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.
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.
The Reader profiles Michael "Frosti" Zernow, one of Chicago's parkour stars.
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.
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?
Ex-Sun-Times sports columnist Jay Mariotti makes his debut on AOL Sports Monday. The S-T's Kyle Koster shares some thoughts here.
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]
If you couldn't make it there's a detailed review and some videos of the Winter Classic over at the Beachwood Reporter.
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.
Watch the ice rink in Wrigley Field being built in real time. Not exactly riveting action, but interesting viewing nonetheless.
There are Luvabulls, Incredibulls and even Swingin Seniors, but none of them have anything on the Matadors.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
Surfboards are banned from Chicago's beaches -- but maybe not for long.
Sport Literate is a "literary journal focusing on 'honest reflections on life's leisurely diversions.'"
The U of I is generating controversy with the Irwin Center, a $6 million athletes-only tutoring center.
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.
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.
For one man, that passion is White Sox baseball cards.
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.
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."
Chicagoland gamers, welcome to the Dice Doho.
That's right, Pershing West Magnet School offers elementary school students archery classes [right side of page].
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Courting the National League vote on SNL's Thursday Night special.
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.
The best way to relieve the Cubs of their playoff "curse"? Stop caring so much.
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.
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.
The Cubs dropped to 0-2 against the Dodgers. Uh-oh.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Is Alphonso Soriano having an affair? The Cubs star has been seen quite a bit with a woman other than Mrs. Soriano. [via]
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.
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.
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.
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.
Eddie Vedder, lifelong Cubs fan, sings "Someday We'll Go All the Way." Download it here. (Thanks, Chris!)
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.
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?
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.
ESPN presents "No Love Lost," video interviews with Cubs fans aged 7 to 100 -- including Ronni Woo Woo and Billy Corgan.
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.
Phelps may be for Chicago's Olympic bid, but some are not so hot on the prospect.
Sports blog East Coast Bias took a trip to Wrigley Field this past weekend and (surprise!) they kinda liked it.
Sad what passes for funny these days. Leave it to the Onion.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Make a video about why Chicago should host the Olympics and post it on the new (beta) Olympic video site.
The Cubs' Ryan Dempster isn't just an ace pitcher -- he's also an amateur magician. (And a so-so Harry Caray impersonator.)
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.
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.
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.
If you want to catch the Chicago Air and Water Show early, head down to Gary for the practice show today.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Chain Link is a new social network for the city's bicyclists.
The Cubs' minor league feeder, the Peoria Chiefs, got in a big brawl yesterday; details (including video) in Tailgate.
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.
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.
Chicago's 2016 Olympics boosters are hoping an Major League Baseball official's statements don't jinx their chances.
There's a book signing next week for "Sweet Swinging" Billy Williams, a Cub legend. Read about it here.
Speaking of domes, plans to create a multi-million dollar fitness center are making progress [lower right side] on the South Side.
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.
The Chicago Bulls have selected Chicagoan Derrick Rose (who played collegiately at Memphis) as the #1 pick in the 2008 NBA Draft.
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.
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.
It seems Nike put some illegal ads on the lakefront path on Friday.
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?
After months of discussion, Michael Reese Hospital will likely close this fall, clearing the way for massive Olympic redevelopment plans.
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.
Finally, a blog for Chicago Pub Quiz Addicts.
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.
Looking for a unique activity for an upcoming summer weekend? How 'bout a tour of Michigan wineries?
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....
Chicago Assassins watergun assassin club starts its summer tournament next week. Have what it takes? Read the rules and sign up here.
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.
It seems that basement slot-car racing has quite a following in Chicago and elsewhere, according to this recent Wall Street Journal article.
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.
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.
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.
Rashard Mendenhall, current Pittsburgh Steelers player and former Illini star was robbed at gunpoint along the lake late last night.
The Boston Celtics' statistical "secret weapon" (and U of C grad) Mike Zarren gets the Freakonomics treatment in the New York Times magazine.
A look at the rare Chicago vs. New York City baseball "double-header" we had in town yesterday, from a New York Times perspective.
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.
In another tragic car-bicycle accident, 22 year-old Tyler Fabeck was struck and killed early Sunday morning.
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").
Would any other fan write poetry about their losing baseball team? I doubt the White Sox have inspired verse, but the Cubs apparently have.
While the Olympic torch was in San Francisco yesterday, the Tibetan community in Chicago was active with a protest of their own.
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.
Almost five years later, Moises Alou comes clean. He couldn't have caught the ball anyway.
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.
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.
The NYTimes turns its attention to the hundred year itch on the North Side.
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.
Why this will be the year for the Cubs.
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."
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.
In what is clearly the most important sporting contest of the year, Chicagoan Jesse Lucas Berg won Seattle's Big Climb.
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.
That massive 360° coverage campaign the Methods Reporter planned for last weekend's Chiditarod really paid off.
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."
If you're planning to watch the Chiditarod this weekend, The Methods Reporter would like to make you a correspondent.
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.
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.
The Trib has the scoop on hanging out with the Cubs and White Sox in Arizona.
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.
Bases aren't the only thing being stolen as spring training begins. Three Cubs players were among the victims of a Mesa, Arizona burgler.
What do they have in common? Lincoln Logs! Check out bullet #3 in this Mental Floss article to find out the connections.
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!
Registration for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon™ (yep, that's the new name) opens tomorrow. Runners, on your mark.
Got a favorite Cubs blog or site? Vote for it in Cubscast's first annual Strodes Awards.
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.
A fraternity at Northwestern is under investigation for hosting a midget wrestling ring.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The golf world is aghast at a Golf Magazine survey that placed Chicago 46th out of 50 best cities in America for golf.
The Freakonomics guys are wondering out loud why the Giants risked kicking to Hester on Sunday. Could it be... gambling?
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
The Blackhawks had a great weekend, winning against tough teams -- but this goal by rookie Jonathan Toews was the definite high point. (Thanks, Jim!)
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.
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.
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!)
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.
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.
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!)
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.
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.
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.
The NY Times features Chicagoan John Spack's $100,000 domed observatory in its discussion of the burgeoning trend in home construction.
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.
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.)
The Windy City Rollers have had a tough but rewarding year. The Tribune follows their big match against #1 ranked Madison.
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!)
Alcohol and hockey magnate Bill Wirtz died this morning.
Thabo Sefolosha might not know that the Bulls #2 is cursed! [via]
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.
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.)
Photos and limericks about our North Side team. (Thanks, Enrich.)
Well, now we know who our competition is. And the local press is already giving Chicago the lead.
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.
Want to go fishing? Here's where to go, and what you might catch there.
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?"
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.
Are the ups & downs of Chicago sports getting to you? The Heckler can help take the edge off.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
The story of a former boxer and pitt-bull fighter from Freeport, IL. [via]
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.
Strange Maps reminds us that Cubs country is a bit bigger than White Sox country. Curse/Bless you SuperStation WGN!
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.)
Got an overconfident Cubs fan in your midst? Here's a song to help bring them back to earth, courtesy of the Beachwood Reporter.
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.)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Don't know how I missed this yesterday: Cornhole, aka Baggo, makes the front page of the Wall Street Journal.
With the White Sox struggling mightily, the Onion gives us a sense of what might happen if we knew what Ozzie was thinking.
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.
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.
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.
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.)
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.
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".
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).
Like golf? Crain's Chicago Business has the map for you, listing 191 courses in Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana.
The International Olympic Committee has determined the Chicago bid logo violates the organization's rules. A new logo is now in the works.
A revolt is underway in the suburbs. The target: new sidwalks. After all, with sidewalks, "who knows what you'd be encouraging to come thro
