"For one moment in time, we were the best."
ESPN's next "30 for 30" documentary will be about the 1985 Bears. It will air Jan. 28.
Gapers Block has ceased publication.
Gapers Block published from April 22, 2003 to Jan. 1, 2016. The site will remain up in archive form. Please visit Third Coast Review, a new site by several GB alumni.
✶ Thank you for your readership and contributions. ✶
TODAY
Sunday, October 6
Merge
Category
Sports/Recreation
Wake Up, Yuri
VEC9 is the first new vector arcade game in more than 30 years. The Reader has the story of how it came to be, and how it ended up at Logan Arcade.
GB Gift Guide: Ice, Hold the Cold Steel
For the die-hard Blackhawks fan in your family: a bit of (melted) home ice from the Hawk's championship game last year go on sale Dec. 11 at the Michigan Avenue team store and other locations across the region.
Betting on Football
You could invest in Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffrey's future income if online marketplace Fantex is approved to trade on the Nasdaq.
Skating in Skinny Jeans
There will be a ice skating rink in Wicker Park this winter. It'll be installed Dec. 5, and skating will be free whenever it's cold enough for the ice to properly freeze.
He's the Best
The Cubs' Kris Bryant is NL rookie of the year, by unanimous vote.
The Price of Success
Cubs fans can expect to pay more to see the boys in blue next year, as ticket prices are going up an average of 10 percent -- and season ticketholders won't be able to add seats to their plans nor upgrade from partial to full season.
Skating for Inclusion
The Women's Flat Track Derby Association just changed its discrimination policy to allow all transgender, intersex and gender-nonconforming individuals to play roller derby. The Chicago Outfit's newest member, Craze, tells her story of how derby helped her feel at home as a trans woman.
Kane Cleared
The Blackhawks' Patrick Kane won't face charges in the case of alleged rape that's dragged on this summer, through one bizarre twist after another -- and brought out the worst in his fans.
Worst in the League
The Fire are going through a terrible slump right as pro soccer is taking off in the US. Crain's looks at how the team is attempting to make new fans while losing games.
Right Down the Middle
Sox pitcher Jeff Samardzija took home the honors for worst called ball this season from Fangraphs.
Football Game of Thrones
Northwestern will honor Game of Thrones author and Northwestern alumnus George R.R. Martin at this Saturday's game against Penn State. Tickets are still available; let's hope it goes better for him than for King Joffrey at the Purple Wedding.
No Tourist Photos this Winter
Wrigley Field's marquee is coming down for the first time in a decade while the stadium undergoes renovation this winter. The Cubs promise it'll be back by opening day. (In related news, street closures around Wrigley got even worse today.)
The Last Bulls Article You'll See at Grantland
Go read Zach Lowe's interview with Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg over at Grantland -- it'll be the last, because ESPN just shut the site down.
"The Cubs is Dead"
Add to the pantheon of Cubs-inspired poetry and music one more song, by the eccentric, banjo-picking lawyer Natty Bumppo.
Cubs' Dreams Dashed
Just as Cubs fans prepared to start healing from this week's losses, the NYTimes sports section trolled them with a 1908-style page.
Poetry on the Diamond
Baseball poetry is a fine, longstanding tradition -- and one that's alive and well with Bardball, created by authors James Finn Garner and Stuart Shea. Cubs and Sox fans found plenty of inspiration in this season's highs and lows.
Welcome Cubs Fans
Regardless of how things go tonight, Wrigleyville businesses are enjoying a busy October for once, notes the NYTimes.
That One Hurt
Designer Topher McCulloch designed a new flag for the Cubs. [via]
Flipping Home Run
The Flippist created a flipbook tribute to Kyle Schwarber's home run. (Previously.)
Now They Can Never Tear Down the Video Board
Kyle Schwarber's home run ball landed on top of the new right field video board last night -- and the Cubs have vowed to leave it there permanently. There's already a Plexiglas case around the ball, which'll look great once the pigeons find it.
A reminder of @kschwarb12's impressive power remains on display. http://t.co/7NtOC13otH pic.twitter.com/gRmdlwU6oT
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) October 14, 2015There it is! The @kschwarb12 ball ... Now protected by a plastic case. #Skycam9 @cubs pic.twitter.com/twAwWFEuoQ
— Sarah Jindra (@SarahJindra) October 14, 2015Regain the Pace
The Chicago Marathon did away with pacesetters for this year's race, and runners weren't happy about it.
"Greatest of All Time"
In case you missed it, last week Stephen Colbert picked the Cubs to win the World Series this year, declaring the Billy Goat Curse vanquished. He then kicked a baby goat out of his theater, so if they don't make it, you know who to blame. Tonight's Game 3 against the Cardinals is at 5:07pm.
Dedication to the Team
You're not a Cubs fan until you have a portrait of Jake Arrieta shaved into your hair.
Awesome @JArrieta34 haircut. @darrenrovell pic.twitter.com/jzGC14sfPO
— Jack Nellis (@jnellis35) October 9, 2015Did this Jake Arrieta hair portrait today. Go Cubs. @BR_MLB @BleacherReport @tbs @mlb @TheCCO @Cubs @CSNCubs @espn pic.twitter.com/Yfl3DAqtw7
— Newstyle (@newstylebarbers) October 8, 2015Let's Go Microbes
The Chicago Microbes was the nickname of a playoff contending Cubs baseball team in 1903. Time Out looked into where the moniker came from.
The Gould Standard
Robbie Gould is the Bears' special teams captain, and WGN's Jarrett Payton and Shaun Davis recently debated whether a kicker should ever be a captain. Jack Silverstein makes a pretty good case that Gould should be.
Long Reads on Rizzo
Grantland makes the case for Anthony Rizzo for league MVP, while former Cub Adrian Cárdenas writes in the New Yorker about watching his friend Rizzo lead his team to the playoffs. [via]
So Long, Sox
While the Cubs will play a one-game playoff against the Pirates, the White Sox are all done. They thanked fans for sticking around during a season that, while not as bad as 2013, could hardly have been worse.
Running from Marathon to Marathon
DNAinfo talks with two "ultrarunners" who will be running the Chicago Marathon this weekend and then just continuing to run from here to New York, where they'll enter the New York Marathon.
Surf's Up to No Good
The blustery weather created high waves on Lake Michigan -- perfect for urban surfing, but it's only legal at certain beaches.
D.Rose is a Fragile Flower
Derrick Rose suffered a fractured orbital bone after taking an elbow to the face in practice Tuesday. He'll probably be ready for opening day, though.
Allen we Want for Christmas
The Bears surprised everyone by trading Jared Allen to the Panthers. Guess that makes this keepsake ornament from Hallmark a collector's item.
Beyond Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Tribune sportswriter Julie DiCaro describes on SI.com the abuse and threats she and other female sportswriters receive from fans under the impression that women cannot have opinions or knowledge about sports. Last Friday DiCaro stayed home from work due to violent threats aimed at her because of her coverage of the Kane rape accusation case.
Joakim Rocks
You may have seen posters of Joakim Noah promoting a "drop of consciousness" pendant to support non-violence programs by his Noah's Arc Foundation. Now Noah and the foundation are teaming up with nonprofit Be Creative to fund arts programs in CPS schools.
Mr. Cub Blue
Despite his happy public face, Ernie Banks' last few years were tinged with loneliness, writes Ron Rapoport in Chicago magazine.
Devouring the Curse
Competitive eaters converged on Taco in a Bag Tuesday night to eat a whole roasted goat in hopes of vanquishing the Cubs' curse.
The Grid: Circus School at Aloft Loft (360°)
"Circus School at Aloft Loft," the newest 360° installment in our documentary film series, The Grid, goes up in the air with adult circus performers and enthusiasts.
Superstar
The Sky's Elena Delle Donne was named as the WNBA's Most Valuable Player.
Top Marks
The Bulls come out on top in Grantland's "Definitive" ranking of NBA team logos.
It's Really Happening
A Cubs fan created an epic highlight reel to try and get fans to "Believe in 2015."
Out of Court
A grand jury scheduled to look at sexual assault accusations made against Patrick Kane will be delayed, most likely because Kane and his accuser are working on a settlement.
Watch the Women Play
If you found trekking out to the Allstate Arena too difficult, the Sky have some good news: They're starting the playoffs at UIC Pavilion Sept. 18.
A Long Road Ahead
FiveThirtyEight looks at the Bears' prospects for the upcoming season.
Buried Rivals
A sneaky fan says they hid a White Sox World Series hat inside the cement in Wrigley Field's new renovations.
Met @whitesox fan today that worked on the @Cubs recent renovations he buried a hat in the cement there @barstoolWSD pic.twitter.com/d5iHigceRW
— Allison Horne (@Rocknmystockins) August 29, 2015Behind the Score
Baseball may be the most stats-obsessed of all sports, and it's all up to the official scorer to keep tabs on the game and separate earned actions from errors.
Lost Lanes
Fire destroyed Lincoln Square Lanes, which the owners claimed was the oldest bowling alley in the city.
Update: Blaze destroys 98-year-old bowling alley in the Lincoln Square neighborhood http://t.co/hG6CETUZkY pic.twitter.com/hhhm6zeVsV
— Chicago Tribune (@chicagotribune) August 31, 2015A Good No-No
The Cubs' Jake Arrieta's pitched a no-hitter against the Dodgers on Sunday.
How do the @Cubs celebrate a no-hitter? With a pajama party, of course. http://t.co/cDGPtUFD1E pic.twitter.com/2kNLtXngBf
— MLB (@MLB) August 31, 2015More Tolerant Schools
Schools across Illinois can no longer adopt zero-tolerance discipline policies thanks to new legislation meant to decrease the number of students who are suspended or expelled.
Rose Rape Allegations
Derrick Rose is being sued by an unidentified woman who claims the Bulls star and his friends drugged and raped her; the suit details the woman's relationship with Rose between 2011-2013 [PDF] and alleges he repeatedly tried to pressure her into engaging in group sex. A spokesman for Rose called the allegations false and without factual basis.
Reaching Theory
Do the remodeled bleachers at Wrigley Field make it easier for fans to interfere?
An Animated Character
Chicago Magazine profiles eccentric Bears tight end Martellus Bennett and his aspirations to be an author, cartoonist, and dinosaur amusement park founder.
Sweep Dreams
The Cubs went 4-0 in their series against the Braves for their fourth sweep of the season, tying the record set by the pennant-winning 1945 team.
Cap Anachronism
A White Sox hat sported by Eazy-E in Straight Outta Compton uses the "Sox" logo that didn't exist in 1986.
Out of Bounds
The National Labor Board will not consider an appeal from college football players to unionize, ruling the NCAA lies outside of its jurisdiction.
Quality Concessions
Local eats will soon be on the menu at the United Center, including food from "hot spots" like Big Star, Publican Quality Meats, and Lillie's Q.
Crossing the Line
Hawks fans may be loyal to a fault, but everyone loses when they attack Patrick Kane's alleged victim, writes Evan F. Moore.
@phugg609 @TimBaffoe You mean these idiots? And this is only the first few entries: pic.twitter.com/gsDTvVo9s1
— Chris Rongey (@ChrisRongey) August 8, 2015A One Team Man
Derrick Rose is passing on playing for Team USA in order to focus on the Bulls' upcoming season (and avoid injury).
Draft Town 2.0
Looks like the NFL draft will return to Chicago in 2016.
Not Credible
The bomb threat that led to the evacuation of Wrigley Field on Sunday was ultimately deemed "not credible" by authorities.
Record Broken
Liliya Shobukhova will be stripped of her three Chicago Marathon titles after she was banned for doping.
Kane Under Investigation
The Buffalo News in New York is reporting that Blackhawks star Patrick Kane is under investigation by police there, although no other details are available.
Now vs. Then
Michael Jordan and the Bulls' Jimmy Butler went head-to-head in a shooting contest during a basketball camp for kids; Jordan won.
Stadium Blues
The Blackhawks announced plans for a new practice stadium without revealing how many publicly-funded "incentives" are on the table from the City, even though the stadium would be a money-maker itself.
Unbearable
Bears fans and Deadspin writers detail the things that suck the most about the Bears (most of them involve Jay Cutler).
Home Dinger
Kris Bryant scored a comeback victory for the Cubs with his first walk-off home run, defeating the Colorado Rockies 9-8.
In Love with Losing
While appealing to his beloved Cubs to stop winning, writer Rich Cohen said he started cheering for the team despite his father's warning that a "Cubs fan will have a bad life, as such a fan will come to regard defeat as the natural end of all human endeavor."
Basketball MVP
The Sky's Elena Delle Donne is having a better season than any basketball player - male or female - has ever played.
New Dreams
A Marshall High School teacher and coach who was injured in a shooting when he was mistaken for a gang member could get help moving again if a fundraiser is successful.
Get Lost in the Hawks
The Blackhawks are celebrated by the "world's largest corn maze" this year in a design complete with logos, hockey players, and the Chicago skyline spread over 33 acres.
Low-Power Fans
A baseball fan power ranking puts Cubs fans at 14th and White Sox fans near the bottom at 26th place of the 30 MLB teams. The rankings factored things like stadium attendance, ticket resale value, and social media following. [via]
Tuning In
TV ratings for Cubs games are steadily increasing as new prospects get fans excited about the team, which along with the Bulls and Bears, is one of the most valuable franchises in sports.
Diversity in Education
Whitney Young ranked as the second most diverse school in the country in a study by niche.com.
Printing Thanks
Patrick Sharp thanked Blackhawks fans for their support with a full-page ad in the Sunday Chicago Tribune.
Blackhawks Flip Out
Relive the Blackhawks' Stanley Cup victory in flipbook form with a video by The Flippist.
Crosstown Classics
The Cubs and White Sox will honor "Mr. Cub" Ernie Banks and "Mr. White Sox" Minnie Minoso during their Crosstown Series this weekend.
All-Stars Now
The Cubs' Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant are on the roster for the National League and White Sox pitcher Chris Sale will join the the American League for this year's All-Star Game.
Still Rooting for the Home Team
Harry Caray appeared to sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" one more time on Wrigley Field's new video scoreboard.
I Believe That We Did Win
Thousands of soccer fans gathered in Lincoln Park to watch the U.S. women's team take home the World Cup.
Ballpark Franks
Three gourmet sausages created by Hot Doug's Doug Sohn will be served at Wrigley Field starting today. Look for them at the new Platform 14 stand behind the scoreboard.
Millennial
The next Cub added to the roster will be the team's 2,000th player.
Secret Ballers
The Wicker Park High Tea and Dodgeball Association organizes secret late-night dodgeball matches during the week in Wicker Park.
Where the Ice Is Clean
The Blackhawks played a match against the muppets from "Sesame Street" back in 1970.
New Bull on the Block
The Bulls selected Arkansas sophomore Bobby Portis in the first round of the NBA draft.
Reviewing the Call
Jackie Robinson West is going to court to find out where information used against it came from, while also barring some reporters from events and leaving many questions unanswered.
Doing the Bartman
A Cubs fan with a baby tucked under one arm made a dramatic reach to catch a foul ball that was ultimately ruled interference and counted as an out.
Superman that Frisbee
An epic diving grab by the Chicago Wildfire's A.J. Nelson is impressive even if you're not into ultimate frisbee.
Clause Célèbre
Corey Crawford couldn't resist dropping an f-bomb during his speech at the Blackhawks rally.
Mythbusting
In case you're wondering, the Chicago Bears didn't win the Stanley Cup, and Blackhawks fans didn't flip over the United Center either.
Rally Ready
Get ready for Thursday's Blackhawks rally at Soldier Field by reliving the glory of the playoffs or hoisting your dog like the Cup. And if you can't get into Soldier Field, all fans who visit the Shedd Aquarium wearing Blackhawks gear will get two-for-one "Total Experience" passes, which get you into the current Amphibians show.
Stuck Inside
Rain is making it impossible for many recreational sports leagues to get started.
A Riotous Good Time
Witness the Madhouse on Addison as Blackhawks fans spilled into the streets in Wrigleyville.
Keep up with the Cup
Follow Lord Stanley as the trophy travels around town and is filled with various fluids by Blackhawks players.
Dynasty
With the Stanley Cup won, the streets are temporarily cleared of thousands of revelers, until a parade on Thursday brings out fans old and new.
Flooding the Riverwalk
Remember how the Riverwalk was designed to flood? Mas Context has photographs of that first eventuality.
First flood for the new #ChicagoRiverwalk pic.twitter.com/RKhARcFTVZ
— MAS Context (@MASContext) June 16, 2015And a few pics of "The Cove" area of the #ChicagoRiverwalk pic.twitter.com/7ENj7Q3Iep
— MAS Context (@MASContext) June 16, 2015Bring it Home
It's been 77 years since the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup at home.
Walk It Off
Starlin Castro won back-to-back games with walk-off hits for the Cubs, the first player to do so since 1966, writes Bleacher Nation.
Carry On Cup
The Stanley Cup took a trip through the x-ray machine on its way to Chicago; it's empty now, but we hope it'll be full of Malört soon.
Motivating Bear
Chicago Bears get some words of inspiration from a motivational rant by Shia LaBeouf.
Pin the Beard on the Blackhawks
Test your knowledge of hirsute Hawks with a pop quiz put together by DNAinfo.
Blackhawks Oasis
Chicago hockey fans stuck in Tampa Bay seek shelter at the only designated Blackhawks bar outside of Illinois and Wisconsin.
When You Have to Go
After Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Ben Bishop left Game 2 of the championships for mysterious reasons, some are speculating whether he had a bad case of diarrhea.
A New Crosstown Classic
Roller derby dominance will be up for grabs when the Windy City All Star Rollers and the Chicago Outfit Syndicate will go head-to-head for the first time at the Crosstown Smackdown.
Here's Hoping It Works Out!
The tight-lipped private group transforming Jackson Park has confirmed its plan to build Yoko Ono's "Sky Landing" in the park -- without disclosing the design.
Bloomingdale Trail Opens with Three Mile Long Festival
It took Chicago a few years to build it, but this weekend you can celebrate The Bloomingdale Trail and the associated 606 park system. Details for the festival abound at the 606 website. There will be food, art installations, a ribbon cutting and dance lessons just to kick things off.
The Order of Things
ESPN's Jon Lester delves into why Cubs manager Joe Maddon put the pitcher at eighth in the order every game this season.
Pinball Club
An underground pinball tournament sounds like a fight club but raises money for charity.
When is Appropriation Appropriate?
While the Blackhawks' brand is better than the Redskins or Indians, it's still tricky territory for would-be fans of Native American heritage.
Bandwagon Lions
The Art Institute's lions are now wearing Blackhawks helmets to support the team as it heads to the Stanley Cup finals.
Plenty of Room on the Bandwagon
There's no shame in becoming a Blackhawks fan as the team heads to the Stanley Cup finals, writes Satchel Price.
RIP Lennie Merullo
Lennie Merullo, the last surviving Cubs player to play in a World Series, died Saturday.
Spiking While the Iron is Hot
Appearing on Shark Tank netted Chicago-based Spikeball a $500,000 investment, as the game continues to spread from its origins on Chicago-area beaches.
Bye Bye Thibs
The Bulls officially fired head coach Tom Thibodeau.
Dinging the Board
Kris Bryant hit one of the longest home runs of the year, sending a ball into the Cubs' brand-new video board.
Dreaming of Fields
Sports programs are often under-resourced and the first to face cuts at schools in low-income neighborhoods.
Three 360° Videos from The Grid
Today GB's documentary video series, The Grid, features three 360° videos shot with a special six-camera rig. The videos, which let you point the "camera" in any direction, are about the April 28th demonstration at the CPD headquarters, droning in the Chicago Park District and the Art Institute's recent MFA show.
Pitched the Bricks
Some of the personalized bricks near Wrigley Field paid for by Cubs fans turned up in a landfill - the team said it was necessary for construction and owners were notified.
Epic Win
After three overtimes, 60 saves (a record), and one header goal (that didn't count), the Blackhawks defeated the Ducks 3-2.
No Cubs for You
A judge banned a man from Wrigley Field after he allegedly scuffled with off-duty cops while they were kicking him out of the stadium.
Opening Day
Jackie Robinson West is set to start a new season after losing its championship title, this time as part of a different youth baseball league.
Fashionabull
Bulls jersey-inspired styles are totally hot right now.
We're Number 14!
Illinois ranked 14th in a League of American Bicyclists list of bike-friendly states. See our report card, and where we can improve.
Ramblers Repeat on Volleyball Court
Loyola's men's volleyball team beat top-seeded Lewis University to win the NCAA championship for the second year in a row.
Velodrome Saved
Chicago's lone velodrome won't be demolished thanks to an anonymous donor, but now the cycling track's supporters need to build a league to support its future.
Bulls Blowout Bucks
The Bulls beat the Milwaukee Bucks last night 120-66, setting a new team record for margin of victory in a playoff game. The Bulls advance to play Cleveland in the next round.
Welcome to Draft Town
The NFL Draft's takeover of Grant Park at Draft Town is free to get in and includes a Super Bowl museum, fan village, and games to test your skills.
Looking for a Bulldog Linebacker
The public kickoff event for NFL Draft Week downtown was sparsely populated today, but who cares about meeting football players when the first-ever Puppy Bowl draft is happening at PAWS Chicago?
Revisionary
Jack Silverstein thinks some new awards are in order to honor the NBA's best players; and he has some ideas of who would've won them over the past 25 years.
More Than a Game
What if instead of canceling their game against the White Sox, the Baltimore Orioles made a statement by playing in an empty, silent stadium? We'll find out tomorrow.
This is Not a Game
Tonight's White Sox game versus the Orioles was postponed amid the Freddy Gray protests in Baltimore. The Sox supported the decision, and Orioles COO John Angelos eloquently expressed his support of the protestors.
"boys will be boys"?
A bench-clearing brawl led to a massive dogpile -- but no serious injuries -- during the White Sox's game against the Royals.
It might be. It could be.
A change.org petition calls on the Cubs to use their newfangled jumbotron to show Harry Caray singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the 7th inning stretch.
Sweet Relief
The Blackhawks won in triple overtime with a goal by Brent Seabrook; they now lead Nashville 3-1 in the first-round playoff series.
A Tradition is Born?
Two Cubs fans caught foul balls in their beer cups and then chugged what liquid was left. Is this a thing now?
Life Lessons from Cubs Pitcher Jon Lester
When the ball gets caught in your mitt, throw the mitt. (The same thing happened to Sox second baseman Jose Abreu last season.)
Recovered for the Cup
Patrick Kane may return to the Blackhawks in time for the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Cubs Tied for First!
...In terms of the cost of a beer in the park, that is, at $7.75 for a pint. The Sox are toward the middle of the pack at $6.50. [via]
Bad Graphic Content
Someone needs to edit the graphics introducing ABC7's broadcasts of Cubs games.
#1 on the Half-pipe
The Onion "caught" Derrick Rose busting out a gnarly 720 spin at a skate park.
If You Bobble It, They Will Come
The founders of a bobblehead museum are raising money by selling figurines of Ronnie "Woo Woo" Wickers and other obscure sports figures.
The Return - Again
Derrick Rose will be back on the court tonight when the Bulls play the Orlando Magic.
When You Gotta Go...
Deadspin shares reader emails detailing the effects of too few bathrooms at the still-being-renovated Wrigley Field on Cubs' Opening Day.
What Did Jordan Do?
With his mansion on the market, restaurant closed, and foundation long-since shut down, Curious City asks what Michael Jordan's lasting legacy is in Chicago.
Who Knows Bo?
Watch former White Sox outfielder and current team ambassador Bo Jackson explain to current Sox first baseman Adam LaRoche's son who he is at the Sox's training camp.
Doubling Down
Bettors at the MGM casino in Vegas are putting more money on the Cubs winning the World Series than any other team.
Angel in the Outfield
The Cubs will pay tribute to Ernie Banks on Opening Day by covering the (under-construction) bleacher section with photos of Mr. Cub.
Save the Velodrome
Cycle racing supporters are trying to save the city's only velodrome in South Chicago.
Kane's Got Skills
Patrick Kane strapped on a GoPro camera to show off his impressive stickhandling skills.
A Night in the Arena
One person will get the chance to spend the night in the United Center, hosted by Scottie Pippen, and presumably, the animated statue of Michael Jordan.
Waiting for Wrigley
Construction at Wrigley Field will take a year longer than originally expected.
United States of X: Old-School Edition
Walter Payton's 1985 jersey ranked as the most popular throwback in Illinois (and South Dakota), according to sales data from retailer Mitchell & Ness Nostalgia Co.
Taller Than Big Bird
Pau Gasol took a trip to Sesame Street to teach Abby Cadabby how to dribble a basketball. [via]
Home Run
Chicago Magazine profiles the White Sox's reclusive Jose Abreu, who defected from Cuba to the U.S. before playing one of the best rookie years in MLB history.
Table Tennis Under the Corn Cobs
Susan Sarandon and partners are opening a Chicago branch of SPiN, a ping-pong oriented bar, to Marina City.
Sarandon starred in Ping Pong Summer last year, and is apparently a killer table tennis player.
RIP Jack Haley
Jack Haley, a two-time Bulls player and member of the championship '95-'96 team, passed away Tuesday from heart disease. He was 51.
Midwestern Bowling Bastions
Chicago's Timber Lanes is included in David Williams's "Bowling in the Midwest 2014" photo series. [via]
Thanks for the Help
Will Ferrell had a heck of a time as the Cubs' third base coach.
Leaving Little League
Jackie Robinson West may be leaving Little League International after it stripped the team of its title, possibly moving to the Cal Ripken-Babe Ruth League.
Get Ready to Run
Registration for the Chicago Marathon lottery is now open.
PRAY-4-ROSE
Artists assembled a roadside memorial for Derrick Rose to show support for the injured Bulls star.
Bye Bye Brandon?
The Bears are going to trade wide receiver Brandon Marshall to the New York Jets, according to ESPN NFL Insider.
Birthday Dinger
Cubs prospect Kyle Schwarber hit a grand slam on the day of his birthday and Spring Training debut.
Sharing Their Tears
The Bulls' Joakim Noah hopes to raise awareness about gun violence with a short video of NBA stars sharing their own experiences and Rock Your Drop teardrop necklaces.
Cubs' New Money
Billionaire Amway co-founder Rich DeVos and his family bought a minority stake in the Cubs.
RIP Minnie Minoso
"Mr. White Sox," Minnie Minoso, passed away Sunday. Minoso was the first black player from Latin America to play in the major leagues, and was a seven-time All Star. His exact age is unknown, but he was believed to be 90.
Comeback Kid
Derrick Rose is expected to miss 4-6 weeks following his latest knee surgery, but should be back in time for the playoffs.
Kane & Rose Injured, Out
Bad night for Chicago sports: the Blackhawks' Patrick Kane suffered a "significant injury" after being checked into a wall, and the Bulls' Derrick Rose tore a meniscus in his right knee and will have to undergo surgery.
Hype Men
DePaul's Bench Mob keeps the crowd cheering, even if they don't spend much time on the court.
Real Women Wear Wheels
A bunch of Windy City Rollers posed for the Rollergirl Project, a photography series documenting "the different body types of active skaters and the physical effects derby has on the players."
Complete Cubbies Roster
Rick Kaempfer put together a list of every Cubs player in history, complete with a short bio for each.
Chicago's Wrestling Clown
Rolling Stone profiles Colt Cabana, the hometown pro wrestler who keeps things fun and funny .
Place Your Bets
They haven't played a spring training game yet, but Vegas bookmakers are projecting the Cubs to be better than the Sox this season.
Be Like Mike
If you feel like celebrating Michael Jordan's birthday you can maybe pound a six-pack after a workout, or just stay on the couch and watch some of his best moves or someone else recreating his epic dunk from Space Jam.
In Right Field, Bill Murray
Back in 1978, Bill Murray played a few weeks of minor league baseball in between "Saturday Night Live" seasons. [via]
Was JRW a Victim of Gentrification?
A column in The Nation last week was titled "Gentrification Is the Real Scandal Surrounding Jackie Robinson West." Daniel Kay Hertz argues that no, gentrification is not the issue.
Alley-Oops
It looked like someone accidentally hit the pass button instead of shooting when backup Bulls point guard Aaron Brooks floated a ball in the air to no one in particular.
They're Still Winners to Me
Claiming that the team deliberately let ineligible kids play, Little League International stripped the Jackie Robinson West team of all their wins from the 2014 Little League World Series tournament this morning. The US championship was awarded to the Las Vegas team JRW beat 7-5.
Little League, Big Drama
Little League Baseball officials are taking another look at allegations that Jackie Robinson West improperly expanded its boundaries to build its championship team.
Get a Cart & Get in the Race
The Chiditarod shopping cart race is now in its 10th year! Hard to believe, I know. Registration is now open, and they're looking for volunteers to help run the event on March 7.
Drafting Players, Dodging Fees
The NFL demanded free parking, party spaces and a bunch of other stuff in order for Chicago to host Draft Day this year.
Super Bowl Suckage
Chicago-based ticket broker Vivid Seats refunded some Super Bowl ticket buyers 200% after selling tickets they didn't have.
Book Chat Room
Chicago Public Library is taking its book club online, hosting literary conversations online and on Twitter. The next book is The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay.
Cubbies with Potential
ESPN's Keith Law ranked Cubs prospects Kris Bryant and Addison Russell among the top five most promising young players in baseball.
Remembering Mr. Cub
The statue commemorating Ernie Banks will be on display in Daley Plaza through Saturday; Sports Illustrated also dedicated the cover of its Midwestern edition to the Cubs legend after he passed away Friday.
Roller Coaster Rose
Derrick Rose scored over 30 points and a game-winning shot in overtime despite turning the ball over 11 times against the Warriors.
Cubs Lose
Two-time MVP, 14-time All Star and Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Ernie "Mr. Cub" Banks, who played with the team for nearly 20 years, died this evening. He was 83.
RIP Eddie Z
Eddie Zolna, the only Chicago 16" softball player ever inducted into the Amateur Softball Association Hall of Fame, died Tuesday.
Rooftop Wars Continue
Two rooftop businesses located nearby Wrigley Field filed a federal lawsuit against the Cubs and Tom Ricketts for anticompetitive behavior.
Everybody Must Get Stoned
Add curling to the list of things you can do in the outdoor area of local bars. Kaiser Tiger just opened two lanes.
The Broken Bears
On "Real Sports" tonight, Bryant Gumbel talks with Mike Ditka and several of the '85 Bears about the rampant use of painkillers on the team to keep them playing.
Deeper Outfield than Usual
Renovation of the bleachers at Wrigley Field won't be finished until May -- which means there'll be at least 15 home games with no bums.
New Bears Boss
Former Broncos coach John Fox will be the new head coach of the Bears, according to early reports.
Yet Another Proposal for Jackson Park
The University of Chicago isn't the only institution that wants to build in Jackson Park. Yoko Ono is working with a group called "Project 120 Chicago" on a redesign and reconstruction of the park to, among other things, "introduce the sky to people...like introducing a medicinal food..." Whether or not residents will take their medicine remains to be seen.
Permanent Dibs
The White Sox will honor former captain Paul Konerko by retiring his number 14 jersey.
Game Drain
Chicago colleges are failing to tap into the city's status as a hotbed for high school basketball talent, writes Adam Doster in Grantland.
"We are all Steve Bartman"
The real Billy Goat Curse is the effect anxious, superstitious fans have on players during games, writes Jake Johnson in an open letter to fellow Cubs fans.
T-Shirt-O-Rama
A new t-shirt from 26 Shirts honoring Hall-of-Fame Blackhawk Denis Savard is only available until Jan. 11, and proceeds benefit the Denis Savard Foundation.
A Good Pick
Rod Thorn shares the story behind the Bulls' decision to draft Michael Jordan after two other teams passed him up.
Fresh Friendly Confines
The debut of a remodeled Wrigley Field on April 5, 2015 is one of the New York Times' most anticipated sports events of the next year.
Bike the Whole City
A trio of African-American cyclists are calling for the City to direct more biking resources -- bike paths, Divvy stations, etc. -- to the South and West sides.
Trestman and Emery Out
As fans cope with the team's terrible season, the Chicago Bears announced the firings of head coach Marc Trestman and general manager Phil Emery today.
Singin' for the Kids
Pau Gasol did his best rendition of "Imagine" by John Lennon to raise funds and awareness for UNICEF. [via]
The QB Chicago Needs Right Now
Jay Cutler will be back at the helm Sunday after Jimmy Clausen suffered a concussion during his debut as the Bears' starting quarterback this season.
Anti-Carols
Angry Bears fans put their spin on classic holiday songs, including "Cutler the Would-Be QB," "Last Season," and "You are rotten, Chicago Bears."
Jackie Robinson West Residency Questions
The vice president of Evergreen Park's Little League program has filed a complaint that members of the world champion Jackie Robinson West team live outside of the league's residency boundaries. A Little League International official said that the team's paperwork checked out.
Bears Down Further
The Bears had yet another terrible game last night, losing to the Saints 31-15. Twin sites CutCutler.com and SaveDaBears.com are attempting to get Bears fans to buy out Cutler's contract by donating $15 each. [via]
Fan on Fire
One Bears fan expressed their discontent with the team's performance this year by setting their tickets on fire.
Nice to Tweet You
Pitcher Jon Lester responded to hundreds of tweets directed at him by fans reacting to his decision to leave the Red Sox for the Cubs.
GB Gift Guide: Chicago-Made Bats
Maybe all these new Cubs and White Sox players would like a new baseball bat made in a backyard shed in Jefferson Park.
Bringing Out a Big Gun
The Cubs signed left-handed pitcher Jon Lester to a six-year, $155 million contract, bringing a serious weapon into the team's arsenal. Read Sports Editor Chad Ruter's thoughts on the deal in Tailgate.
Not Like Mike
Derrick Rose wearing an "I can't breathe" t-shirt showed a willingness to weigh in on polarizing issues more reminiscent of Craig Hodges than Michael Jordan, writes (former GB staffer) Evan F. Moore.
Save the Velodrome!
The proposed Chicago Velo Campus is not going to happen, and now even the outdoor velodrome at 86th and South Shore is in danger of being dismantled. Marcus Moore, owner of Yojimbo's Garage, is leading an effort to save it.
Extreme Sports this Weekend
Well, not as extreme as they would have been last weekend, but the Grant Park skate park opens Saturday and the Illinois State Cyclocross Championships are Sunday at Montrose Harbor.
GB Gift Guide: Losing Ugly
These Bears ugly sweaters are for die-hard fans only -- and considering how bad the team is this year, that's probably all that's left willing to wear them.
Rating the Ricketts
Rolling Stone counts the Ricketts Family among the worst owners in sports for often refusing to spend their own money on improving the Cubs and dabbling in politics.
Rush Owner Flagged
Former Chicago Rush owner David Staral Jr. was arrested for allegedly lying about his own assets when purchasing the team.
Obstructed Views
Two of the rooftops overlooking Wrigley Field are facing foreclosure.
Tweetup Your Dukes
Brandon Marshall offered a Lions fan who was trashing talking him on Twitter $25,000 to step into the ring with him.
Rose's Glass Leg
The Bulls won last night, but lost Derrick Rose to a leg injury again. This time it's a pulled hamstring.
Get Ready for Full Contact Karaoke
Think you can sing? How about while dodging marshmallows? With Full Contact Karaoke you'll face that and more, in the name of fundraising for the Windy City Rollers, at Schubas Dec. 2.
Laugh, Don't Cry
Bears fans are using humor to cope with Sunday's brutal loss to the Packers, including a new Wikipedia page, plenty of memes, and a new take on the Simpsons "monorail" song.
Trestman's Monorail
The Score columnist Tim Baffoe re-wrote the monorail bit from "The Simpsons" to cover Marc Trestman's management of the Bears.
Holiday Bullshit Returns
Cards Against Humanity unleashed its 10 Days or Whatever of Kwanzaa, a present for yourself (or others, I guess) of 10 things in the mail in December for $15. If you're into it, get it now before it's too late.
Off-road Season
Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro can take the party anywhere he wants to go with his new pimped-out all-terrain vehicle.
Join the Scrum
If last weekend's New Zealand vs. USA rugby game got you inspired to learn more about the sport, the Chicago Area Rugby Football Union's a club directory of both city and suburban teams is a good place to start.
Marathoner Under Investigation
Chicago Marathon champion Rita Jeptoo tested positive for a banned substance in a doping test she took before winning the marathon.
Teach Me How to Haka
Players on New Zealand's All Blacks rugby team perform a traditional Maori Haka dance before every match, so they'll probably bust it out before playing the U.S. Eagles in Chicago this weekend.
Bulls Run This Town
The Bulls are more popular with Chicagoans than any other local team, according to Facebook data examined by DNAinfo.
From Paris to Hell's Kitchen
The Daily Beast's Bill Schulz interviewed Joakim Noah about his life and loves -- and pot.
Bad Pass to Pippen
Former Bull Scottie Pippen's former financial adviser, Robert Lunn, was found guilty of bank fraud for taking out a $1.4 million loan in Pippen's name and using the money for himself.
Double Comeback Kid
ESPN profiles Derrick Rose, what his return means for Chicago, and how injury changed him not just as a player, but as a person.
See Sports Ghosts
Remember the Chicago Shamrocks or the Chicago Winds? Meet 50 local teams that no longer exist.
Joakim's Journey
Grantland's Jonathan Abrams traces Joakim Noah's path from awkward teen to NBA star.
On the Run
A man fleeing police tried to get away by joining the runners in the Chicago Marathon.
Going the Distance
Kenyans Eliud Kipchog and Rita Jeptoo won first place for the men's and women's races at the Chicago Marathon on Sunday.
Secret Garden
Bikers take to the air using jumps built secretly over the years in the woods of Clark Park, where Riverview Park used to stand.
Smelling Salts & Shattered Helmets
Eric Kester writes in the NYTimes about his experiences as a ball boy for the Bears in 2003.
Outlook Good
ESPN ranks the Blackhawks as the top team in the NHL for the 2017-18 season in its Future Power Rankings.
Chicago's Own Epic Royals Fan
Do312's Jeremy Scheuch has unexpectedly become the emblematic superfan of the Royals this postseason.
Chicago Catches a Draft
The 2015 NFL Draft will be held in Chicago April 30 to May 2 at the Auditorium Theater, with some sort of fan event in Grant Park.
Get Ready to Rumble
Chicago is America's best pro wrestling city, argues Ernest Wilkins. And that's before you even count CM Punk.
A Good Streak
The Cubs' continuing streak of 7,825 games with at least one hit is the longest in the major leagues.
Loop Enthusiasts
NASCAR's popularity seems to be growing locally, with more than 60,000 people turning up to watch the Chase for the Sprint Cup race at Chicagoland Speedway.
Old-School Moves
Witness hits "that would take the humps off a dromedary camel" with the Chicago Film Archives' videos of wrestling matches from the 1950's.
Hot Dog Rookie
Bears receiver Alshon Jeffery got his first taste of a Chicago-style hot dog at the Wiener Circle.
Top of the Totem Pole
Bleacher Report ranks the five best Blackhawks players ever.
Sky Go to the Finals
The Chicago Sky beat Indianapolis to advance to the WNBA Finals. Tickets to their home games against the Phoenix Mercury go on sale today at 10am.
Why the Bears Suck
Deadspin's annual trolling of Bears fans does a pretty good job of it.
Victory Lap
Thousands of people turned out to cheer on the players from Jackie Robinson West during a celebration stretching from the South Side to Downtown.
US Champs Fall Short
Jackie Robinson West was the top team in the Little League World Series US bracket, but couldn't overcome the South Korean team in the world championship game, falling 8-4.
Little Leaguers Headed to the Big Game
Jackie Robinson West is going to the Little League World Series US championship. If they win, they'll face the winner of the international series on Sunday.
Chicago's All Stars
Jackie Robinson West defeated Texas' little league team and will head to the U.S. Championship if they win their game on Thursday.
Winner by Tarp Fail
The Cubs were awarded a win against the San Francisco Giants when the game was called due to a sudden downpour causing flooding on the field.
Jackie Robinson West Rolls On
Who expected Little League to be the real baseball action in Chicago this year? Jackie Robinson West beat Rhode Island yesterday to advance to the next round of the Little League World Series.
Wait Till Next Year?
Grantland's Rani Jazayerli makes a case that despite their dismal play this season, the Cubs are putting together a future championship team out of prospects and leftovers.
Rooftop Wars Continue
Rooftop club owners are suing the City for supporting the Cubs' plans to expand Wrigley Field.
Riding 'Round the Region
John Greenfield took a 300-mile bike ride around the perimeter of Chicagoland.
Replay Rampage
White Sox manager Robin Ventura was ejected from the team's game against the San Francisco Giants after an out at home plate was overturned by an umpire review.
Blackhawks Cancel the Stripper
After a petition and fan pressure to respect female fans more, Blackhawks president John McDonough tells the Sun-Times' Mark Lazarus that "The Stripper" will no longer be played during the Shoot the Puck halftime game, but wouldn't commit to retiring the Ice Girls' skimpy outfits.
Hoop Dreamers
SLAM put together a list of the area's 50 greatest basketball legends, often remembered more for their play at parks, high schools, and gyms across the city than for their professional career.
Great Grab, Grandpa
A Cubs fan made an impressive catch on a home run ball on its way out of Wrigley Field, and then slyly threw a different ball back on the field to satisfy the home crowd.
The Business of Baseball
Former Cubs pinch hitter Adrian Cárdenas writes in the New Yorker(!) about why he quit professional baseball.
Boys of Summer
The Jackie Robinson West Little League team is going to the Little League World Series tournament after beating a team from Pennsylvania over the weekend. The first game of the tournament is Thursday.
Cold Equality On Ice
An organized effort is afoot to get the Blackhawks to embrace its large and growing female fanbase stop playing "The Stripper" when woman plays Shoot the Puck at halftime, call the "ice girls" "ice crew" like the rest of the ice crew and put them in warmer uniforms, and other sexist practices. Sign the petition here.
"Bear down, pay up"
The Bears owe $4.1 million in delinquent Cook County taxes, according to a state appeals panel ruling.
Party in the Playpen
The Reader's Jake Malooley visits the party boat flotilla in the Lake Michigan no-wake zone known as "the Playpen."
Dunn on the Mound
How bad was last night's Sox game against the Rangers? Bad enough that designated hitter Adam Dunn pitched relief in the ninth inning of the 16-0 shutout.
Rose, White, and Blue
Derrick Rose was selected as one of 16 players on Team USA's World Cup roster, giving Bulls fans a chance to see him in action when they play at the United Center.
Epic Win
After nearly six and a half hours, the Cubs beat the Colorado Rockies in the team's longest game ever, taking so long that catcher John Baker stepped in as pitcher.
Rose is Ready
Derrick Rose will play for USA Basketball in his first public performance since injuring his knee last November, giving him a chance to showcase his skills since he only played in 10 regular-season games since April of 2012.
A Winning Baseball Club
Jackie Robinson West's baseball team won the title in Illinois this season and is on its way towards representing Chicago in the Little League World Series.
A Passing Chance
Pau Gasol's passing prowess could help the Bulls "bend defenses in ways we haven't seen for a decade," writes Ian Levy in Vice.
Jack White and the Chicago Cubs Experience
Someone looking very much like Jack White looked pretty miserable at the Cubs game Tuesday night.
Ride for Your Beer
The Active Transportation Alliance is running Bike to Brew this Saturday, a fun ride that ends with a party at Revolution Brewing. Sign up now.
Are You Ready for Some FootGolf?
FootGolf, a sport that combines soccer and, yes, golf, is now playable at Marquette and Columbus parks.
Billy No Longer a Cub?
The Cubs are suing the guys behind Billy Cub, the unofficial Cubs mascot most recently in the news for clocking a Barleycorn patron who was messing with him.
Soccer King of Chicago
The Chicago Fire's Mike Magee takes the day off like Ferris Bueller in a new video promoting the team.
Bye Bye Boozer
The Bulls used the amnesty provision on forward Carlos Boozer's contract, sending him to whichever team wins a blind bidding process.
Bulls' New Big Man
While Carmelo Anthony is staying in New York, forward Pau Gasol is coming to Chicago from the Lakers. Chad Ruter fills you in on that and the Bulls' other moves in Tailgate.
Glittering the Deal
After a New York strip club offered Carmelo Anthony free lap dances for life if he returned to the Knicks, Chicago's Admiral Club promised a life-sized portrait of him would be displayed there forever, and three dancers would get tattoos of his name.
Customer Disservice
The owner of Johnny's Ice House banned an amateur player "for life" after he complained about management's response to a recent robbery.
Chicago's 2014 All Stars
The Cubs' Starlin Castro is an All-Star this year -- as is Jeff Samardzija, but he was just traded to the A's, so he'll participate in the festivities but won't play. The White Sox's Alexei Ramirez and Jose Abreu made it too. Chris Sale and Anthony Rizzo still need your final votes.
Holding Court in the Alley
Over at Alley Connaisseur, Raf Miastkowski writes about the grand tradition of alley basketball.
Wicked Good Sports
Fans at Fenway Park gave Chicago Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta a standing ovation after he almost threw a no-hitter against the Boston Red Sox.
Cubs' Sunday Funday
The Cubs took their first Sunday off in 82 years thanks to community concerns about traffic caused by the Pride Parade and a baseball game taking place on the same day.
World Cup in Soldier Field
The World Cup will be played in Soldier Field for the first time since 1994 -- but just on the big screen. Tuesday's free USA vs. Belgium viewing party has been moved to the 61,500-capacity stadium. Doors open at 1:30 ahead of the 3pm match.
The Foggy Confines
Dense fog covering Wrigley Field helped Cubs infielder Luis Valbuena hit a triple Thursday when Nationals outfielder Denard Span completely lost sight of the ball.
Duncan's Best Defense
Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith took home the 2014 Norris Trophy for outstanding defense, making him the only active NHL player to win the award twice. Jim Crago offers further thoughts in Tailgate.
Elder Sportsmen
After the retirement of Bears long-snapper Patrick Mannelly, White Sox captain Paul Konerko is the longest-serving Chicago athlete (15 years), followed by the Bears' Lance Briggs and Charles Tillman (both 10 years).
The Bull Moose Partier
Nicknamed "Teddy Goal-sevelt," Chicagoan Mike D'Amico is getting attention online for his costumed homage to the Rough Rider as he cheers on the U.S.A. at the World Cup.
All Sports, All the Time
Starting Wednesday, 120 Sports will stream NHL, NBA and MLB coverage 24/7 while also producing live studio shows at Harpo Studios.
Courting Carmelo
Knicks player Carmelo Anthony may be heading towards free agency, and hoping he could help them reach the NBA Championships, the Bulls are scrambling to find a way to add him to their roster.
The Name of the Game
After the Redskins lost trademark protection for being offensive to Native Americans, will the Blackhawks face similar pressure to change their name?
Taking It Outside
The Blackhawks will play the Capitals in Washington, D.C. for the 2015 Winter Classic.
Punky QB in a Funk
Former Bears quarterback Jim McMahon talked about his struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts as well as early onset dimentia, which he blames on his years in the NFL.
From Geeks to Jocks
Robert Morris University added a new sports program for gamers who compete in League of Legends tournaments online, making them eligible for athletic scholarships.
Chicago's World Cup Moment
Twenty years ago today, the 1994 World Cup opening ceremonies were held in Soldier Field.
Speculation is Always in Season
Oddsmakers think the Blackhawks are the team most likely to win the Stanley Cup in 2015.
The World's Cup Runneth Over
Today's the day: the World Cup is finally here. Robyn Nisi shared some places to watch the games (and where to eat afterward) in Drive-Thru, and the Huffington Post created a map of bars to watch at by the nation they support.
No Mustache? No Sale.
Last week White Sox pitcher Chris Sale was ordered to shave his scruffy beard and mustache. The American Mustache Institute has filed a discrimination lawsuit on Sale behalf. [via]
A Link Back to the Cubs' Glory Days
Lennie Merullo, the last living member of the 1945 Cubs team that played in the World Series, threw out the first pitch at Saturday's game.
Nude Cycling, Night Cycling
Early warning: World Naked Bike Ride is a week away, and the L.A.T.E. Ride is the week after that. Make your plans.
A New Home for Cubs Baseball
The Cubs are moving up the radio dial to WBBM, ending 90 years of broadcasts on WGN after the station tried to renegotiate its deal, saying they were actually losing money on the partnership. Chad Ruter thinks the deal makes sense for all involved.
Holy Cow! That's a Lot of Booze.
A diary left behind by Harry Caray documents the extensive bar tabs he racked up with journalists and athletes in 1972.
Love, Love This
Englewood teen Taylor Townsend took out the 21st-ranked player in the world to move on to round three in the French Open.
Dollies at the Ball Game
Dmitry Samarov went to Doll Day at the Cell and sketched about it for The Classical.
Bat Woman
A White Sox fan made an impressive one-handed grab of a bat flung into the stands, protecting a baby seated behind her.
From Englewood to Paris
Englewood-born tennis star Taylor Townsend won her first round match at the French Open
Going for Broke
The Cubs are adding more revenue-generating electronic signs and seating expansions to their renovation plans, figuring rooftop owners near Wrigley Field are going to sue them anyways.
We're Ready to Believe
The Toledo Mud Hens minor league baseball team got Bill Murray to do a promo for their upcoming Ghostbusters Night May 30 -- and for some reason he impersonated Harry Caray for it.
Desperately Seeking Smardz
The Tribune imagines a possible show lineup for a 24-hour Cubs channel.
16-sided Roll of the Die
The folks behind Cards Against Humanity have launched Tabletop Deathmatch, a competition in which 16 independent game designers compete to win a first printing and a booth at GenCon. Follow along on the video series.
Seeing Green in the Ivy
Forbes' Mike Ozanian calls the Cubs "Baseball's Next Powerhouse," pointing to upcoming television deals, the Ricketts' development strategy and Warren Buffett's interest in the team as signs of future prosperity.
The Silent Swede
The Blackhawks' Niklas Hjalmarsson will play Tuesday despite being unable to talk after a puck hit his throat during their last game.
Stackin' Tickets
Bears offensive lineman Kyle Long took a trip to Chuck E. Cheese's with a 9-year-old boy who was the victim of bullying on the school bus.
Rambling to Victory
Loyola's men's volleyball team are national champions, beating Stanford 3-1 Saturday.
Found Footage of the Fix
Now you can watch the White Sox throw the 1919 World Series thanks to restored newsreel footage posted online. [via]
Bulls Out of the Running
The Bulls are out of the NBA Playoffs after losing to the Washington Wizards Tuesday night.
Not Without Limits
Marathoner Liliya Shobukhova's three Chicago Marathon victories were all negated by the Russian track federation when the organization banned her for blood doping.
Step Towards the Cup
The Blackhawks move on to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs following a 5-1 victory over the Blues Sunday night.
Capitalizing on Capital
The Blackhawks are the "smartest spending" team in major league sports -- well, baseball, basketball, football and hockey -- according to Bloomberg Businessweek. The Cubs are, of course, dead last. [via]
Wildcats Weigh In
Northwestern football players cast their secret ballots today to vote on whether the team should form a union, although the results will be sealed until legal issues with the university are resolved.
Curse of the Cake?
A 400-pound cake replica of Wrigley Field prepared for its 100th birthday apparently ended up in the dumpster, uneaten. In unrelated news, the Cubs lost their game on the stadium's big day after giving up five runs in the ninth inning.
Boats Against the Current
The Chicago Training Center teaches rowing to kids from the inner city.
United States of X: MLB Edition
The NYTimes put together an interactive map of the dominant baseball team fandom, zip code by zip code. You can probably guess where the line between Cubs and Sox fans is. (Previously, team territories by Facebook likes.)
Working for the School
The NYTimes looks into Northwestern's campaign against the potential football player union, including mandatory one-on-one meetings with Coach Pat Fitzgerald, threats to cancel the construction of a new athletics center and warnings that a union vote would mean fewer employment opportunities after college. Additional details can also be gleaned from the university's internal response to anonymous questions, as published by CBS Sports.
Friendly Confines' Centennial
It's the 100th anniversary of Wrigley Field, an institution called a national treasure for its connection to the past of America's favorite pastime, from its manually-operated scoreboard to the ivy still clinging to its outfield walls.
A Rising Star
Bulls center Joakim Noah will be recognized as the NBA's 2014 Defensive Player of the Year, according to early reports.
Opposite of Ice Hockey
The Chicago Underwater Hockey Club takes the sport to new depths.
Running Out of Room
Crain's takes a look at whether there are too many 5Ks and other races in Chicago. Jim Crago just wrote about another new one in Tailgate.
Competitive Disadvantage?
Because what every triathlete wants is a heavy bike designed for cruising, the Chicago Triathlon is allowing 100 contestants to use Divvy bikes in the cycling portion of its SuperSprint race.
Putting Up a "For Sale" Sign
The Cubs are considering selling minority ownership shares of the team in order to help pay for Wrigley's renovation.
CTA Trolls Cubs Fans
Yesterday the CTA sent out a notice warning that the Addison Red Line stop would be closed northbound for repairs today, just in time for the Cubs' home opener. Fortunately, it was just a "clerical error" -- the station will be open from 10:50am to 2:45pm.
Sledge Men
Meet one Chicago (RIC) Blackhawk who didn't let injury keep him off the ice - even after he was paralyzed from the waist down.
Replay Pioneers
The Cubs were the first team to use new, expanded instant replay powers in Major League Baseball during a regular season game against the Pirates on Monday, challenging a call that Jeff Samardzija was out on first base; the out was confirmed.
United States of X: Opening Day Edition
Based on an all-or-nothing analysis of Facebook likes by county, the White Sox own Cook, Will, Kankakee and Lake County in Indiana, and the Cubs own the rest of the region.
Hawks Take Another Hit
With the end of the regular season less than two weeks away, Jonathan Toews was injured during the Blackhawks 4-1 loss to the Penguins.
Lots of Dick (Allen) Pics
The White Sox will be connecting with fans via Snapchat this season -- follow "whitesox." (Hopefully this is the only dick pic they send anyone.)
The Players, United
The National Labor Relations Board ruled Northwestern University football players are employees of the school, and as such are entitled to a union election.
Let's Play Too Late
While Jackie Robinson broke baseball's color barrier in 1947, the Cubs waited until 1953 to get with the times -- and it may have been the reason for the team's long decline, writes the Reader's Steve Bogira.
Disco Demolition Documentation
Diane Alexander White brought her camera to Comiskey Park on July 12, 1979 for Disco Demolition Night, and captured the crowd on film. (Thanks, Dee!)
Black and Blues
While the Blackhawks dominated the Blues 4-0, star Patrick Kane left the game with a left knee injury that could leave him on the bench for the next three weeks.
Bleed Cubbie Blue
Twelve die-hard Cubs fans can get a free tattoo commemorating the 100th anniversary of Wrigley Field, courtesy of the Central Lakeview Merchants Association. (They're also offering free laser tattoo removal for up to 12 Sox fans.)
For the Win
Orr Academy High School's Tyquone Greer hit a game-winning 3-point shot nine days after he was shot in the leg while attending a neighborhood party on the West Side.
Actually Ride the Length of the Lakefront Trail
Construction of the much-needed Navy Pier Flyover will start next week. While the lakefront trail is supposed to remain open throughout construction, check out the detours and closures page for updates.
On Each Other's Team
Lorde, who's in town for a show at the Aragon tonight, live-tweeted the Bulls game last night ...sort of.
i am at a bulls game this is so intense how does everyone in this room not have a stress ulcer
— Lorde (@lordemusic) March 18, 2014i am such an outsider to the world of sport but i feel very proud of all playing
— Lorde (@lordemusic) March 18, 2014the cheerleaders are doing synchronized movements to small pieces of drum-based instrumental music
— Lorde (@lordemusic) March 18, 2014the cheerleaders are doing synchronized movements to small pieces of drum-based instrumental music
— Lorde (@lordemusic) March 18, 2014they just filmed me (surprise) and my keyboardist spontaneously kissed my drummer while the cameras were on us (surprise x2)
— Lorde (@lordemusic) March 18, 2014LORDE AT TE BULLS GAME @lordemusic pic.twitter.com/AZepH9H3LQ
— ✿Ness✿ (@RoyalsLorde) March 18, 2014Get Ready, Wrigleyville
At least some of the Wrigley Field renovations will begin this year, Ald. Tom Tunney told neighborhood residents this week.
Over the Top
So long a sideshow, the Chicago League of Lady Arm Wrestlers gets featured event attention in the Reader.
There's no Greying in Baseball
Paul Konerko celebrated his 38th birthday last week. He's part of a shrinking group in baseball: players born in the 1970s.
No Return for Hester
Explosive return man Devin Hester will not be re-signed by the Bears for next season.
Not That Again
Martin Sorrell, CEO of global ad agency WPP Group, suggests that Chicago should bid for the 2024 Olympics. Can we all agree that this is still a bad idea?
Stadium Man
The Chicago Park District and Mayor Emanuel are considering adding 5,000 seats to Soldier Field to support a potential Super Bowl bid and make room for other revenue-generating events.
Hometown Hero Hype
While the "Second City Saint," WWE wrestler CM Punk, allegedly walked away from the sport of professional wrestling, speculation is swirling over whether he will return to the ring when Monday Night Raw comes to his hometown of Chicago.
Are You a Pinball Wizard?
Pinball Chicago League is looking for teams of six to 10 players for its inaugural season, which starts March 24.
Sporting Some History
Just in time for the end of Black History Month, Homage just released a new line of Negro League sportswear, including a shirt and hat from the Chicago American Giants.
Rolling Out the Law
By day, Jaclyn Stacy is director of external relations for the Legal Assistance Foundation. By night and weekend, she's Anihilist Nin of the Fury roller derby team.
Stop'n Y'all
Goalie Sean Johnson strapped on a GoPro camera to give fans a firsthand view of a Chicago Fire practice. [via]
Motivational Bias
The Chicago Sun-Times dropped freelance sports writer Clyde Travis after it was revealed he entered the locker room and admonished Curie-Hyde Park High School basketball players for their poor play after he covered their game.
Championship Ice
Everyone's eyes are on Olympic hockey in Sochi right now, but ChicagoSide's Adam Hainsfurther argues the best hockey game of the year will be next weekend's NHL Stadium Series at Soldier Field, pitting the Blackhawks vs. the Penguins.
Sochi Scavenger Hunt
USA speed skater Brian Hansen is on a mission to get his photo taken with all 10 Chicago Blackhawks representing their countries at the Winter Olympics in Sochi.
Noah Worries
Bleacher Report says Joakim Noah is untouchable when it comes to players the Bulls might consider trading.
The SnowBrawl is On
Do312, RedEye and Chicagoist are holding a snowball fight tonight at 8pm! Meet at the fieldhouse in Wicker Park.
Forever Alone at Sochi
Photographer Christopher Hiltz did a little photoshoppery to see what it'd look like if Olympic figure skating pairs lost one of the partners.
DePaul's Top Basketball Player No Longer Enrolled
The men's basketball team had hopes of a comeback with star player Cleveland Melvin on the team until his career came to an abrupt halt on Monday. The player is no longer enrolled at DePaul and is suspended indefinitely for violating an unspecified team rule. (Related.)
The Zen of Football
The Bears hired a martial arts instructor to help improve their blocking techniques.
More Rest for Rose
Derrick Rose will probably not practice with the Chicago Bulls this season, taking more time off in order to recover from a torn meniscus.
"You're the Swede-ist"
The Blackhawks put together some special Valentines Day cards for hockey fans.
Chicago is Going to Sochi
Figure skaters Gracie Gold and Jason Brown, speed skater Shani Davis and many others are representing Chicag- er, the United States at the Sochi Winter Olympics.
Baller, Shot Caller
The Bulls' Joakim Noah was fined $15,000 for losing his cool at referees in Monday night's game.
Keep the audio low on this one.
Keepers of the Cup
The Blackhawks are favored to repeat as Stanley Cup Champions, which would make them the first team to do so since the Detroit Red Wings in 1997.
Soccer at Soldier Field
The International Champions Cup announced possible locations for this year's soccer tournament, and Chicago is on that list. World Soccer Talk released its tentative schedule with Liverpool to play Greece's Olympiacos on July 26 at Soldier Field.
The Next Super Bowl is Galactic
And it'll feature the Monsters of the Midway: the Hoth Wampas.
Sweetness Awarded
Bears cornerback Charles Tillman received the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award from the NFL for his charity work supporting chronically ill children and his performance on the field.
Shufflin' into Court
Six members of the 1985 Bears have filed a lawsuit against the current owners of the "Super Bowl Shuffle," claiming that rights to use their likenesses didn't transfer when the song and video were purchased.
If You Can't Get Chicago to the Super Bowl...
With the Super Bowl being held in New York this year, RedEye asks if it could ever make its way to Chicago. It's possible, although critics- includking Ditka himself- say it's way too cold here in the winter.
Can't Get a Rise Out of the Top
When Joel Reese heckled the Blackhawks at a home game he expected to get jeered out of the United Center, but all he found was a stadium filled with (mostly) gracious hosts.
Watch the Game with the Boys
Crew in Uptown is one of the best gay bars in the country at which to watch the Super Bowl, according to NewNowNext. (Thanks, Dee!)
The Players, United
Quarterback Kain Colter and other members of the Northwestern football team are asking to be represented by a labor union, making them the first players in the history of college sports to do so, according to ESPN.
Like a Hard Rock for Chicago Sports
A Chicago Sports Museum planned for Water Tower Place will combine exhibits on local sports history with a restaurant and shopping areas.
Champions of Cuteness
Taser and Sharpie, two Italian Greyhound puppies from a Chicago-based rescue organization, are stepping into the arena for this year's Puppy Bowl.
Off the Table
Negotiations between the Cubs and the owners of rooftop clubs that would be impacted by proposed renovations of Wrigley Field have officially broken down and will be settled in court.
Illinois Republicans Kill Bears Superbowl Chances
A sad day for football fans in Chicago. All four of the Republican candidates for governor said they don't support fully legalizing marijuana in Illinois. The "420 Bowl" disagrees.
Bocce in Streeterville
Pinstripes, a suburban bowling and bocce chain, is moving into River East Plaza -- practically across the street from Lucky Strike. (I'm more excited about the year 'round bocce, personally.)
Rose Back on the Bus
Able to get around without crutches, an injured Derrick Rose is back to traveling with the Bulls.
Meme Spirited
The Cubs are not entertained by the harsh, sometimes perverse treatment their new mascot Clark the Cub is getting at the hands of photoshoppers across the Internet.
Hipsters of the Midway
Sports blog Kissing Suzy Kolber reimagines NFL logos as hipsters. Sweet bowtie, Bears.
Oar-iginal Design
The new WMS Boathouse designed by Studio Gang was inspired by the sport of rowing it houses. [via]
Cubs Unveil Mascot, Internet Flips Out
The Cubs unveiled their new mascot, Clark the Cub today, and the Internet went nuts. Among the people chiming in was Deadspin editor and Chicagoan Tim Marchman, who calls Clark "a nightmarish, perverted furry."
NU Makes It Work
Northwestern University's basketball team is sporting (temporary) new uniforms that the players helped design themselves, including images of the John Hancock Center building, a heart-shaped basketball, and Bulls-inspired pin striping.
Happy Birthday, Mr. Great Leader
The odd love affair between former Bulls star Dennis Rodman and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un continues, with The Worm singing happy birthday to the head of the hermit kingdom and playing a game with a team of retired American players as a present.
Rodman later apologized, saying he was drunk.
The Big Hurt Makes History
White Sox slugger Frank Thomas was voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, receiving approval from 83.7 percent of voters from the Baseball Writers' Association of America.
Hawks Go for Gold
Ten Blackhawks will be representing their home countries at the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, although only Patrick Kane will be putting on the red, white, and blue for Team USA.
Catching Fire
Two Chicago Fire players, league MVP Mike Magee and goalie Sean Johnson, have been invited to join the training camp which determines who plays on the U.S. national team.
Double Down, Chicago Bears
The Bears signed quarterback Jay Cutler to a seven-year deal for an undisclosed amount of money.
Conte Catch a Break
Bears fans directing their ire at safety Chris Conte for failing to prevent Green Bay's game-ending touchdown Sunday night tweeted their insults to @ChrisConte -- which is actually the account of Nashville TV reporter Chris Conte.
Financial Fitness
Ms.Fit magazine, a "body-positive, LGBTQ-friendly, unapologetically feminist women's health and fitness webzine," is just shy of making its fundraising goal to continue publishing in 2014. Pitch in here.
Bears Lose, Ditka Snoozed
As the Bears failed to make it to the playoffs, former coach Mike Ditka dozed off on "Sunday NFL Countdown."
Get Your Graters Ready
The Bears must win this Sunday to move on to the playoffs, and Chicago fans are getting ready to razz their rivals with anti-Cheesehead grater heads.
Bear Down and Network
The RedEye found the LinkedIn profiles of former Bears quarterbacks looking to advance their post-NFL careers.
Why Did That Happen?
On Wednesday night, Kanye West sang a song apparently titled "We should've never ever let Michael Jordan play for the Wizards." Bret Wallin transcribed it for you.
Help Them Roll Again
Four Windy City Rollers were injured in a car accident last weekend. Fans are encouraged to pitch in to help defray medical bills for Senorita Slam, Janicide Joplin, Baberaham Lincoln and Moby Nipps.
Office Ollies
Red Bull turned the vacant 23rd floor of an unnamed local high rise into an office- and then let pro skateboarders loose in it for a skate video with extra high "stoke factor." [via]
A Dome on the North Side
The Chicago Fire Soccer Club plans to convert a vacant factory at Talman and Addison into a two-field indoor soccer dome.
Rolling on Broadway
The Windy City Rollers open their home season Saturday in an usual spot: the Broadway Armory, which in fact started life in 1916 as an indoor ice skating rink. Capacity is only 875, so get there early.
Staying United
The United Center will keep its name for the next 20 years, after the Bulls, Blackhawks, arena, and United Airlines reached an agreement for an undisclosed amount.
Dribbling Chicago
Harlem Globetrotter Dizzy Grant showcases his ball handling skills across Chicago in a new video. [via]
GB Gift Guide: Fitness Boxing Classes
New Year's resolutions are right around the corner, which means putting up with listening to your friends ask themselves repeatedly which gym they should join. Give them the gift of punching power this holiday season with a membership at the Franklin Street Boxing Club. If anything, after six to eight weeks, they'll get your back in a barroom brawl.
Behind the Black Unicorn
ESPN's Rick Reilly calls cartoonist, fashion designer, and Bears tight end Martellus Bennett, "the most interesting man in the NFL."
Love at Center Court
A man emerged from a Benny the Bull costume and proposed to one of the Luvabull dancers during last week's Bulls-Heat game.
Playing with the Pros
Former Bears linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer now runs Overdog, a startup that lets fans play video games with pro athletes. (Thanks, Daniel!)
Chicago's Soccer Star
The Fire's forward Mike Magee was awarded Major League Soccer's MVP award.
Kiss Something Cam
The Bulls' "Bandwagon Cam" called out Heat fans in the stands during Thursday's game at the United Center.
Return of The Return
The Bulls' Derrick Rose may be returning in time for this year's NBA playoffs.
Teach Me How to Ditka
Double Door is hosting a Mike Ditka look-alike contest, and some former Bears will be among the judges.
Thank You GIFs
Buzzfeed's thank you note to recently re-injured Bulls star Derrick Rose is part earnest homage, part highlight reel.
Looking on the Bright Side
ChicagoSide gives 100 things to be thankful for in Chicago sports.
Wrigley Gets into the Wrigleyville Game
Tom Tunney proposed an ordinance on behalf of the Cubs to let them sell beer outside the stadium on the plaza. If it passes, it'll apply to any venue with 30,000 capacity or bigger.
Pantheon Possibilities
Former Cubs pitcher Greg Maddux and former White Sox slugger Frank Thomas will be on the ballot next year for the Baseball Hall of Fame.
A Return Deferred
The Bulls' Derrick Rose is out for the season after having surgery on his right knee, which he injured during a game against Portland on Friday.
Solidarity Shirts
Chicago Bears players will wear t-shirts with the logo of Washington High School Sunday in a show of support for the tornado-ravaged town.
High Quality H20
The Blackhawks are selling vials of melted home ice from the United Center, saved after last year's championship season, with all the proceeds going to charity. [via]
Defrocking Da Coach
CBS Chicago's Tim Baffoe said Mike Ditka should no longer be considered the ideal Chicago coach after he called Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Jonathan Martin "a baby" for complaining about bullying by a teammate.
Cold Sweat Shoes of Legend
In other Michael Jordan news, a former ball boy for the Utah Jazz is planning to auction off the shoes the Bulls star wore while suffering from the flu during Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals.
The Bears FC
What if the Bears played that other game called football? A new logo project imagines what their insignia would look like. (I think we fared better than Green Bay.)
"If you saw it in a movie you wouldn't believe it... and it'd be a pretty bad movie, too."
ESPN's "30 for 30" looks back on one of the craziest games ever played: the Space Jam game of 1995, which included two of Chicago's biggest stars in basketball, Michael Jordan and Bill Murray. [via]
Parker Comes Back a Champion
High school hoops phenom and current Duke Blue Devil Jabari Parker was back in Chicago for the ESPN Champions Classic double-header last night. Duke lost to Kansas 94-83.
Hoops Hub
Chicago is the most important city in the country for college basketball, writes Ben Cohen in the Wall Street Journal.
Hat Burglar
After Blackhawk Brandon Bollig hit Winnipeg's Adam Pardy through the glass at the United Center, a brash fan pulled off his helmet and tried it on.
Your New Cubs Coach
...is Rick Renteria, most recently bench coach for the San Diego Padres. And it might be a little while before we hear from him -- he's recovering from hip surgery and unable to travel at the moment.
Suiting Up
Former Bears quarterback Bobby Douglass is one of the latest players to sue the NFL for not warning players about the potential of suffering brain damage.
Sore Loser
After apparently winning a bet over whose team would win, a Bears fan shot his Packers-fan wife with a Taser outside a bar in Wisconsin.
Cubs to Leave WGN
The Cubs notified WGN-TV, the superstation that helped create a national fandom for the "lovable losers," that the team is exercising a contract option to end their broadcasting deal after the 2014 season. No word yet on the WGN-AM radio contract, which is up in 2014 as well.
Getting Buck Wild
The Big Buck Hunter World Championship is coming to Wicker Park this weekend.
Shredding the Cheese Heads
If you watched the Bears win over the Packers in Green Bay last night, you might have spotted some Bears fans wearing GraterHead hats in the stands.
D-Ramatic Ending
Returning to the United Center for the first time since his injury, Derrick Rose sunk a game-winning jump shot with just a few seconds left on the clock, sealing the Bulls' 82-81 victory against the Knicks Thursday.
Chicago's Top High School Hoops
ChicagoSide ranks the top 25 high school basketball stars of all time. You may be surprised that Derrick Rose is only seventh on the list.
A Storied Team
Bleacher Report asks if the Bulls will become "America's Team" once again during a season that already resembles a classic sports movie, with Derrick Rose as the returning hero and the dominating, "Hollywood as hell" Miami Heat as the villains.
Body Table Wizardry
The Chicago Pinball Expo was this past weekend, and Ars Technica got a look at some of the new custom machines.
One-Two Punch for Bears
After tearing a groin muscle, Bears QB Jay Cutler is out for at least four weeks, and injured linebacker Lance Briggs will be out for six weeks as well.
Leave Your Monocle at Home, Mr. Peanut
This weekend's Northwestern game against the Minnesota Gophers at Ryan Field will be completely peanut-free, making it easier for people with allergies to attend the game.
Only Humanely Raised Tofu
Chipotle will be testing out its shredded tofu option at all its Chicago locations.
Don't Blame Bartman
Yes, it's been 10 years since the infamous Bartman incident. But rapper Serengeti (as well as certain Cubs players) think it's time for Cubs fans to move on and stop blaming Steve.
Going the Distance
One competitor in the Chicago Marathon could be the first person to ever win three major marathons in a season -- and she races in a wheelchair.
Fun Marathon Facts
Did you know that the Chicago Marathon used to be sponsored by Old Style? And that there are eight runners who have competed in every marathon since its inception in 1977? [via]
You've Got to be Bleepin' Me
Any White Sox fans looking to relive the low points of the past season are sure to enjoy a supercut of Sox announcer Hawk Harrelson's best awkward silences, screams, and other meltdowns of 2013. [via]
RIP Handy Andy
Former Cubs player Andy Pafko, who played during the team's last trip to the World Series in 1945, passed away at 94.
United States of X: Sports Edition
Slate makes the obvious choice for Illinois on its map of the US in which each state gets one signature sport: 16-inch softball.
Who Should Be the Cubs' Next Manager?
The Onion asks in its latest nationwide poll.
Home Site Takeover
Speaking of the Blackhawks' victory lap, a video promoting Chicago is front-and-center on the City of Boston's homepage today after Boston's Mayor Thomas Menino made good on his bet with Mayor Emanuel over which city's team would win the Cup.
Lord Stanley, Presiding
The Blackhawks took time for ceremony before their 6-4 win against the Capitals Tuesday at the United Center, adding a fifth Stanley Cup championship banner to their collection.
Skipper Out After a Two Season Tour
The Cubs fired manager Dale Sveum after the team finished this season in last place in its division.
Young Cutler
Jay Cutler's high school highlight tape shows the Bears QB was a pro at passing, catching, and even dunking at a young age. [via ]
Perfect for a Billboard
The Chicago Cubs revealed the 100th anniversary logo for Wrigley Field, selected from 1,200 entries submitted to the team as part of a contest.
105 Years & Counting
The 105th anniversary of the "Merkle's Boner" play that led to the Cubs' last World Series win was yesterday. The umpire who called the play, Hank O'Day, is being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Keith Olberman suggests this is the moment the Cubs' curse began.
D Rose Goes All In
In a new Adidas ad, Bulls star Derrick Rose sets his sights on giving Chicago "the ultimate thank you" when he returns to the court this season.
Operation Rain Drop
Blackhawks forward Brandon Bollig takes to the ice and shoots for laughs in a response to the viral video of Patrick Kane's impressive stickhandling abilities.
Kansas Comet Files Suit
Former Bears running back Gale Sayers is suing the NFL for not doing enough to protect him from head trauma during his seven-year career.
Sky Flying High
After years of struggling, the Chicago Sky are energized ahead of their first playoff bid ever this Friday against rival Indiana Fever.
Because it's the Photo Op
Blackhawks fans may get their last opportunity to pose with the Stanley Cup tomorrow at Millennium Park; its tour ends when the hockey season begins in October.
Swing Set Disparities
WBEZ's Curious City found that parks and playgrounds serving children of color are generally farther away, less safe, and renovated less often.
Wrigley Regulars
Al Yellon reflects on why he continues to go to every Cubs home game, even after decades of disappointment.
Derrick Rose Gets Some Light Practice
Rose is on a tour of Japan, China and the Phillipines for Adidas, and took some time out for shooting practice in Tokyo.
Here he is against three challengers from the crowd:
Versus a Japanese professional basketball player:
And of course, be cause it's Japan, versus a sumo wrestler:
The Gopher Strikes Again?
A suspicious fire wiped out most of the golf carts at the Chick Evans Golf Course on the Northwest Side; investigators suspect foul play.
Flop Down, Chicago Bears
Former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher said the team had a "designated fall guy" who would fake injury to slow down fast-tempo opponents. [via]
Famous Swimmer's Chicagoland Roots
As the school year kicks off, Lake Forest College celebrates alumnus Diana Nyad, whose historic swim from Cuba to Florida is an inspiration to current student athletes.
Look at the Sky
The Chicago Sky clinched top seed in the WNBA playoffs this weekend, securing home court advantage in their first postseason in the team's history.
We're Gonna Need a Bigger Box
Cards Against Humanity is launching a monolith.
The Bigger Blacker Box from Max Temkin on Vimeo.
That Sounds Safe
Six Flags Great America in Gurnee is planning to build the fastest wooden roller coaster in the world.
Triathletes Triumph Over Trials
The thousands of people who turned out for Sunday's Chicago Life Time Triathlon included a ten-year-old boy with cystic fibrosis, 22 paratriathletes, and a man who learned how to swim this year.
Fire Staffer Burnt Out with Fans
In a lengthy editorial posted to the Chicago Fire's website, Communications Director Dan Lobring calls out the soccer club's fans for disrespecting the team's owners and behaving badly after the Fire lost at home to one of the worst teams in the MLS, ending their bid for the U.S. Open Cup. [via]
Ditka's the New Goat
Mike Ditka stopped by Bears practice yesterday, helping the team "embrace tradition" -- or perhaps acting as the Billy Goat, un-jinxing the upcoming season.
The Scarlet Letter C
Apparently Brewers player Ryan Braun accused the man who collected the urine sample that led to his suspension on drug policy violations of being a Cubs fan and an anti-Semite, according to ESPN.
Down on the Bears
Deadspin's Drew Magary once again tells you why the Bears will suck this year. (Don't worry, all the other teams will suck, too.)
Chicago Sirens Rugby Team Headed to Kenya
The Chicago Sirens Women's Rugby Club has been invited to play in the 2014 Safari Sevens Tournament in Nairobi, Kenya. They are the only U.S. team -- and the first women's team outside of Africa -- to receive an invitation to this premier tournament.
Cheerleaders on Ice
What's it like trying out for the Blackhawks' Ice Crew? DNAinfo reporter Jackie Kostek tells all.
Return of the Mariotti
The beloved ex-Sun Times sports columnist has launched a new website.
Red Stars on Camera
The Chicago Red Stars' Ella Masar and Erin McLeod do a YouTube interview show, and it's wonderfully low-budget -- and popular.
Own a Piece of (Bloody) Sports History
Chicago Blackhawks forward Andrew Shaw is selling the stitches he received after getting hit in the face by a puck in Game 6 of the finals, giving all proceeds of the online sale to charity.
Tough Crowd
Sox fans gave quite a warm welcome to soon-to-be-banned Yankee Alex Rodriguez last night before the Sox beat his team 8-1.
Force Win First National Championship
The Chicago Force defeated the Dallas Diamonds 81-34 Saturday night to win the Women's Football Alliance (WFA) National Championship.
Cheer on Chicago's Championship Team
The undefeated Chicago Force will be taking on the Dallas Diamonds at the Women's Football Alliance Championship game in San Diego on Saturday. Kickoff is at 8 p.m. and the game will be live on ESPN3 and streaming online.
Kick Butt Russian Style
You may have seen viral videos of people kicking ass using the Russian martial art called systema. There are a couple places you can learn it here in Chicago.
AKA Water
The Blackhawks will be selling melted ice, allegedly from the United Center rink, to raise money for team charities. Meanwhile, the Sox are selling broken dreams and the Cubs are selling tickets to next year.
Bouncing Balls on Trampolines
Spikeball was just beginning to catch on in 2008 when I posted about it in Tailgate. It's now catching on nationally.
Honus Visits Rosemont
The National Sports Collectors Convention is out in Rosemont this week, and will feature the auction of the super-rare Honus Wagner T206 card, among other highlights.
Let's Hear it for the Hawk
If you get the MLB Network, tune in tonight at 6pm for Hawk: The Colorful Life of Ken Harrelson, a documentary about the White Sox's colorful announcer.
Justin Meets Stanley
Justin Bieber hung out with the Stanley Cup before his show at the United Center Tuesday, and hung his sweater in Toews' locker. Fans were not pleased.
The Biebs meets THE CUP!!! pic.twitter.com/oh4AvDbYbT
— Peter Hassen (@PJHASSEN) July 10, 2013
Appling to Sandberg to Banks
ChicagoSide put together a Chicago baseball dream team borrowing from all eras, as part of its ongoing Sports Almanac of Significance.
Boozer is not a Crook
"When Carlos Boozer trends on Twitter it's never to laud his successes." ChicagoSide's Ben Lyon argues that the Bulls' big man reminds fans of what the team is, instead of what it could be.
The Stanley Cup's Doppelgängers
Homemade Stanley Cups are popping up all over town, and we've started to collect photos of them. Have you photographed any? Consider adding them to our flickr pool!
We'll Always Have Boston
Mere days after winning the Stanley Cup, two Blackhawks players (one of whom scored the final goal in Game 6) were notified that they had been traded to other teams.
"Hockey is a tough game."
That's the first line in an open letter to the Bruins from Blackhawks owner and Chairman Rocky Wirtz and team President and CEO John McDonough, published in today's Boston Globe.
Save Wrigley, One Way or the Other
What "save Wrigley Field" means depends on your perspective, apparently The Cubs sent out an email yesterday asking fans to sign a petition supporting the ballclub's restoration plans. Meanwhile, the grassroots group Save Wrigley Field is pushing for the opposite.
Hawks on Parade
The Blackhawks championship parade will begin at the United Center on Friday and end in Grant Park for a rally at 11am. The official parade route will be announced Thursday.
Blackhawks by Phone
If you haven't found enough ways to celebrate the Hawks' win, you can now add free Blackhawks emoji to your iPhone.
The Stanley Cup Hangover
After the police drove revelers from the street in Wrigleyville last night, some of them smashed windows and caused mayhem further down Clark and Broadway. Ted McClelland wonders whether cops would have been as lenient if it were protestors instead of Blackhawks fans.
Media Burn Video Feature: Dennis and Bobby Hull in 1985
While you're still reveling in the 'hawks win, why not take a stroll down memory lane with Media Burn's digitized featurette on Dennis and Bobby Hull from 1985.
Pass the Cup
With that incredible Game 6 win, the Stanley Cup is back in Chicago! Keep your eye on its whereabouts via Twitter, and stay tuned for details on the Blackhawks' victory parade.
Will LeBron Ever Catch Jordan?
Nate Silver thinks he's going to need some luck.
This Better not Jinx It
South suburban Blackhawks fan Russell Pederson has a tattoo of the Stanley Cup on his arm -- and got 2013 added to it after the Hawks tied up the championship series with the Bruins. [via]
Base-Jumping Trump
Three people parachuted off Trump Tower around 12:30am last night, and unlike the last time, the police didn't catch them.
A Blackhawks Symphony
Still wired after that OT win the Blackhawks offered last night? Soothe yourself with a rendition of "Chelsea Dagger" played by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. (Nice shirt, Muti!)
Blackhawks Swag
Young Regime, Windy City Beast and Tiggy-G have released a Blackhawks anthem worthy of the team: "Stanley Cup Swagger."
Meet "The 606"
Branding consultants have decided that we should all call The Bloomingdale Trail "The 606." The name is a reference to the shared parts of our zip codes, and not, presumably, intended to reference Chicago's original "606," the legendary speakeasy turned "gentlemen's club."
Not Such a Strong Idea
Lakeview-based Cubby Tees created a "Chicago Stronger" shirt to show support of the Blackhawks during the Stanley Cup finals against the Boston Bruins. The shirt has been pulled after the company received what they're calling a "Twitter-lynching." The shirt is a play on the "Boston Strong" slogan created after the Boston Marathon bombings.
Free Fire Game
If you're not doing anything today, jump in the car and head down to Toyota Park and watch the Fire take on the Columbus Crew. Both parking and admission are free; the game was postponed from last night.
2,152 Consecutive Blackhawks Games
Tonight, Bob Gertenrich will make it 2,153. Look for him in Section 333, Row 1, Seat 18.
No 3-Day Next Year
Susan G Komen for the Cure is canceling next year's 3-Day in Chicago and six other cities due to falling participation. This year's walk is Aug. 9-11
The Green of the Ivy, the Cork of the Bat
This might make you feel old: Sammy Sosa's corked bat incident was 10 years ago.
Improving the Lakefront Trail
Today the Active Transportation Alliance released its co-authored report [pdf] of user perceptions of the lakefront trail. In a surprise to no one, trail users are most frustrated by the sections between Fullerton and Division and over the river. How's that Navy Pier flyover coming along?
The Sponsor-Friendly Confines
The Cubs have erected mockups of the signage and Jumbotron they'd like to install as part of the proposed renovation. Probably should have done "FFFFUUUUUUU" instead of just "FFFFFFFFFFF."
Playing and Socializing
Chicago Sport & Social Club dominates summer recreational sports in the city -- it's the largest adult recreational sports company by participation.
Reinsdorf's Achievements
Sports Business Daily gave Jerry Reinsdorf, owner of the White Sox and Bulls, a lifetime achievement award this week, and provides in-depth looks at his history with the Sox and his more hands-off approach with the Bulls. The 77-year-old owner also mentioned a succession plan that recommends selling the Sox.
Urlacher Ends Career as a Bear
Brian Urlacher announced his retirement today, rather than joining a team other than the Bears. He'll be eligible for the Football Hall of Fame in 2018.
It was an honor to play my entire career for the @chicagobears say.ly/GOh5Sxs
— Brian Urlacher (@BUrlacher54) May 22, 2013
MJ vs. Kobe
In his new book, Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success, coach Phil Jackson finally compares Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. The LA Times' Mike Bresnahan has the choice excerpts. [via]
To Build a Stadium
The mayor is touting a $300 million basketball stadium for DePaul near McCormick Place that would be funded in large part with public money (and which many experts say is a terrible idea). Chicago mag's Whet Moser has done a good job of detailing the questions surrounding the deal and the risks with public funding of stadiums. Meanwhile, the Cubs upped their campaign for Wrigley renovations with a new website.
The Bird Lady of Miami
As Joakim Noah left the game Wednesday, a Heat fan angrily flipped him off. The was identified as Filomena Tobias, a widow whose been in the news before. Now that the Internet has had its way with her, the Sun-Sentinel shares more of her story.
A Bull Gets a Horn
A Miami Heat fan threw dazzling shade at Joakim Noah after his ejection during last night's playoff (which the Bulls lost; the 115-78 final score was the largest losing margin in playoff history).
From Chapter 7 to Team Owner
The new owner of the Chicago Rush arena football team is perhaps not the most trustworthy guy to put in charge of a lot of money, or a sports franchise. [via]
Skating Soldier Field Again
The Blackhawks will play the Pittsburgh Penguins at Soldier Field next March as part of the NHL's new Stadium Series, which joins the Winter Classic that the Hawks have participated in a couple times. Sign up for ticket info here.
Explain's Cameron's Jersey
James Hughes talks about going to hockey games with his father, filmmaker John Hughes, and his dad's soft spot the Redwings.
The Nuclear Cubs Option
Tom Ricketts unveiled renderings of the proposed Wrigley Field remodel -- and threatened to move the Cubs if it doesn't get approved, while claiming "There's no threats."
GLBT Sports Hall of Fame Launches
The National Gay & Lesbian Sports Hall of Fame launched in Chicago on Tuesday. It will begin accepting nominees this summer.
Fielding Dreams
Leroy Franklin has coached the Simeon Wolverines to victory on the baseball diamond for decades, but one triumph has eluded him: the state championship. Could this be the year?
Bliss Lose the Lingerie, Keep Fighting
Rachel Shteir's latest article is a look at the Chicago Bliss, a team in the Legends -- formerly Lingerie -- Football League, for ChicagoSide. The Bliss lost their first game last week; meanwhile The Force is 2-0 and off to its usual domination in the Women's Football Alliance.
MJ's Poison Pizza?
Michael Jordan's infamous "flu game" in the 1997 NBA Finals was actually a case of food poisoning by Utah Jazz fans, MJ's former trainer claims.
Get Kids Out on the Field
Three South Side baseball diamonds will be refurbished this month, in hopes of inspiring children to follow in Jackie Robinson's footsteps.
Swoopes Swoops In
WNBA star Sheryl Swoopes has been named head coach of Loyola's women's basketball team.
Wrigley's Future
The Cubs and the City announced a "framework" for Wrigley renovations, which includes more night games, a giant video scoreboard and more.
Robinson at Wrigley
Jackie Robinson, whose life is depicted in 42, out this weekend, made his major league debut at Wrigley Field in 1947. A snippet of film shot by a fan shows him out on the field and signing autographs. [via]
Ricketts got the Goat
Someone dropped off a a goat's head in a box, addressed to Cubs owner Tom Ricketts, at Wrigley Field yesterday afternoon. No word yet on whether it was meant as a creepy curse-breaker or more of a Godfather-style message regarding ongoing renovation negotiations.
Cornhole Everywhere
It's almost warm out, which means soon certain parts of the city will soon echo with the sounds of bean bags hitting plywood.
RIP Jack Pardee
Jack Pardee, a Texas college football star who went on to coach the Bears from 1975 to 1977, passed away after a battle with prostate cancer. He was 76.
Whose Idea Was This?
Deadspin and the rest of the internet had some fun at the expense of Comcast SportsNet's White Sox intro video that played before today's home opener.
Cubs Still Near Top
The Cubs are still the most profitable baseball team and fourth most valuable overall, according to Forbes.
Jabari Repeats
Simeon's Jabari Parker won the Illinois Mr. Basketball award for the second straight year. Parker, the first ever back-to-back winner, will play for Duke University next season.
I am a Villager
There are many Werewolf game decks out there, but this is the only one created by Max Temkin, one of the masterminds behind Cards Against Humanity.
Urlacher Out
Brian Urlacher will not be a Bear in 2013, after negotiations reached an impasse over an offer Urlacher found insultingly low.
Step Up to the Line
The Chicago Parks Foundation's Windy City Hoops (previously) currently has a $25,000 matching challenge running on its IndieGoGo campaign; pledge by midnight tonight to get the project fully funded. [via]
The Blackhawks' Record*
On Chicagoside, Michael Hirsley asks whether the Hawks' record-breaking streak this season deserves an asterisk -- and not just because of the the shortened season.
Get a Wrigley Rooftop Deal for a Donation
Former Chicago Bites coauthor Bridget Houlihan has put together a deal for discount tickets to watch the Cubs play the Padres from the deck at 3639 Wrigley Rooftop on May 1; donate $15 or more to Easter Seals and get your ticket for just $69.
Cubs in Rosemont?
Rosemont's mayor wants the Cubs to relocate to his tiny hamlet, and is even offering to build a replica of Wrigley in the shadow of O'Hare.
Coloring Between the Lines
Registration is open for the Color in Motion 5k, the race where the runners get doused in pigment, Holi-style.
The Bloomingdale Trail is on its Way
After years of organizing, the Bloomingdale Trail and Park network is scheduled to break ground this summer [pdf].
Bloomingdale Park and Trail on Track for Summer Groundbreaking by Gapers Block
Synchronized Steel on Ice
The Chicago Jazz junior synchronized ice skating team won fourth place in a national competition earlier this month.
Air Jabari
High school basketball star Jabari Parker only recently announced where he'll play college hoops, but he's already been introduced to the world of sponsorship deals thanks to Simeon Academy's deal with Nike.
Are You Active on the South Side?
The U of C's Cultural Policy Center and the Southside Arts & Humanities Network want to know what you do on the South Side. The survey touches on civic engagement through art, music, work, worship, and research, and should take about 10 minutes.
Skate Grant Park!
The park district is creating a new, permanent skate park in Grant Park at 11th and Michigan. Preliminary plans will be released during Wednesday's Grant Park Conservancy/Advisory Council meeting.
Marathon Registration Reset
If you tried to register for the Chicago Marathon and were thwarted by server problems, you'll get your opportunity sometime Sunday ...or possibly a little later. Register here to get an email update about it.
Pinball: Rise of the Machines
Chicago suburbs-based Stern Pinball is seeing a surge in business with the rise of "barcades" and nostalgia gaming. They're doing so well that they have competition again -- until 2011, they were the only company still making machines.
Tickets to Athleticism & Gluttony
By coincidence, registration for the Chicago Marathon and Baconfest are on successive days: Register for the marathon beginning at noon Tuesday, and get your Baconfest tickets at noon on Wednesday.
MJ at 50
ESPN's Outside the Lines has a great profile of Michael Jordan as he turns 50 that feels a little like "Michael Jordan Has a Cold."
No More Cubs on WGN?
Cub owner Tom Ricketts was noncommittal when asked about the team's relationship with WGN-TV beyond 2014. The network has broadcast Cub games for over six decades, but may be dropped in favor of more a more lucrative deal.
Who's Worth a Puck
Now that the NHL lockout is behind us, professors at UofC's Booth School of Business tried to determine if hockey salaries are worth it. According to the researchers, a little Moneyball-style stats analysis could work wonders to find diamonds on the ice.
Estimating Player Contribution in Hockey With Regularized Logistic Regression by Gapers Block
Oh, Wrigleyville Nights
The Cubs want more night games this season, but Ald. Tom Tunney may be standing in their way.
Williams' Journey to Recovery
The New York Times Magazine details former Bull point guard Jay Williams' new career as a sterling basketball analyst. A few years before Derrick Rose's leg made the city hold its breath, Williams crashed his motorcycle and ended an unremarkable one-year career in the NBA.
Bleed Wildcat Purple
The Cubs and Northwestern have worked out a deal that will bring football back to Wrigley Field -- along with baseball and lacrosse.
Basketball Diplomacy on Gun Violence
A Chicago high school basketball star himself, former CPS chief/current Secretary of Education Arne Duncan connects to Chicago's gun violence and its toll on the city's youth through basketball, as Rick Telander tells it, and he's enlisted friends Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah to help formulate a plan to combat it.
Bulls, Bears & Blackhawks, Oh My
Chronology Clothing's "The Beast" is the perfect Chicago sports t-shirt -- as long as you don't like baseball. [via]
We Are the Bears Shufflin' Crew
Jake Austen put together a fantastic oral history of "The Super Bowl Shuffle" for Grantland.
Reporting from the Locker Room
San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh was a rookie quarterback in 1987 when he let Cheryl Raye-Stout into the locker room, helping change the culture at Halas Hall.
Half Court Hook Shot
At the Heat/Pistons games Friday, a Chicago-area man had the chance to win $75,000 by making one shot from half court. I won't ruin the ending, but Lebron James does tackle him in joy.
Wrigley Rooftop Owners: Advertise Here!
Owners of rooftop clubs across from Wrigley Field offered to let the Cubs put digital billboards on their buildings, rather than see billboards erected as part of the proposed stadium renovations. They also noted that such plans would violate the landmark status of portions of Wrigley and also the 20-year revenue-sharing agreement between the rooftop clubs and the team.
High School Hoops Covered by High Schoolers
With Hoops High, Free Spirit Media is teaching Chicago high school students sports journalism and broadcasting skills.
Permanent Cubs Fan
One indication you might be a superfan: You have the signature of your favorite player, his number and the team's logo tattooed on the back of your head.
Wrigley Reimagined
The Cubs released proposed plans for renovating Wrigley Field yesterday, along with a whole lot of conceptual illustrations.
Post-game Tragedy
Following last night's highly anticipated Simeon-Morgan Park basketball game at Chicago State, a 17-year-old was shot and killed outside the gymnasium. It's unclear if the shooting had anything to do with a post-game fracas that was broken up by Chicago Public Schools security.
Games of Skill
From the early coin-op games invented in Chicago to the new "barcade" concept, The Verge tells the story of the rise and fall of the arcade. While you're at it, don't miss the photo essay of Stern Pinball's factory.
Relive 2005
If you're still holding onto the flame of the White Sox's 2005 World Championship, you might be interested in this ring. [via]
Sammy Sosal Media
Former Cub Sammy Sosa has joined Pinterest, as well as flickr and Twitter. Follow if you're really into photos of Sammy Sosa. [via]
The social media push is apparently part of a marketing push for Sosa's new company, Injex 21, which is developing needleless injection technology. 
The Best Shots
Michael Jordan (twice), Dick Butkus, Dennis Rodman and Julius Peppers (not as a Bear) feature in Sport Illustrated's 100 greatest sports photos.
No More Lovie
The Bears coach has been fired after nine seasons.
5 Bears go to the Pro Bowl
Tim Jennings, Brandon Marshall, Henry Melton, Julius Peppers and Charles Tillman were selected for the Pro Bowl this year, all as starters. Marshall is the first Bears receiver to be picked since 2002.
GB Gift Guide: Roller Derby
The Windy City Rollers have a great last-minute gift for your derby fan, if you act fast: discounted single-match and season tickets.
Six-Shooters Holstered Permanently
In the aftermath of the Sandy Hook massacre, the Bulls' Joakim Noah is ending his practice of pretending to shoot and holster pistols, Wild West style, after scoring.
Humanity's OK with Cards
Cards Against Humanity's pay-what-you-want holiday extension pack? Apparently they're not all horrible people, because they didn't lose money, and donated the profits to Wikimedia.
GB Gift Guide: A Drive into the Gap
Kevin Guilfoile's short memoir A Drive into the Gap is perfect for baseball fans and fathers. Read an excerpt on ESPN.
Cutler's PR Offensive
PR Daily's Michael Sebastian examines what Jay Cutler could do to improve his public image.
Very Long Roadtrips
College athletic conference realignment is all the rage these days -- and now Chicago State is on the move. The Cougars will join Idaho, Seattle and others in the Western Athletic Conference next season.
"I'm distinctly in the minority at the United Center."
GB's own Evan F. Moore admits it: he's a black hockey fan.
Playing In Uncle Dick's Shadow
ChicagoSide's Ben Strauss talks with Don Butkus, Mount Carmel quarterback and nephew of Bears legend Dick Butkus.
Play Here for Free
The United Center sweetened its deal to lure the DePaul Blue Demons away from the Allstate Arena: 10 years free rent. DePaul is supposedly still leaning toward building an arena near McCormick Place.
Business is H E Double Hockey Sticks
The NHL lockout hasn't just disappointed hockey fans. It's hurt businesses that rely on Blackhawks fans.
Cutler Picks Mitt
In case you're still undecided this morning, here's one last endorsement: Jay Cutler is voting for Mitt Romney.
Cubs' Spring Training Facility Negotiations Halted
ASU and the Cubs have officially ended negotiations regarding sharing a new spring training stadium in Mesa, Arizona. A Cubs spokesperson's snide comment may explain the negotiation's tone: "We invited ASU to play in a rent-free stadium. Unfortunately, this was not enough to meet the university's needs."
Cyborg to Climb 103 Stories
Zac Vawter will be climbing the Sears Tower Sunday in the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago's SkyRise Chicago stair climb challenge -- on a bionic leg.
Dent: Blame Ditka Post '85
Richard Dent lays the blame at coach Mike Ditka's feet for the Bears failure to follow up Super Bowl XX with even more championships.
A Promising Halloween
The Martin Prosperity Institute ranks the Chicago area as the best Halloween spot in the country. The factors? A relatively dense population, the highest number of candy stores per capita and a median income that allows for high candy "purchasing capacity."
Bulls on Parade
Check out the Trib's Chicago Bulls preview. (Our own Donny Rodriguez has been previewing too, in Tailgate.)
Bad Day for Ex-Sox
Former White Sox players Ozzie Guillen and Carlton Fisk were in the news yesterday -- Guillen for getting fired by the Marlins and Fisk for being found drunk and passed out in his truck in the middle of a corn field.
A Prize in Pitcher Pollack
In an otherwise unremarkable book, Kevin Guilfoile found an unexpected souvenir from the Cubs' 1929 World Series.
Mariotti Returns ChicagoSide
Quietly, reviled sportswriter Jay Mariotti has returned to Chicago sports as an occasional columnist for ChicagoSide. In his latest, he talks about why he still loves his job.
Losing Air
Has Michael Jordan lost his mojo? Time Out's Frank Sennett assesses.
$38k for Dinner?
Proving that even NFL players occasionally need to be embarrassed, the Bears' rookies got a dose of humility by getting pranked with a fake $38,000 dinner bill. I still want to know how much it would cost to for the entire team to chow down at Smith and Wollensky.
A Bigger, Safer, Faster Marathon
One runner suffered cardiac arrest, but otherwise fewer Chicago Marathon runners ended up in the hospital this year. And with a record 37,455 finishers, the Marathon ran out of medals for finishers. Ethiopian Tsegaye Kebede won, setting a new course record.
More Football at Wrigley?
The Ricketts won approval of changes to Wrigley Field that will add three rows of seats behind home plate and make a portion of the left field wall removable -- which would allow college football games to play in both directions.
Run Like 'L'
In honor of the 35th anniversary of the Chicago Marathon this Sunday, Nike and the CTA have teamed up to create high-performance Dri-FIT t-shirts.
No Swim Test to Help U of C Students Fight Freshman 15
The University of Chicago announced it will do away with its swimming test requirement for incoming students. For nearly 60 years U of C has enforced the rule that students who cannot prove they can successfully swim 100 yards must enroll in a swimming course.
Keep On Coachin'
In a Bull's offseason riddled with bad news, something hopeful: following rumors that he wound and rumors that he wouldn't, fan-favorite Tom Thibodeau has agreed to a four-year extension to keep him coaching the Bulls through the 2016-17 season.
Blue Demons Go Court Hunting
DePaul is considering a new home court for its men's basketball team. Even Rahm is in support of moving the games from Allstate Arena in Rosemont so the Blue Demons can play within the city's limits.
The Runway 5k
We don't often post about 5k runs, but most 5ks don't let you run on an O'Hare runway. Plus, it benefits the Wounded Warrior Project.
Is There a Sox Game Today?
There's been a site to let you know if there's a Cubs game (so as to avoid the inevitable traffic) for a couple years. One for the White Sox is finally here.
Hawk's a Homer
White Sox announcer Hawk Harrelson is the most biased by far in the major leagues, according to new research. We coulda told them that. And of course Hawk loves it. [via]
D Rose Rises
So what if these adidas commercials are made to sell basketball shoes, you still might get goosebumps.
Butch Edge
Josh Wilker of Cardboard Gods flashes backward and forward, past and present, through an unlikely baseball card.
It's a Game, Dude
Former Blackhawks player Chris Chelios set Jay Cutler's jersey on fire last night while at Stanley's Kitchen and Tap in Old Town, referring to the Bears QB as being "nothing but a bitch." Nice.
Sox Management Shakeup?
Is White Sox GM Kenny Williams being kicked upstairs, becoming vice president of operations while his assistant GM Rick Hahn takes his place? Williams isn't confirming, but he's not exactly denying it, either. [via]
That Cubs BJ Guy
You may have heard about the guy at Monday night's Cubs game who was making lewd faces behind home plate. That guy was Julian Dalrymple, and Impose magazine has an interview with him.
Cutler takes a Tumblr
Smokin' Jay Cutler, a site "dedicated to the most apathetic looking athlete in the history of sports. "
Not Your World Championship Cubs
In the trailer for NBC's new show "Revolution" this spring, a sign on Wrigley Field named the Cubs the 2012 World Champions. Fantasy caught up to reality by the time the show aired this week.
Muhammad Ali Goes to Mars
In 1966, a New Trier highschooler named Michael Aisner drove to the South Side with a friend to interview Muhammad Ali. The reel-to-reel tape hadn't been heard for 50 years -- until Aisner submitted it to Blank on Blank, a new collection of "lost interviews" old and new.
Watch Tumblr Storyboards animated version of the interview, or listen to the extended version on Soundcloud.
Cubs Fans Start to Get Wise
The Cubs are on track to post their lowest annual attendance since 2003 -- although that 36,116 average still puts them among the top in the league. Meanwhile, the Sox are averaging only 24,520 fans, despite leading their division.
Worst Baseball Franchise?
Good news, the Cubs aren't the worst franchise in baseball, but they are somewhat close. According to Chicago magazine's analysis of a tool developed by Bloomberg Businessweek, the Cubs sit comfortably at 27th place. This should make Cubs fans thankful they aren't Mets fans.
Dribbling into History
America SCORES Chicago is taking part in a world record attempt at the most soccer balls dribbled at one time by a group -- and you can help. Sign up to participate, then read our feature about the organization in Tailgate.
Mapping Park(ing) Day 2012
Park(ing) Day is only a couple of weeks away, but the official map only has the city's People Spaces listed. Why not add yours today?
The Glowing Puck Guy
Crain's profiles Hank Adams, CEO of Sportvision, the Ravenswood-based company responsible for football's first and ten lines and less beloved innovations.
Armstrong Can't Runstrong for Livestrong
Runner's World reports that Lance Armstrong has been denied entry to the Chicago Marathon, which is a month from today. The disgraced cyclist had planned to run with the Livestrong Foundation-sponsored team.
D.Rose Loves Giordano's
Giordano's landed a big-time investor and spokesperson this week: Derrick Rose. [via]
How Sweetness Soured
Speaking of the '85 Bears, author Jeff Pearlman recounts in ChicagoSide how his biography of Walter Payton was panned by Chicago media without ever being read.
McMahon's Memory Loss
In this week's Sports Illustrated, former Bears quarterback Jim McMahon and his girlfriend Laurie Navon discuss his early onset dimentia due to the several concussions he suffered in the NFL.
White Sox Ticket Prices for Next 3 Series will be Dropped
The White Sox have announced that they will offer discount tickets throughout the next three home stands. Lower deck tickets aren't discounted -- but you can get them half-price on Sept. 13 through GB's own special deal.
The Ursine Uniforms
UniWatch's uniform power rankings put the Bears and Cubs in the top five best uniforms in all four major leagues. (The rest: Sox at 39, Blackhawks at 49, Bulls all the way down at 67.)
Let's Hear it for the Hawk
Speaking of the Sox, Chicago magazine has a great feature profiling Ken "Hawk" Harrelson, the team's sometimes reviled, longtime announcer and one-time GM.
Konerko Goes to Work
TS Flynn writes a tribute to Paul Konerko and the Sox experience in The Classical.
Surfing Chicago
According to the Atlantic Cities Chicago is the fourth most requested destination for couch surfers, but we're tied for ninth place for the price of a hotel.
Get On Your Bike & Tour
To counteract some of that anti-bikeness, why not hit the Four-Star Bike Tour or Fork and the Road's "global snack" biking food tour? They're both Slowdown picks for this Sunday.
Stuff the Bears
Deadspin's Drew Magary is pretty down on the Bears, but nothing compares with their own fans.
Let the Women Join
Now that Augusta National Golf Club will allow women as members, the Sun-Times' Mitch Dudek checked with Chicagoland's four men-only golf clubs to see if they'll change their ways.
Bearish on the Bulls
This looks to be a year on hold for the Bulls. Our own Evan Moore wonders if they've waved the white flag already, while the Bleacher Report makes a case that Reinsdorf should sell the team.
Fans for Life & Beyond
Errol Morris directed a short documentary about sports-themed funerals for ESPN's new "It's Not Crazy, It's Sports" marketing campaign. The film features an unnamed -- and very much alive -- Cubs fan. [via]
Not Sure What the Discount Is
Groupon is offering a $30,000 deal today for a Cubs "Game Day Experience", benefiting Cubs Charities. The deal gets you the opportunity to throw out the first pitch on Aug. 30, a tour of the stadium, memorabilia and a suite for you and 13 of your friends.
Da Bears on da Tube
Sweet Chi Town collects a few 1985 Bears commercials to help you get in the mood for this season.
Tour the Suburbs
If you're intrigued by suburban companies moving back downtown (including today's United announcement), you may be interested in Forgotten Chicago's "Corporate Kings of the Suburbs & Stern Pinball Tour," which will visit several midcentury suburban corporate campuses. Their upcoming Hyde Park modernist walking tour looks promising too.
Games Before Grades
CBS Sports reports that UNC posted what appears to be the college transcript of Bears' defensive end Julius Peppers. If they're his, let's just say he wasn't hired for his grades.
The Roots of Mush Ball
Chicago's beloved 16-inch softball, the sport of the everyman, was invented by a bunch of Ivy Leaguers in the exclusive Farragut Boat Club in 1887. Adam Doster shares that historical tidbit and many more in The Classical.
This of course gives me the opportunity to re-post the wonderful mini documentary Royko at the Goat, in which the veteran journalist talks about softball at the Billy Goat Tavern in 1982.
Spike Spike Baby
Vanilla Ice will perform at the Big Dig beach party at North Avenue Beach this Sunday.
So We Beat On, Boats Against the Current
Jenn Gibbons, who was rowing around Lake Michigan to raise money for breast cancer research when she was sexually assaulted in her boat (previously), is back on the water.
Father, Son & Roberto Clemente
Kevin Guilfoile relates a mystery about baseball and memory in his new book, A Drive Into the Gap, which is published by Field Notes Brand Books.
Field Notes Brand Books: A Drive into the Gap, by Kevin Guilfoile from Coudal Partners on Vimeo.
Rowing to Recovery
Jenn Gibbons completed her mission to row around Lake Michigan yesterday, raising $45,000 for Recovery on Water, the rowing team for breast cancer survivors she founded in 2007. (Previously.)
Rockers vs. Jocks
Former Bull Paul Shirley and Sheepdogs frontman Ewan Currie talk sports and music in ChicagoSide's version of Lollapalooza coverage.
Old School Fans
Chi City Sports has some great pixilated logo t-shirts for the Bears, Bulls and Cubs -- but what about the Blackhawks and Sox?
2 Wheels, a Package & a Dream
The festivities surrounding the World Bike Messenger Championships begin tonight ahead of the actual races this weekend. Get on your bike and join in.
Ring and a Miss
Sometimes, even the best-laid plans go awry. Like when you set it up to propose to your girlfriend on the Wrigley Field scoreboard, and she's off buying drinks when it appears. [via]
Local Makes Gold
Winnetka native Conor Dwyer was part of the 4x200 freestyle relay that earned Michael Phelps' 19th Olympic medal.
Off the Team
Aurora native Anna Li has been removed as an alternate for the U.S. Women's Gymnastics Olympic team after tearing a ligament in her neck earlier this week during practice.
Sailing into Mackinac
The last boats in this year's Race to Mackinac crossed the finish line yesterday afternoon. Sail World has a preliminary list of winners.
The City of Terrifyingly Muscular Shoulders
Chicagoland (and the Land of Lincoln itself) will be well represented at the London Olympics.
The Force is Championship-Bound
The Chicago Force held on to win 35-34 over the Boston Militia, which means the undefeated Force is going to the Women's Football Association championship this year. Tune in Aug. 4 when the game will be broadcast live on ESPN from Pittsburgh's Heinz Field.
Charity Rower Attacked
Jenn Gibbons, the founder of Recovery on Water who's been rowing around Lake Michigan to raise awareness of exercise's role in breast cancer recovery (previously), was sexually assaulted as she slept in her rowboat in rural Michigan. She posted on her blog that she intends to keep going, although she'll be bicycling from her current location to Muskegon MI, from which point safe harbors will be more assured.
The Five Ring Diet
Terin Izil, creator of Camp Promise, is eating, drinking, wearing, and maintaining personal hygiene only with products that have the Olympic rings until the end of the Olympics to raise money for her organization. Follow along at 5RingDiet.com
Big Ten's Penn State Problem
Over at Chicagoist, Benjy Lipsman does a good job of explaining the Big Ten's decision to sanction Penn State above and beyond the NCAA's ruling.
Santo Gets His Due
The late great Ron Santo was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday. His widow, Vicki, delivered a speech in his stead.
A Diamond Mac Anniversary
Don Glasell will sail in his 50th Mackinac race this Saturday. Watch the boats set off at the Chicago Yacht Club.
That's a Hot Bet
Sometimes the best show at Wrigley is in the stands.
Phil wins a bet from regis wakefield on Vimeo.
Clearly, You Don't Care If You Ever Get Back
Bears training camp starts in two weeks, but it's not too soon to start criticizing Jay Cutler. Let's hope his on-field huddles are more inspiring than his seventh-inning stretch.
Some Time to Spare
Nothing like looking at pictures of old Chicago bowling alleys to help a summer Friday go by. [via]
The Curse of Muldoon & Other Hexes
In honor of Friday the 13th, the Trib runs down 13 Chicago sports superstitions of various vintages.
Cross-Cut Classic
The Crosstown Classic could be cut down to three or four games next year as Major League Baseball revises interleague play.
Skating on the Lake
Just so you know, you're not allowed to skateboard on the breakers just north of Navy Pier in Lake Michigan. [via]
Skate Island from Dalba on Vimeo.
Should Chicago Go for Olympic Gold Again?
NBC's Maggie Hendricks tries to make a case that Chicago should bid again for the Olympics. I'm of the option that... no.
The Third League
Newcity's Eric Lutz put together a history of the Chicago Whales (Wrigley Field's original occupants) and their player-manager Joe Tinker, who'd won the World Series with the Cubs in 1908 and 1909 before taking over the short-lived Federal League team.
No Bulls in London
Derrick Rose isn't the only Bull missing the Olympics this year; Joakim Noah won't play for France due to his ankle sprain in the NBA playoffs.
Food as Sport at the Cell
Just in time for Independence Day, the White Sox have introduced the Giant Slugger, a two-foot-long hot dog. It'll set you back $26; antacids sold separately.
Your 2012 All-Stars
Speaking of Cubs and Sox, a few of them are going to the All-Star Game: Adam Dunn, Paul Konerko and Chris Sale from the Sox, Alfonso Soriano, Starlin Castro and Bryan LaHair from the Cubs.
The Ballgame on Your Wall
City Prints Map Art makes posters of Wrigley Field, Sox Park and other baseball stadiums -- in addition to cities like ours. They're on sale on Fab.com right now. [via]
Fear the Brow™
Chicago native and college basketball star Anthony Davis told CNBC: "I don't want anyone to try to grow a unibrow because of me and then try to make money off of it."
Where to be Popular in Chicago
Facebook dug through two years of "check-in" data for 25 cities and determined the most popular places to announce your presence on facebook. In Chicago, it's Wrigley Field; in Oslo, Norway, it's a T.G.I. Friday's. Check out a graphic with the "social landmarks" from all 25 cities after the jump.
Southern Whites on the North Side
Newcity's David Witter provides a contemporary treatment of Uptown's Appalachian influences and history. For further reading, view Whet Moser's January post about the history of Appalachian migration to Chicago.
Take GB Out to the Ball Game
Gapers Block is going to a White Sox game Sept. 13, and you can come too! Tickets are half-price.
June 20, 1984
The day on which the Bulls drafted Michael Jordan from the University of North Carolina.
Don't Hate the Player, Hate the Player's Fans
The Bears and Cubs faithful suffer the most in Complex's list of Chicago's "douchiest" sports fans.
Cubs Wollop Sox
The Cubs spanked the Sox 12-3 last night, in one of the least attended Crosstown Classic games in recent memory.
Rowing 'Round the Lake for Recovery
Jenn Gibbons, founder and coach of Recovery on Water, a rowing team for breast cancer survivors, is rowing solo around Lake Michigan to raise raise awareness of the role exercise plays in the fight against breast cancer. She left this weekend, and is already up in Kenosha, WI. Read our profile of Gibbons and ROW in Tailgate.
Take Them Out to the Ball Game
Craig Robinson and Nick Offerman are back for the seventh inning stretch.
Peanut Gets Pissed at Packers Propaganda
A suburban teacher's math question claiming the Packers are "a much better team" than the Bears got a written response from Charles Tillman.
Toyota Park's Broken Promise
The Chicago Fire's stadium in Bridgeview has crippled the suburb with debt, and homeowners have born the brunt while the town's political machine made out, the Tribune reports.
Remembering the Dream Team
No direct reflections from Jordan or Pippen, but this oral history of the '92 "Dream Team" US Olympic basketball team is a great read -- and it does include quotes from Tony Kukoc, who played for Croatia against his future teammates.
Joel Reese is a Hater
Specifically, a hater of certain things about Chicago's sports culture.
Chicago's Chimera
The Chicago Beast by Creaturopolis is an amalgam of all the city's sports mascots, rolled into one minotaur-ish thing and a fire-breathing baby bear wearing tubesocks. [via]
Delivering a Competition
This August, bike messengers from around the world will be descending upon Chicago for the Cycle Messenger World Championships. Think you've got what it takes? Registration is open.
Bike Into the Wind
Do you identify with any of these letters: LGBT? Do you like to bike? Then you may very well be interested in the Windy City Cycling Club (WCCC). Whether you're into a short and leisurely ride, or you're looking for folks into longer and more competitive rides, this may be a great way to make friends, find a date, or just fulfill that New Year's resolution you made months and months ago.
Parrying in the Square
CenterSquare Journal takes you inside the Lincoln Square Fencing Club.
Beating the Spread
Ted McClelland introduces you to Charles K. McNeil, the Chicago securities analyst who invented the point spread.
Oh, Come on.
Greg Hinz says there's still a chance for another Olympic bid.
Presidential Recreation in the Secure Zone
President Obama took some time to throw around ye olde pigskin in Soldier NATO Field on Sunday evening.
The Old Ball Game
The Chicago Amateur Base Ball Annual and Inter-City Base Ball Association Year Book from 1905. [via]
Wrigley Rebuild on Rickettsy Ground
Not surprisingly, Joe Ricketts' planned ad campaign against Obama (previously) pissed off Mayor Emanuel, putting the Rickettses' request for public funding of a Wrigley remodel on shaky footing. Joe Ricketts' Super PAC issued a statement that the campaign was just a proposal, and his kids spent yesterday doing damage control.
The Conservative Chicago Cubs
Joe Ricketts, the head of the family who owns the Cubs, is preparing a major campaign to "defeat Barack Hussein Obama." The NY Times reports that one option is a $10 million racialization of the presidential race by reinserting Rev. Jeremiah Wright and others to influence voters who "still aren't ready to hate this president."
"Friendly at the Confines": Soccer at Wrigley
We've seen hockey and football at Wrigley Field in recent years. Now it's soccer's turn. Roma will play Zaglebie Lubin on July 22; tickets go on sale May 24.
A Long Wait for the Rose
Derrick Rose won't be back in the Bulls lineup for 8 to 12 months after surgery to repair his torn ACL.
Blame Wrigley for the Cubs' Losses
The WSJ enumerates the reasons Wrigley Field Must be Destroyed.
Resistance is Brutal
New City gets engrossed in Billy Corgan's wrestling league, Resistance Pro Wrestling. There's a bout tonight.
Patrick Kane, the Blackouthawk
The Blackhawks' Patrick Kane got drunk in Madison last weekend. Very, very drunk.
Not In My Backyard
44th Ward Alderman Tom Tunney's not too happy with the mayor's proposal to renovate and revitalize Wrigley Field.
Cycle Your Commute
The Active Transportation Alliance's Bike Commuter Challenge is coming up next month, and you can sign up now as a team leader or participant for your office. Over 500 companies throughout Chicagoland took the challenge last year. Even a partial commute counts towards participating, so you can give it a try by riding your bike to the CTA or Metra, too.
Ride on LSD
Speaking of cycling, Bike the Drive is May 27. Have you registered yet?
"It's time to meet the challenge."
For basketball fans in need of some encouragement as the playoffs go forward, Scottie Pippen has written an open letter to the 2011-2012 Bulls.
"It was the perfect storm for Derrick Rose to rupture his ACL."
Dr. J. Martin Leland, assistant professor of surgery at the University of Chicago Medicine, talks about how anterior cruciate ligaments, or ACLs, are torn, repaired, and what may have happened when Derrick Rose's ACL was injured.
Quite a Humber-Dinger
White Sox pitcher Philip Humber threw a perfect game on Saturday, only the 21st ever. He spoke afterward with reporters in Chicago and Seattle, and is taping a segment for David Letterman tonight.
Silently Skimming the River
The Chicago Electric Boat Co. is renting its fleet for pleasure cruises starting this spring, out of the base of Marina Towers.
Get Ready for the Force
The Chicago Force play their home opener this Saturday up in Evanston.
The Fame Game
Derrick Rose is on the cover of the May issue of GQ, and the subject of a feature-length profile where the star guard discusses life in the public eye and his disdain for fame.
"Oh."
It's not easy being named Michael Jordan in Chicago, as a new ESPN commercial demonstrates.
My dad's name is Sam, which is the same as a Hall of Fame linebacker. It's not such a big deal anymore, but people of older generations will still sometimes ask if he's related. It's a problem for a lot of regular people with famous names.
Reserve Tee Time
Local startup Back9Booking allows golfers looking for a tee time to skip calling around and easily search and compare availability across 40 Chicagoland courses.
The Crosstown Classic Debate
Chicagoside mounts a Cubs vs. Sox debate between artist Tony Fitzpatrick and Northwestern English professor Bill Savage to tonight at 7pm at the Haymarket Pub, at which the site's undecided fan will pick his team.
Chicago Gets on the Ice
Chicagoans have gotten back into playing hockey, the NYTimes reports. And not just inside -- a pretty active outdoor league has sprouted up, too, not to mention plenty of pickup games.
No Longer Running Express
The Chicago Express hockey team, which played at the Sears Centre out in Hoffman Estates, has folded after not making it to the playoffs in its first season.
The Day the Generals Won
Speaking of hoops, A.V. Club recalls the day another great Chicago basketball team, the Harlem Globetrotters (what, you didn't know?) were beat by the ultimate heels, the Washington Generals.
Chicago Hoops Against the Nation
This December, basketball fans will have a new local event to watch: the Chicago Elite Basketball Winter Classic, which will pit some of the country's best high school teams against the best locally, including Simeon, Whitney Young and De La Salle.
Chicago vs. Chicago
Craig Robinson and Nick Offerman start the crosstown classic a little early this year.
Give it the Old Jazz
Did you know the term "jazz" originated in baseball? The word migrated from sports to music in Chicago with Bert Kelly.
Cubs Home Opener's Today
The Tribune Co. and DirecTV hugged it out, so you'll be able to watch the Cubs home opener on WGN today -- but if you are coming in from the suburbs, out of town for the game, the CTA Tattler has some recommendations for your Red Line ride to the stadium.
T-Shirt Waiting to Happen
The Cubs were once known as the Microbes.
NFL gets new threads
After replacing Reebok as the official supplier of uniforms, Nike and the NFL unveiled a new line of jerseys and gear for each team this week. Check out the Bears' new duds.
A Ballad for Bartman
Rapper Serengeti (of "Dennehy" fame) is back with a new song, just in time for the Cubs' opening day on Thursday: "Don't Blame Steve."
(Thanks, Patrick!)
Skating for a Bruising
Guys, have you wished that you too could play roller derby? Now you can, with the Chicago Bruise Brothers. Practice is on Wednesdays ...in Lombard!?
Documenting "Mr. White Sox"
A documentary about White Sox legend Minnie Minoso is looking for funding on Kickstarter beginning today; the Reader's Ted Cox has more background. (See more local projects on our Kickstarter page.)
Do the Crossword
First, download Sam Worley's puzzle (PDF). Then, grab the solution (also a PDF) and read his account of putting it together.
"Keep Calm and Caray On"
The Heckler expertly blends two memes into one t-shirt.
Thrice as Nice
Apparently, we keep doing something right. Already the first city to host the McDonald's All-American Games in back-to-back years, Chicago was confirmed yesterday for three in a row next year. See Tailgate for a primer on what you'll see tonight at the United Center.
Ubi Est EAMUS CATULI?
Two signs well known to Cubs fans, cheering on the Cubs in Latin and showing how many years since the team has won the division, pennant and World Series, are currently missing from their Sheffield perch. The Trib reports that the Eamus Catuli sign will return, but the numbers may not.
If the numbers return, they should be AC0366103. Here are the signs in 2011, photographed by Niklas Hellerstedt:
Wait Till Next Year Already
Jonathan Eig thinks it's going to be a waste of a season for both the Cubs and the Sox.
Sign Up to Bike the Drive
If the great weather has you thinking about summer activities already, Bike the Drive registration is currently open.
Picking a Chicago Side
ChicagoSide found its undecided baseball fan (previously). It's Sam Roos, a comedian formerly of Maine.
Armstrong's Park District Position
Former Bulls star and current agent of the reigning MVP, BJ Armstrong, has been appointed to the city's Park District Board. "One of Armstrong's duties will be to oversee a renovation project of 100 outdoor basketball courts around the city," the Tribune reports.
Have A Ball (While Fetching Balls) for The Cubs
The Cubs are looking for 4 Ball Boys and Ball Girls for the upcoming season. Applications, which must include a short Youtube video featuring the candidate, are due Monday, March 12 at 11:59:59pm. Click here to apply.
Fighting for Attention
NewCity tells the story of boxer Osumanu Adama and Chicago Fight Club.
Bulls to Win Title, Wink Wink
President Obama backed the Bulls once more in an interview with ESPN last night. During the podcast, he alluded to his possible re-election and included that sometime during his presidency, "it will happen." Considering the possibility that he's not re-elected, this could be the year. Right?
Announcing Bulls Hittin'
We launched a new feature in Tailgate today: Bulls Hittin', a biweekly video "for people who like sports and people who like to hate sports."
D.Rose to Buy Indiana?
The Bulls' Derrick Rose signed an incredible lifetime sponsorship contract with adidas. In Tailgate, Brian Lauvray lists off a few of the things D.Rose can now buy.
Playing that Silver Ball
Miles Raymer reports that rock'n'roll might turn out to be the salvation of the pinball industry.
Cubs or Sox? Choice of a Lifetime
ChicagoSide, Jonathan Eig's new sports blog, is looking for "a young, funny, Chicago newbie who has not yet chosen a favorite local baseball team" to star in a web series about making that choice. There's a casting call at 4pm today and another on Saturday at the Second City Training Center.
Fielding their Dreams
Crain's talks with the Oak Lawn family who bought the Iowa farm and ballpark featured in Field of Dreams.
Bleacher Bums Get Price Bump
The Cubs are using "dynamic pricing," which rises and falls based on demand, for the popular bleacher seats this season. Tickets will range for $17 to $78 apiece. (The White Sox started using the technique last season.)
Running in Full Color
The Color Run adds the fun of Holi, the Indian festival of color, to the typical 5k run.
Jackie Moon Introduces the Bulls
Last night the Bulls played the Hornets down in New Orleans, and both teams were introduced by Will Ferrell, in town to film Dog Fight. The Bulls went on to beat the Hornets 90-67.
Get on Your Bikes
Grid Chicago interviewed a member of Half Acre Cycling about the upcoming Gapers Block Criterium Series coming up in March, and the racing opportunities it opens up for women.
Bear Down to Save Crane
The McCaskeys have joined the fight to save Crane High School, "Papa Bear" George Halas' alma mater, from closure.
Kick Returns
If NFL team names were honest, the Bears would be...
Gridiron Design
The Chicago Bears' logo is slightly reimagined as part of the Gridiron League, a collection of idealized NFL logos. And speaking of, Tailgate just got some sweet new team icons designed by Phineas X. Jones.
Pinball Wizardry
Google UX designer Marcin Wichary was in town recently, and took a tour of Stern Pinball, the last remaining manufacturer of pinball machines in the world. The company just released an AC/DC machine.
Back in the Day Bull Run Over Indiana
A flashback to the Jordan days is one way to shake off the Bulls' first home court loss to their speculated Indiana rivals.
White Mamba for the Win?
The Bulls endured their first loss at home last night to the Indiana Pacers; one that may have been avoided had fan favorite, Brian Scalabrine delivered on a wide open three-point field goal.
"Call me dumb and stupid"
How far would Brian Urlacher go to keep playing football? On HBO's "Real Sports," he admits he's regularly taken the potentially dangerous painkiller Toradol, and says he would lie about having a concussion in order to stay in the game. [via]
Despite the risks, Urlacher is unrepentant. "First of all we love football. We want to be on the field as much as we can be. If we can be out there, it may be stupid, it may be dumb, call me dumb and stupid then because I want to be on the football field."
What the Bull Market Will Bears
Matt McKenna is a Chicago sports fan who writes about American policy for McSweeney's from that perspective. His latest covers how the Bulls' first 10 games influence the S&P 500.
Riding the Wrong Waves
Rex Flodstrom was arrested yesterday for surfing at Oak Street Beach. For the record, surfing is only allowed at 57th Street, Montrose, Osterman and Rainbow beaches during the winter, and only at Montrose and Osterman during the summer.
On Chicago's Side, not MJ's
New sports blog ChicagoSide (previously) doesn't officially go live until April 1, but it's posted a couple teaser stories -- including one about Michael Jordan being a jerk.
D.Rose vs. D.Howard
Derrick Rose and the Bulls take on Dwight Howard and the Magic at 7pm tonight in Orlando, in pursuit of their sixth straight win.
The Chess Party
In A/C, meet some of the people who play checkers and chess at "the world's first folding chess table."
Angelo Out
The Bears fired GM Jerry Angelo today, after the team finished the season 8-8. Coach Lovie Smith is sticking around at least through next season.
Start the New Year by Crossing the Finish
For those staying true to their healthy resolutions this year, the 27th Annual New Year's Day 5K Run/Walk is, figuratively, a good place to start.
Mac Irvin, RIP
McGlother "Mac" Irvin, known as the "godfather" of basketball in Chicago, passed away this weekend. He was 74.
A Look Back at a Rookie's Past
Bulls rookie Jimmy Butler's feel good story of the season.
Throw a Punch Party
Do you dig stage combat? Want to get involved? Then Fight Jam is for you. The next event is tomorrow, Dec. 20, partnered with Asylum Stunts.
Unique Holiday Gifts, Pt. 30
Give the gift of esoteric sports. Aloft Loft offers gift certificates for its trapeze classes, registration for Windy City Fencing's 2012 classes is now open, and the Chicago Swordplay Guild's next class session starts in mid-January.
Unique Holiday Gifts, Pt. 27
KOKOROKOKO, a vintage shop at 1112 N. Ashland Ave., carries several Bulls, Bears, and Blackhawks sweatshirts and tees including this 1985 Bears Super Bowl XX Sweater for $32.
Scottie Sues To Save Face
Scottie Pippen is suing several media outlets for libel, in a suit that claims the outlets produced content stating that the former Bulls star had "lost it all."
City's Got a Brand New Bull
Veteran shooting guard Richard "Rip" Hamilton is the newest addition to the Bulls roster, which will likely keep Brewer on the bench and Bogans on the chopping block.
Scary Straw Men?
The Bears are Scarecrow in Bleacher Report's imagining of NFL teams as Batman characters. Hope that doesn't give too much away.
Eig Plays Ball
Jonathan Eig plans to launch a new sports blog, ChicagoSide, in time for baseball's opening day. He talks to Feder about it.
Santas On Two Wheels
When Santa's not in a sleigh, he's totally a bike winter fan. Don your fuzziest of red hats or your elfiest of shoes and head out to the Santa Rampage bike ride on 12/17 starting at the Twisted Spoke downtown. Only fully-dressed Santas, elves, or dreidels are allowed (homemade costumes are completely fine). Details in Slowdown.
Unique Holiday Gifts, Pt. 14
More gifts for the sports fan: Comisky and other bygone teams.
It's Time To Fall Down a Bunch
Millennium Park's ice skating rink is now open for the season, so get out there any try to stay vertical. While you're at it, did you know that it's free if you bring your own skates?
Socially Minded Social Sports
Live to Sport is the city's only charity-driven social sports organization; sign up and a portion of your fee goes to the partner charity of your choice. Its winter dodgeball league starts in January.
Wanna Smash His Pumpkin?
Billy Corgan just opened Resistance Pro, his own "indie wrestling" business.
Cubs Manager Hired
Dale Sveum, the Milwaukee Brewers hitting coach, has accepted a three year contract with the team, replacing Mike Quade as manager and chief denier that the team has to "rebuild."
Burning Rubber Under the L
Red Bull stunt motorcyclist Aaron Colton shows off his skills on the dark streets of downtown Chicago [via]
Go Go Cougars
Remember the Chicago Cougars? No? Not surprising, since they were a World Hockey Association team for just three years in the mid-'70s. Their main claim to fame might be bringing about the only major-league championship to be played in Mount Prospect.
The Galloping Ghost
A truly evocative photo of Red Grange, one of the first big stars in the early NFL, running for a touchdown against the Philadelphia Yellowjackets on Dec. 5, 1925. [via]
Wheels of Steel
UIUC alum and Champaign resident Amanda McGrory finished first in the womens pushrim wheelchair race in yesterday's ING New York City Marathon, breaking the existing course record.
Freedom to Ride
The Associated Press visited the Blackstone Bicycle Works, which gives South Side kids an opportunity to work and gain the "freedom" of a set of wheels.
Sweet Deal for Sox Park
The state will be taking a look at the amazing deal White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf has that allows him to rent US Cellular Field for next to nothing.
Children's Museum Likely Staying Put
It looks like the Children's Museum's plans to move to Grant Park's Daley Bicentennial Plaza are all but dead now that new renderings for the plaza are complete without a Children's Museum to be found.
Field of Bad Dreams
The Sun-Times tells the tragic tale of the Lake County Fielders.
Na Na Hey Hey, Goodbye
Paul Leka, songwriter best known for writing "Na Na Hey Hey (Kiss Him Goodbye)," the song played at the end of every White Sox win, when the opposing team pulls a pitcher and lots of other times, actually, passed away Oct. 12. He was 68.
Bizarre Homage
Foo-gos.com recreates sports and other logos with food; here's the Blackhawks logo made out of hotdogs, pickles, mushrooms, sauerkraut and ketchup. [via]
Just a Wrestling Mat in a Cage
Billy Corgan has started a pro wrestling league, with its first match at Excaliber Nov. 25. He did the morning show rounds today, talking about the league, its commitment to concussion awareness, and his show with the Smashing Pumpkins this weekend at the Riv.
Chasing Another At-Bat
Jonathan Eig tells the story of Adam Greenberg, a former Cubs player who was hit by a pitch in his first major league at-bat, in this month's Chicago magazine.
Talk About Being an Overachiever
Amber Miller ran yesterday's Chicago Marathon. Last night, she gave birth to a daughter.
'Twas the Night Before the Marathon...
You can watch a nice documentary on the Chicago Marathon for free on Hulu to get you pumped for tomorrow.
Bull Bucks
Actually, Luol Fivers: The Bulls' Luol Deng is featured on the latest version of the Brixton five-pound note, part of that south London neighborhood's local currency initiative.
Guillen to Ventura
Robin Ventura is back in a White Sox jersey, this time as manager. Ventura played third base for much of his career with the Sox right next to Ozzie Guillen at shortstop.
Track that Runner
How D-Tags, the RFID chips that track Chicago Marathon runners, work.
Hope Springs Eternal
It's a couple years old, but Vertigo Comics' Hellblazer #250 includes a supernatural story about the Cubs curse. [via]
A Rose Around the Ring
Adidas' latest iteration of Derrick Rose shoes, the adiRose 2.0, debut Thursday, Oct. 6 at Footlocker. In the new commercial for the shoes, Rose breaks for the hoop against several defending bullfighters.
That's Me in the Corner
Deadspin wonders how infamous Cub fan Steve Bartman has managed to live in anonymity so successfully following his gaffe nearly eight years ago at the MLB playoffs.
A September to Remember
Depending on the next couple games, the Red Sox could unseat the 1969 Cubs for worst September collapse ever.
"Basketball Controversies" Controversies
The Reader's recent piece about basketball courts and crime is at 75 comments and counting.
Farewell to Ozzie
The Ozzie Guillen era of the White Sox ended last night. Guillen asked for more money and the Sox weren't willing to meet his demands and released him from his contract. A post that appeared briefly on Guillen's blog said he's heading to the Marlins.
Onward, to the Next "Recreation Frontier!"
The city is planning on building four $4 million boathouses on the Chicago River at Clark Park, Ping Tom Memorial Park, River Park and between Loomis and Fuller on Eleanor.
Wear your Pride
Chitown Clothing has some fairly witty sports-themed t-shirts.
Major Downtown Gym Closes, Perhaps Temporarily
Lakeshore Athletic Club, Chicago's craziest looking gym, is closed after its electricity was turned off for nonpayment. An announcement on its website indicates it'll reopen at an unknown date, but it's also well underwater on its mortgage, so we'll see how that goes.
Chicago's Beep Baseball Team
Chicago magazine takes a look at the Comets -- the city's beep baseball team. It's a sport played by the blind using a beeping softball, with players ten times as tough as any in MLB.
Old Style (Kinda) Hearts the Cubs
It looks like Old Style is staying with Wrigley Field after all ... at least until the 2013 season, that is.
Chicagoan in the US Open
Chicago-born Donald Young made it to the top 16 in the US Open this weekend. He's playing the fourth-ranked player in the world, Andy Murray, today for a chance at the quarter-finals. But he almost didn't get this far. (Thanks, Aaron!)
Not Bad, Mr. Mayor!
Mayor Emanuel ranked 8th out of the 90 competitors in his triathlon age group.
Solving Siting a Skatepark
It doesn't look like Mayor Daley's proposed 24-hour skatepark at 17th and Clark is going to happen, but the park district will be putting together a "citywide skate park master plan" to look at future park locations.
CHIRP Wins! CHIRP Wins! CHIRP Wins!
The conclusion of a fierce summer softball league involving a bevy of radio stations and publications produced a title-holder this evening: CHIRP beat WBEZ in a 7-4 match. Congrats to all of those who left their computer monitors to interact with real human beings, if only for a few hours...
Rebuilding the Cubs
Grantland delves into what comes next for the Cubs. Hint: Pujols may not be involved.
Spelling Isn't Our Strong Suit
Good news: The Cubs finally pulled the plug on Jim Hendry's tenure as general manager. Bad news: The Cubs can't spell "general manager" right.
Hendry Out
The Cubs just fired their general manager.
Bears Wear
Football season is almost here: Strange Cargo has some fun new tees to help you bear down.
Historic Sports Fandom
"My t-shirt? It's for the Duffy Florals. You've probably never heard of them." It's rare that sports fans get to play the hipster superiority card, but Peoples Garment Co. helps make it happen. (Duffy Floral, the team's sponsor, still exists, incidentally.)
Blackhawks Field Hockey Uniform?
What would the Blackhawks' jerseys look like if they played soccer instead of hockey? A redditor has an idea.
The Jammed Fingers of History
We're in the thick of the season for most leagues, so now is as good a time as any to link to the Chicago 16 Inch Softball Hall of Fame.
Snoop's for the Kids
Snoop Dogg was in town over the weekend to help launch the new Chicago branch of his youth football league
Out with the Old Style
Rumor has it that Old Style wants to drop its 61 year association with the Cubs.
RB to MBA
The NFL lockout just ended, but Phoenix Arizona Cardinals running back Jason Wright is apparently still opting for the backup plan: the former Northwestern Wildcat retired to enroll at the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business.
How Many Soccer Fields Equal 26.2 Miles?
Cheer on U.S. Womens Soccer Team members Hope Solo, Abby Wambach and Alex Morgan on October 9 as they run the Chicago Marathon as part of a charity team.
Mind Destroyers
Researchers continue to delve into the lasting effects of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, the disease that affected Bears start Dave Duerson and led to his suicide.
Pay Up On Your Bets
Governor Quinn is saying he will fulfill the wager he made in January with Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker before the start of the next football season. Hopefully he's assuming the lockout will be over by the start of the 2011 season.
Free Swingers
One big reason the Cubs and White Sox have so disappointed this season is they're loaded with hitters who will swing at anything. It's baseball with bubble graphs!
Power Outage = Free Soccer
Power is still out at Toyota Park, so the Fire's match tonight has been moved up to 5pm -- and both admission and parking are free. [via]
Watch the Chicago Force in the Playoffs
The Force head into the playoffs undefeated -- and are up against the defending champions the Boston Militia in tonight's game up in Evanston. If you can't make it for the 6pm game, you can watch it live online.
Surfing the Third Coast
There's plenty of info and inspiration on the No Salt Surf website to get you riding Lake Michigan's breaks. The XRT blog sums it up.
Down but not Out
In Tailgate, Brian Livingston assesses the Cubs' chances of making the playoffs. Sure, they're practically nil, but there's always that glimmer of hope...
Royko Knocks One Out
An oldie but a goodie: Royko at the Goat, a short film of Mike Royko telling stories about 16-inch softball. Now with a preface from cinematographer Scott Jacobs.
There's a media league playing today -- head over to Trebes Park on Monday and Thursday nights this month to catch Gapers Block, Chicagoist, RedEye, Time Out, CHIRP, WBEZ, The
Reader, WSJ, WCIU and ChicagoNow battle it out on the dirt diamond. We play at 6 and 7pm.
Volunteer de Fat
The Tour de Fat returns to Chicago July 16, benefiting West Town Bikes, and volunteers are needed; give'em a hand.
One Good Deed
Did you hear the one about Bulls forward Kyle Korver, a rock radio DJ and an injured, 20-pound turtle? Our man was equal parts Good Samaritan and Dr. Doolittle.
A Three Hour Tour
Three and a half hours, actually, in this timelapse video by Philip Bloom aboard a yacht traveling the coast and the Chicago River. (Thanks, Chris!)
Chicago by boat: A timelapse journey from Philip Bloom on Vimeo.
Lockout Hits NBA Websites
If you love NBA coaches, mascots and dance teams, be sure to check out Bulls.com now that the league-wide labor shutdown means team websites can't even mention the players.
Giant Killer
Cubs fans at Wrigley Field love throwing back opponents' home run balls, but yesterday's doubleheader featured a throw for the ages that nearly hit San Francisco's Miguel Tejada on the fly as he trotted around the bases. And yes, everyone's already made the obligatory "Rookie of the Year" reference. [via]
True Hoop Dreams
The Bulls' first-round draft pick, Jimmy Butler, is a rags to riches story rarely seen in pro sports today..
Hawks Have Your Back
They didn't win anything at last night's NHL awards show, but the Blackhawks can take solace in their star power. Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane finished 3rd and 4th, respectively, in jersey sales this season, trailing only Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin. Marian Hossa (16) and Patrick Sharp (19) also made the list.
Hockey Players as Kids
Our new favorite Tumblr blog. Because you know you want to see childhood photos of Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and the rest of the Blackhawks.
Gridiron Deal Hammered Out Here
Chicago is the setting for the meeting of NFL team owners to decide whether we'll be ready for some football this fall.
Cubs Unveil 'It Gets Better' Video
Announced a few weeks ago, the Cubs' contribution to the "It Gets Better" project debuted today, starring second baseman Darwin Barney, outfielder Marlon Byrd, pitcher Ryan Dempster, manager Mike Quade, first base coach Bob Dernier and co-owner Laura Ricketts. (h/t SB Nation)
Back Again For More
Good job, Chicago. We did so well hosting the McDonald's All-American Games in March that they're coming back to the United Center next year. We'll be the first city to host the nation's premier high school basketball all-star games in consecutive years.
Cubs Set for Wrigleyville Block Party
The Cubs have reached a compromise with local officials to hold "block parties" on three big weekends this summer -- starting this weekend as the New York Yankees come to town. They won't block off Sheffield Avenue after all.
23 is 32
Devin Hester was ranked the 32nd best player in the NFL by the players themselves. Fellow Bears Brian Urlacher ranked 49th and Lance Briggs was 92nd. Hester's high ranking has stirred up controversy among pundits and fans.
Not About the Game
Dave Eggers writes about not watching the game not in Wrigley over at the new Grantland (which, despite its familiar-looking masthead, is not a Crain's publication.)
Walk for the Animals
The Red Door Animal Shelter sponsors its annual Gimme Shelter! benefit walk for homeless animals this Sunday from 10am-noon at at Indian Boundary Park, 2500 W. Lunt. Food, entertainment, and a pet psychic are part of the fun.
Skip the Scalpers
Got One, Need One is an iPhone app that helps you find tickets or get rid of extras day-of without the need of middlemen. That is, if you can find other people using the app.
His Legoness, Michael Jordan
Tauntr recreated the five greatest NBA finals moments with Lego, including Michael Jordan's last shot in game six of the 1998 finals against the Jazz.
And here's the source footage:
88 Years of Cubbies
Speaking of baseball, Ronny Woo-Woo may get all the press, but Gladys Nunley, aka Gladys the Cubs Fan, has been doing it for a lot longer.
Take Me Out to the Concert
America's favorite pastime gets the rock'n'roll treatment with The Baseball Project, a supergroup that includes REM's Peter Buck. They're playing at the Cubby Bear on Monday, paying homage in song to the sport's greatest heroes -- and the Cubs' 100+ years without a World Series win.
Bush Nearly Beaned
A pop-foul ball -- and AJ Pierzynski -- nearly landed in President George W. Bush's lap at last night's White Sox-Rangers game.
VIDEO: Foul ball lands near President Bush: MyFoxORLANDO.com
Homophobes are Losers
After getting his second foul of tonight's playoff game against the Miami Heat, Bulls center Joakim Noah made Chicago proud and screamed "fuck you, faggot," to a heckling fan sitting behind him (video). The Bulls lost 96-85, and the Heat now has a 2-1 lead in the series. UPDATE: Noah has (sort of) apologized for his comments. UPDATE 2: And he's been fined $50,000.
The Soxtown Revolution
Sun-Times columnist Joe Cowley continues to advance his vision of a Chicago that values the (usually) competitive White Sox over the "lovable loser" Cubs.
Playing at the Unicode Center
Two current trends come together: Twitter sparklines and the Bulls. [via]
Hometown Hero
In honor of the Bulls' continued rampage through the playoffs, YouTube user SouthSideCrusade set some Derrick Rose highlight reel moments to local rapper Arrogant's song "Hometown."
[via]
Marathon Winner Wanjiru Dead at 24
Kenyan Sammy Wanjiru, who won the 2009 and 2010 Chicago Marathon, died after a fall from a balcony at his home.
Brew-lanthropy
Bouncing back from last year's fire, Blackstone Bicycle Works is the first recipient of Seattle's Best Coffee new Brew-lanthropy Award. Blackstone won a break room makeover, a filmed documentary, $5000, and a year's supply of coffee and hot chocolate, for the kids who don't want to stunt their growth.
Beat the Heat
Can Derrick Rose and the Bulls get past LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and the Heat? The NBA Eastern Conference Finals tips off Sunday night at the United Center and we've got nine thoughts to get you started.
D-Rose & Other Hot Sauces
Chitown Clothing has cool shirts and hoodies for all your favorite local teams, but you're probably going to want to take a look at their Bulls designs right about now.
Oprah > Derrick Rose
The Bulls are one win away from the Eastern Conference Finals, but there could be a scheduling problem: The United Center is unavailable Monday night so Oprah's crew can set up for Tuesday's taping of her final show.
Today in T-shirts
The official "Derrick Rose MVP" T-shirts have hit the market, but it's hard to beat Nike's new "Hair-itage" collection of hirstute baseball players, including '80s vintage Andre Dawson and Ozzie Guillen.
Duerson's Battered Brain
Former Bears safety Dave Duerson was confirmed to have brain disease caused by severe trauma, according to the autopsy analysis he requested in his suicide note earlier this year. The Miami New Times has an excellent profile of Duerson. [via]
D-Rose MVP
Derrick Rose was named MVP last night. For the record, we called this one back in January.
Ex-Bear Had Brain Damage
Dave Duerson was right. He did have "moderately advanced" brain damage related to blows to the head, according to researchers who studied the former Bears safety's brain after he committed suicide in February.
Some Red and Black Earns Red Velvet
Wear your Bulls gear and head into Sprinkles Cupcakes on Tuesday, May 3rd for a free cupcake! Fans sporting some swag get a red velvet treat that's sure to inspire some team spirit. The offer is good at the 50 E. Walton St. store from 9am-8pm tomorrow.
The Bear Jew
What do you think, Chicago? Is that a good nickname for Bears draft pick and good Jewish boy Gabe Carimi? He's 6 feet 7, 314 pounds, and he apparently likes "Inglourious Basterds." And it's his idea.
Gimme That Hot Sauce
Just in time for the playoffs: staceyshirts, featuring Stacey King's many catchphrases. (Thanks, Daniel!)
Riding Bikes on Friday
It's a great day for a bike ride -- and it just happens to be Critical Mass tonight. How convenient! Frequent GB contributor John Greenfield wrote a song to celebrate.
The song was recorded at Kidical Mass earlier this month. Kidical Mass is for the younger cyclists and their parents, and takes place on the second Saturday of every month. More info on thechainlink.org.
Making Grant Park Even Greener
The south end of Grant Park may get a farmers market this summer run by the same folks as the Ogilvie Station French Market.
Red Stars Return
The Red Stars made their return official yesterday: they're now part of the Women's Premier Soccer League, and expect to return to the field in 2012.
Cubs Get Some Real Talent
Two members of the Arcade Fire sang the seventh-inning stretch at a Cubs game. You know who they are, right?
Red Stars Return
Looks like we might have women's professional soccer this summer after all. Four months after they suspended operations for the 2011 season, the Chicago Red Stars tweeted this afternoon that they're back: "We'll be playing this summer. Stay tuned."
Gulls in the Outfield
The Cardinals are not the only birds the Cubs will be fending off this season.
Stars on Cards
What are your favorite baseball card memories? Tailgate contributor Cee Angi says they transformed her childhood.
I Think He's Already On Another Team
Shaz Rasul spotted a shirt featuring an unlikely member of the Bulls: Wolverine.
Making Gretzky's Head Bleed
Blackhawks fans all over town were laughing at Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo during last night's 7-2 win. The Tribune caught Vince Vaughn doing it from the front row.
Chicago in the NBA Playoffs
The Bulls won their first game against the Pacers in the playoffs Saturday. But even if you're not a Bulls fan, you've got some Chicagoans to root for.
The Black Cubs?
Were the 1918 Cubs paid to throw the World Series the year before the infamous "Black Sox"? Maybe so, Joe.
Alaska to Argentina on a Bicycle. Check!
Chicago's own Matt Kelly is finally back home after a perilous journey starting in Deadhorse, Prudhoe Bay, Alaska all the way down to Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina on his bike. Yes, just a regular bike folks. After 21 months and 17,.500 miles, welcome home Matt! You can look back at his adventure through Western Hemisphere here.
Want a Balloon?
As the top-seeded Bulls get ready to open the NBA playoffs against Indiana, Derrick Rose has already given diehard Pacers fans a costume idea, confessing to Sarah Spain that he's terrified of killer clowns. Well, who isn't?
Frank Thomas and the Bombed Bat
Baseball Nation debates the symbolism behind one of the stranger baseball cards ever printed.
Baseball, Booze & Autographs
Chicago earned a few mentions when MLB players told ESPN about their favorite and least favorite road trips. According to two rival players, we've got autograph hounds who will chase a player down Michigan Avenue, but Cubs fans are too busy drinking to recognize opposing players.
Tumblin' Rose
Of course there's a F*ck Yeah Derrick Rose tumblr. Joakim Noah doesn't get quite as much love.
Fore on Wabash
It's almost golf season. Office-dwellers in the Loop can sneak away for a "meeting" at Play 18 Chicago, the city's first indoor range.
Derrick Rose Joins the Campaign
Eight months after Barack Obama hosted him on the White House basketball court, Derrick Rose is welcoming the president back to their hometown. The Bulls star and NBA MVP front-runner will attend the biggest (and least expensive) of three Obama fund-raisers set for Thursday in Chicago. Tickets for the 6:30pm event at Navy Pier's Grand Ballroom are $100 and $250.
Forget Me Not
Relive the good old days with Chicago Magazine's "Where Are They Now?" feature on Willie Gault, Turk Wendell, Ron Kittle, Andrea Jaeger, Luc Longley and a dozen more former Chicago athletes.
Sometimes You Just Know
SBNation's Andrew Sharp suggests looking beyond the stats when considering the Bulls' Derrick Rose for MVP. We've been saying that for months now.
Hawks in Haiku
A much-needed win
Blackhawks keep playoff hopes alive
Seen here in haiku
The Game of the Rose
What might the cover of NBA Elite 12 look like if Derrick Rose is MVP? Here's your answer.
Cover concept by Ziare Smith. More here.
America's Beer Garden
Wrigley Field "attendance was more than four times more sensitive to beer prices than to winning or losing," UofC economist Tobias Moskowitz and Sports Illustrated writer Jon Wertheim find in their new book, Scorecasting.
Sidd Finch Today
On Friday the Tribune caught up with Joe Berton, the guy who portrayed Sidd Finch in photos for George Plimpton's legendary April Fool's hoax story about a pitcher with a 168mph fastball.
Cubs Fans in the Bleachers
Can't watch the game? Watch "Bleacher Bums," a 1979 teleplay last broadcast in 1984. [via]
102 & Counting
It's opening day at Wrigley, and the Onion Sports Network is there to cover the Cubs.
Grand Slam Poetry
Levi Stahl shares baseball-inspired poetry in honor of opening day.
Don't be L.A.T.E.
You've got until tomorrow, March 31 to get the extreme early bird registration rate for this year's L.A.T.E. Ride. The ride itself is July 9/10.
Throwback Jersey
Even Michael Jordan is getting excited about tomorrow night's McDonald's All-American Games at the United Center. Photo from this afternoon:
The British Are Coming
We're not sure when the NFL will return to Soldier Field, but you can see the other kind of football there July 23 when the Chicago Fire hosts Manchester United, the biggest soccer team in the world. It's part of the annual World Football Challenge, which will also feature fellow European giant FC Barcelona and other MLS teams.
ISO Class 3 Mage
NearbyGamers will help you find someone to fill in on that Settlers of Catan game or your next WoW quest.
Dog Park and Jazz Finally Together
A new South Loop dog park may be named after jazz icon Fred Anderson.
Sha-nana-nah, Hey Hey Hey
As Sox fans say goodbye to organist Nancy Faust, they'll be getting to know Lori Moreland.
Cubs' Losing Ticket
At least some of this year's Cubs tickets have a somewhat dated photo of the Wrigley Field scoreboard on them -- featuring Corey Patterson up to bat in 2004. Adding insult to injury, the Cubs lost that game against the Cardinals. (Thanks, Veronica!)
Good Clean Muddy Fun
The Mud Queens of Chicago wrestle tonight at the Viaduct Theater; A.V. Club profiles the wrestlers. UPDATE: And check out our Mud Queens feature in Tailgate.
Final Farewell
The closest Chicago had to local teams in the NCAA Basketball Tournament-- Illinois and Notre Dame -- both got knocked out Sunday.
Super Size My Marathon
A Palatine man ran today's Los Angeles Marathon in an impressive two hours and 36 minutes. His secret? He ate nothing but McDonald's for the last 30 days.
Adidas Turns Spotlight on Derrick Rose
Sportswear-maker Adidas has assembled a star-studded lineup for its largest marketing campaign ever. Chicago native and Bulls guard Derrick Rose made the cut. [via]
Tailor Made For March
Feeling left out of the March Madness excitement, Loyola fans? Celebrate a more glorious era in your school's basketball history with this T-shirt honoring Loyola's 1963 NCAA champions. Bonus street cred: They played a big role integrating college athletics, three years before the famed Texas Western champions of 1966.
Something to Write in One's Journal
Coudal's Field Notes is sponsoring Ben Saunders as he tries to reach the Geographic North Pole on foot and without support, and he's gunning for the speed record while doing it. You can follow his journey on his website.
United States of X: Cycling Edition
The United States Bicycle Route Map from the Adventure Cycling Association includes several local routes -- and indirectly leads to the League of Illinois Bicyclists. [via]
A Pain in the Glass
Sun-Times photographer Tom Cruze got a little too involved in the action on the ice at the Blackhawks' game on February 20th, and his fellow photographer Nuccio DiNuzzo caught the moment in a snap. Like a true pro, he was back at work after some quick medical attention.
Mellowing With Age
Twenty-eight years after his infamous rant about Wrigley Field fans (e.g., "Eighty-five percent of the fuckin' world is working. The other 15 come out here.") former Cubs manager Lee Elia can laugh about his place among the great meltdowns in baseball history.
Wrigleyville's Newest Resident
Cubs fans shouldn't have too much trouble finding manager Mike Quade this summer: He plans to live two blocks from Wrigley Field and walk to work every day. [via]
Now Batting...
The Cubs are looking for a new public address announcer. Think you've got what it takes? Apply here by March 7.
Speeding to Victory or Spinning its Wheels?
In NewCity this week, occasional GB contributor John Greenfield examines the likelihood that the planned Chicago Velo Campus will be completed by 2013.
Bike Crash Map
Urban planner Steve Vance mapped all the bike accidents in Chicago reported to IDOT from 2007 to 2009. More about his process and why he decided to do it. [via, via]
How UIC (Unofficially) Fields a Table Tennis Team
The Flame goes behind the scenes at the UIC Table Tennis Club.
The CAT and the Bat
Back in 2003, Sammy Sosa's bat exploded during a game. Why? It was corked. The newest development in the story is that after Harry Carray's purchased the bat when it resurfaced in 2010, its management had the bat CAT scanned to see additional detail of the corking process.
On Shooting Chicago's Boxers
In Tailgate, Jim Reedy interviews Jason Reblando about his photography documenting the city's amateur boxing clubs. See the photos up close at Harold Washington College through Friday. UPDATE: If you miss the show this week, Jason says it also will be at the Canale Art Lounge April 1.
Ladies Who Sometimes Brunch and Often Bike
If you're a lady who likes to bike, and want to meet up with like-minded women, check out Let's Go Ride a Bike.
Best Existential Brooding
Frank Thomas makes an appearance in the Baseball Card Hall of Fame.
Grocery Carts, Start Your Engines
More than 60 teams have already registered for this year's Chiditarod, happening March 5.
Danke Schoen
If you have an Internet connection and a functioning cerebral cortex, you've seen plenty of amusingly overthought Ferris Bueller diversions in your day. Here's one more: The baseball nerds claim to have figured out what Cubs game Ferris and the gang attended on their fateful day off. [via]
Sox Bies? Sox Bres? Sox Bi[t]es?
Someone scrawled something on the Wrigley Field Harry Caray statue, but there's some ambiguity about what it actually says.
The Refrigerator Broke Down
A less happy tale from the '85 Bears: How 'The Fridge' lost his way.
United States of X: Beer & Football Edition
Two maps relevant to today's big event: The United States of Football and beer consumption in the U.S.
Thank You, Jim McMahon
Speaking of the Super Bowl, GQ this week reminds us all of the one Super Bowl Week that wasn't a bore. [via]
How to Super Bowl for Hipsters
The NPR folks behind "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me!" are working on a new podcast called "How to Do Everything." In this pilot piece, they give tips on how to fake knowing anything about football during the Super Bowl this Sunday.
LSD Closed
...for Bike the Drive, that is, May 29. Your last chance for discounted registration is Feb. 6.
Un-Pack-ing Our Love of the Steelers
In this week's Drive-Thru feature, we plan for what we'll be making this Sunday--the fine, fine foods of Pittsburgh.
What a Tool
Growing Pangs made a mission to construct a unique snow sculpture in the Viagra Triangle last night.
SNOW-SHREDA-MAGEDDON
Jake Zalutsky gave the blizzard a bear hug with his board last night. Insane? Awesome? Or both? [via spigumus]
Wrigley Field Takes a Hit
Looks like the blizzard has knocked loose a Wrigley Field roof panel.
Cubs in Hibernation
All clear for now, but you might want to check CubWorld's Clark & Addison webcam later to see if the Wrigley Field marquee is buried in a mountain of snow.
Alfonso Soriano to Carlos Zambrano
In Tailgate, Jeff Brodsky predicts the Cubs' future from A to Z.
The Case of the Missing Puck
Seven months after the Blackhawks won the 2010 Stanley Cup, no one has any idea what happened to the puck used to score the cup-winning goal. But that isn't stopping the CEO of Harry Caray's. He wants the trinket for his Navy Pier location and he's getting help in his quest from the Chicago FBI office.
Bill Murray Strikes Again
This time, while heckling a Packers fan at last Sunday's game.
Derrick Rose Gets Royal Treatment
Two weeks after he sent Bears fans into a spasm of defensiveness with a searing evisceration of quarterback Jay Cutler, ESPN columnist Rick Reilly returns with a soaring ode to Chicago's newest all-star, Bulls point guard Derrick Rose, a hometown boy who apparently is everything Cutler is not. Never let it be said that the 11-time National Sportswriter of the Year doesn't enjoy an overly simplistic fable.
It's a Bird, It's a Plane
Have you seen Chicago's newest superhero, The Blackhawk?
Bulls Stay Platinum
Forbes ranks the Chicago Bulls third behind the Knicks and Lakers on its annual list of the most valuable NBA franchises. Purchased by Jerry Reinsdorf for $16 million in 1985, the Bulls are now worth $511 million. They had the league's second-highest operating income last season, $51 million. All these numbers are the same as last year. [via]
Tabloid Drama for Bulls' Boozer
Love the Chicago Bulls -- and shameless celebrity gossip? You'll want to check out Life & Style magazine's exclusive report on the new "Bachelor" contestant who says she had an affair with then-married Bulls star Carlos Boozer nearly two years ago. Conspiracy theorists positing a connection to the hand injury Boozer suffered "at home" last fall will want to note that the alleged affair supposedly happened in 2009. [UPDATE: Theorists respond.]
Show Your Pride/Know Your Enemy
Starting today, you can order Cubs specialty license plates for your car. You could already get Blackhawks plates; no word on when Bears, Sox or Fire plates will debut.
"Remove the tie, or you're fired."
What kind of tie will get you fired at Webb Chevrolet? A Packers tie.
Jarrett Payton Sounds Off on Cutler
Our newest contributor, former NFL running back Jarrett Payton, had a few thoughts to get off his chest tonight about Jay Cutler, Bears fans' new whipping boy.
Talk a Good Game
Speaking of Kickstarters, here's one for a conversation-starting game called "the question is."
Light a Candle Instead, Guys
After the Bears' loss to Green Bay earlier tonight, some angry fans expressed themselves with lighters and Jay Cutler's jersey.
Bearmaggedon vs. the Apackalypse
We've got incisive football analysis, if that's what you're into, but more likely you just want to read about a giant fire-breathing bear cake and mouth off about the big game.
We're in Hell Right Now, Gentlemen
NPR's Carl Kasell reads the pregame pep talk from Any Given Sunday.
The Highway 50 Division
If you're not a football fan, you may not know the long history of the Chicago-Green Bay rivalry.
Don that Helmet! Ride that Bike!
Don't forget: today is Winter Bike to Work Day!
Upping the Ante
If the Bears win this Sunday, Obama is going to the Super Bowl.
Cancel the Revolution
Wait, you mean it was all a PR stunt? Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany said last month the conference might listen to public opinion and change its silly new football division names -- "Legends" and "Leaders" -- but that appears to have come to nothing.
On the Ropes
Ever wonder what it's be like to a pro wrestler's girlfriend?
High School Hoops on the Rebound
John Lucas, a former minor league basketball star, has helped vault his alma mater to the top of its division. Etheria Modacure tells his story in Tailgate.
Da Vest
Just in time for the playoffs (tickets go on sale at 10am), you can now get Ditka's famous Bears sweatervest.
Causing Trouble
The Red Eye wants to re-write the "Super Bowl Shuffle" for this year's Bears, in case they make it all the way. Feels like a jinx to me.
New Year's Eve Mass
Oh yes, Critical Mass is rolling tonight, leaving Daley Plaza at 6pm. Keep your eye on MassUp.Us for details.
"Happy Canoe Year!"
If you're looking for New Year's Day activities, you may be interested in the Forest Preserve District of Cook County's 26th annual canoe ride down the Chicago River.
Papa Bear T-Shirt
Designer David Schwen created a great tribute to the Bears' iconic coach Ditka.
That Howling Sound: Ohio State Fans
Avoiding Ohio State football fans is usually a good idea, but it's especially important this holiday season. They're all riled up because the NCAA suspended five Buckeyes, including quarterback Terrelle Pryor, for selling their own jerseys and other memorabilia. Yes, the same NCAA that declined to punish Heisman winner Cam Newton.
Bike Dancers Wanted
Ladies, do you like to ride bikes and dance? If so, The Racketeers BMX dance troupe is looking for some new recruits.
Not So Fast, My Friend
In an unusual move representing the triumph of democracy and/or corporate ass-covering, Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany said today the conference might reconsider "Legends" and "Leaders," the widely mocked names unveiled four days ago for its new football divisions. Audio at WGNRadio.com.
Layer Tennis Championships
Chicago's own Mig Reyes made it to the Layer Tennis Championships -- tune in at 1pm to see him play Romaninan Noper. And get a load of the coin flip this week, featuring several women you may recognize.
Kid K's Komeback
Kerry Wood is a Cub once more. For a year, anyway.
Ozzie Claus
The White Sox are offering a special deal on a ticket package named after manager Ozzie Guillen. And who better to promote it than Ozzie himself? Actually, probably quite a few people.
Chicago Red Stars Suspend Operations
The women's soccer league, citing insufficient funds, hopes to find new investors and start again in 2012.
The Big Dozen's New Logo
The Big Ten unveiled its new logo yesterday, along with a realignment of its divisions now that there are 12 teams. In Tailgate, Jim Reedy isn't thrilled.
Chicago's Indie Video Game Darling
In Tailgate, Fruzsina Uordogh interviews local video game designer Erin Robinson about her entry into video game design and getting more women involved in the industry.
An Ocean of Good
Jenn Gibbons is planning to row across the Atlantic Ocean in January 2012 to raise money and awareness for Recovery on Water, a rowing club for breast cancer survivors we profiled in Tailgate earlier this year.
Same as it Ever Was
Newly elected Cook County Assessor Joe Berrios went ahead and hired his son and sister, who worked for him in his previous job, confirming that nepotism lives on in our great city.
R.I.P., Ron Santo
The former Cub and Cubs announcer has passed away.
Bears Fan Climbs Field Museum's Brachiosaur
"Bad Bears Fan! BAD! We do not climb the museum's dinosaurs. No! This is why we can't have the triceratops fossils out in the foyer anymore."
Bulls in Your Inbox
The Bulls Fan Report officially launched today, delivering Bulls details to your inbox daily.
I Skate, You Skate, We All Skate
It's getting colder, but you can actually enjoy the winter weather while gliding around on a smooth sheet of ice (and I don't mean while driving down your street). Up Chicago has a great little roundup of local (mostly free) ice skating rinks, which do exist outside of the Loop, you know. (via)
Wrigley Football Madness
The upcoming Northwestern-Illinois game at Wrigley Field is kind of a big deal: ESPN's "GameDay" will be covering it live, and the stadium's iconic marquee is being painted Northwestern purple.
Slow and Steady
Need some help taking it easy today? Check out this footage of turtle racing at likable Ravenswood dive Big Joe's.
Skating Past the Physics Board
The Reader's cover story this week is about Yung Tae Kim, aka Dr. Tae, your favorite skateboarding physicist.
Cubscast Closed by MLB
Cubscast, Soxcast and the rest of Sportscast's baseball podcasts have been shut down by Major League Baseball Advanced Media.
Limited Athletic Opportunities for Female CPS Students Alleged
The National Women's Law Center has filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights against the Chicago Public Schools and another 11 districts for Title IX violations.
Riding Up the Branch
The North Branch Bicycle Trail will be extended another 4.2 miles to the east end of LaBagh Woods [PDF].
Skating Pretty
Hey rollergirls of Chicago -- Dr. Hauschka Skin Care wants to give you a 20% discount on their holistic, natural skin care products.
Call it Money Ball
We've got an examination of campaign contributions from the sports world in Mechanics.
Find a Partner & Saddle Up
Registration for the 2010 Sadie Hawkins Ride is now open.
Owner in the Outfield
Cubs owner Todd Ricketts is going to be on CBS's "Undercover Boss."
Don't Call Her Gumby, Dammit
Dana "Pokey" Chatman was named general manager and head coach of the Sky today.
Better than a Bumper Sticker
Blackhawks fans can now wear their pride on their license plates. The official BH plates will cost you an extra $40
Ring Halloween in a Little Early Tonight
...with blood wrestling at the Viaduct Theater. Yep, blood.
Spectacular Move by Jordan
Speaking of moments captured, two of Michael Jordan's make Sports Illustrated Joe Posnanski's list of 32 great calls by sports announcers.
Running Commentary
As Jacqui Cheng says, "It's hard to believe that the "Twitter 5K" is a real thing, but it is."
7 Years Bad Luck
In Tailgate, The Turncoat marks the anniversary of the Steve Bartman Incident.
Behind the Scenes at the Chicago Marathon
When marathon runners aren't running, they're hanging out with waterproof belts and banks at the marathon expo.
Indoor Sports Option: Archery
Despite the warm weekend, it's time to start think about indoor sports for the cold months ahead. If bowling sounds boring, how about archery?
Cork Uncorked
Remember that time Sammy Sosa used a corked bat? Remember how it disappeared? The bat is back—this time on the auction block. So who's had it all this time? Former Cub pitcher Mike Remlinger.
Marathon Heating Up
Cheaters aren't the only thing on marathoners' minds: We might see weather in the 80s on Sunday.
Surveillance for Sprinters
Speaking of the Marathon, the Trib looks at how the organizers catch cheaters.
Second To No Other Sports Town
Sporting News named Chicago (and Evanston) the best sports town of 2010.
Why Ryan Hall Isn't Running
Ryan Hall announced yesterday that he's pulling out of the Chicago Marathon. He posted an explanation today.
Great Balls of Fire
A colossally sized Super Mario Bros. skirmish took place at Toyota Park on Saturday thanks to the Chicago Fire supporters known as Section 8.
So, Which is It?
WCIU's Cat vs. Dog competition today forces you to decide: are you more loyal to cats or dogs, or to Bears or Packers? (Thanks, Steve!)
It's Only 65 Floors
Lake Point Tower isn't that tall. You could totally take the stairs to the top.
Can You Summarize That for Me?
Dave Cihla started up a new Cubs fan site, Cubs Under Quade, which he describes as the "...most informative, insightful & engaging sports site out there." It's certainly to the point.
Mobile Marketing Meets a Zamboni
Local mobile advertising firm Vibes Media and the Blackhawks get shout-outs in a NY Times piece about the blossoming market for sports themed mobile device applications.
Traitor Against Cubkind
Rick Abplanalp, Tailgate's Turncoat, is interviewed in this week's Time Out about his switch of allegiance.
Pads and Bikinis
Wait, the Lingerie Football League made it to a second season? Yes it did, and Time Out has photos from the Bliss' season opener.
Skating & Blogging
The Boardmen cover skateboarding in Chicago.
Halo: Stretch!
The White Sox' Brent Lillibridge was up last night, waiting for the biggest game of the year.
Blackstone Bicycle Works Burned Again
The Blackstone Bicycle Works has been a victim of a fire for the second time in 10 years [right side of screen]. This time their building was spared, but they lost 400 bikes. If you'd like to help them rebuild, you can make a donation to the group through their website.
Bear Down
The Bears somehow didn't lose to the Lions yesterday. Brian Lauvray has the gory details in his latest Footballic Ramblings.
Designing Layers
Tomorrow's Layer Tennis match will feature hometown hero Scott Thomas vs. Atlantan Mark Weaver. Tune in at 1pm.
The $500 Car Race
Do you have what it takes to win 24 Hours of LeMons? [via]
A Sporting Chance...
United wants you to vote for one of five projects that use sports to address broader social issues in Chicago. The winner will receive their Chicago Impact Award and more than $50,000 in cash and other support.
A New Way to Raise Cash
The Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago has quite possibly the coolest fundraiser this weekend: rappeling down the Wit hotel. (Thanks, Kara!)
Kristin & Cutler?
According to Perez Hilton, the Bears' Jay Cutler is dating Kristin Cavallari from "The Hills." Might explain a few things from Sunday's game.
The Bear Market
Despite being a legendary sports franchise in a major market, the Chicago Bears are definitely not thrilling the nation with their team valuation—9th in the NFL and $800 million below their estimated potential. According to Forbes, "the problem begins and ends with ownership."
It's Critical
It's the last Friday of the month, which means Critical Mass hits the streets for tonight's commute. Kirstie Shanley examines the cultural phenomenon in Tailgate.
Slamming in the Second City
Nothing to do about the possibility of Manny Ramirez coming to the Sox, except sit, wait, and read. Here's Bill Simmons fantastic column on Manny's infamous departure from Boston. And here's a new Chicago Magazine article on Sammy Sosa's tumultuous departure from the Cubs. Don't forget, Frank Thomas' number will be retired during Sunday's Sox game.
Promote the Joys of Winter Cycling
If you have some free time today and are itchin' to do some design work, Bike Winter is looking for a new sticker for this season. Check out some previous designs to get you going.
Detroit Has One Fan Way More Dedicated Than Bears Fans
Since their Rex Grossman ...ahem... "led" Super Bowl season of 2006-07, the Bears faithful haven't had a whole lot to celebrate. No playoff appearances, and only one +.500 season since. Still, it's been a much better go of it than say, a Detroit Lions fan has had. Yet, one lone, 63 year-old Detroit Lions fan had the "gumption"/insanity to walk 425 miles from the Upper Peninsula to Lions training camp. Bears fans, consider the gauntlet thrown.
Deng is Visiting Home After a Long Absence
World News America is following Bulls forward Luol Deng as as he returns to Sudan for the first time since his family fled the country when he was five.
You are Entering a Peanut Free Zone
Yesterday the Cubs created a special peanut free zone in a skybox for those with serious allergies to the legume.
Tell the Other CPD What You Think
The Chicago Park District is reevaluating what to do with the area they're now calling "North Grant Park," so they're seeking public input through an online survey.
Quit While You're Not Ahead
Today's Cubs game (which they lost 16-5 to Atlanta) was Lou Piniella's last as manager.
The Design Racket
Layer Tennis starts its regular season with two live matches this Friday, one featuring local player Nick Campbell.
Join "The Club"
Did you miss "The Club," MLB's White Sox reality miniseries? Don't worry, Comcast SportsNet is airing it starting tonight. Or you could just read our recaps.
Chicago's Most Valuable Player
The Bears' Julius Peppers is at #36 on Sports Illustrated's list of the 50 highest-earning American athletes. He'll make a little over $20 million this year.
Share and Share a Bike
Chicago launched its own bike-sharing program today, called B-Cycle, starting with 100 bikes in six locations all near downtown. (Previously.)
Who is That Masked Fan?
With the mysteries of the Cubs' Pink Hat Guy and the Sox' M&M Jacket Guy solved, Deadspin turns its reticles to uncovering the story of the recognizable front-row South Sider who hexes pitchers and wears a goat mask during crosstown games.
#35 Back at 35th
Frank Thomas is back with the White Sox as a team ambassador, and he's happy to put differences with management behind. Helps they're retiring his number, no doubt.
Still Wondering About That Hot Dog?
In other food news, ESPN tracked down health department reports about food service providers for major stadiums around the country. At first, the Chicago stadiums look pretty clean, but then an important distinction emerges: Unlike most locales, Chicago health inspections were conducted when the food vendors were closed.
How Much are Cubs Tickets Worth?
One family dispute pegs the value of three years of Cubs tickets at $128,000 plus $2.5 million in damages.
Ryno's Ready
To coach the Cubs, that is. Not everyone agrees.
Randy Wells Can Make Dip?
After six months of preparation, a cookbook will be released on Friday authored by none other than the Chicago Cubs. Chicago Cubs Cookbook features collected recipes and stories from players and coaches, and all proceeds will go to pitcher Ryan Dempster's foundation, dedicated to helping those with the rare DiGeorge syndrome.
Sweet Sorrow
With Lou Piniella retiring, the Cubs are on the lookout for a new manager. What would the Cubs be like if Daley was manager? Or perhaps these folks?
Bulls continue Chicago Jazz campaign
In a move that sees the Bulls sign their third former Utah Jazz member of the offseason, Chicago has come to terms with shooting guard Ronnie Brewer. This follows previous signings of Carlos Boozer and Kyle Korver, both former Jazz stars. In other news, the Bulls will not be signing JJ Reddick.
Cubs Fan Precious Moments.
Wait till White Sox fans see these.
Chicago's New Riot Girls
In Tailgate, learn more about The Chicago Riots, the new junior roller derby league in town.
The Old Spice Cup
The Blackhawks got a special video response from the Old Spice guy regarding what he'd do with the Stanley Cup.
Bulls sign Asik
Don't all of you rush to get your season tickets all at once after hearing this news. Yes, the Bulls have signed Turkish super-star center Omer Asik to an undisclosed contract. You can now go order your personalized "Asik" Bulls jersey on NBA.com.
Shooting Down the Hawk
GQ has no love for Sox play-by-play announcer Hawk Harrelson, blaming him entirely for his and Steve Stone's position as worst broadcast booth in baseball. Chicagoist's Benjy Lipsman agrees.
Welcome to "The Club"
Remember the White Sox reality television program that was in the works? The show will premiere on Sunday at 8pm.
Bulls sign Kyle Korver
Adding to the recent Carlos Boozer addition, the Bulls have signed 3-point specialist Kyle Korver to a three year contract. This does not, however, take away from their already failed offseason.
Run of Wrigley
The Cubs held a fan appreciation day for season ticket holders yesterday. They got to explore the stadium, but weren't allowed to take ivy home.
Soccer's Talent Drain
Mexican pro soccer teams are scouting for players in Chicagoland.
10 People You Meet in Rec Leagues
Our own Glenn McBride and Tracy Swartz split the duty on this list -- as well as the timing. Here's Glenn's piece from May, and here's Tracy's from today.
Mas, Por Favor
No Mas prints awesome t-shirts for sports fans with a sense of history; White Sox fans are well represented. (OK, Cubs too.)
Air Apparent
Is it wise to dare Lebron James to come fill Jordan's shoes?
395 Yeas for the Hawks
The U.S. House of Representatives very officially congratulated the Blackhawks this afternoon after a vote of 395-5.
Rose and...Wade?
Add another name to the list of free agents thinking about joining the Bulls this Fall. The Chicago Tribune reports that Dwyane Wade (a Chicago native) may be planning a visit with the Bulls early in his free agency period, which begins this Thursday.
Whole Body
The Gold Coast branch of Whole Foods brings back their Yoga on the Rooftop summer series: every Tuesday at 6pm, professional yoga instructors will help you increase strength and flexibility from the rooftop of 1 W. Superior. BYOYM (bring your own yoga mat).
2 Cs Became Cubs & Sox
DesignCrave compares Major League Baseball teams' original logos to their current ones. The Sox logo may look familiar to fans, but the Cubs' original is really obscure. [via]
A Sporty Pride Parade
As promised, the Stanley Cup visited the Pride Parade yesterday. Fausto Fernos of Feast of Fun talked with Brent Sopel, the Hawk who made it happen, at the parade. More photos here, here and here.
Our Gonfalon Bubble
"Tinker to Evers to Chance." Baseball's Sad Lexicon in pictures.
The Cup & Cubs in the Pride Parade
The Stanley Cup will make an appearance at this weekend's Gay Pride Parade -- as will Boystown neighbors the Cubs. The boys in blue will run a float for the first time ever, and Ernie Banks will be on it.
Who Will Win the "Oil Spill Cup"?
Rather than being a coup for the Sox, Cubs and BP, the BP Crosstown Cup has turned out to be a public relations nightmare.
Soccer is Poetry
We've got soccer on the brain in Tailgate right now -- especially a local program that teaches both teamwork and communication skills through a combination of soccer and poetry.
MetaLouPiniellica
Cubs manager Lou Piniella's post-game rant on Friday gets the remix treatment.. [via]
Lord Stanley on the Loose
The Stanley Cup has been taking a break from the party in Chicago to party in LA, but when it returns you can keep tabs on its random appearances via Twitter at WheresTheCup.
Your World Cup Primer
In other sports news, the 2010 World Cup started today with a match between Mexico and South Africa. We've got all you need to know to jump on the soccer bandwagon in Tailgate.
Blackhawks Parade from Your Office
Can't make it to the Blackhawks parade today? Catch live coverage on CBS 2, NBC 5, ABC 7, WGN and Fox, and follow along on Twitter .
A Special Tee
RIPT Apparel, which just celebrated its first birthday, has a t-shirt sure to be a hit with Blackhawks fans today.
I Love a Parade!
If you're into cheering for major sporting victories, head downtown Friday morning for the official Blackhawks celebration parade. The jubilation kicks off at 10:30am at Wacker and Washington.
Get Your Soccer On!
Speaking of sporting competitions, WBEZ is getting in the World Cup mood with viewing parties and a bracket competition open to most everyone. Check out GB's coverage over in Tailgate.
"Hawks. Cup. Speechless."
That about sums it up. Congrats, Blackhawks! You done Chicago proud.
Bernie Mac Day
The Bernie Mac Foundation and the White Sox are remembering the comedian with a memorial outing on June 10 at U.S. Cellular Field.
Truly, it was an Age of Awesome Mustachery
From the New York Public Library's A. G. Spalding baseball photo collection, a picture of some baseball-playing Chicago gents from the good old, OLD days. More Chicago baseball memories can be found here.
Chicago Sports Nation
SBNation just launched a Chicago channel collecting their local sports coverage, with Bleed Cubby Blue's Al Yellon in charge.
Lucky Number Seven
If you missed the Blackhawks' win last night, you can at least watch those seven goals over and over again for a few hours (including that hit on Pronger). Now that's a highlight reel.
The Fury's Fierce Win
This past Saturday, the near-undefeated Fury took home the Ivy King Cup, the highest achievement for local competitors in Windy City Rollers, Chicago's female roller derby league. They showed no mercy taking down underdogs the Double Crossers, ending the game with a score of 130-71.
The Urinator Terminator
Moshe Tamssot is sick of folks from the nearby United Center and bars using his alley as a urinal. So he decided to get even.
"NHL around here, there's not much interest"
The Trib points to race and athletic opportunities when it comes to disparate support of the Blackhawks and other ice skating in the city.
Miscellaneous Museums of Chicago, Part One
Did you know that there's a Bronzeville Children's Museum, and that it's in ... Calumet Heights?
Fountains of Blood for the Blackhawks
The fountain at Daley Plaza has been dyed red in honor of the Blackhawks -- either that or GWAR is back in town. Oh, wait.
One Lucrative Player
Speaking of Michael Jordan, speculation is running rampant over the possibility that LeBron James could join the Bulls and usher in a new era of championships. The economic benefit? A UIC economist estimates as much as $2.7 billion.
Ready for Tonight's Blackhawks Game?
Michael Jordan is. (Game starts at 7, people.)
Locals on a Massive Stage
The buzz for this summer's World Cup tournament is at fever pitch. The US Men's National Team added to ruckus by announcing their final 23 man roster. Chicagoist has a breakdown of the local inclusions.
Speed-painting the Indian Head
Next Wednesday, June 2, Mahoney's will host the artist known as "Elliott from Art Beat" for a live painting of the Blackhawks logo during the Hawks' first Stanley Cup match. The painting will be auctioned off to benefit March of Dimes.
Our Undefeated Football Team
The Blackhawks are doing a number on the Sharks, but there's another Chicago squad whose record is even better: The Force, our women's football team. See them take on Pittsburgh this Sunday.
The South Side Sounds a Bit Different Toniiiight
Batting-average beleaguered White Sox infielder Gordon Beckham has abandoned the unusual batting intro tune that garnered him national attention. In memoriam: our most hated and most loved covers of The Outfield's "Your Love".
Chicago Dynasty 2.0?
I'm not much of a sports fan, but it's hard to ignore the Lebron-in-Chicago chatter that's approaching a fever pitch, with even the President saying James would look good in red and black. The Sun-Times rained on everybody's parade by arguing the King will not, in fact, become a Bull any time soon, but a Bulls higher-up says he's interested in pursuring James. That's not daunting Chicago Facebook users who want to woo both LeBron and--why not?--Dwayne Wade to the Windy City.
The Most Interesting Man in the World (of Basketball)
There's a rumor out there that Lebron James and John Calipari could be coming together to a team that could be the Bulls, and that it would be the handiwork of a mysterious, well-connected guy nicknamed Worldwide Wes. Back in 2007, Alex French tried to find out exactly who William Wesley is.
Ride in Their Honor
Chicago's Ride of Silence pushes off from Daley Plaza tonight in honor of those who've been injured or killed in accidents with motor vehicles. More in Mechanics. [via]
Setting Fire to the Sister Cities
The Fire are playing four games against teams from Chicago's sister cities this week. If you're a fan of European soccer, here's your best and cheapest opportunity to catch Paris Saint-Germain, Legia Warsaw and Red Star Belgrade live on the field.
Olympic Spirit of 70.6
$70.6 million, that is. That's the final tally on Chicago's Olympic bid spending.
The President Wants You, Lebron!
Speaking of Lebron, President Obama thinks he would look good in a Bulls uniform.
The LeBron Sweepstakes Is On
After a stunning second-round loss for the NBA Championship contender Cleveland Cavaliers, all attention now shifts to where LeBron James will play next year. Chicago Bulls fans are going to make their voices known through the "Send LeBron to Chicago" campaign. Read an interview with the creator of this movement in Tailgate.
Common Opinions
Bulls fans will hear from approximately 327,653 sources with their thoughts on the off-season free agent situation. For today, you can consider the opinions of local hip-hop star Common. Hey, why not?
To Catch a Falling Starlin
Well that didn't take long. After a record setting debut on Friday against the Reds in Cincinnati, things have not been so smooth for the 20-year old Cubs phenom Starlin Castro. His first taste of the Friendly Confines proved less than friendly last night. The savior of the team was actually booed by the home fans in his first game after accounting for three errors. Nobody said it was easy.
The Baseball King Is Dead, Long Live The King
White Sox pitcher Mark Buehrle is no longer the latest baseball player to pitch a perfect game.
Honor Among Golfers
Grant Whybark of St. Francis University intentionally lost a regional playoff round to allow a player from Olivet Nazarene to advance to the nationals. (Whybark's team is already in.)
Street Vendors to be Banned from Wrigley?
If you're looking to score a t-shirt with homophobic insinuations about Albert Pujols or blatantly racist references to Kosuke Fukudome, you may soon have to look somewhere other than the street vendors outside Wrigley.
Olympic Failure = Sports for Kids
The $6.1 million left over from donations to the Chicago Olympic bid is funding World Sport Chicago's programs for inner-city kids. As the Sun-Times quips: "World Sport Chicago is the only remaining legacy of Daley's Olympic quest."
Hockey & Pizza Go Together
NBC websites picked up a fake story about Canuck hockey players getting suspended for planning a "pizza crawl" during their visit to Chicago.
Vinny Del Negro Finally Let Go...Now What?
In what might be the least surprising turn of events during the Bulls' offseason, the team fired coach Vinny Del Negro some time yesterday. The official announcement will come later today. Now the attention moves towards who will take over as coach and who they will target as free agent additions. Stay tuned.
The 2010 World Cup in Our Own Backyard
With only 38 days left until the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, Chicago is catching soccer fever. What better way to celebrate the international competition than by holding a mini-version? The 2010 Chicago World Cup will pit teams composed of international players against each other. Unlike the real thing, this one won't require a 20+ hour plane ride.
The Row to Recovery
Recovery On Water and its forceful coach are kicking the crap out of breast cancer, one rower at a time. Learn more in Tailgate.
Protest at Wrigley, Arizona Edition
Another protest is to take place today at Wrigley Field as the Cubs take on the Diamondbacks. This time, though, it's about Arizona's new immigration law and the D-Backs' alleged ties to the Republican Party. UPDATE: Chicagoist has photos of the protest.
Sports Radio on the Web
Today's noon Lunchbox chat on Vocalo is all about sports. Eat at your desk and talk Bulls, Blackhawks and baseball with Marcus Gilmer of Chicagoist, Rob Zibung of The Heckler, "Eight Forty-Eight's" Cheryl Raye Stout and our own Brian Lauvray from Tailgate.
Sports Radio on the Web
Today's noon Lunchbox chat on Vocalo is all about sports. Eat at your desk and talk Bulls, Blackhawks and baseball with Marcus Gilmer of Chicagoist, Brad Zibung of The Heckler, "Eight Forty-Eight's" Cheryl Raye Stout and our own Brian Lauvray from Tailgate.
Purple vs. Orange at Wrigley
Northwestern will play Illinois at Wrigley Field this fall, the first football game played in the stadium in 40 years.
Take Me Out to the Blogosphere
Wrigleyville tends to draw a vast blogger presence. But hey, what's one more URL to bookmark among die hard fans? Cubs Fan Report launched today as a collaborative of them all, as well as major news Cubs coverage.
One McCaskey Leaves, Another Enters
Michael McCaskey is stepping down as chairman of the Bears after the 2010 season. His replacement? His younger brother, George.
The Cubs Way of Life
When I saw the Cubs' new slogan, I couldn't resist. As a Sox fan, it was just too easy.
Introducing: The Turncoat
It takes a lot to turn a Cubs fan against his or her team. But for Rick Abplanalp, enough was enough. Now he roots for the Sox.
Pitching Across The Aisle
The Verban Memorial Society, a bipartisan group in D.C. dedicated to supporting the Cubs, has inducted White Sox fan President Obama into its ranks. "'I know it will be hard for him to accept this accolade,' Mr. Durbin said. 'It's like telling him he was elected to the board of directors of the Republican National Committee.' Conservative columnist George Will, a Verban stalwart, says the president ought to embrace his induction. 'Diversity,' he says. 'It's a great liberal value.'"
Beyond the Bleachers
With Wrigley Field and its surroundings in the news so much recently, perhaps it's worth remembering what the Sheffield Avenue rooftops looked like in 1987 compared to what they look like now.
Ride then Ride
The Active Transportation Alliance is pleased to report that Metra will be expanding its Bikes on Metra program.
Protesting Wrigley -- for Pay
About 60 protesters were outside Wrigley Field yesterday, supposedly upset about the proposed Toyota sign. Turns out they were paid for their time. No wonder they didn't seem very upset.
Oh, the Agony
The Beachwood Reporter just launched a new Cubs blog: Agony & Ivy, a sober look at this team in "year one."
Red Sox Beat Cubs
Not on the field (yet, anyway) -- in ticket price. The Cubs are the most expensive in the National League, and behind only Boston for most expensive in baseball.
Volunteer the Drive
You can still save a couple bucks on Bike the Drive if you sign up by Monday. Or if you'd like to get more involved, they're looking for some volunteers.
Economist Bull Talk
In Tailgate, Brian Lauvray talks with sports economist David Berri about the Bulls' season and basketball in general.
Behind Enemy Lines
This license plate has probably started many a fight in Wisconsin.
Kiss Her Goodbye
The 2010 season will be Chicago White Sox organist Nancy Faust's last.
Chicago White Sox, Otherwise Known As Father-Daughter Bonding
Here's a heartwarming essay by Dave Revsine on how baseball and particularly White Sox fandom helps him bond with his daughter.
Final Four Drinks
Whether you're a fan of Butler, Michigan State, Duke or West Virginia, there's a bar in Chicago for you. Here's where to drink among friends this weekend.
Partially Concealing the Proposed Wrigley Sign
The Department of Zoning has modified plans to erect a 38-foot-tall sign at Wrigley Field. The changes will make it less visible from the street and better integrate it into the park. While the modifications won't ensure the sign will be approved, what's certain is that the sign can't be ready for opening day.
But Has He Declared a Major Yet?
In a combination of unprecedented talent and life imitating Mr. Show, 10-year-old Jaylin Fleming is already being courted by college recruiters for his basketball prowess.
Not Open During Funerals
Ünnecessary Ümlaut has a review and photos of what is likely the creepiest miniature golf course in the country: Palatine's Ahlgrim Family Funeral Services ... and basement golf course.
The Odds? One in 13,460,000
A local high school student's NCAA bracket is perfect ... so far.
On Your Mark
Individual registration for the 2010 Chicago Marathon is now closed, but you can still get involved by signing up to run on behalf of one of these great charities.
Cornhole Season Nears
Cornhole, baggo, bags -- whatever you call it, improving weather means we'll soon hear the sound of beanbags hitting plywood echoing through the alley. Chi-Town Custom Cornhole makes custom game sets to help you join in the fun.
Obama's Got Kansas vs. Kentucky
The President's March Madness bracket is now available for copying, mockery.
Official Wrigley Field Renovation Details
Daniel X. O'Neil, Everyblock people person and former GB staffer, dug through the city's January 2010 Landmark Building Permits and uncovered detailed information about the Wrigley Field renovation, including renovation of the scoreboard, bathrooms and other changes. He also put the entire permit list into CSV format for your use.
The Jordan Bobcats
Michael Jordan is buying a controlling stake in the Charlotte Bobcats, according to Chicago Breaking Sports.
March Bar Madness
The Fifty50 and CoachHouse are Chicago's entrants in Thrillist's "Bar Madness" contest to determine the best sports bar in America.
Sox Don't Like Guillen Tweeting
So Ozzie can star on a reality show, but he can't be on Twitter? The White Sox' head coach launched his account yesterday, and today GM Kenny Williams gave it the head shake. UPDATE: Now Guillen announced he is going to keep the account but not discuss the Sox.
Fighting Refinement
I hereby nominate the upcoming mixed martial arts show at the Chicago Theatre as the weirdest collision of venue and event in some time.
White Sox' Dirty (and Clean) Laundry Aired
Ozzie Guillen, Kenny Williams and Jerry Reinsdorf have signed on for a reality TV series called "The Club" on the MLB Network. The show will follow the Sox from spring training into the regular season.
Spreading Like a Plague
The Cubs are the newest ambassadors of our Tax Increment Financing system in Arizona, where they are proposing a TIF to fund the construction of their new spring training stadium.
Don't Worry, Be Happy
...was a number one jam in 1988, which was the last time an American won gold at the Olympic Male Figure Skating competition. Big ups to Naperville's own Evan Lysacek (and Evanstonian Shani Davis, who recently won gold in speed skating).
Golden Boy
Congratulations are in order for Chicago native and now two-time gold medalist, Shani Davis.
Swatting Pixels
Coudal's Layer Tennis returns this Friday at 2pm. Plan your afternoon accordingly.
Hurry Hard, but Safely
Local tech firm Kodiak Technology Group is the unlikely mastermind behind an even more unlikely Olympic tie-in: curling-themed condoms.
Locals on the Team
There are several local athletes [pdf] you can keep an eye out for when you tune in to the Vancouver winter games, including three from one suburban speedskating club.
At 42, Number 35 is Done
Frank Thomas, "arguably the greatest player in White Sox history" is set to announce his retirement. The team will retire his number and many consider him a first ballot Hall of Famer.
Vizquel Goes to 11
The White Sox made the unusual move to un-retire hall-of-famer Luis Aparicio's #11 jersey so new shortstop Omar Vizquel could wear it. Vizquel asked Aparicio's permission to do it. Why? Because coach Ozzie Guillen wears #13, Vizquel's usual number, and isn't going to give it up.
Chicago's Fastest Skater
As Chicago-born speed skater Shani Davis prepares for the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, his mother carefully guards his reputation.
Register for Bike the Drive
Your annual opportunity to pedal down LSD is on May 30 this year, and registration is now open.
Get Your Shoes Ready
Registration for the 2010 Chicago Marathon is now open.
HOF: Dawson Enters as an Expo
Former Cubs star Andre Dawson will enter the Baseball Hall of Fame in an Expos uniform, the Tribune reports.
Ready Your Grocery Cart!
The Chiditarod is now accepting team registrations and looking for volunteers for the fifth annual race on March 6. Do you have what it takes?
Bloggers on Ice
Are you a blogger? Do you enjoy sliding around with metal blades on your feet? Then Blogger Industry Night is for you! Gapers Block is co-sponsoring the event with Explore Chicago, the Printers Ball and the Chicago Publishers Gallery. Join other Chicagoland bloggers on the ice at the Millennium Park Ice Rink from 7 to 11pm Feb. 5, and warm up in the Park Grill with complimentary apps and a cash bar. More info and RSVP on Facebook. (We're also co-sponsoring a Flickr meet-up on Feb. 6!)
Here's Mud in Your Face
Don't wear your nice clothes if you go to the Viaduct Theatre this Saturday to catch the latest bouts by the Chicago Mud Queens.
Marketing Blitz
Take a deep breath Bears fans. The Colts are beating us in more ways than one.
Hope Springs Eternal
A report from this year's Cubs convention.
Fitness for Zombie Warfare
ZombieFit is a parkour-based "functional fitness" program designed to have you ready for when the dead shall rise again. It's taught in St. Charles, which is far enough out of the city to give you a fighting chance for survival. [via]
Be Active Indoors
Getting stir crazy already? Time Out notes that factory tours are a good indoor activity to get you out of the house without leaving you cold.
Singular or Plural?
Suburban apparel company American Needle (and its loud website) is involved in a big time lawsuit with the NFL that could determine whether or not the NFL is a single entity or 32 entities.
Faking the Plunge
Need to pretend you've taken the Polar Bear Plunge for some reason? Here's your guide to how it feels.
The More Things Change...
Disgruntled fans hoping for wholesale changes on the Bears after a disappointing season are probably only a little happy this morning with reports that offensive coordinator Ron Turner (as well as a couple of other coaches) are on their way out the door at Halas Hall. Head coach Lovie Smith, however, appears to safe from the ax for now. Details in Tailgate.
Sit And Deliver
ESPN Zone is the site for the ninth annual Chicago Ultimate Coach Potato competition on New Year's Day, pitting the best of the best...when it comes to sitting and watching sports. The minimal bathroom breaks give a whole new meaning to "bowl games." You can't tell the players without a scorecard.
A Devil Of A Time For Hawks?
Flying high in the Western Conference standings, the Blackhawks look to keep rising against their big foe from the East, the New Jersey Devils. Jeremy Piniak has the lowdown in Tailgate.
The Bears Did What?
Yes, they won. In overtime. And against the Minnesota Vikings. In case you opted against watching what you were sure was going to be a blowout, get the details in Tailgate.
Remember That Perfect Game?
Mark Buehrle's perfect game is the second biggest sports story of the year for The Times of Northwest Indiana.
Not-So-Top 10
ESPN Chicago has compiled a list of the top 10 most embarassing sports moments in Chicago this past year. We can quibble with a couple of them, but the No. 1 moment? Well, let's just say a certain Bears QB might even agree with that.
Bulls Fall from Grace
The Bulls blew a 35-point lead -- their largest ever -- last night against the Sacramento Kings.
We Told You So
We tried to warn you. But did you listen to us? Nooo. You went ahead and watched the Bears game anyway. When you finally finish washing the awful out of your eyes, head over to Tailgate to help figure out what you saw and leave your eyewitness account of that carwreck.
Playing the Bears Must be Important
For better or worse, the Bears are going play some football this afternoon thanks to hundreds of Baltimore employees -- and 125 convicts.
Da Coach
As the Bears continue their descent into the NFL's basement, if ever there was a time for some Mike Ditka wisdom, it's now. And Tailgate's got it, thanks to Brian Lauvray's video interview with "Da Coach." Check it out and behold the power that is...Ditka.
The Big 14?
The increasingly misnamed Big Ten conference, headquartered here, is looking to add another team to its collection -- or maybe three.
Matsui To Angels, Not Chicago
Hideki Matsui will be going to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Rumors had been floating around that the White Sox were courting him recently.
It's Official
The Bears are now officially out of the playoffs, thanks to a 21-14 loss to the Green Bay Packers yesterday. Tailgate gives you tips on how to spend what should now be your free time on Sunday.
Hawks: Ready For The Test?
Forget about Patrick Kane returning to the scene of the crime. Tonight's Blackhawks-Buffalo Sabres game is all about measuring how far the Hawks have come. Jeremy Piniak tells you what to watch for in Tailgate.
Not A Bull Market
Well, they dropped another one last night, this time a 118-83 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. So what the heck is wrong with the Bulls? Tailgate's Brian Lauvray conducts an autopsy.
Skate 'Til You're Cubby Blue
The Sun-Times reports that an ice-skating rink adjacent to Wrigley Field is expected to open next week.
Luc Longley Plays Name That Shrimp
Former Bulls star Luc Longley won an eBay auction for naming rights to a new shrimp species found off the coast of Australia, not far from his home town. He named the colorful shrimp Lebbeus clarehanna after his 15-year-old daughter. Think you've got a better name? Tell us in Tailgate. [via]
Shall I Compare Thee to a Winning Team?
...And other Chicago sports-based poetry from the Chi Town Project.
Groovy
The first Left 4 Dead videogame featured a bit of graffiti stating: "NO ZOMBIE IS SAFE FROM CHICAGO TED" (allegedly based on similar, nastier graffiti found in an Indianian men's room). Thank God for the Internet. Despite not appearing in the actual game (or its sequel), Ted has developed a mysterious and vicious zombie-killing legend nonetheless. Who is Chicago Ted? We may never know. But we can imagine.
How Bad ARE They?
WBEZ web editor Justin Kaufmann is looking for Bears jokes (as if the team's play wasn't enough of a joke itself.) If you've got some, share then here. OK, two Bears walk into a bar...they forgot to duck. Hey-oooo!
Little Dipper Gets a New Home
You may not be able to ride the rides at Kiddieland anymore, but you will be able to ride one Kiddieland ride at Six Flags.
Football and Funny Books
Bears linebacker Lance Briggs has a (sort of) secret hobby, and he knows where to go to to get his sequential art fix. Listen here as he talks about growing up with comics, keeping that love alive in the NFL, and his fan site. GO BEARS! GO COMICS!
Horseshoe Not So Lucky in Wrigley Field
In a particularly aggressive move, the Cubs erected blank billboards to block a competing billboard located on a nearby building.
Chicago Boxer Dies, But Saves Other Lives
Ken Green wrote in Tailgate yesterday about the death of up-and-coming boxer Francisco "Paco" Rodriguez in a bout this weekend. While his death is tragic, it did have a silver lining: he was an organ donor, and gave a kidney to his uncle and other organs to at least seven people. Learn more here. [via]
"He's Jay Cutler"
Tom Latourette pens a tribute to the Bears' current crappy QB -- and all the ones before him -- for the Beachwood Reporter.
Pesky Pisces
The latest battle in the war against the Asian Carp invasion is a victory for the fish. Researchers have found DNA evidence that suggests members of the species are living beyond two electronic barriers built to keep them out of the Great Lakes.
A Bear Gets Bare
In addition to losing last night's game, Devin Hester had a was made an ass of when a player for the Philadelphia Eagles tackled him, leaving him pantsless.
Bears Fans Out Of Bounds?
A Pittsburgh Steeler fan says he was poisoned and blinded while drinking at a bar near Soldier Field following a post-game altercation with Bears fans.
The Shorts Don't Make It
The 1976 White Sox's shorts and collared shirts came in third place in UniWatch's Worst Uniform Ever competition.
Free Fire Tickets
You have a chance to win the VIP treatment by entering the Chicago Fire's text-for-tickets contest going on now. A winner will be announced later today. Get details in Tailgate.
Riding in Tandem (but not Necessarily on One)
The annual Sadie Hawkins Ride is this Saturday, starting from the Blue Frog. Find a partner and go!
Buehrle Wins Golden Glove
White Sox Pitcher Mark Buehrle won the American League Rawlings Gloden Glove award.
Hey-hey! Hey, Where Did Jack Go?
Whither the Jack Brickhouse bust that sat between the Michigan Avenue Bridge and Tribune Tower? Not to fear, per Steve Johnson, Jack's out for repairs.
A New Kind of Cubby Pride
With the Cubs' change of ownership, they have become the first professional sports team with an openly gay owner.
ChicagoBreakingStuff.com
The Trib launched ChicagoBreakingSports.com on Sunday, pushing Tribune property sports content out throughout the day like they do on ChicagoBreakingNews.com. Which got me wondering: what other "breaking" domains do they own?
The House Jordan Built is Still Packed
The Chicago Bulls led the NBA in attendance for the past decade, yes, the decade after Michael Jordan left the team! The team averaged 20,891 fans per game. For more about the Bulls, check out Tailgate.
Meet The Ricketts
The new owner of the Cubs is profiled in both the Trib and Crain's today.
61st Street Garden Coverage Expanding
The imminent closure of the 61st Street Community Garden is getting a lot of attention from the media, with the Trib and Sun-Times augmenting weeks of coverage in the Hyde Park Herald and the Invisible Institute's Garden Conversations.
Changing Hands
Two venerable Chicago institutions officially have new owners: the Sun-Times and the Cubs.
Silver Chalice Ventures
The Chicago White Sox recently launched a new multimedia venture whose earnings will go to the team. The venture sets out to create "interactive digital" strategies for sports teams. Thus far SCV has made a digital network for the Bulls set to debut Thursday called "BullsTV."
Get Your Piece of Kiddieland
How do you put a price on a memory? Rides, equipment, signage and other bits of Kiddieland will be auctioned off by Norton Auctioneers on Nov. 24. Here are some photos of auction items.
Sports Reporting by Robots
Stats Monkey is a project at Northwestern's Intelligent Information Laboratory that might one day make sports reporting obsolete. Of course, that'd just mean more time for sportwriters to be columnists. [via]
Cubs Bankrupt (For a Day)
While in no actual financial discrepancy, the Tribune Co.'s Chicago Cubs have filed for Chapter 11 protection to speed up the sale to the Ricketts family, but this bankruptcy may only last a day. Interestingly enough, they're not the only Major League Baseball team to file Chapter 11.
New Chicago Marathon Course Record Set
Samuel Wanjiru broke the Chicago Marathon's 1999 record by one second.
Running the Chicago Marathon ... for the 32nd Time
Chicago resident Larry Moon is one of only nine people who have run in every Chicago marathon, and he'll be running again on Sunday.
Chicago Winter Olympics!
Pruned suggests that Chicago immediately bid for the 2018 Winter Games. [via] While I doubt Daley'll bite, we do already have a ski jump.
The "smartest new corporate hotel in ages"
If you're looking for a downtown getaway, the new boutique hotel The Wit got a not too shabby review in the NY Times.
Games On
Whether you're for Rio, Madrid, Tokyo, or Chicago, your Olympic fervor (and addiction to Twitter) could win you a trip to one of the finalist cities from travel social media app Where I've Been. Check Facebook for more details.
6 Rings, 2 Open Letters
Here's an open letter to Michelle Obama from Lou Carlozo to go with our own Bob Quellos' open letter to her husband regarding Chicago's Olympic bid.
Behind Chicagoans for Rio
The folks behind Chicagoans for Rio talk about why they created the site and other questions. [via]
One Last Presidential Endorsement
Barack Obama will be joining Michelle in Copenhagen this week after all, hoping to give another boost to Chicago's Olympic bid.
Last Ride on the Roto-Whip
This is Kiddieland's final weekend, and capacity crowds are expected. If you're going, plan to wait awhile.
Marathon of Footprints
Create a digital "footprint" with your inspiration for running the Chicago Marathon (or supporting someone who is) and Bank of America will donate $1 to a charity of your choice.
David Byrne Talks Chicago Biking
The Trib took some time to chat with David Byrne about his new book, Bicycle Diaries, and got him talking about his cycling experiences in Chicago.
The Other "O" Goes to Copenhagen
The president still isn't attending, but Oprah will be headed to Copenhagen to promote Chicago's bid for the Olympics. Meanwhile, Dave Zirin frets about what will happen if we win in The Nation.
Flying on Two Wheels
Get out your BMX: The Garden is a set of dirt jumps for bicycles set in Clark Park. It's hard to believe something this cool is just hiding in the woods near the river.
Wheels in Motion
It's been a busy week for the Windy City Rollers, who started it off by singing the 7th inning stretch at Wrigley with Drew Barrymore, and ended it by winning this weekend's WFTDA North Central Regional Tournament, easily skating past Madison 150-56.
Rio has a Nice Ring to It
Speaking of the Olympics, here's another site for the anti- crowd: Chicagoans for Rio. [via]
The Mighty Maroons
Did you know that Chicago's first college football team was at the University of Chicago? Led by Coach Amos Alonzo Stagg, the Maroons won all but two games from 1905 to 1909, and were Big Ten champions seven times. Discovered in the Library of Congress' stash of photos from the Chicago Daily News.
Where Will Walter Payton Stand?
Will his statue find rest outside of Solider Field, or will it be somewhere else?
MJ's 23
In honor of Michael Jordan's induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame tomorrow, ESPN has collected the 23 most memorable moments of his career. (Surprisingly, Space Jam is not included.) More in Tailgate.
Nice Tattoo. I Give It Four Stars
Random interesting tattoo photo shows a young lady's team and town loyalty.
Hero of the Day: Dwyane Wade
NBA star Dwyane Wade is donating money to help the public library in his home town of Robbins stay open.
They Say It Ain't So
The classic book Eight Men Out about the 1919 "Black Sox" may be much more fiction than fact, two Chicago lawyers argue in the latest issue of Chicago Lawyer.
Women in Cleats
The Chicago Bliss play their first game in the Lingerie Football League tonight against the Miami Caliente and Ditka's now involved -- but considering the field's 50 yards long and there's no kicking, will a serious fanbase develop? Meanwhile, there's a real women's football team that doesn't get enough attention.
We've Got Problems: IOC Releases Report
The Olympic Committee released a "technical analysis" [PDF] of the four cities vying for the 2016 Summer Olympics. They noted concerns with Chicago's proposed financing, housing and transportation for the event.
Don't Forget to Duck
Dodgeball ninjas are on the loose!
Steve Stone in Playgirl?!
The things you learn from someone's Wikipedia entry. Here's the semi-SFW (no full frontal) pictorial. Delicious innuendo: "Many ballplayers were dazzled by Steve's slick curve ball."
WTF of the Day
This story contains nothing of obvious Chicago interest -- unless you're a Cubs fan. Then the idea of a goat potentially being sacrificed in connection with the Viking Brett Favre might make a little more sense. [via]
Au Revoir
Looks like Chicago Fire defender Bakary Soumare will be bidding a not-so-fond adieu to the MLS and heading to France as the newest member of Boulogne. Soumare hasn't played or practiced with the Fire since an "incident" involving coach Denis Hamlett three weeks ago.
Nerds Like Sports, Too
Wish you knew more about football, but know how to learn? The Chicago Nerd Social Club is here to help. They're offering a Football 101 course, followed by a fantasy football league draft on Sept. 3.
$22.5 Billion for Chicago?
Daley's estimate of that the Olympics will provide $22.5 billion in direct and indirect economic benefits to the Chicago region is being greeted with signifiant skepticism.
Feel the P-p-power
The PPPWRS -- that's the Power Wheel Racing Series -- is nearing its next race. Keep your eye out for more details.
White Sox, Black Ops
"Scholar, Lawyer, Catcher, Spy," a fascinating 1992 profile of Moe Berg, a third-string catcher for the White Sox -- and a WWII spy. [via]
Tell 'Em You Were There
So you're a die hard White Sox fan who is still kicking themselves for missing Mark Buehrle's perfect game. Well, chin up, you can still tell your friends you were there. Sort of. (Via Deadspin)
The Rosemont Sky?
The Chicago Sky is packing up basketballs and moving out to the Allstate Arena.
6 Ring Circus TV
Apparently the US Olympic Committee was contemplating creating an Olympics TV channel. And it may have been hurting Chicago's 2016 bid. But fear not, they've scrapped the network.
Beer Thrower Identified, Turned Himself In
Two misdemeanors later, the Cubs beer perp is out of lock up, and the wrongly detained Dan DeLaPaz is free -- but no one from the Cubs organization has apologized to him.
APB for a J.E.R.K.
Hey, Guy Who Dumped A Beer On Philadelphia Philies Outfielder Shane Victorino In Last Night's Game (not this guy, who was tossed out the park for it): the Cubs, Victorino and the cops want to talk to you. UPDATE: The culprit turned himself in.
Hot Dog Ballin'
Sweet Chicago-themed custom Lebron James Nikes by Jeffrey Zimmerman. [via]
Should I Stay or Should I Go?
Love em' or hate em' (and their fans), this site answers a question relevant to irate Wrigleyville dwellers, Cubs devotees, and many more.
Advertisements Creeping onto the Playing Field
The Bears' practice jerseys feature a prominently placed advertisement, and there's some question about where the ads will stop.
Blackhawks Kane Arrested in Buffalo
Blackhawks superstar Patrick Kane was arrested in Buffalo this morning for allegedly assaulting a cab driver and failing to pay the fare. Kane, 20, was in his hometown to announce funding to improve the local ice rink. Kane and a 21-year-old relative, who was also charged, are in holding.
Turning Clout into Clods of Dirt
School Board President and Chicago 2016 bid committee member Michael Scott (no, not also from "The Office") has been arranging to develop property near planned Olympic sites; here's a map. His development team also includes several politically connected West Side ministers. As the Beachwood Reporter says, "Michael Scott, you are today's winner of our new So Chicago Award."
Fantasy Footballing
Thinking about playing fantasy football this year? Check out Pyromaniacs, a new league by Chicago design firm Diet Strychnine. The player depictions and profile attitude might sway you from the standard ESPN leagues.
A Weekend Day Trip Option
The Fox River Trail in Batavia is a good destination for a day trip; be sure to check out the Fabyan Villa.
Sox Grab Peavy At Deadline
Coming in under the wire: The White Sox have traded for sought-after pitcher Jake Peavy from the San Diego Padres in a last-second deal made just before the end of the MLB trading deadline. More in Tailgate.
Pining for the Fireside Bowl
Hey, Chicago music/bowling fans! Just a few hours left to order a special shirt titled "Bring Back the Fireside" at RIPT Apparel. [via]
Some Help Massing Up
If you're heading to Critical Mass tonight but need an extra bike, at least one local bike store has an overnight Mass special.
Go West
Jerry Reinsdorf, who already owns the Bulls and White Sox, is a little bit closer to adding some puck-wielding Coyotes to his stable after the NHL's unanimous approval of his bid. Don't worry Hawks fans, he plans on keeping the team in Phoenix.
Boys vs. Girls
Shades of Billie Jean King vs. Bobby Riggs: The Schaumburg Flyers minor league baseball team will take on the Chicago Bandits of the National Pro Fastpitch softball league at their own game tonight in the latest sports battle of the sexes. More in Tailgate.
Talkin' Fancy Bikes
In other sports news, John Greenfield of Vote with Your Feet recently interviewed Stephen Schier, co-owner of Lincoln Park's Dutch Bike Co. Chicago, about the shop, why he opened a store in Chicago and the future of European cycles in the U.S.
A Perfect Game
White Sox pitcher Mark Buehrle pitched a perfect game Thursday, with a little help from outfielder Dewayne Wise, who leaped up the center field wall to stop a home run. More details in Tailgate.
Basketball-headed Zombies
No idea this existed: Michael Jordan: Chaos in the Windy City, a 1994 game for the Super Nintendo. [via]
Drinkable Art
When you put 19,000 bottles of Gatorade next to each other on a basketball court, they look just like Michael Jordon.
Sox Fan in Chief
Chicago eyes will be on President Obama as he throws out the first pitch at tonight's All Star Game -- to see if he shows up repping his favorite team.
Ivy Green, Pinstripe Blue
Think you're the ultimate Cubs fan? Not until you paint your home with Valspar's limited edition paints.
2016 Olympic Proposed Sport: The Dodge
Lori Healey, president of the Chicago 2016 bid committee, performed some interesting acrobatics herself at a recent press conference, according to the Trib's David Greising. [via]
Derby on the Roll
Windy City Rollers' regular season may be over, but the All Stars travel team is just getting started. We've got the schedule in Tailgate.
The Day the Disco Died
The New York Times goes back 30 years to July 12, 1979, "Disco Demolition Night," at Comiskey Park.
Help Out the Home Team
The Chicago Force women's football team is headed to the playoffs -- but they need your help to get there. The team's travel budget is just about tapped, so they're asking for donations to help get the whole team to the conference championships in Kansas City July 11, and then hopefully the championship in Austin after that.
Easy Come, Easy Go
The Blackhawks pick up a top scorer from Detroit while the Bulls lose one...to Detroit. They say you can't tell the players without a scorecard but Tailgate is here to help with the arrival of Marian Hossa and the depature of Ben Gordon.
A New Way To Motivate The Cubs
A Cubs fan in Buffalo Grove will be going on a hunger strike until the Cubs get a five-game winning streak -- or until the season ends, whichever comes first.
Players' Least Favorites
Ouch. Lou Piniella and Ozzie Guillen are the least popular managers in Major League Baseball, according to a Sports Illustrated players poll. [via rasml through @GBtips -- see, it works!]
Even Capone Needed a Vacation
When Al Capone needed a break, he and his cronies headed up to Wisconsin ... and you can too.
The 2016 Blues
It's no surprise, but it still stings a little: if Chicago gets the games in 2016, we are on the hook for the whole tab.
The Webio Plot Thickens
Webio founder David Hernandez was reported missing by his wife one day after the feds announced an investigation into Webio and other companies.
Obama Backs the Bid
In what appears to be preparation for a successful Chicago 2016 bid, President Obama has announced the creation of the White House Office of Olympic, Paralympic and Youth Sport. The Office's stated goal is to "promote the values of the Olympic Movement" among young people in America (and maybe help to swing a few votes our way). [via]
Say It Ain't Sosa
In what may be the least-surprising disclosure possible to a lot of baseball fans, the New York Times reports that former Cubs slugger Sammy Sosa was one of the players who tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug during a league-wide testing in 2003. Oh, well, guess he has to put his Hall of Fame plans on hold indefinately.
Cubs, Sox High Five
Just in time for tonight's possibly over-hyped Cubs-White Sox crosstown showdown comes ESPN Chicago's list of the top five current players in the city. For those fans keeping track the final list includes three White Sox and two Cubs. If you disagree, vote for yourself.
Hopefully They're Not Corked
Longball Cellars has created wines named for Cubs and Sox stars Derrek Lee and Mark Buerhle, with proceeds benefiting the players' favorite charities. Keep in mind that CaberLee and Buerhlot might be more enjoyable to look at than to drink. (Oops, sorry for the Carlos Lee slip-up; you probably already guessed I'm a Sox fan. Thanks for the correction, Mark et al.)
Bouncing Webio
It's interesting times at ChicagoSportsWebio: founding on air personality Mike North was fired after questioning bounced checks, and the FBI is investigating a possible embezzlement case.
L.A.T.E. Ride
There are few things as enjoyable as riding a bike through the streets of Chicago during the late nights of summer. The L.A.T.E. Ride organizes a community of cyclists to do just that. It is Chicago's only midnight bike ride, and it takes place this year on Saturday/Sunday, July 11/12. Early bird registration has ended, but you can still save $5 if you register by June 30.
Maroon Monsters of the Midway
Did you miss the 1903 football matchup between The University of Chicago and the University of Michigan? Thomas Edison didn't. [via]
Ah-One, Ah-Two, Ah-Three...
Harry Caray's famous "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" singing didn't start at Wrigley Field, even if North Siders have made it their own. FuzzyMemories.TV digs up video of Harry leading the 7th Inning Stretch at a Sox game in 1980
Chicago's Still Got Game
Though times may be tough for local video game developer Midway Games, Chicago-based upstart Robomodo has been tapped to develop Ride, the latest entry in the highly successful Tony Hawk franchise. Tony showed off the game and its unique skateboard-shaped controller during the Xbox 360 press conference at E3 last week.
"Chicago doesn't deserve 2016 Olympics"
Sun-Times columnist Rick Telander has some choice words regarding the city's Olympic bid.
But Does He Have Grabowski?
The #1 Bears Fan has collected quite a few more tattoos since we last took a look.
Oi! Man U Gets A Chicago Connection
Iconic international football (soccer) franchise Manchester United has tabbed Chicago-based insurance company Aon as their new principal sponsor. Let's hope there's no curse associated with the honor, considering the fate that befell their old sponsor, a little company called AIG.
Those Bowling Shoes Look Good
The state legislature recently gave bowling alleys protection against the scourge of bowling alley lawsuits. If the legislation passes, you won't be able to sue a bowling alley if you slip and fall wearing their "specialized footwear" after wearing the shoes outside. Rats.
A Deal to Knock Your "Sox" Off?
There's a buzz going around that the struggling White Sox may be close to a deal with San Diego for pitching ace Jake Peavy. Can the Sox pull off what the Cubs couldn't? Could this deal buy beleagured GM Kenny Williams some more time with the fans? Stay tuned...
Atlantis Resurfaces in the Olympic Bid Book
A gem in an otherwise sort of boring collection of proposed facilities, the proposed aquatics complex in the Chicago 2016 bid book looks beautiful, and allays worries of some monstrosity floating off the coastline. [via]
Catching the Waves at Rainbow Beach
Wax up your board! The Park District is considering opening five beaches for surfing this summer.
Hawks Flying High
In case you were wondering what that big roar was last night, that was a city collectively cheering for the Blackhawks who downed the Vancouver Canucks to advance to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 1995. The young guns were led by Patrick Kane's hat trick. Now... bring on the Red Wings (maybe). Get more Hawk talk in Tailgate.
The World is a Game
Chicag0 is the Chicago offshoot of SF0 (which originally started here, actually), a massive "collaborative production game" played online and off. They just completed a game last weekend; learn more and join before the next one's announced.
The Semi-Pro Wrestler
As we discovered in The Wrestler, pro wrestling isn't always glamorous. When you get down to the local level, it can be downright gritty. But the allure was still too great for Vito "Two Fingers" Fontaine, sausage purveyor and local wrestling star. [via]
Here Come The Hawks
The Blackhawks turn back the Calgary Flames with a 4-1 victory Monday night to win their first-round NHL playoff series. It's the first time the Hawks have advanced to the conference semifinals since 1996. They now face the Vancouver Canucks in Round 2. While the dates haven't been set yet, here's something to get you in the mood.
Bleacher Bones
Bohemian National Cemetery built a red brick replica of the wall at Wrigley's center field where deceased fans of the Cubs may be interred until Doomsday or the next time the team win the World Series. Whichever comes first. (Previously.)
On Guard
Looks like Celtics guard Tony Allen may have more to worry about than basketball while he's in town. Allen, who is originally from Chicago, is under tightened security after receiving death threats.
Fridge on Ice
Former Chicago Bear William "The Refrigerator" Perry is currently in South Carolina's Aiken Regional Medical Center, suffering from the effects of Guillain-Barre Syndrome. The Fridge is expected to recover.
Rose Rises To The Top
Media outlets including the Chicago Tribune, and even the Bulls website itself, are reporting that Bulls' superstar-in-training Derrick Rose will be named NBA Rookie of the Year at a 2 p.m. news conference. This has been your "Duh" news for the day.
Playoffs: Icing On The Cake For Hawks
When the soaring Blackhawks hit the ice tonight in the third game of their best-of-seven playoff series against Calgary, it'll be one more boost to their ever-growing fan base. Crain's Chicago Business' Ed Sherman explains.
Wax Pack Memoirs
Cardboard Gods is a blog about baseball cards, in the same way Bull Durham is about baseball.
Script Bs and Flying Socks
Buried in this post about pro sports trademarks are obscure logos for the Bears and White Sox.
Noooooo Games
Whether you're in favor of the Olympics coming to Chicago or not, you have to admit that this is a pretty clever t-shirt.
Hook, Line and Bulletin Board
Wondering where the fish are biting? The hunters and fishermen on Chi-Town Angler know.
RIP Harry Kalas
Harry Kalas, Hall of Fame broadcaster of the Philadelphia Phillies, the voice of NFL films and Naperville native, died today after collapsing in the booth before a game. Anyone who has imagined them self in grainy slow motion catching a touchdown should take a moment.
Someone Has Too Much Time, Cruelty on Their Hands
Disappointing, disgusting and unfunny: a dead goat was found hanging on a statue of Harry Caray that sits outside Wrigley Field this morning.
It's Parkour Kids!
It seems not everyone is impressed with the Chicago parkour scene. [Thanks, Dubi!]
Survey Says:
The results of the Sun-Times' annual Sports Fan Survey are in, and optimism is (surprisingly?) high.
Olympic Bid Clears Another Hurdle
According to ESPN, Chicago is getting high marks from IOC officials following their visit to our fair city. The news is bound to make fans of the city's 2016 bid very happy. Others...not so much.
140 Characters from Home Plate
Watch today's Cubs-Brewers game in Twittertime.
And The World Cup Too?
Besides the 2016 Olympics, it's possible Chicago --Soldier Field to be precise-- could be the site of the World Cup.
Root, Root, Root For The Home Team...
...no matter where your affiliation lies. The City of Chicago helps kick off the start of the baseball season with a "Play Ball, Chicago" rally tomorrow from 10am to 3pm at Daley Plaza. Of course, fans of the White Sox and Cubs will be honored (and kept at a safe distance from each other), but also the Kane County Cougars, Windy City Thunderbolts, Joliet Jackhammers, Schaumburg Flyers and Gary SouthShore RailCats.
MJ:HOF
Michael Jordan was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame today. Here's a slideshow of His Airness through the years. Share your thoughts in Tailgate.
Opening D(el)ay
The non-baseball-like weather has forced the postponement of the White Sox season opener vs. Kansas City at U.S. Cellular Field. The Cubs, meanwhile, are still a go for their season opener tonight in Houston. Ah, the benefits of a retractable roof stadium.
Which Neighborhoods are Worthy?
Speaking of the IOC's visit, WBEZ reports the Chicago map handed out to visiting dignitaries was far from complete.
Following the IOC Evaluation Group
The Trib is keeping tabs on the progress of the IOC tour of the city, while its readers are having a lively discussion about the merits of the whole shebang.
A Truly Integrated Golf Course
The AP throws the South Side a little love with this feature on the 18 hole Jackson Park Golf Course, which was built in 1899 and is the oldest public golf course west of the Alleghenies.
Bears Get Cutler
Ironically, a day after April Fool's Day comes a story that seems too hard to believe: The Sun-Times is reporting that the Bears have landed Jay Cutler, the highly-sought after disgruntled (former) Denver quarterback. They reportedy had to surrender a slew of draft picks and QB Kyle Orton, but hey... It's Jay Cutler!
Ramping Up
Grab your board! The Logan Square Skate Park is officially open.
Olympic Opposition
With the IOC's upcoming visit approaching, resistance to the Olympic bid is making national news.
Say "Goodbye" to Basketball
Yesterday IIT announced it is canceling its men's and women's basketball teams to free up resources for other activities.
One Heck of a Way to Lose
The North Lawndale basketball coach isn't blaming the technical foul for their 65-66 loss, but the team probably wasn't psyched it got the foul for its uniforms.
Cubs Still the Trib's for Now
It looks like the Tribune Company won't be selling the Cubs until after opening day. MLB insiders say the sale probably won't actually happen until mid-May at the earliest.
Our President is Cooler Than Your President
"The President released his 2009 NCAA College Basketball Tournament bracket today." He posted it on his blog. And if that's not cool enough for you, he will be a guest on "The Tonight Show" tomorrow.
Small On Size, Big On Soccer
Tailgate's Steve Gillies continues his excellent series on the city's best soccer-watching bars to get your footy on. Today: The Small Bar.
Putting the Fantasy Back in Football
After years of competing with aging rockers and puppies during the Super Bowl halftime show, the Lingerie Football League will finally kick off their inaugural season this fall. Tickets to see the Chicago Bliss in one of their two home games go on sale this Monday.
It's His Wee Beady Eyes
Can a slightly soggy statue of Colonel Sanders help break the Cubs' curse? The Hanshin Tigers seem to think so.
Could The Fridge Fit in the Lincoln Bedroom?
Obama's love of Chicago sports reared its head again recently, as The Daily Show's John Stewart pointed out on last night's show (it comes at about the 2:00 mark). Let's just say the Bulls get a little spanking from Stewart and even the '85 Bears come under scrutiny.
Calling All Sports Fans
The Sun-Times wants you to voice your opinions (and/or vent your frustrations) on the state of Chicago athletics for their second annual Sports Fan Survey.
Say It Ain't So, Joe
Former Sox thirdbaseman Joe Crede? On the Twins? THOSE Twins? C'mon, Joe, ANYBODY but the Twins. More in Tailgate.
Raising the Net
Today's Layer Tennis match doesn't start till 2pm, but the first-ever qualifying match got underway at noon, and it's between two locals: Fuzzy Gerdes and Mig Reyes.
Wrestlemania
The Tribune featured portraits of local pro wrestlers yesterday. Want to catch them in action? Check out ChicagoProWrestling.com.
There in Spirit
If you or someone you know can't make it to the auto show, or if you're like me and just want to check out how crowded it is before you head down to McCormick Place, the show's website has virtual tours, photos and a live webcam.
"Creativity in short supply"
We know what some of you think about the Olympic bid, but most public critiques haven't spent much time on the architecture. Blair Kamin starts the discussion with a serious critique.
Olympic Bid Leaves Out the CTA
Jon Hilkevitch reports that Chicago's Olympic bid book doesn't include an overhaul of the CTA -- only shuttle service between train stops. You can review the whole bid book by downloading it here. Let us know what you think of the Olympic bid in Fuel.
Pax Packing His Bags?
Has Bulls GM John Paxson had enough? Maybe it's the team's 23-30 record. Maybe it was the booing he received at the team's recent tribute to Johnny "Red" Kerr. Either way, Pax is reportedly stepping down as the team's general manager.
Not Just Any Old Pinups
What happens when you get a dozen fabulous female cyclists together in Chicago, introduce some introspection and give one of them a camera? The Thought You Knew Us Pinup Calendar, of course. Twelve Chicago cyclists, ranging from road warriors to bike messengers to everyday saddle lovers got together to explore public perception of women cyclists and to raise money for the Chicago Women's Health Center which keeps many of them on the road. Learn more, including where you can get your own here.
Ramirez to Joel to John
Elton John and Billy Joel will be playing Wrigley Field this summer, with ticket prices ranging from $55 to $175. Maybe they'll make a stop at Piano Man, too.
Cub World Cam
This will probably be more interesting in a few months, but hey, I like seeing what's going on outside Wrigley anyway. [Thanks, Gabe!]
Get Your Carts Ready
The 2009 Chiditerod grocery cart race is now accepting team applications. Race is March 7.
Sox Catching a Bounce from Obama
The White Sox are selling a whole lot of hats thanks to the Fan in Chief.
"Eastbound & Down" Screening and Contest
As if one contest wasn't enough, we also have 10 VIP tickets to give away to a screening of HBO's new series "Eastbound & Down" tomorrow night. Details in Tailgate.
Another Step Towards Olympia
The Olympic bid moves further along with all of the Olympic federations signing off on the city's venues.
Obama Invited To Throw First Pitch
The White Sox have invited President Obama to throw the first pitch of their season. Seeing as they're going up against the Royals it's bound to be a good start to a good game...at least to us Southsiders.
Birds or Balls?
If the Olympics come to town, the new tennis complex will be sited just north of the Bill Jarvis Migratory Bird Sanctuary in Lincoln Park. Guess who might be concerned about such placement?
Gone But Still in Need of Negative Attention
Former S-T sports columnist Jay Mariotti says Roger Ebert "can kiss my ass." Even more amusing (and delusional): Mariotti goes on to say "AOL is positioned for a boom era when the economy cooperates."
And The Winner Is...
The Ricketts family, led by local financier Tom Ricketts, have apparently placed the winning bid for ownership of the Cubs and Wrigley Field. A front-runner from the start, it looks like most hardcore fans will approve of the choice.
Let the Fans Sing
There's a movement afoot to get Cubs management to let one regular, non-celebrity fan sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the seventh inning stretch once a season. (Is that too much to ask?) Sign the petition here.
Flying Through the Air
The Reader profiles Michael "Frosti" Zernow, one of Chicago's parkour stars.
Discounting the Drive
Bike the Drive will be May 24 this year -- and registration opened today. Register before Jan. 25 and they'll knock $7 off the fee.
Next, They Go After The Parker Bros.
The Cubs are close to a deal with Milton Bradley. No, not this one. This one. Although the latter has been known to be "trouble." Get it, Trouble?
Return of Mariotti
Ex-Sun-Times sports columnist Jay Mariotti makes his debut on AOL Sports Monday. The S-T's Kyle Koster shares some thoughts here.
Get Started On That Resolution
If "get in shape" was on your list, the Chicago Park District can help: for two weeks starting today, all Park District fitness centers are free. [via]
An Instant Classic
If you couldn't make it there's a detailed review and some videos of the Winter Classic over at the Beachwood Reporter.
Bear Downer
Even with their Playoff Express cleared for landing (thanks to losses by Dallas and Tampa Bay), the Bears still managed to crash and burn. Their loss to Houston knocked them out of the playoff picture and now the autopsies begin. But despite the disappointment, the Bleacher Report says we shouldn't have been surprised.
Cold Construction
Watch the ice rink in Wrigley Field being built in real time. Not exactly riveting action, but interesting viewing nonetheless.
"Living the Dream"
There are Luvabulls, Incredibulls and even Swingin Seniors, but none of them have anything on the Matadors.
What's The Rush?
They were one of the better teams in the Arena Football League (most recently winning the 2008 Central Division), but now the Chicago Rush will be sitting on the sidelines with the rest of the AFL after the league shut down operations for the 2009 season. This leaves Chicago with only one indoor football team, the Chicago Slaughter, coached by one Steve "Mongo" McMichael, which should thrill '85 Bears fans.
The Coolest Temporary Ice Rink
On January 4, Wrigleyville denizens will have the opportunity to skate on the ice rink that will be constructed in Wrigley Field for the Winter Classic hockey game. The Cubs announced the event via e-mail to neighbors and neighborhood groups. A $10 ticket will get you one hour of ice time, but you have to bring your own skates. Update: Here's the link to the ticket information. Tickets go on sale at 10AM, Monday the 15th.
Crazy Flipper Fingers
Yes, in the age of Wii and Golden Tee, people still play pinball. In fact there's a "tournament of champions" going on in Schaumburg this weekend. You can still enter so you may want to start loosening up those fingers.
Bears Win By A Foot
Yes, the Bears won last night with a 27-24 victory over the New Orleans Saints. But they did so with another of their now-patented see-saw battles, bursting out of the gate and then struggling to win. Thank God for Robbie Gould, but can we have one sure-thing, blowout victory please?
Cubs Forsake Jake
All that back and forth stuff about the Cubs obtaining pitching ace Jake Peavy? Forget about it. The Cubs have said thanks but no thanks.
Surf Second City
Surfboards are banned from Chicago's beaches -- but maybe not for long.
For the High Minded Fan
Sport Literate is a "literary journal focusing on 'honest reflections on life's leisurely diversions.'"
Teaching Jocks at U of I
The U of I is generating controversy with the Irwin Center, a $6 million athletes-only tutoring center.
Urlacher's Dirty Diapers
Brian Urlacher's son's mother says the football star paints his son's toenails blue and dresses him in pink diapers. Apparently, she sees this as cause for keeping the boy away from his father.
Everybody's President?
A friend and fellow Cubs fan joked to me the other day he was re-thinking his vote because he's tired of seeing Obama in Sox gear on the national news. Yesterday, the President-Elect's press team miffed at least one reporter by nonchalantly invoking the rivalry.
Everyone Has a Passion
For one man, that passion is White Sox baseball cards.
Manager of the (Near) Year
Small consolation, we're sure, but Cubs manager Lou Pinella has been named NL Manager of the Year. Before some of you start wondering how (given the team's stupendous collapse in the playoffs), the awards are voted on before the post-season starts.
Will We See More of Chief Illiniwek?
In an unusual turn of events, a student group is sponsoring an updated Chief Illiniwek dance at the U of I. One of the reasons, apparently, is that it inspired at least one student "to be a complete man."
Roll of the 20-Sided Die
Chicagoland gamers, welcome to the Dice Doho.
Training Elementary Students for Medieval Battle
That's right, Pershing West Magnet School offers elementary school students archery classes [right side of page].
"A Tattoo You Can Believe In"
Washington Wizard Gilbert Arenas has some new ink: "'Change We Believe In' tattooed onto the fingers of his left hand in cursive writing," as well as 44 (Obama will be the 44th POTUS) on the outside of his pinky.
Say Hey
Sam Zell is sticking firm to his $1 billion asking price for the Cubs, even in the souring economy. But apparently Mark Cuban is out despite his $1.3 billion offer.
Close But No Cigar, Cuban
Cubs fans dreaming of having fan-friendly sports owner Mark Cuban running things on Clark and Addison got their bubble burst by MLB commissioner Bud Selig, who reportedly has nixed a sale to Cuban.
A Whole Other Ticket Raffle
No, not for Grant Park tonight, for the Winter Classic at Wrigley Field, Jan. 1, 2009. A free drawing for a chance to purchase tickets will be offered online at the Chicago Blackhawks' site. Register there starting 11am Wednesday, Nov. 5th until 11pm Nov. 28th.
Get Back in Shape
Chicago-based Holos Fitness figures it's easier to stick to a workout plan if you've got company, so it aims to serve as a social network centered around fitness.
Feel Good About Chicago Baseball
Tune in to WYCC at 6:30pm on November 9th for the premiere of Buck O'Neil and Black Baseball in Chicago. O'Neil was a Negro League player and coach and subsequently spent more than 30 years with the Cubs becoming the first black coach in the majors. More info at the Chicago Baseball Museum website.
Promote Chicago 2016, Win
Chicago 2016 is running a video contest starting today. Submit a video by Nov. 25 telling the world why Chicago should host the Games in 2016. Five finalists will be chosen by online vote and will be featured on NBC 5's "Chicago Today" show starting Dec. 1. The winner of the contest will receive fabulous prizes.
A Savvy Move By The Blackhawks?
Just four games into the season, the Blackhawks have canned coach Denis Savard, ironically after the team notched it's first win of the year. Jeremy Piniak has the details over in Tailgate.
These are the Runners in Our Neighborhoods
Runners in this year's Chicago Marathon were grateful for the added spirit (and plentiful water) offered by neighborhood spectators and volunteers. Lion dancers greeted runners in Chinatown, while Little Italy had cheerleaders and Pilsen's West 18th street had speakers playing Latin music.
William Murray: One Bitter Cubs Fan
Courting the National League vote on SNL's Thursday Night special.
It's Better to Be a Loser
The sports editor of The Vicksburg (MS) Post believes the Cubs' image will change for the worse if they ever win the World Series again, so Cubs fans should really "be careful what you wish for" when it comes to their team trying to shed that "loveable loser" moniker. If Cubs fans really cared what other people thought, I'm guessing there probably wouldn't be many Cubs fans out there.
Help Them Win Next Year
The best way to relieve the Cubs of their playoff "curse"? Stop caring so much.
Bartman Bounty Grows
First, a sports collectible convention offered him $25,000 to make an appearance. Now a fantasy sports website has upped the ante to $100,000 for Steve Bartman to show up at a Cubs game. Hold out for a cool million, Steve-o, then buy the entire leftfield box seat section for yourself.
Fukudome To You Too, Pal
As if the Cubs didn't have enough problems, one of their player's name is being mistaken for a swear word. Good thing this guy isn't still their pitching coach.
Darn Those Cubs!
The Cubs dropped to 0-2 against the Dodgers. Uh-oh.
Darn Those Sox!
The South Siders fall 6-4 to the Devil Rays in Florida in Game 1 of their American League playoff series. Javier Vazquez was....well, let's just say he was there.
Mayor Places Sausage, Nuts on the Line
Showing faith in a White Sox win, the mayor has bet three Florida mayors that the White Sox will beat the Tampa Bay Rays. Apparently seeking intestinal vengeance, should he lose, Daley has wagered Vitner potato chips, Lemonheads from Ferrara Pan Candy, a "Pepsi for a Year" certificate, assorted peanuts, sunflower seeds, and trail mix from Fisher Nuts, and 100 Vienna Beef Polish sausages. Why, the headline just wrote itself, didn't it?
Take Me Out To The Ballgame...No, Me!
So the Cubs lost yesterday. Doesn't mean that tickets for their game tonight are in any less demand. In fact, a brother and sister are headed to court over who gets the valuable pieces of cardboard.
History Made
For the first time in more than a hundred years, the White Sox and Cubs are in the playoffs together, after the Sox beat the Twins 1-0 in a division tie-breaker tonight.
His Swan Song
It's been called "Wrigley Field North" for the way that Cubs fans take over Miller Park when their team plays there. That sort of exhuberance cost one man his job. But then he works for the Brewers so you can see where that might be a problem.
Drooping Sox
Needing one win in Minneapolis to maintain a hold on first place in the AL Central, the White Sox came up short, losing to the Twins 7-6 in 10-innings Thursday night and getting swept in three games. The loss dropped them out of first place. More in Tailgate.
Cheaters Never Win
Is Alphonso Soriano having an affair? The Cubs star has been seen quite a bit with a woman other than Mrs. Soriano. [via]
When Cubs Fans Attack
Maybe the 7th inning booze ban isn't such a bad idea, in light of the death of a Cubs fan at the hands of other Cubs fans. This isn't the first serious brawl this season, either.
7th Inning Dry Stretch
The City is asking Wrigleyville bars to stop serving after the 7th inning during Cubs playoff games to avoid mayhem in the streets. Share your opinion in Tailgate.
Girls Got Game
In Tailgate, our sports section, Ken Green interviews one of the producers of Girl/Gamer, a documentary examining the culture of women in video- and role-playing games.
Game of the Century?
In case you haven't heard, the Cubs are on the verge of moving a step closer to removing that 100-year-old World Series albatross from around their necks. With a win today (and a Milwaukee loss), they clinch a spot in the playoffs. But manager Lou Pinella says hold off on the champagne.
Don't Stop Believin'
Eddie Vedder, lifelong Cubs fan, sings "Someday We'll Go All the Way." Download it here. (Thanks, Chris!)
Mariotti Not Switching Teams
Ex-Sun-Times sports columnist Jay Mariotti will not be joining the Tribune staff as rumors had reported -- thus avoiding having to share a room with some of the very people he villainized in the past. Mariotti commented on the situation to the Reader's Michael Miner.
Out Of Bounds
A local high school football coach lost his job this week. No, not for producing a winless season. For robbing a bank. How many yards do you get penalized for that?
Ike Spikes Cubs
As if their recent up-and-down play weren't enough frustration for their fans, now comes word that Hurricane Ike has put the kibosh on the first two games of the Cubs-Astros series in Houston, which was to begin tomorrow. No word on Sunday's contest.
Root Root Root for the Cubbies
ESPN presents "No Love Lost," video interviews with Cubs fans aged 7 to 100 -- including Ronni Woo Woo and Billy Corgan.
No Metal Baseball Bats for Minors?
Alderman Fioretti is taking on the "metal bat cartel" by proposing a ban on the use of metal bats by those under 18. He says, "It's not a question of foie gras. That's what choice is. This is an issue of actual injury." Hm.
Chi-lympic Haters Have a Mascot
Phelps may be for Chicago's Olympic bid, but some are not so hot on the prospect.
Score One for the Home Team
Sports blog East Coast Bias took a trip to Wrigley Field this past weekend and (surprise!) they kinda liked it.
Barry Bonds Signs to Chicago Tee-Ball Team?
Sad what passes for funny these days. Leave it to the Onion.
Michael Phelps Wins the Gold Medal for Media Overexposure
Just to remind you, our favorite ravenous Olympian will be in town today to appear at Oprah's season opener and to also appear at a webcast discussion at 5:15pm about bringing the games to Chicago in 2016.
150 Olympians, Oprah and You
We've all missed out on getting seat tickets for Oprah's 10am Wednesday taping in Millennium Park, but show up at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion that morning and get a shot at lawn seats.
Supporting Chicago is a "Privilege"
At present, there are no public appearances scheduled, but Michael Phelps will be in town on Wednesday to boost the city's bid for the 2016 Olympics. If you're a fan, perhaps staking out your local pool will help you catch a glimpse.
Mariotti: Out of Print
Reviled Sun-Times sportswriter Jay Mariotti quit yesterday, apparently in a spat over not getting to write this column about Obama dissing the Cubs. Read Ken Green's thoughts on it (and add your own two cents) in Tailgate.
Pork My Ride
Even if you're a newer scooter rider (scooterer?), you should make your way to Slaughterhouse XIV this weekend. It's one of the country's biggest scooter rallies, and for $5 you get access to all sorts of events and rides, starting Thursday at Delilah's. Mount up!
The End of An Error?
Love him or hate him (and from the looks of readers' responses most thought it was a mistake to print his columns in the first place), you won't have Jay Mariotti to kick around anymore, at least in print. He walked away from his Sun-Times gig yesterday. Might inter-office skirmishes be the reason?
Let's See That One Again (and Again)
The last holdout against the practice of official review of plays (namely disputed home run calls) via instant replay, Major League Baseball will begin using the practice as of Thursday.
Biking the Boulevards
Want to get in one last big bike ride this summer? Thanks to the Chicago Bike Federation, if you sign up for the Boulevard Lakefront Tour by August 27, you'll get $5 off for being a Gapers Block reader.
100 Years of Bad
Just One Bad Century is celebrating the centennial of the Cubs' last World Series win by comparing players from the 1908 team with today's boys in blue, position by position.
Racing on Lake Shore
Ron from Big Happy Funhouse tipped us to this site dedicated to Robert Lester and Team Wink, amateur racer and one of several members of The Outer Drive Hero Drivers Club, which runs clue-based car rallies in Chicagoland even today.
Want Some Attention?
Make a video about why Chicago should host the Olympics and post it on the new (beta) Olympic video site.
Let's See How He Does Against the Cards
The Cubs' Ryan Dempster isn't just an ace pitcher -- he's also an amateur magician. (And a so-so Harry Caray impersonator.)
Olympiana
If you aren't getting enough of the Olympics in your daily media diet, you might be interested in the Chicago 2016 bid committee's blog from China. By the way, the president of Atlanta's Olympic committee says the Games would be good for Chicago -- you know, like they were for his town.
Do You Have the Right Stuff?
If you want to know, 25 Navy SEALs will be testing fitness at UIC on September 6. If you're up for the challenge, register now.
Regional Olympic Support and Struggles
In an Olympic angle amazingly un(der)covered by the media, the Trib takes a look at suburban support -- and lack thereof -- for the Olympics.
Weekend Air Show ... on Thursday
If you want to catch the Chicago Air and Water Show early, head down to Gary for the practice show today.
Dingys in the Deep
It may not have coral reefs, but apparently Lake Michigan offers scuba divers something very unique. Being a large cold body of fresh water makes it ideal to preserve shipwrecks.
Addressing Lacism
Stir-Friday Night, Chicago's longstanding Asian-American improv troupe, debuted Horry Kow, That's Lacist! last Friday at Donny's Skybox Theatre in Pipers Alley, if you couldn't guess from the title, it touches on the infamous Fukudome shirts and other subtle and not-so-subtle forms of racism.
Parkways as Parks
The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation is launching a new program called Sunday Parkways, which will give riders and pedestrians in Logan Square, Humboldt Park, Garfield Park, North Lawndale and Little Village the opportunity to bike through their neighborhoods on streets without cars.
The Party's Over
No more tailgate? No, not this one, we mean the extended partying that goes on at the Soldier Field parking lot during Bears games. Beginning tomorrow night, the Bears say once the game starts, you'll have to put the booze and the brats away. Needless to say, fans are a bit miffed.
Lassoing the Great Lakes
The Weiszes just got back from a 17 day loop of the Great Lakes, which they conscientiously documented with restaurant reviews, photographs and tales from the road. If you'd like more reading about looping the Great Lakes, you may want to check out Ted McClelland's The Third Coast, which was excerpted in Detour.
Eight Oh-eight Oh-eight
With the news of border raids, censorship and pollution dominating the Olympic experience so far, the competing athlete's stories are a little lost in the noise. Chicago has more than a few locals carrying the torch. They include a diver from the family that owns Cubby Bear and the only Mexican national team wrestler with a Polish name. The SunTimes has a round-up.
WCR To Rock Fox
Chicago's favorite women on wheels, the Windy City Rollers, will be giving you a wake-up call when they appear on Fox News Good Day Chicago (Ch. 32) tomorrow at 8:10 and 8:30 a.m. They'll be skating around the newsroom promoting their upcoming match as well as "some other exciting news" according to their release. If you miss it, you can check it out on the Fox-32 website.
Tequila In Good Spirits
Good news from the world of local roller derby: Tequila Mockingbird (aka Tahira Johnson) has taken her first steps since being paralyzed from the neck down on Aug. 25, 2007 while skating for The Fury of the Windy City Rollers roller derby league. The progress is a testiment to Tequila's determination as well as the tireless fund-raising efforts of her fellow skaters. Read more about it here.
Bike Socially
The Chain Link is a new social network for the city's bicyclists.
A Minor-League Fight
The Cubs' minor league feeder, the Peoria Chiefs, got in a big brawl yesterday; details (including video) in Tailgate.
Flying Smurfs, Pizza, Mustache
The Flugtag organizers have posted sketches of this year's flying hopefuls. If you want to know more about the last event, they've got history there too.
Watch Them Go All the Way
The undefeated Chicago Force women's football team play the Dallas Diamonds in the IWFL National Championship Saturday night, right here in Chicago. Tickets are just $15, available in advance until midnight tonight.
Baseball and the Olympics
Chicago's 2016 Olympics boosters are hoping an Major League Baseball official's statements don't jinx their chances.
The 'Sweet' Life
There's a book signing next week for "Sweet Swinging" Billy Williams, a Cub legend. Read about it here.
Not One, But Two
Speaking of domes, plans to create a multi-million dollar fitness center are making progress [lower right side] on the South Side.
We Bet He'll 'Say Anything'
Evanston native and actor John Cusak swears he bleeds Cubbie blue...but he's learned to be flexible about liking the White Sox, especially after 2005. But we'll cut him some slack on being a "switch-hitter", especially since he has a connection to the Sox, cinematically speaking.
Rose Returns to Chicago
The Chicago Bulls have selected Chicagoan Derrick Rose (who played collegiately at Memphis) as the #1 pick in the 2008 NBA Draft.
Get Outta Town
Time Out has a few beach-bound road trip suggestions for you this weekend. On the other hand, you might prefer camping along the area's rail trails.
Marathoners' Last Chance
Individual sign-ups for the Chicago Marathon are closed, but you can still get in by joining a group running for a charity, such as Best Buddies Illinois or Rock for Reading.
The First Volley in Lakefront Ad Wars?
It seems Nike put some illegal ads on the lakefront path on Friday.
State Drops the Ball on Wrigley
The State's bid to buy Wrigley Field from the Tribune failed to make it out of the infield in a clash over how to finance the deal. Does this open the door for Mark Cuban to buy the team and stadium lock, stock and barrel?
No Olympics Yet, But Big Deals Underway
After months of discussion, Michael Reese Hospital will likely close this fall, clearing the way for massive Olympic redevelopment plans.
International Oddsmakers vs the IOC
By now, we know Chicago is on the short list to host the Olympics, but the NYTimes goes one step further by comparing oddsmakers' ratings to those of the IOC.
Exactly What It Sounds Like.
Finally, a blog for Chicago Pub Quiz Addicts.
Chicago in Olympics Final Four
We made it into the final group of four cities vying to host the 2016 Summer Olympics. Alongside Chicago are Rio de Janeiro, Madrid and Tokyo.
Midwest Wine Country
Looking for a unique activity for an upcoming summer weekend? How 'bout a tour of Michigan wineries?
Closing In On 2016
Chicago gets one step closer to hosting the 2016 Olympics tomorrow, as the International Olympic Committee narrows the list of potential cities from 7 to around 4. The short list, expected to include Chicago, will be announced tomorrow in a big ceremony in Athens, Greece and the winning city will be announced in October 2009. Yes, another 16 months of waiting....
Shoot from the Hip
Chicago Assassins watergun assassin club starts its summer tournament next week. Have what it takes? Read the rules and sign up here.
Struck Out
Geremi Gonzalez, who was a Cubs rookie in 1997 (but who most recently played for the Yomiuri Giants), died on Sunday at the age of 33 after being struck by lightning on a beach in Venezuela.
1:32 Scale Vroom Vroom
It seems that basement slot-car racing has quite a following in Chicago and elsewhere, according to this recent Wall Street Journal article.
Time to Start Believing?
The Sox made it eight wins in a row last night. More thoughts on this great run -- and whether it's safe to get on the bandwagon yet -- in Tailgate.
Ouch.
Flickr user BlueFairlane demonstrates why it's important to wear a helmet when cycling ... and why cars drivers need to watch what they're doing.
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.
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.
Update 8/26 afternoon: No news on Johnson's condition post-surgery, but we've been told that she regained some feeling and control over her left arm before surgery, so there's hope that it means she'll have an effective recovery.
Update 8/27: WCR released this statement today:
"We understand and are grateful for everyone's concern regarding Tequila's injuries. At this time we'd like to respect Tequila and her family by not releasing any information without their permission, but please know that Tequila is in the best of care at one of the top hospitals in the city.
"As soon as we have information to make available, including where folks can send well-wishes, we'll do so.
"Thanks again for your concern, and please thank our medical staff when you get the chance. They truly did an amazing job making sure Tequila stayed safe and cared for."
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.
This week's Time Out also has an interesting article about the park's brand new state-of-the-art track, designed to keep the horses healthy (after several were fatally injured last year).
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 Bowl Mumble," this year's smash-hit update of the "Super Bowl Shuffle."
"How cool would it be to have Quidditch at Soldier Field?"
Plans are underway for a Harry Potter conference in Chicago in August 2008. It looks like it will be organized by these people.
Cut Down Too Soon
The Bears may have won, but Chicago's bid for rock-paper-scissors supremecy was cut short this weekend. Local teacher Jason Kieronski lost in the first round of the world RPS championship in Toronto.
Chicago vs. LA for 2016?
Chicago's Olympic hopes may have gotten a boost this week, as San Francisco appears to be taking itself out of the running after the 49ers nixed plans for a new stadium there.
I got a rock
As the Bears stumble on their way to the Super Bowl, it's good to know that other Chicagoans are representing the city in other sporting events. The Sun-Times reports that local gym teacher Jason Kieronski is heading to Toronto to take part in this year's international world championship of Rock Paper Scissors. Best of luck, Jason!
Project Gridiron
Our friends at Coudal have been awfully busy shipping Sixteen Straight tees. It's only natural folks would want to show them off.
Getting Off To A Good Start
The Bulls certainly did just that in their 108-66 destruction of the defending champs. It was the worst performance ever by a defending champ on opening night. Chicagoans better have room in their diet to be excited about both the Bears and Bulls. Bulls in Five will return this Monday for its sophomore season.
Sadie Hawkins Day Race
Sadie Hawkins is a fictional day from a L'il Abner strip. However, it is now also a bike race organized to encourage women of all kinds who ride bikes to come out and race for fun, as well as to benefit the Chicago Women's Health Center. There's a pre-race fashion party on Friday, Nov 10th in the Fulton Markets with the race happening on Nov 11th, followed with a post-party the same day. Want to race? Want to have fun? Check out the myspace.
Breeches, Bloodhounds and All
What do you call a fox hunt without foxes? The Wayne-Dupage, apparently. BusinessWeek profiles the sport of the suburban gentry.
The New Suburban Venue
Now that the Sears Centre is officially open, the Daily Herald offers a review of its first night in action, and the Sun Times and the Trib provide some background.
A Cinderella Story for the Cubs
A little old, but worth pointing to as the Tribune prepares to auction itself: An Open Letter to Bill Murray, in which it's recommended he buy the Cubs.
Marathon winner released from hospital
Robert Cheruiyot, the Kenyan runner who won Sunday's Chicago Marathon but slipped & fell right at the finish line, was released from the hospital this morning after sufficiently recovering from the head injuries he sustained in his fall. A championship ceremony is happening downtown right now to celebrate his win, and he's expected to make a full recovery.
She's the Running Back
Meet Lasaadia Jones, the first female varsity football player in Chicago Public League history.
Bears, Oil and the Mob
If I had the inside line on a conspiracy involving former Chicago Bears great Ed O'Bradovich, fraud, oil and the mob, I don't know if YouTube is the place I'd turn. But that seems to be the only place Joe Weinbender is telling his story.
You can put it on the ratings board, yes!
Or as Crain's puts it, Holy cow! For the first time in recent memory, the Sox beat the Cubs in overall TV ratings on WGN, WCIU and Comcast Sports Net. The Cubs still sold more tickets than the Sox; of course that was mostly at the beginning of the season...
"The Bears Are Who We Thought They Were"
Good luck finding a quiet spot where nobody's talking about last night's Bears game. Grossman sucked, but at least he admitted it -- and had the stellar defense and surprising special teams to back him up. My favorite soundbite is the one from Cardinals coach Dennis Green, who melted down at the podium and delivered that unintentionally ambiguous quote above; NSFW video accompanies MSNBC's story. (Also.)
A Force-ful Tryout Season
I love the current energy behind women's sports here in Chicago. I only wish I was a little more coordinated to do something like tryout for a women's professional tackle football team. The Chicago Force is ready to get next year's team signed up and in practice. Cause next year is the year we win!
Sox at 7:11
So you heard that weekday White Sox games will start at 7:11pm, right? Here's a story on how the team and sponsor 7-Eleven came up with the agreement, which will bring the Sox and extra half-mil a year for three years.
My Lake Michigan Firing Range
The Coast Guard has proposed establishing 34 permanent live-fire zones in the Great Lakes. The 2,500 square miles of water would be closed to public while in use. As you might expect, people throughout the Great Lakes are more than a little upset. Currently, the Coast Guard's information site is offline although a comment page and a press release are available.
Five Down, 11 to Go
The Bears are looking damn good this year. Think they can go all the way? Then this new shirt, created by Coudal Partners, is the one for you.
Rollin' to the playoffs
You know you don't want to miss the Windy City Rollers' second-season playoffs this Sunday, with the Double Crossers vs. The Fury and Manic Attackers vs. Hell's Belles, plus halftime hula hoop hijinks by Hoopafreaks. But how do you get out to Cicero Stadium if you're carless? Appropriately enough you can take the oh-so-delicate Pink Line (the stadium is two blocks north of the 54/Cermak station), or for five bucks you can get on the WCR party bus from Liar's Club. Bout details in Slowdown.
Dusty No Longer Trusty
The Cubs made official what's been expected for months now: Dusty Baker will not be returning as manager. The hunt for a Mr. October is now on.
Another Reason to Look Up
Early Friday morning, two people BASE jumped from a downtown crane. This is the second noted jump in as many weeks.
Cold Steel on Ice Tonight
The Blackhawks play their first preseason game tonight against the St. Louis Blues. Not up on your Hawks? Get a preview in the debut Pucks in Five column.
Billy Joel Goes to Wrigley
Kinda, at least: to the tune of that ode on Boomer-dom, it's "Dusty Baker, You Must Get Fired."
Bet on the Bears, Win Furniture
The Bears gave Brett Favre his first shut-out on Sunday, and by doing so they won free furniture for dozens of customers at World Furniture Mall in south suburban Plano. Owner Randy Gonigam was insured to pay out up to $300,000 worth of furniture, but he never expected it to happen.
"He just wanted his glasses repaired"
The prosecution of Benny the Bull, the Chicago Bulls mascot who took a swing at a police officer at the Taste of Chicago in July (because, lest we forget, the officer was trying to get Benny to stop riding around on a small motorcycle at the Taste), came to an end today as prosecutors dropped charges after Benny paid $200 to have the officer's glasses repaired.
The Superfan to Beat All Superfans
You may think you are the Bears' biggest fan. But you pale in comparison to this guy.
Bikes+Metra ≠ Bikes+South Shore Line
A Lincoln Park high school teacher has a lesson for you: Metra's bicycle regulations are more permissive than the South Shore Line's. He has a $150 taxi ride from South Bend to Lincoln Park to prove it.
Hockey in Five?
Anybody out there a hockey fan? Gapers Block is looking for a columnist to write Blackhawks (and possibly Wolves) in Five for our popular Sports in Five column. Email your application with a couple sample items to ah@gapersblock.com.
Yet Another Reason the Sox Are Better:
Do the Cubs have their own cartoon, with the team as pirates?
Meet the new Steve Bartman
At last night's White Sox/Twins game, an unidentified man in a White Sox jersey deflected a White Sox ball at the end of the game, resulting in a fan interference call and giving the game (and the AL wild-card lead) to the Twins. So if you see someone you don't know in a White Sox shirt, that's probably the guy!
Lucha Libre, Gratis!
Tomorrow night at 6pm, the Congress Theater is hosting a Lucha Libre wrestling match featuring La Parka and Super Astro versus Blue Panther and Tarzan Boy. For free! How can you pass it up? Check out the Congress website to sign up for free tickets.
Better Luck Next Year
Speaking of undesirable rankings, the Chicago Sky set the WNBA record for highest number of losses in a season over the weekend at 29. The franchise wrapped up its first year yesterday with a win, one of only five the team managed this season.
Mountainous Chicago
I've never thought of Chicago as an obstacle course, but this article in Dirt Rag describing a trip through the city with Chicago Freeride sort of makes me wish I had big nobby tires on my bike.
Coming In Bronze
Crain's takes a look at how Chicago stacks up against its American competition for the 2016 Olympics and finds us falling short compared to rivals LA and San Francisco.
Gold at the End of the Rainbow
In the end and despite all the hullabaloo preceding them, the Gay Games were evidently successful: Crain's reports that attendance exceeded expectations by 40%, and event chair Kevin Boyer tells Pink News that "Chicagoans made up the largest number of the spectators."
We're #1!
The Sporting News has named Chicago "America's top sporting city" in their annual poll thanks, in part, to the Sox's World Series win and the postseasons of the Bears and the Bulls. Boston, Mass was the winner for the past two years.
Why I Go to School: Free Tickets!
In a move to boost Chicago Public Schools' attendance rates, the district has partnered with sports teams, radio stations, and even Southwest Airlines for the Back to School Sports Challenge. While some prizes will be handed out just for attendance, essayists can win a trip to Disney World or a chance to be a DJ on Power 92. So, kids, see how rewarding staying in school can be?
We were the Champions
It's not just the Gay Games that closed this weekend. Nope, a lower profile competition has been taking place over the past few weeks, one that did not feature Cyndi Lauper serenading its participants: the North American Bridge Championships ran from the 13th through yesterday, ultimately being won by what the Times calls "pretournament favorites." (Like you, perhaps, I have no idea what those results mean, but way to go, winners!)
Hey Ref, You're Half-Blind
Everyone knows the old adage, making fun of a bad referee by calling them blind. In the case of Bolingbrook's James Filson, he sort of is. Filson lost vision in one of his eyes in 2000, but continued to referee Big Ten Football games for five years. Filson is suing the Big Ten after being fired in 2005. He says he has the ability and right to referee the games and cites his selection to referee the Orange Bowl as proof of his quality performance.
Casting for Listeners, Looking for Podcasters
Cubscast, your source for Wrigley-related podcasting, is running a listener drive: go get 20 free Cubs postcards to pass out to your friends. Take pictures of them with their cards and you could win a video iPod. In related news, Chicago Sportscast Network is looking for some Blackhawks fans to do a podcast at Hawkscast; check the site for details and an app.
Hydration, All They Ever Needed
While temps are forecast to come down a bit as the week progresses, right now it's miserable just walking down the block. Imagine, then, that you're one of the athletes who's come half-way around the world to compete in the Gay Games triathlon or soccer or, well, take your pick really. Those folks need water to keep going, and any way you can help will be appreciated. Local businesses and individuals that can assist in the hydration effort should contact Sam Coady at 773/551-1622. Or, take the initiative and show up at the venues with water / ice / sports drinks to donate. More information on locations, schedules etc. at the website.
Summer with the Boys
The New York Times notes that the near west coast of Michigan is an increasingly gay-friendly vacation destination. So hop in a car or catch a train and have some fun.
Let the Games begin
Okay, okay, I'm trying not to harp on the Gay Games, but this is honestly one of the biggest events Chicago's seen in years (and a serious trial run for the city's 2016 Olympics hopes). It's so big, in fact, that we couldn't possibly list all of the events or even the highlights here in Slowdown; instead I'll just direct you to the schedules at the Games' site and let you know that most events are free, but tickets for those that require them can be purchased online or at the HotTix locations at the Chicago Tourism Center (72 E Randolph), the Water Works Visitor Center (163 E Pearson) and the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie. Have a gay old time.
Pierzynski as Puck
Earlier this year, A.J. Pierzynski ended up on GQ's list of the 10 Most Hated Athletes. Today, as the Sox face the Yankees, the New York Times delves into why, concluding that, for better or worse, and sometimes for both, "in a reality television sort of way, he might be watched more than any player in Chicago."
Pink Pennies Add Up
Back in the day, several organizations representing religious conservatives made waves about boycotting corporate sponsors of the Gay Games, scheduled to start in Chicago this weekend. According to MarketWatch, it was all for naught. Meantime, yesterday the mayor encouraged local support and spectatorship, suggesting that the event's success could bode well for the city's nascent Olympics bid.
Cross-town Smack Talk
The Chi-Town Daily News sent a camera to the Crosstown Classic at Wrigley last week to find out what Cubs and Sox fans think of each other. You can probably guess what they found. (Video, NSFW)
Take Me Out for a Veggie Burger
The Red Sox haven't made the past few games at the Cell very fun (maybe this afternoon'll be different?), but PETA says those looking for healthy stadium fare have reason to be happy: the animal rights organization listed US Cellular Field among this year's Top 10 Vegetarian-Friendly Ballparks.
Border collies vs. sea gulls
The city is piloting a program at Foster Avenue Beach to see if Wild Goose Chase's border collies can scare away sea gulls. Fewer gulls means fewer bird droppings, and the city hopes that fewer bird droppings will lead to lower e. coli levels in Lake Michigan. Here's to actually swimming at our beaches!
COPS: Bulls Mascots
A few years ago, it was Da Bull in trouble with the law, having been charged with marijuana possession. Now, it's Benny the Bull's turn. The big red mascot was arrested for allegedly punching an off-duty cop after being stopped for riding a small motorcycle through the Taste of Chicago. I bet the San Diego Chicken never had 'cuffs on.
Time to Buy that Afro Wig
Move over and maybe out, Tyson Chandler: Ben Wallace is coming to the Chicago Bulls. Wallace has reportedly signed with the Bulls for $60 million over four years. The four-time defensive player of the year should fill every defensive expectation fans had for Chandler over the years and bring a true veteran superstar to the team. This move instantly makes the Bulls real contenders in the Eastern Conference.
Carpool with the Roller Girls!
The Windy City Rollers are offerering you quick and direct access to the bout in Cicero and after-party at Liars Club. For a measly $5, you don't have to spend money on gas, get mildly frustrated with other drivers or worry about finding that primo parking spot. Meet up at Liars Club at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 9th, and then head over to the bout at 4 p.m. Then hop on board for the after-party! Buy tickets now.
Tragedy at Northwestern
Last night, tragedy befell the Northwestern University family as football coach Randy Walker died of an apparent heart attack. Walker was only 52 years old and was about to enter his eighth season at NU. He had recently been granted a contract extension through 2011 for his stellar work in leading NU to 14-10 conference record over the past three years. No information on services or donations to the family has been noted.
Fans Against Mariotti
No one can support the recent language chosen by Sox' Manager Ozzie Guillen to describe Sun-Times columnist Jay Marriotti. A lot of Chicagoans, however, can and do support the sentiment. Jaythejoke.com's purpose is to expose Marriotti as a fraud and unite Cubs' and Sox' fans in mutual dislike for the controversial columnist. The new-ish blog was featured in a recent Tribune column.
Switching Sides
The success of the White Sox and the dismal collapse of the Cubs have had effects far beyond the MLB standings: in some cases, it's turning family members against each other as the South Siders draw not-so-die-hard Cubs fans into their fold. In Richard Roeper's new book, Sox and the City, he has a word for them: biSoxual. Watch this page for an mp3 of Roeper's appearance on 848 this morning discussing the potential sea change in the Sox' fandom fortunes. (Thanks, Roni)
Not So Bad At Sports After All
Remember when you played kickball in gym and the artsy kids and the nerds always got picked last? Well, so do ThreeWalls Gallery, StopSmiling Magazine and Bad at Sports, and they're gonna show you what you missed out on this Saturday, July 1, from noon till 6pm at the Wicker Park kickball field. Four teams (The Mullets, the West Town Banditos, Record Players and the West Loop Flyers) will compete for the ArtLeague Kickball championship trophy. Afterparty and awards ceremony at Smoke Daddy. More details in Slowdown.
World Cup in Five
The US is out of the World Cup running, and our Fire in Five columnist is back stateside with some reflections on the national team and its surprisingly vocal fans. Read about it in Sports in Five.
Couch on Doing the Right Thing
AfterElton.com runs an interview with Greg Couch today in which he describes himself as "disgusted" by the way the press and others have turned the 'Ozzie Guillen said something he shouldn't have' issue into a 'Jay Marriotti brought it on himself' issue. Couch was one of few reporters to call foul on the Sox manager for using "fag" as a slur; he says, "I'm just doing what I'm supposed to."
Photos from Go Skateboarding Day
I don't follow up on skateboarding like I used to so it was a pleasant surprise to hear about last week's Go Skateboarding Day. You can live vicariously through these Flickr photo sets: here and here.
Chicagoans Want 2016 Olympics
That is, at least, according to a survey compiled by the firm that completed Mayor Daley's political polling. The survey shows that nearly 80% of Cook County residents want Chicago to host the games. With the need for a stadium larger than Soldier Field to host, the idea of a collapsible stadium has gained steam. As to what a collapsible stadium really is? That's anyone's guess.
Selig Schools Ozzie
The White Sox thought Ozzie Guillen's apology for "the slur" was enough. Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig disagreed. He fined Guillen an undisclosed amount and ordered the Sox' manager to sensitivity training.
"I'm Still Waiting for Jay"
Dear "Those People," I wasn't talking about you when I used an anti-gay epithet earlier this week to describe someone I don't like. I was just using it to question his courage and manliness; you know how it is. So, yeah, we cool? -- Ozzie
Ozzie Guillen, Homophobe?
What does it mean for the White Sox manager, speaking in a relatively official capacity, to call a reporter a "fag"? While the organization's VP of communications calls it "insensitive," Sun-Times columnist Greg Couch seems more apt to call it inexcusable.
Skate on State
On the train to downtown this morning I saw a couple people carrying skateboards but didn't think much about it. Then I found out that today is Wild in the Streets, an annual global skating event. Today in Chicago, a large group of skateboarders will be meeting at Buckingham Fountain to skate through downtown Chicago to thank the city for planning to build a new skating area in Millennium Park. The event begins at the fountain at 2:00 PM, all skaters are welcome, and to try and draw a huge crowd the organizers of the event will be bringing some members of Emerica's skate team. So if names like Andrew Reynolds and Ed Templeton get you all excited, you know where you gotta be today.
No Bean? You're Outta Here
Hear about Sox coach Ozzie Guillen sending a rookie pitcher back to the minors for not hitting a batter? Not surprisingly, it's causing a bit of a stir in Chicago and elsewhere.
Chicagoan Racing Across America
Local ultracyclist Bryce Walsh is competing in the grueling Race Across America (RAAM) and doing pretty well. He's in fifth place as he crosses the Rocky Mountains. (How grueling? "Riders consume 6,000-8,000 calories a day of food and take in [3.1 - 4 gallons of fluid]..." and "serious solo contenders planned to average of 90-120 minutes sleep in each 24-hour period during their ride." Whoa.)
Hemon Blogs the World Cup
Franklin Foer, author of How Soccer Explains the World: An Unlikely Theory of Globalization, is blogging the World Cup for the New Republic online. And, he's getting a little help from his friends, including critically acclaimed Chicago author--and football fan--Aleksandar Hemon.
Retire Wrigley's Scoreboard?
Despite the cute-the-first-time-you-heard-it radio ad touting its charm and benefits, Eric Benderoff thinks it's time for Wrigley Field's human-run scoreboard to go. Helpfully, the owners have asked for your opinion.
Who *doesn't* love beach volleyball?
I know where I'll be every Sunday this summer--making a fool out of myself at beach volleyball! But if you are more serious and want to join a league, you can do it here. There are even co-ed teams if you want to, y'know, meet people.
Jay Mariotti Has an Anti-Posse
Sun-Times sportswriter Jay Mariotti has raised the ire of many a fan over the years, so it's not surprising to find a hate site out there. Jay the Joke is your one-stop shop for columnist-bashing.
Bike Tour 2K6!
Friends and Chicagoans Andrea and Ira saved money for a year, resigned from their jobs and left for the open road a little over a week ago. On their bikes. They're riding around the country for a year. You can keep up to date and check up on them as they post on the road from the weblog. Earlier posts are informative — lots of information on prepping for such an adventure. I'm jealous too — they look insanely happy.
House Organ or Newspaper?: You Make The Call
In light of recently alleged attempts by Cubs management to intervene in Tribune coverage, Steve Rhodes of the Beachwood Reporter sounds off on the conflicts of interest endemic to a media outlet owning a sports team. (He comes to some harsh conclusions. The words "misguided and mediocre management" get used. For both the team and the paper.)
Sky Hook a Win, Force Crushes Iowa
Our new WNBA team, the Chicago Sky, won their debut game Saturday against the Charlotte Sting 83-82. The Sky snuck by on three free-throws by Jia Perkins at the very end of the game. Not to be outdone, the Chicago Force women's football team beat the Iowa Crush 20-6. Catch the Force at home on the 27th against Detroit.
Dream the Impossible Dream
After the Chicago marathon every year (as a spectator), I see those LaSalle mylar blankets and think, "Man, I could never run a marathon!" But au contraire: the Chicago Area Runners Association sponsors an 18-week traning program (starting at the end of June) that will get you ready to run 26.2 miles with the best of 'em. See their site for more info.
A Hazy Shade of Wildcat
Not long after suspending its women's soccer team, Northwestern has announced charges of hazing against the men's swim team and the school's mascot program. Meantime, soccer alums deny a tradition of hazing, and the university warns against posting potentially compromising photos on Facebook, MySpace and other sharing sites. The Times has more from a national perspective.
Beautiful Game Turns Ugly
The Associated Press reports that Northwestern has suspended its women's soccer team in light of hazing allegations. Website BadJocks.com posted a number of photographs it attributes to "a public picture sharing site," and the story develops.
Negro League Players Pensions Upheld
Mike Colbern, a Chicago White Sox catcher in 1978-79, and two other baseball players filed a lawsuit claiming that Major League Baseball was committing "reverse discrimination" for giving about two dozen Negro League players pensions and medical benefits. A federal appeals court ruled last week that the players from the Negro Leauges were entitled to continue receiving payments while white players who didn't meet MLB's length-of-play requirements were not. The judge ruled that there was no unfair treatment and even if there was, MLB has the right to make up for past injustices.
On the Sporting Life
After 30 years, Sun-Times sports columnist Ron Rapoport wrapped up his career earlier this month. In an interview with Scott Simon, he looks back on some of the greater (and the smaller) moments of the past three decades.
Ben Gordon, Mixologist
Bulls guard Ben Gordon is the first NBA player with his own energy drink. Gordon signed with start-up H3Enterprises to create BG7, a white tea-based concoction expected to be on store shelves later this year.
Don't Stop Bean-lieving
The hometown team for the upcoming 2006 Gay Games has unveiled its logo and uniform. They'll be in powder blue, with what looks sort of like the band Chicago's signature typeface overlaid on Cloud Gate.
Yes, I know "Don't Stop Believing" is a Journey song, not a Chicago song. I was just going for the pun.
Internet Answers Tough Sports Questions
Which Chicago sports team is the most popular? In Chicago, it's the Cubs. In Naperville, it's the Bears. Only in Canada do the Hawks come out on top.
Bike and Eat
Registration is ongoing for three Chicagoland Bicycle Federation-sponsored rides that combine food and biking. In June, Veggie Bike and Cook features lunch and a cooking class as part of a ride that runs from River North to Lincoln Square. In July, Veggie Bike and Dine incorporates tasty stops in a ride from Evanston to Edgewater and Progressive Bike and Dine tours the near west suburbs. Each ride requires advance registration, which costs $30 to $35. Learn more here.
Hat Day At Arlington Park
This weekend will bring the annual opening day at Arlington Park. In addition to races, "southern fried rock", and the usual fun that accompanies horse races, the park is also hosting a hat contest to compete with the famous haberdashery found at that other race in Kentucky. Show up on Saturday with a "fashion hat" and you're eligible for a trip to Kentucky, not to mention free admission to watch the ponies...
Big in Japan
Sumo wrestling is finally escaping its Japanese borders and making a push into the States with the new World Sumo League, run by the WWE's ex-CFO. How much fun will it be to watch mountainous men push each other around inside a circle? We'll find out May 27, when the national tour hits the Allstate Arena. Tickets go on sale this Friday; follow the phenomenon at WorldSumoLeague.com, an unofficial site run by local blogger Matt Maldre.
Playing for The Chicago Machine
There's a lot of potential writing jobs out there for those who like talking about local sports teams, including new ones like the Chicago Machine, our newly formed professional men's lacrosse team. They're looking for a writer, so if you know your lacrosse facts, let them know. Or if you want to be a part of their dance team, they're looking for some of those positions as well.
Cubs Bleachers for Sale
Reader Kurt writes, "I probably shouldn't be telling anyone about this since it just means 'competition,' but I'm feeling generous." The Cubs will be holding a "garage sale" this Saturday from 8am to 4pm. Available items will include Wrigley Field bricks, sections of the old bleachers, game-used equipment, and Kerry Woods' arm. Proceeds will go to charity.
Sky Bloggers Wanted
Funny Kris should mention it: The WNBA just so happens to be looking for some bloggers to write about the Chicago Sky (and other teams). Fill out this application and you could be one of them.
Blogging the national pastime
With baseball back in full swing and both Chicago teams looking good, it's time to check in on the sports blogs. The aptly-named Agony & Ivy is a well-written one-year-old Cubs diary written mainly by a Chicago ex-pat living in Austin. South Side Sox provides trenchant daily analysis of the World Series champs. What about our other summer sports? Any Chicago Fire sites with breathless reports on the new Bridgeview Stadium? And who'll have the first blog about the Chicago Sky?
More Hockey
As if Chicago needed another sports team: The Hounds will be joining the minor league UHL this fall, playing at the under-construction Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates.
Bulls Pull Through
Hey! The Bulls clinched their spot in the playoffs last night! If you were waiting to get your playoff tickets, now would be the time.
Gay Games Registration Filling Up
The Gay Games will open at Soldier Field on July 15, three months from tomorrow. Accordingly, tomorrow's the last day for registration before late fees start kicking in. With 10,000 competitors from 45 countries already signed up, director Brian McGuinness says rates thus far have exceeded expectations. In the end, organizers anticipate 12,000 athletes, as well as coaches, fans and families, will participate in the event.
Remembering Maggie Dixon
West Point womens' basketball coach Maggie Dixon was remembered at a memorial service yesterday in North Hollywood, California after dying last week of a sudden arrythmic episode. The ceremony was attended by 1200 mourners, including the basketball teams of both West Point and DePaul, where Dixon was an assistant coach for five years before being named head coach for Army just before the start of the last season. After a 5-7 start, Dixon took the Army team to a 20-11 record and the Patriot League championship, earning West Point its first-ever appearance in the womens' NCAA tournament last month. She and her brother Jamie, the mens' coach at Pitt, became the first brother and sister to coach in the NCAA tournament in the same year. Jamie, 11 years her elder, said Tuesday, "I've said this before—when I grow up I want to be just like her." Maggie Dixon will be buried Friday at West Point; she was 28.
"Smack dab between Wrigley Field and U.S. Cellular"
Before baseball fever fully embraces- slash-chokes the region, lend an ear to this well-made case for basketball as the lifeblood of the American city, Chicago included (McSweeney's via FreeDarko).
Gay Games rowers cross another hurdle
The City Council of far northwest suburb Crystal Lake last night approved by a 6-1 vote the request by the organizers of this summer's Gay Games to hold a rowing event on the lake, a matter which came under contention in hearings before the Crystal Lake Park District last month and brought national attention to McHenry County. Last night's council meeting featured many supporters and only one resident speaking against the event, who told WGN News that "I don't hate gay people; I just think it's a gay agenda event." The Games still need to gain the approval of neighboring township Lakewood, which shares jurisdiction of the man-made lake.
Are you ready for some football?
Forget about the Bears, I'm talking about the Force, the Chicago Force. In a move that makes me tickled pink, these kick-ass and ass-kicking women are going to be hosting this season's wins at the Lane Tech Stadium at 2501 W. Addison (on Addison near Western). The season opener is April 29th at 3pm, order your $8 tickets online.
Fire in Five?
Any soccer fans out there interested in writing about the Fire for Sports in Five? Email samples to me at ah@gapersblock.com. UPDATE: We've found a writer. Thanks to all who applied!
Callin' 'Em What They Are
Cubs fans have touted their ballpark as old fashioned and advertising-free for years, but that image took a major hit as the Cubs signed a deal with Anheuser-Busch. The bleachers have always had a major presence from Bud Light, but now it's official: they've been named the Bud Light Bleachers.
It's Total Mania
While cold Soldier Field will never host a SuperBowl, and the United Center won't be hosting a Final Four anytime soon, Chicago (more specifically Rosemont) will be hosting a major sporting event this Sunday. OK, technically it's sports-entertainment, but Wrestlemania 22 comes to the All-State Arena. Chuckle all you want at the WWE; tickets are fetching upwards of $1000 from scalpers.
Payton Jewels Pawned
One of Walter Payton's Hall of Fame Rings and a replica Super Bowl Ring, stolen from Walter Payton's American Brew Pub, have been recovered at an Aurora Pawn Shop. The two rings were pawned for $150.
Run! Not Just When Chased!
Does the warming weather make you want to strap on those tennies and get moving? You're not alone. There are a ton of folks at the Chicago Area Runners Association who would love to help you become a real runner. There are training sessions for half-marathons, 5Ks, 10Ks, and even training for those new to training, and they all get started pretty soon. You really wanted an excuse to buy those funky sweat bands anyway (short shorts optional).
Sports Ahoy!
It a big season for sports: the Cubs and Sox are in Spring training, March Madness is on the verge, and the Bulls... well, at least we have baseball to look forward to. Read all about it in this week's gigantic Sports in Five.
Kirby Puckett, RIP
Kirby Puckett, Hall-of-Fame center fielder for the Minnesota Twins who grew up in a Chicago housing project, died of a stroke yesterday at age 45. UPDATE: More from the Tribune and Sun-Times.
"You'll Suck (But There's Also a Bar)"
It typically takes the Olympics for Americans to think of curling, and GB is no different: Cinnamon gave a shout for the Chicago Curling Club a couple weeks ago. If you missed the open house she mentioned, Chris Sprow of the Chicago Sports Review went as your proxy, and, well, it doesn't sound like it was pretty.
Hurtful Name-calling
So, Sox GM Kenny Williams and former Sox DH Frank Thomas have been having words. Frank feels disrespected, and over the weekend Kenny called him an idiot. The Sun-Times' Roman Modrowski thinks both of them need to move past the "6th grade level." (Wisely, Ozzie Guillen is staying out of it.)
Psst...
While northside ticketseekers are currently lined up outside Wrigley or glued to their computer screens, single-game tickets to see the World Champion Chicago White Sox are readily available. They might be the better investment: tickets to the Sox opener are commanding a higher price than those of the Cubs.
Take me out to the wristband
Cubs fans, it's time once again to get your wristbands! You have until 10:00 tonight to stop by Wrigley Field and pick up a wristband that will determine your place in line tomorrow morning at 6:00, when the starting number is called for the head of the line. If you were planning on sitting this season's ticket sale out, you might reconsider; according to the Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue, the lines haven't been as long for this year's wristbands, which means fewer people in line for tickets tomorrow morning.
8-month Chicago winters pay off in Turin
Some of the area's recent Winter Olympics medalists: Benjamin Agosto (ice dancing) and, for the second time, Shani Davis (speed skating). More on Davis here.
"I Think Skating's Awesome"
In recognition of Black History Month, today's Sun-Times runs a list of Chicago's Top 10 Black Sports Heroes. Those included range from Air Jordan to boxer Jack Johnson. But, the next iteration of this list may well need to make room for speed skater and South Sider Shani Davis, who yesterday became the first African-American to win individual gold in the Winter Games.
No More Wolf With Fox
Love him or hate him, zany sports guy Bruce Wolf is a staple in Chicago sports journalism. Having worked at FOX Chicago for 18 years, Wolf was fired this week with no explanation given by either party. Sadly, like so much else, the Trib speculates it was about money.
Chicagoans @ Torino
Forgive me if you've heard this already, but there's gotta be some Chicago in Torino, right? Enter: ice hockey player Chris Chelios, ski jumper Georgi Zharkov and speed skater Shani Davis. Good luck, you guys!
Not Everyone Loves Harry
Unlike legions of Cubs and old school Sox fans, Milo Hamilton doesn't like Harry Caray...at all. Hamilton, the long-time broadcaster of the Houston Astros & former Cubs announcer, calls Caray a "miserable human being" in his recently published memoirs.
Where The Action Is
If you'd like to be part of the Windy City Rollers but, for some reason, can't join a team (ie, Y chromosome), here's your chance. The WCR is seeking referee applicants, and the only prerequisites are an age of 21+, "a love of sports and strong women," and some free time. Contact Mob Hit Molly for more information (and read up on the nuances of the game here).
South Side High School Evacuated
This afternoon, students from Chicago Vocational Career Academy were evacuated after a large fight broke out inside the building. The students have since returned to the school through metal detectors.
Does Not Play Well With Others
One distinction the White Sox would probably be happy without: catcher A.J. Pierzynski's spot on GQ's list of 10 Most Hated Athletes. (Sure enough, as the authors claim, plug it into Google, and Pierzynski shows up as the no. 1 "clubhouse cancer" result.)
Game for Inclusion
Over 8,000 athletes, representing over 30 countries, have already signed up for this year's Gay Games VII. Registration for sailing and golf are both near capacity, and festival organizers foresee ice hockey slots going quickly, too. Visit www.gaygameschicago.org to register as an athlete, performer, volunteer, official, or spectator. Chicago Games, Inc. (the Games' local host organization) will host a Town Hall Meeting this Friday, February 3.
Big Hurt in White Cleats
While most White Sox fans already knew that Frank Thomas would not be back with the team in 2006, those thoughts were solidified as the Sox career leader in nearly every offensive category signed a one-year deal with the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday. The trade for Jim Thome and re-signing of Paul Konerko left no room for Thomas, who can only DH at this point in his storied career.
We're so bad, we know we're good
The 1985 Chicago Bears are the greatest football team of all time. How do we know this? Because the Illinois General Assembly passed legislation yesterday officially naming the '85 Bears the greatest ever. So to all the other football teams out there: too late! We called it! Also in the bill: a designation naming November 2005 (that is, November of last year) as "1985 Chicago Bears Championship Month". So all you time-travellers out there, hop back 2 months and enjoy the citywide celebration! Those of you stuck in the present, relive the magic by watching The Super Bowl Shuffle at IFILM.
Lacrosse by Jake
Major League Lacrosse (MLL) announced the newest Chicago professional sports team today, the Chicago Machine. MLL was totally founded by Jake "Body by Jake" Steinfeld. The Chicago Machine's head coach Kevin Finneran has this dream for the team: two guys meet in a bar, and "...one guy asks, 'Who won the Machine game last night?' The other guy says, 'Da Machine.'"
Your 2006 Sox, Handicapped
Phil Rogers lists five reasons the White Sox could repeat in the World Series this year -- and five reasons they might not. Via 1838 Miles to Tucson, the Chi-Town Daily News' Sox blog. (Donate here to help send C-TDN's sportswriters to spring training.)
Players in the Stands, Again
From Jason Maslanka, our intrepid Bulls columnist: "During last night's Bulls win over the Knicks in overtime, former Bull Antonio Davis climbed over the scorer's table and into the stands where he believed his wife was being harrassed by intoxicated fans. The moment was eerily similar to the start of last year's Pacers-Pistons brawl, but luckily, this occassion featured nothing more than some conversation and dirty looks."
Useless Sports Trivia - Wow Your Friends!
From the GB Dept. of Useless Trivia: many people blame the Cubs for t