Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer, cricket has been getting a lot of press lately. If all the cricket noise has inspired you to learn about the game, pull a Jerry Seinfeld American Express commercial ("That was a wicked googly"), or check out a match in-person, GB has you covered. Or, more specifically, is able to guide you to the website of the Greater Chicago Cricket Association.
Wasted Away Again In Wrigleyville
The folks at Deadspin (Gawker's sports blog) just posted their season preview for [announcer voice] your revamped 2007 Chicago Cubs.
Low Cost Sneakers (No Word on Headbands)
Chicago Bulls center Ben Wallace is joining the affordable sneaker movement with his new shoe "the Big Ben" expected to be available in the fall and to retail for $15. The shoes look to have all the popular features of today's modern athletic footwear sans the markup.
Speaking of the Bears and eBay...
Reader Zach informs us that some of those Bears SuperBowl XLI Champions shirts that got sent to Africa have found their way to eBay. A must-have for the ultimate superfan.
Today's eBay Find
A commemorative wristwatch from the 1940 NFL championship, where the Chicago Bears beat the Washington Redskins 73-0. The watch, originally given to Bears fullback Gary Famiglietti, recently turned up in the personal effects of a northwest suburban man who died in November. The Sun-Times reports that one interested buyer is of course the Chicago Bears, who would love to have this piece of team history.
Crack of the Skull
In 2005, Adam Greenberg was called up to the Chicago Cubs from a farm team in Tennessee. During his first-ever MLB at-bat, he was struck in the head by a 90 MPH fastball. This week's New York Times Magazine looks at what he's doing now.
Look Out for That Sand Trap
Custodians at a Mundelein golf course discovered a skull and assorted bones at and around the 14th tee. The varmint responsible has yet to be identified. [Warning: The last two links are noisy.]
A Home Turf Challenge to Boeing
Plane watchers will be pleased to hear the Airbus A380 will definitely visit O'Hare tomorrow.
In Case You Missed It
Simeon defeated O'Fallon 77-54 last night in the Class AA boy's basketball championships. Long-time high school sports beat writer Bob Sakamoto called them, "the greatest Public League team of all time". That's saying alot.
Puss Pummelling
In last night's surprising game between Duke and VCU, former Glenbrook North High standout Jon Scheyer took one hard to the face. Duke was ousted, Scheyer was bloodied, and lots of betting pools were hosed. (Awesome bloody photo here.)
Fill Out Your Bracket
If you haven't yet read this week's Hoops in Five, it's mostly about the NCAA Tournament. For those interested in that sort of thing (and who doesn't fill out a bracket, really?) join the Gapers Block pool. The winner will be announced on the site, and receive both my admiration and a moderately exciting prize!
The South Side Chicago Board of Tourism
Convert your currency to South Side dollars while enjoying an unusual White Sox website.
Windy City Rollers Announce Bout Dates
The Windy City Rollers, Chicago's first all-girl flat-track roller derby league, has announced bout dates for the 2007 season. All bouts are held at The Stadium in Cicero (1909 S. Laramie). Check here to buy tickets, or for a list of ticket vendors.
* April 21 * May 19 * June 16 * July 21 (playoffs) * September (championships - date/location TBA)
New Style or Old Style?
Earlier this month we mentioned the new ads in the outfield at Wrigley. Baseball parks have sported ad signage since the turn of the century, but if you really loved those green doors, you can join the other petition signers at Savewrigley.com.
These Roller Girls Need Shirts
The Windy City Rollers need new shirts and they want you to design them. That's right, enter your design idea for a new WCR League shirt before March 21st and you could win a butt-load of prizes, not to mention be responsible for helping our own bad girls of the flat-track look their best.
Visit Beautiful Woodstock
Northwest suburban Woodstock was named one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Dozen Distinctive Destinations for 2007. [via]
Irish Pugilism
The annual tradition of Irish men beating each other up is just around the corner. Undefeated Chicago light heavyweight "Irish" Mike Nevitt will face fellow Irishman Shawn Hammack in the main event at March Mayhem, "Chicago's annual St. Patrick's Day professional boxing event" on Friday, March 16th, at Cicero Stadium. Full card details in Slowdown.
The World's Game in Our Town
Sure LA has whats-his-name on the way, but let's not forget Chicago is home to the US Soccer House, and now, will host the CONCACAF Gold Cup semis and finals.
Look the Part
If you took our suggestion to heart and are trying to find ways to look the part for the US Olympic Committee's scout team, you might want to head over to Marsh...er, Macy's and check out the new official "Chicago 2016 Shop".
Olympic Committee In Town
Quick, everybody, look athletic! A scout team for the US Oympic Committee is in town on a two-day visit to Chicago to hear city officials' arguments as to why we should host the 2016 Olympics. On April 14, the committee will vote between Chicago and Los Angeles, and then the winner of that vote goes on the short list of world cities in the running (a list that also includes Rio de Janeiro, Tokyo and Madrid), and then the actual winner is announced in October. Of 2009. That's right, the Olympic committees still have two more years of looking at cities, but at least by April we'll know if Chicago is in the finals.
Skates Alive! It's a Derby Design Contest!
Have you always wanted to be on a derby girl's chest? Don't be silly -- of course you have. And here's your chance. Chicago's own babes-on-skates, the Windy City Rollers, have announced a t-shirt contest. The winning t-shirt design will be featured WCR merch and sold at the 2007-08 bouts as well as online. But the sweet goodness doesn't stop there. Check here for all the guidelines and specifications and a full list of the booty. Deadline for entries is March 19 at 10am.
Another Bird to Check Off the List
Chicago birders will be pleased to hear that a Black Headed gull is currently visiting the Montrose Avenue Beach.
Bulls Turkey Burger?
Did the Bulls open a hamburger restaurant in Turkey? NBA Fanhouse thinks not officially. Naturally, there's a Michael Jordan burger, named in honor of the "basketball wizard" himself.
Santo Snubbed...Again
Ron Santo is to the Hall of Fame as Martin Scorsese is to the Academy Awards. Wait. That one doesn't quite work anymore. But you get the point. While the Academy righted its wrong with Scorsese the other night, yesterday the Hall of Fame Veterans Committee denied Chicago baseball legend Ron Santo his deserved spot in Cooperstown. It'll be two "maybe next year"s until Santo gets another shot at bronze bust immortality.
Johnny "Red" Kerr: NBA.com Broadcaster of the Week
There's a great story on NBA.com about Bulls legend Johnny "Red" Kerr. He recounts their early days as an expansion team, sheds light on the origins of the Michael Jordan ritual of clapping resin in Kerr's face before each game, and list his top 5 Bulls moments (with links to video).
What About 06776?
Calling all Cubs fans: if you've got a wristband for single ticket sales, the Cubs announced this morning that "Wrigley Field is currently servicing wristband numbers between 06779 and 09000." If your wristband is between these numbers you should report to Gate K on Waveland Avenue immediately. You've got until 5 PM. If you've got 06777 (06778 was not distributed), call WGN-- Old Style wants to reward you for losing and give you a ticket to the home opener.
Granddad the Wii Master
Welcome to a world wherein grandparents in Lake County teach their grandchildren how to play video games.
Chicago2016 - A Done Deal?
A sports business insider says the 2016 Olympics are Chicago's to lose. Take that, Los Angeles! We have Pat Ryan!
I Am A Patient Boy; e-Wait, e-Wait, e-Wait
Single-game tickets for the Cubs 2007 season go on sale Friday morning, and if you didn't get a wristband today, you might as well prepare to dedicate a browser tab for the Virtual Waiting Room and see what's left when your number comes up. (Alternately, you could buy single-game Sox tickets right now.)
So Long, Chief
Tonight's the night for Chief Illiniwek's last performance, during the halftime at the Illinois-Michigan game. After the Chief is retired, the Illini logo featuring the chief will eventually also be retired, although the State Journal-Register reports that the school is trying to develop a phase-out plan to make sure the logo doesn't fall into disuse and enter the public domain, allowing any old manufacturer to use it on their products. In the meantime, the Illini gear with the chief logo is flying off the shelves at the school's store.
Peace to the Chief
Chief Illiniwek will no longer perform at University of Illinois events.
Think Spring! Think Ultimate Spring
Registration for spaces in Ultimate Chicago's Spring League opens tomorrow. It'll be a month before Spring League play begins, but registering early will give you something to look forward to!
Cub's Hot Tub Flub
Continuing the tradition of baseball players finding novel ways of injuring themselves, Cubs reliever Kerry Wood hurt himself getting out of his hot tub! Cubs fans worry not, he'll be back on the mound in a few days.
Lemme Hear Ya
ah one....ah two....ah three.......Cub Fans and Bud Men from Liechtenstein to Malaysia are participating in a worldwide drink-a-thon in honor of Harry Caray. Ground zero is Harry Caray's Restaurant downtown, of course. Broadcast live right now.
Sports Dad Strikes Again
An Aurora man was caught on home video Sunday picking up his son's 11-year-old wrestling opponent and tossing the kid out of the ring, before charging the cameraman—the kid's father. NBC5 has a slideshow with scenes from the video.
Olympic Sized Donor Pool
Chicago 2016, the campaign to bring the Olympics here, is throwing its first public fundraiser March 1, and it already has $6 million in ticket sales.
Camo Spandex
The outfield walls of Wrigley Field will be sporting ads for Under Armour this year. Maybe it'll help the Cubs work on doing this.
Planet Palehose Draws Its Heroes
With less than 50 days to go before opening day, you can start getting ready for baseball on the southside by checking out cartoonist Carl Skanberg's Palehose 7. It's a more modern look for our heroes who were last seen sailing the south (side) seas in search of (more) baseball championship treasure.
A Bet's A Bet
Scott Wiese of Decatur signed a pledge before the Super Bowl that if the Bears lost, he would change his name to Peyton Manning. A man of his word, Wiese went to the Macon County courthouse on Tuesday and filed the name change paperwork.
Somewhere Rex is King
While only one team wins the Super Bowl, the NFL prepares for either outcome by printing championship apparel for both teams. The NYT reports that the losing team's apparel is donated to the remotest parts of the world through World Vision. So, somewhere someone believes that the Bears won the championship, and has a shirt to prove it!
No Need To Show Up
Not too surprisingly, today's planned homecoming celebration at Daley Plaza for the Chicago Bears has been cancelled at the team's request. Wait till next year.
Capping Our Bears Coverage For Now
You've probably had enough of the Bears for the time being, so we'll lay off until Sunday. Besides, the Beachwood Reporter has collected more than enough Bears-related links to last you the next couple days.
But Remember Kids, Gambling's Not Cool
Mayor Daley laid out his spread for the traditional friendly wager between mayors of Super Bowl cities today, and it's a doozy. Daley's not worried, though, warning Indy mayor Bart Peterson that he's won bets with the mayors of five other cities in the last year and a half. While we wait for Peterson to ante up, the cities' theaters are getting in on the action as well. Bailiwick artistic director David Zak announced a bet with Bryan Fonseca of Indianapolis's Phoenix Theatre: ten tickets to Bailiwick's upcoming US premiere of Jerry Springer: The Opera if the Colts win, and ten comps to Phoenix's world premiere And Her Hair Went With Her for a Bears win.
SexyRexy.com Was Taken
MidwestBusiness.com's Brad Spirrison proclaims his love of RexGrossman.com. It's a decent site, but you'll want to turn down your speakers, or you'll be treating the office to "Sexy Rexy's Back." (By the way, you *really* don't want to visit sexyrexy.com -- unless you want your IT department flagging you for visiting a pr0n site.)
"It has finally happened!!!"
The New York Times goes above and beyond once again, this time to find out where the respective territories of Bears and Colts fans merge into one blue-and-orange and blue-and-white slurry of some Bear/Colt hybrid creature. The answer: Rensselaer, Indiana. And they're pumped for Sunday.
The Helmet Crack'd
An oversized fiberglass Bears helmet cracked while being placed on one of the Art Institute Lions. Perhaps the lions--who have designations rather than proper names--are secret and disgruntled fans of a certain Michigan team.
Schmattze Speaks
In 1943, as male National Baseball League players went off to war, Cubs owner Philip K. Wrigley formed the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League Players Association to keep the ballparks in business. Former Chicago native and Springfield Sallies pitcher Esther "Schmattze" Morrison shares a few memories of when baseball diamonds were a girl's best friend.
Disappointed Fans and Blocked Media
The Mount Prospect Costco turned away disappointed fans and at least one camera crew after it stipulated that William "Refrigerator" Perry could only sign Costco-bought items. (Video has additional details.)
Indy Smack
Indianapolis Star writer Michael Tully ruminates on possibilities for the lame tradition of Mayoral Sports Betting. He starts off trying to come up w/ some municipal trash talk about Chicago. Finding it difficult, he settles into the old standard-- Bear's fans are "drunk and disorderly".
"My Body for Your Super Bowl Tickets!"
We're already seeing the first of what will end up being a host of stories on the lengths that Chicagoans will go to get Super Bowl tickets! For example, Lake View woman Jennifer Gordon will gladly paint an ad across her pregnant belly in exchange for two Super Bowl tickets. Since 100 million people will see this ad clearly on television, it might not be a bad deal.
Better Than Curling
It's winter. Darn near February, too. And if you don't yet have one of those deep-purple, painful-to-the-touch, entire-buttock bruises acquired after an icy slip-and-fall, then now is your chance to get one. And you can have fun while doing it, too! Yes, it's broomball season in the icy north, folks. So put on that third layer of sweatpants and get out to Warren Park for everyone's favorite coed winter sport. Seasons start on February 6 and 15. Registration information here, or call 773-866-2955.
Define "Once in a Lifetime Experience"
Not wanting to cheat her husband Mark of the joy of seeing the Bears trounce the Saints at Soldier's Field, Colleen Pavelka of Homer Glen induced labor on Friday rather than risk giving birth during the big game. "I thought, how could (Mark) miss this one opportunity that he might never have again in his life?" said Pavelka, 28, who is now undoubtedly prayed to as a fertility goddess by legions of male Bears fans.
He Voted For the Bears Before He Voted Against Them
It's a relatively minor entry on the list of reasons why the Bears' trouncing of the Saints yesterday, and their impending trip to Super Bowl XLI, is freaking awesome. But it still warms my heart to reread Jay Mariotti's column from yesterday's Sun-Times—while I'm glad he's healthy enough to be writing again, his pessimistic, ripjob game preview is classic back-and-forth bombast, negative enough that Mariotti could say he told us so if the Bears lost, but never outright predicting they would. Expect Mariotti's next column to claim he knew all along the Bears would dominate the Saints—and the one after that to proclaim they can't possibly beat the Colts.
Bears Win!
As you've no doubt heard, the Bears are going to the Super Bowl!
Harlem (Avenue?) Globetrotters
If you thought the Harlem Globetrotters were actually from New York, you're totally wrong, friend. Today's Trib has a story on the South Side roots of the Washington Generals' sworn enemies, chock full of history and trivia (Meadowlark Lemon's real first name? George). Basketball's goodwill ambassadors are playing at the United Center on Saturday and two games at the Sears Centre on Sunday.
Illiniwek Costume to be Returned?
The latest news in the Chief Illiniwek saga is that the Ogala Sioux Tribe, which provided the U of I with the mascot's costume in 1982, is now asking for the costume back. The issue will be taken up by university trustees after the tribe sent its resolution to the school yesterday.
Another Chicago ban to be flouted?
The only thing stronger than a smoking ban: the Bears' chance at the Super Bowl. Three Chicago suburbs are considering a temporary lift on the ban to review the impact the ban's having on the local economy -- and to allow bars and restaurants to permit smoking in their businesses during the Bears game on Sunday and the Super Bowl.
Bicycle Film Festival '07: Call for Submissions
After last year's small success in Chicago, we've heard word that the Bicycle Film Festival will be back again. Currently, founding director Brendt Barbur and co are looking for new submissions for the 2007 round of film festivals set to take place in up to 15 cities: "We are looking for films with a strong theme or character of bicycles. This includes all mediums and styles such as animation, experimental, narrative, documentary and music videos." The deadline is February the 17th so you have about a month to get going or fine-tune that piece you've been working on. Details at the site or take a look at the flyer here.
Can't Bear It
With today's overtime win against the Seahawks, the Bears will face the Saints next Sunday for the NFC Championship and their first trip to the superbowl since 1985. Great news, to be sure, but does that mean we have to suffer through Mike Ditka singing "Bear Down, Chicago Bears" with CBS2's Vince Gerasole?
Gender-Neutral Dorms?
The University of Chicago is contemplating gender-neutral undergraduate housing -- an idea the Maroon editorial board endorses.
Fallen Rider Memorial Ride
A group of Chicago cyclists (myself being one of them) have organized a ride to raise awareness of the growing number of cyclist fatalities in the Chicagoland area. Named the "Fallen Rider Memorial Ride", the ride will start at the Thompson Center at 6pm tomorrow, January the 3rd and will ride to Diversey and Pulaski at an easygoing and respectful pace. The goal? To highlight how important driving and cycling are to Chicago and how the two require attention and respect. A PDF flyer can be viewed, downloaded, printed and passed along from here.
Purdue-Calumet Gets an 'F'
Purdue University Calumet, a Division I NAIA school and a member of the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference, has cancelled the remainder of its mens' basketball season after more than half of the team's members were declared academically ineligible after the fall semester. The Peregrines' entire coaching staff resigned.
Chicago's Video Game Influence
Online gaming magazine Gamasutra just released the final installment of its five-part series on Chicago game studios. The final stop is Midway.
Squatting on Hester
Devin Hester is a top contender for Rookie of the Year, but the contest to squat on his name on the web has already been won, apparently by these guys. At least second place, DevinHester.net, was nabbed by someone local.
Is Something Awry in Bearsland?
The house of Chicago Bears defensive linebacker Tank Johnson was raided today. No one's talking about what went down, but a man was led from the home in handcuffs and "items sought in the warrant were recovered inside the home." [Update: Johnson has been charged with firearms violations.]
Lies, Damned Lies, and...
Peter Bernstein's fifteen-year statistical analysis of the relationship between the Cubs' winning records and the yearly increase in ticket prices suggests that after the abysmal 2006 season, prices should remain basically the same next year. I'm willing to bet that between the Tribune Company's woes and the front office's free-spending offseason activity, the statistics won't hold.
Rookie of the Year
Congratulations to Bears Safety Devin Hester, who now has two NFL records under his belt: a tie for longest return from earlier this season, and now the most returns for touchdowns in a single season. He ran back two in last night's win against the Rams.
Super Bowl Mumble
Chicago Magazine has posted the lyrics and a video for "The Super Bow