**Presents**
NOWBATTING19's Chicago Cubs PAGE!
| RON SANTO FOR THE HALL OF FAME! |
| 1961 Bazooka #3 Ron Santo |
I got to visit Chicago, Wrigley Field, and some terrific Chicago Cubs fans in August of this year (2009). It was a wonderful experience; being a Dodgers and Red Sox fan for
most of my life I have sympathy for the weary and downtrodden. At least the Dodgers did win several World Series, and the Red Sox at least GOT to a World Series before
finally winning the big one in 2004. Now they are no longer underdogs. However the Cubs seem to be baseball's last cursed team. They haven't even been to a World Series
since 1945! You talk about being a fan; try rooting for the Cubs. However the Cubs fans are in a class of their own. They love/hate their team and cheer them on despite
everything. They deserve a World's Championship for the greatest fans in baseball (along with the old Brooklyn Dodgers fans, and pre-2004 Red Sox fans). This is my tribute
to the Cubs and it's for Cubs and baseball fans everywhere. Enjoy! GO CUBS!!!
most of my life I have sympathy for the weary and downtrodden. At least the Dodgers did win several World Series, and the Red Sox at least GOT to a World Series before
finally winning the big one in 2004. Now they are no longer underdogs. However the Cubs seem to be baseball's last cursed team. They haven't even been to a World Series
since 1945! You talk about being a fan; try rooting for the Cubs. However the Cubs fans are in a class of their own. They love/hate their team and cheer them on despite
everything. They deserve a World's Championship for the greatest fans in baseball (along with the old Brooklyn Dodgers fans, and pre-2004 Red Sox fans). This is my tribute
to the Cubs and it's for Cubs and baseball fans everywhere. Enjoy! GO CUBS!!!
Nowbatting19 Sportscards
1967 Topps #215 Ernie Banks 1962 Topps #170 Ron Santo
Ron Santo played his entire career in Chicago, mostly the Cubs. He was and still is a huge fan favorite as he is an announcer for Cubs baseball. As a player, Ron Santo should be in the Hall
Of Fame. I can go into reasons why but if you are a baseball or Cubs fan, you already know this. Ron Santo was an all-star, Gold Glove third baseman who slugged 342 HRS with 1331 RBIs
in only 15 seasons. He also batted a respectable .277 (compare to Brooks Robinson's lifetime .267 batting mark). Santo also played with type I Diabetes so I would say Ron Santo was pretty
incredible. It was cool to go to Wrigley Field in 2009 and see Cubs fans wearing old Ron Santo (#10) jerseys. What a tribute to this great player. Ron Santo gets my vote for the Hall Of Fame.
For more on Ron Santo, please see our own HALL OF FAME PAGE and also sign the online petition for Santo's election to baseball's Hall Of Fame (click on the above Ron Santo card to
direct you to "Ron Santo for the Hall of Fame" webpage and online petition; great job by Cubs fan Edgar Lenze). It is long overdue.
This 1961 Bazooka #3 Ron Santo baseball card was cut from the bottom of a Bazooka Bubble Gum box (made by Topps Chewing Gum, Inc.). The Bazooka cards are smaller than standard
sized baseball cards and are about the same size as the old tobacco cards. They were issued 3 per box and were intended to be cut into "singles." (Note the dashed lines surrounding the
card to guide the cutting). This is one of Santo's first baseball cards. He was also featured in the 1961 Post Cereal set and the regular 1961 Topps set. All three of those cards can be
considered his "rookie" cards.
Of Fame. I can go into reasons why but if you are a baseball or Cubs fan, you already know this. Ron Santo was an all-star, Gold Glove third baseman who slugged 342 HRS with 1331 RBIs
in only 15 seasons. He also batted a respectable .277 (compare to Brooks Robinson's lifetime .267 batting mark). Santo also played with type I Diabetes so I would say Ron Santo was pretty
incredible. It was cool to go to Wrigley Field in 2009 and see Cubs fans wearing old Ron Santo (#10) jerseys. What a tribute to this great player. Ron Santo gets my vote for the Hall Of Fame.
For more on Ron Santo, please see our own HALL OF FAME PAGE and also sign the online petition for Santo's election to baseball's Hall Of Fame (click on the above Ron Santo card to
direct you to "Ron Santo for the Hall of Fame" webpage and online petition; great job by Cubs fan Edgar Lenze). It is long overdue.
This 1961 Bazooka #3 Ron Santo baseball card was cut from the bottom of a Bazooka Bubble Gum box (made by Topps Chewing Gum, Inc.). The Bazooka cards are smaller than standard
sized baseball cards and are about the same size as the old tobacco cards. They were issued 3 per box and were intended to be cut into "singles." (Note the dashed lines surrounding the
card to guide the cutting). This is one of Santo's first baseball cards. He was also featured in the 1961 Post Cereal set and the regular 1961 Topps set. All three of those cards can be
considered his "rookie" cards.
1933 Goudey #211 Lewis "Hack" Wilson (Back view)
Hack Wilson was elected to Baseball's Hall of Fame by the Veteran's Committee in 1979, long after his death in 1948, Hack Wilson played only 12 big league seasons but was elected to the
Hall primarily because of what he did with the Chicago Cubs. From 1926-1931 Wilson batted .322, and had 1017 hits, including 185 doubles, 44 triples, 190 home runs, and 769 RBIs! This was
in only 6 seasons with the Cubs! In 1930, Wilson had an incredible season, batting .356 with 208 hits (35 2B, 6 3B, 56 HR) and drove in a record 191 runs! Hack Wilson won 4 Home Run
Crowns while with the Cubs (Mickey Mantle won 4 HR Crowns as well) and 2 RBI titles. Over a 162 game schedule, Wilson would have averaged .307 with 29 HRs and 128 RBIs per season! The
Cubs went to the World Series in 1929 with Wilson leading the way, batting .471, but the Cubs would lose the Series to the powerful Philadelphia Athletics squad in 5 games. Probably due to his
reported fondness for hard drinking, Hack Wilson died at the age of only 48.
Hall primarily because of what he did with the Chicago Cubs. From 1926-1931 Wilson batted .322, and had 1017 hits, including 185 doubles, 44 triples, 190 home runs, and 769 RBIs! This was
in only 6 seasons with the Cubs! In 1930, Wilson had an incredible season, batting .356 with 208 hits (35 2B, 6 3B, 56 HR) and drove in a record 191 runs! Hack Wilson won 4 Home Run
Crowns while with the Cubs (Mickey Mantle won 4 HR Crowns as well) and 2 RBI titles. Over a 162 game schedule, Wilson would have averaged .307 with 29 HRs and 128 RBIs per season! The
Cubs went to the World Series in 1929 with Wilson leading the way, batting .471, but the Cubs would lose the Series to the powerful Philadelphia Athletics squad in 5 games. Probably due to his
reported fondness for hard drinking, Hack Wilson died at the age of only 48.
1967 Topps # Ferguson Jenkins
One of the all-time great Cubs pitchers is Ferguson "Fergie" Jenkins. Jenkins won nearly 200 games for the Cubs (167) from 1966-1973 and 1982-1983. For six consecutive seasons,
Jenkins won 20 or more games! For the CUBS! Yes, it's true. Jenkins was also the winner of the 1971 NL Cy Young Award as the best pitcher in the league (24-13, 2.77 ERA and 30 complete
games!). Jenkins went on to win a total of 284 games in his career and was voted into Baseball's Hall of Fame in 1991. Like many of the Cubs greats, Jenkins never got to play in a post
season.
Jenkins won 20 or more games! For the CUBS! Yes, it's true. Jenkins was also the winner of the 1971 NL Cy Young Award as the best pitcher in the league (24-13, 2.77 ERA and 30 complete
games!). Jenkins went on to win a total of 284 games in his career and was voted into Baseball's Hall of Fame in 1991. Like many of the Cubs greats, Jenkins never got to play in a post
season.
1983 Donruss #277 Ryne Sandberg RC
1966 Topps #580 Billy Williams
How good was Billy Williams? During his career with the Cubs (1959-1974), Williams batted .302 with 2510 hits including 402 doubles, 87 triples, 392 HRs, and 1353 RBIs. He won Rookie of
the Year in 1961, was a 5 time All-Star and twice he finished runner up to the National League Most Valuable Player Award. Again, no World Series for Billy Williams and the Cubs during his
career though he did get a taste of the postseason in 1975 while with the Oakland A's at the age of 37 (the Red Sox went on to defeat the A's and advance to the World Series in 1975). But it
is as a Cub Billy Williams went into the Hall of Fame and it is as a Cub he is fondly remembered by Cubs and most baseball fans. Williams finished his career with 2711 hits, 426 steroid-free
Home Runs, 1475 Runs Batted In and a .290 lifetime batting mark.
This 1966 Topps #580 Billy Williams baseball card is one of his tougher cards to acquire. It was short printed and included in the scarce high number series. As such it is one of his most
expensive cards ($45 in ungraded NM condition), though in general Billy Williams cards are very affordable. His rookie card is 1961 Topps #141 ($35 in ungraded NM).
the Year in 1961, was a 5 time All-Star and twice he finished runner up to the National League Most Valuable Player Award. Again, no World Series for Billy Williams and the Cubs during his
career though he did get a taste of the postseason in 1975 while with the Oakland A's at the age of 37 (the Red Sox went on to defeat the A's and advance to the World Series in 1975). But it
is as a Cub Billy Williams went into the Hall of Fame and it is as a Cub he is fondly remembered by Cubs and most baseball fans. Williams finished his career with 2711 hits, 426 steroid-free
Home Runs, 1475 Runs Batted In and a .290 lifetime batting mark.
This 1966 Topps #580 Billy Williams baseball card is one of his tougher cards to acquire. It was short printed and included in the scarce high number series. As such it is one of his most
expensive cards ($45 in ungraded NM condition), though in general Billy Williams cards are very affordable. His rookie card is 1961 Topps #141 ($35 in ungraded NM).
1991 Topps Desert Shield #35 Greg Maddux
I remember watching the 1989 NLCS (Cubs vs. Giants) and Will "The Thrill" Clark having a monster game against the Cubbies. He hit a grand slam home run off a young Greg Maddux. 300
wins later Maddux is a certain Hall of Famer. Maybe the Cubs should have held on to him...
The 1991 Topps Desert Shield cards were intended to be issued to servicemen/ servicewomen during the first Gulf War. "Somehow" the hobby got ahold of them and the Hall Of Famers and
stars can sell for quite a bit more than the regular Topps cards from 1991. The only difference is the addition of a gold foil "Desert Shield" (formerly "Desert Storm") stamp in the top right corner.
wins later Maddux is a certain Hall of Famer. Maybe the Cubs should have held on to him...
The 1991 Topps Desert Shield cards were intended to be issued to servicemen/ servicewomen during the first Gulf War. "Somehow" the hobby got ahold of them and the Hall Of Famers and
stars can sell for quite a bit more than the regular Topps cards from 1991. The only difference is the addition of a gold foil "Desert Shield" (formerly "Desert Storm") stamp in the top right corner.
"The Natural" - Eddie Waitkus
1949 Bowman # Eddie Waitkus RC
The inspiration of the book (and later motion picture starring Robert Redford) "The Natural" was this slick fielding first sacker for the Chicago Cubs. Eddie Waitkus was a fan favorite of Cubs
fans from 1946-1948 but was traded to Philadelphia in 1949. That same year he was shot by a deranged female "fan." Waitkus must have felt this incredibly terrible feeling after serving in
combat in World War II and then having a female "fan" shot you back home. How cruel can life be? Eddie Waitkus recovered and was a big part of the 1950 "Fightin Phillies" team that went to
the World Series that year versus the New York Yankees. Waitkus had a short career, 11 big league seasons, largely due to his service in WW II and problems with alcohol (who wouldn't after
being shot at by enemy troops and then getting shot by a female "fan".) and he is largely forgotten today. But Eddie Waitkus was a true American hero, a Gold Glove fielder (.993 lifetime
fielding percentage; before Gold Gloves were awarded) and career .285 hitter (.294 in his 4 year stint with the Cubs). Eddie Waitkus died in 1972. He was only 53 years old.
fans from 1946-1948 but was traded to Philadelphia in 1949. That same year he was shot by a deranged female "fan." Waitkus must have felt this incredibly terrible feeling after serving in
combat in World War II and then having a female "fan" shot you back home. How cruel can life be? Eddie Waitkus recovered and was a big part of the 1950 "Fightin Phillies" team that went to
the World Series that year versus the New York Yankees. Waitkus had a short career, 11 big league seasons, largely due to his service in WW II and problems with alcohol (who wouldn't after
being shot at by enemy troops and then getting shot by a female "fan".) and he is largely forgotten today. But Eddie Waitkus was a true American hero, a Gold Glove fielder (.993 lifetime
fielding percentage; before Gold Gloves were awarded) and career .285 hitter (.294 in his 4 year stint with the Cubs). Eddie Waitkus died in 1972. He was only 53 years old.
1988 Score Traded #80T Mark Grace RC
1968 Topps #321 Leo Durocher (back view)
The Cubs have had numerous managers since their last World Series appearance; off the top of my head I can think of Lou Pinella (current manager), Dusty Baker, Felipe Alou, Don Zimmer
and Hall Of Fame manager, Leo "The Lip" Durocher. Leo had managed the Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Giants to pennants and World Series victories but alas, the Cubs could not win
a pennant under Durocher's tenure, though he did guide the Cubs to three 2nd place finishes. I am sure he was highly entertaining though. Lou Pinella to me is a good manager, highly
entertaining and he has the experience, managing the 1990 Cincinnati Reds to a World Series title. I think he needs to lose his temper more often with this Cubs team, who has played sloppy
and very un-inspired baseball this season (2009). I would like to see Pinella have a tantrum and kick some players asses. Maybe he will get canned but maybe it will fire up the team and Cubs
management to get something going. Well that is my fantasy.
This 1968 Topps #321 Leo Durocher is very affordable at $6 in ungraded NM condition. Other Topps Leo Durocher cards are 1967, 1969-1972. Durocher's last card as a manager is in the
1973 high number series. He was with the Houston Astros then. Durocher was voted into the Hall of Fame in 1994.
and Hall Of Fame manager, Leo "The Lip" Durocher. Leo had managed the Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Giants to pennants and World Series victories but alas, the Cubs could not win
a pennant under Durocher's tenure, though he did guide the Cubs to three 2nd place finishes. I am sure he was highly entertaining though. Lou Pinella to me is a good manager, highly
entertaining and he has the experience, managing the 1990 Cincinnati Reds to a World Series title. I think he needs to lose his temper more often with this Cubs team, who has played sloppy
and very un-inspired baseball this season (2009). I would like to see Pinella have a tantrum and kick some players asses. Maybe he will get canned but maybe it will fire up the team and Cubs
management to get something going. Well that is my fantasy.
This 1968 Topps #321 Leo Durocher is very affordable at $6 in ungraded NM condition. Other Topps Leo Durocher cards are 1967, 1969-1972. Durocher's last card as a manager is in the
1973 high number series. He was with the Houston Astros then. Durocher was voted into the Hall of Fame in 1994.
"KONG"
1979 Topps Dave Kingman
Dave Kingman played only 3 seasons with the Cubs but hit for the highest average of his career (.278) and blasted 94 memorable home runs. Dave Kingman was not known for his batting
average, which was a dismal .236 for his career. What "Kong" was known for was mammoth home runs, or countless strikeouts. Kingman is 10th all-time in career strikeouts with 1816. That is
the equivalent to over 3 seasons of striking out. Kingman was the first player to hit over 400 home runs (442)and NOT make the Hall of Fame! Several sluggers from the steroid era have
since followed suit. Kingman was no dud however; he did manage to last 16 years in the big leagues and he averaged 37 HRs and 101 RBIs over a 162 game schedule. He also averaged
152 Ks per season so that is why he is not in the Hall Of Fame. For the Cubs however, Kingman was a King, hitting a league leading 48 Home Runs in 1979. He also led the NL in slugging
percentage with a whopping .613, was an All-Star and finished 11th in MVP balloting.
average, which was a dismal .236 for his career. What "Kong" was known for was mammoth home runs, or countless strikeouts. Kingman is 10th all-time in career strikeouts with 1816. That is
the equivalent to over 3 seasons of striking out. Kingman was the first player to hit over 400 home runs (442)and NOT make the Hall of Fame! Several sluggers from the steroid era have
since followed suit. Kingman was no dud however; he did manage to last 16 years in the big leagues and he averaged 37 HRs and 101 RBIs over a 162 game schedule. He also averaged
152 Ks per season so that is why he is not in the Hall Of Fame. For the Cubs however, Kingman was a King, hitting a league leading 48 Home Runs in 1979. He also led the NL in slugging
percentage with a whopping .613, was an All-Star and finished 11th in MVP balloting.
1960 Topps Ernie Banks
| "Mr. CUB" |
Without a doubt, the most famous and beloved Cub of them all is the great Ernie Banks. Banks enthusiasm for the game and the Cubs is still as strong as ever. His famous quote "Let's play
two" is a testimony to Banks' love of the game. Banks changed the old philosophy of the shortstop (all field and no hit) and slugged 512 home runs in his Hall of Fame career. He paved the way
for guys like Rico Petrocelli, Cal Ripken Jr. and even Alex Rodriguez, though I would not put ARod in the same class as Ernie Banks. As a shortstop, Banks hit no fewer than 40 HRs five times
including a career high 47 in 1958. He was the first player in history to win back to back Most Valuable Player Awards (1958-59) for a team that finished in 5th place both years. His statue sits
outside Wrigley Field as a tribute to the greatest Cub of them all. We love you Ernie!!!
two" is a testimony to Banks' love of the game. Banks changed the old philosophy of the shortstop (all field and no hit) and slugged 512 home runs in his Hall of Fame career. He paved the way
for guys like Rico Petrocelli, Cal Ripken Jr. and even Alex Rodriguez, though I would not put ARod in the same class as Ernie Banks. As a shortstop, Banks hit no fewer than 40 HRs five times
including a career high 47 in 1958. He was the first player in history to win back to back Most Valuable Player Awards (1958-59) for a team that finished in 5th place both years. His statue sits
outside Wrigley Field as a tribute to the greatest Cub of them all. We love you Ernie!!!
1964 Topps #550 Ken Hubbs "In Memoriam"
The Cubs bright future took a drastic turn for the worse in 1963, when their young talented secondbaseman, Ken Hubbs was killed in a plane crash. Hubbs won Rookie of the Year and the
Gold Glove Award at second base for the 1962 season and looked to have a promising career. He was only 22 years old at the time of his death. Topps knew baseball had lost a special
player and created this memoriam card in tribute to Ken Hubbs. Hubbs' rookie card is 1962 Topps #461.
Gold Glove Award at second base for the 1962 season and looked to have a promising career. He was only 22 years old at the time of his death. Topps knew baseball had lost a special
player and created this memoriam card in tribute to Ken Hubbs. Hubbs' rookie card is 1962 Topps #461.
Yours truly at Wrigley Field August 27, 2009
"Let's Play Two" (Ernie Banks statue at Wrigley Field)
If you enjoyed this Cubs Page please be sure to see our Dodgers and Red Sox team pages as well!
| 1970 Topps #530 Ernie Banks |
"Lets Play Two!!!"
To return to the HOME page click on Harry Caray above
Mark Grace was a great hitter and first baseman for the Cubs. He was a solid line drive hitter and I liked the fact that he didn't use batting gloves. Grace played almost his entire career with
the Cubs, had a lifetime .303 batting mark with nearly 2500 hits (2445 in 16 seasons). Fielding? .995 fielding average with 4 Gold Gloves. Grace had a monster NLCS in 1989 for the Cubs,
batting .647 with 11 hits (3 doubles, triple, HR), 8 RBIs, 3 walks, and he even added a stolen base for good measure. Grace never got to a World Series with the Cubbies but he did win a
World Series ring in 2001 while a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
the Cubs, had a lifetime .303 batting mark with nearly 2500 hits (2445 in 16 seasons). Fielding? .995 fielding average with 4 Gold Gloves. Grace had a monster NLCS in 1989 for the Cubs,
batting .647 with 11 hits (3 doubles, triple, HR), 8 RBIs, 3 walks, and he even added a stolen base for good measure. Grace never got to a World Series with the Cubbies but he did win a
World Series ring in 2001 while a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
There all numerous baseball cards issued of Ernie Banks from 1954-1971 (he is also pictured as a coach in the 1973 Topps set) and they are all great. My personal favorite is this 1970 Topps
#530 Ernie Banks (above left). This is almost his last card as an active player (Banks' last card as player is 1971 Topps #535; see above right). Banks was 39 years old in 1970 and look at his
smile. This is a man who loved to play baseball. It's kind of sad that today's players seem to be missing out on an important part of the game- having fun! But baseball is big business and it is
serious business. So you'll see an outfielder make a circus catch and run off the field all stoic with a "hey I do this all the time and I'm bored as hell" look. How about a big grin? Show the fans
you are having some fun! Ken Griffey Jr. who is close to retirement himself is one of a handful of current players who seem to have fun on the field. Hey it's a GAME! Enjoy it! As Ernie Banks
says, "Let's Play Two!!!" (and he means it!).
#530 Ernie Banks (above left). This is almost his last card as an active player (Banks' last card as player is 1971 Topps #535; see above right). Banks was 39 years old in 1970 and look at his
smile. This is a man who loved to play baseball. It's kind of sad that today's players seem to be missing out on an important part of the game- having fun! But baseball is big business and it is
serious business. So you'll see an outfielder make a circus catch and run off the field all stoic with a "hey I do this all the time and I'm bored as hell" look. How about a big grin? Show the fans
you are having some fun! Ken Griffey Jr. who is close to retirement himself is one of a handful of current players who seem to have fun on the field. Hey it's a GAME! Enjoy it! As Ernie Banks
says, "Let's Play Two!!!" (and he means it!).
"The Hawk"
2003 Donruss Recollection Andre Dawson Autograph card
Andre "The Hawk" Dawson bashed 438 home runs in his career, a good portion of them in the friendly confines of Wrigley Field. Dawson was Rookie of the Year (1977) an 8 time All-Star,
won 8 Gold Glove Awards in the outfield, drove in 1591 runs, won the NL Most Valuable Player Award (1987) and yet he is not in the Hall of Fame. Incredible. Dawson's MVP season came as
a member of the Chicago Cubs in 1987. He hit .287 while leading the league in home runs (49) and runs batted in (137). Dawson never got to a World Series but he holds a special place for
Cubs fans and hopefully the powers that be will come to their senses and get this guy in the Hall of Fame. Like NOW.
January 6, 2010: CONGRATULATIONS TO ANDRE DAWSON, 2010 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE!!! Well deserved!
won 8 Gold Glove Awards in the outfield, drove in 1591 runs, won the NL Most Valuable Player Award (1987) and yet he is not in the Hall of Fame. Incredible. Dawson's MVP season came as
a member of the Chicago Cubs in 1987. He hit .287 while leading the league in home runs (49) and runs batted in (137). Dawson never got to a World Series but he holds a special place for
Cubs fans and hopefully the powers that be will come to their senses and get this guy in the Hall of Fame. Like NOW.
January 6, 2010: CONGRATULATIONS TO ANDRE DAWSON, 2010 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE!!! Well deserved!
| 1963 Topps #472 Lou Brock |
On June 15, 1964, the Chicago Cubs traded young outfielder Lou Brock to the rival St. Louis Cardinals for pitchers Ernie Broglio, 38 year old Bobby Shantz and Doug Clemens. It was one of
the worst trades of all-time. Broglio, who had won 21 and 18 games for the Cards won exactly 7 games for the Cubs in 3 seasons while losing 19. His ERA was an unremarkable 5.40 for the
Cubs. He retired in 1966. Bobby Shantz, who had won the American League MVP Award in 1952 was near the end of his career and he was 0-1 for the Cubs with a 5.56 ERA. Doug Clemens
hit a robust .238 in his two years with the Cubs and was out of baseball by 1968. Lou Brock of course went on to register 3023 career base hits, became the All-Time Stolen Base leader with
938 thefts (since broken by Rickey Henderson) and helped the Cardinals to World Series appearances in 1964, 1967, and 1968 (the Cardinals won in 1964 and 1967). Brock batted a cool
.391 in those three World Series, with 7 doubles, 2 triples, 4 HRs, 13 RBIs, 5 walks and 14 stolen bases. Brock probably sent the Cubs a thank you card after that. I would have. The Cubs
genius who orchestrated that trade should have been hanged from the scoreboard at Wrigley. Can you imagine how hard it is to be a long time Cubs fan??? I can't.
the worst trades of all-time. Broglio, who had won 21 and 18 games for the Cards won exactly 7 games for the Cubs in 3 seasons while losing 19. His ERA was an unremarkable 5.40 for the
Cubs. He retired in 1966. Bobby Shantz, who had won the American League MVP Award in 1952 was near the end of his career and he was 0-1 for the Cubs with a 5.56 ERA. Doug Clemens
hit a robust .238 in his two years with the Cubs and was out of baseball by 1968. Lou Brock of course went on to register 3023 career base hits, became the All-Time Stolen Base leader with
938 thefts (since broken by Rickey Henderson) and helped the Cardinals to World Series appearances in 1964, 1967, and 1968 (the Cardinals won in 1964 and 1967). Brock batted a cool
.391 in those three World Series, with 7 doubles, 2 triples, 4 HRs, 13 RBIs, 5 walks and 14 stolen bases. Brock probably sent the Cubs a thank you card after that. I would have. The Cubs
genius who orchestrated that trade should have been hanged from the scoreboard at Wrigley. Can you imagine how hard it is to be a long time Cubs fan??? I can't.
1981 Topps #1 1980 Batting Leaders (George Brett, Bill Buckner)
Like Andre Dawson, Bill Buckner played for a team that couldn't win a World Series (Red Sox) and a team that couldn't even get to a World Series (Cubs). Talk about bad luck. At the time
the Red Sox hadn't won a World Series since they traded away Babe Ruth and the Cubs hadn't been in a World Series since 1945. Bill Buckner was a great hitter, amassing nearly 3000 hits
(2715) and batting .289 over 22 seasons. With the Cubs for 8 seasons, Buckner batted an even .300 and won the 1980 National League Batting Title with a .324 mark. It was overshadowed
by George Brett, who had nearly become the first player to bat .400 since Ted Williams. Brett finished at .390 and was the talk of baseball. Buckner would become notorious for his error in
Game 6 of the 1986 World Series but Buckner deserved better. You can also blame the Red Sox relief pitchers who coughed that game up (Calvin Schiraldi and Bob Stanley come to mind).
The Red Sox finally won in 2004 and all was forgiven but Bucker, like Steve Bartman, got a raw deal.
the Red Sox hadn't won a World Series since they traded away Babe Ruth and the Cubs hadn't been in a World Series since 1945. Bill Buckner was a great hitter, amassing nearly 3000 hits
(2715) and batting .289 over 22 seasons. With the Cubs for 8 seasons, Buckner batted an even .300 and won the 1980 National League Batting Title with a .324 mark. It was overshadowed
by George Brett, who had nearly become the first player to bat .400 since Ted Williams. Brett finished at .390 and was the talk of baseball. Buckner would become notorious for his error in
Game 6 of the 1986 World Series but Buckner deserved better. You can also blame the Red Sox relief pitchers who coughed that game up (Calvin Schiraldi and Bob Stanley come to mind).
The Red Sox finally won in 2004 and all was forgiven but Bucker, like Steve Bartman, got a raw deal.
| 1936-'37 Phil Cavarretta Matchbook (back view) |
Phil Cavarretta played 22 years with Chicago (20 with the Cubs and 2 with the White Sox at the end of his career) from 1934 to 1955. A solid first baseman, Cavarretta batted .293 lifetime and
won the NL Batting Crown plus the NL Most Valuable Player Award in 1945 with a .355 average. He was a 4 time All-Star for the Cubs and how lucky Phil Cavarretta was- he got to appear in 3
World Series WITH THE CUBS! (yes it's true). The Cubs went to the World Series in 1935, 1938, and 1945. The Cubs lost all three of those Series (twice to Detroit, once to the Yankees) but
Cavarretta batted .317 with 20 base hits.
won the NL Batting Crown plus the NL Most Valuable Player Award in 1945 with a .355 average. He was a 4 time All-Star for the Cubs and how lucky Phil Cavarretta was- he got to appear in 3
World Series WITH THE CUBS! (yes it's true). The Cubs went to the World Series in 1935, 1938, and 1945. The Cubs lost all three of those Series (twice to Detroit, once to the Yankees) but
Cavarretta batted .317 with 20 base hits.
1939-46 Andy Pafko Salutation Exhibit Card
Here's another "oldie but a goodie," Andy Pafko. Pafko played 9 years for the Cubs and batted .294 with 1048 hits (162 doubles, 40 triples, 128 Home Runs) and 548 Runs Batted In. In
1945 Pafko placed 4th in MVP balloting, behind teammate Phil Cavarretta. He batted .298 and knocked in 110 runs that year in helping the Cubs win the pennant. Pafko's best year might
have been 1950 when he batted .304 with 34 HRs and 96 RBIs. In 1951, the Cubs traded Pafko to the Brooklyn Dodgers and he went on to appear in 4 different World Series (1945 with the
Cubs, 1952 with Brooklyn, and two Series with Milwaukee in 1957 and 1958) winning a ring in 1957.
Andy Pafko was issued on the very first card produced by Topps Chewing Gum in 1952 (1952 Topps #1 Andy Pafko). That along with the fact that most first and last cards in a baseball card
set were subjected to the most abuse. Usually kids would rubber band their treasured collection together or put them in shoe boxes with the cards in number order. Hence the first and last
cards in vintage cards are extremely difficult to find in high grades. While Andy Pafko was a fan favorite, his cards are usually priced as "commons" but because of the importance of the first
Topps set, plus the limited supply of cards (especially in high grades) have escalated the 1952 Topps #1 Pafko card to stratospheric heights. An ungraded 1952 Topps #1 Andy Pafko in VG
condition lists for $190, $375 in EX, and $3500 in NM. So you can see the higher the grade, the higher the price tag. Expect even higher prices for cards graded by reputable third party
grading services (the only known PSA 10 GEM MINT example sold for $250,000 in 2007). The above Exhibit card was issued by the Exhibit Supply Company of Chicago and were issued in
vending machines for one penny. This example has been autographed by Pafko long after the card was produced (notice the autograph was signed by a blue "Sharpie"). This particular card
lists for $10 in ungraded EX condition.
1945 Pafko placed 4th in MVP balloting, behind teammate Phil Cavarretta. He batted .298 and knocked in 110 runs that year in helping the Cubs win the pennant. Pafko's best year might
have been 1950 when he batted .304 with 34 HRs and 96 RBIs. In 1951, the Cubs traded Pafko to the Brooklyn Dodgers and he went on to appear in 4 different World Series (1945 with the
Cubs, 1952 with Brooklyn, and two Series with Milwaukee in 1957 and 1958) winning a ring in 1957.
Andy Pafko was issued on the very first card produced by Topps Chewing Gum in 1952 (1952 Topps #1 Andy Pafko). That along with the fact that most first and last cards in a baseball card
set were subjected to the most abuse. Usually kids would rubber band their treasured collection together or put them in shoe boxes with the cards in number order. Hence the first and last
cards in vintage cards are extremely difficult to find in high grades. While Andy Pafko was a fan favorite, his cards are usually priced as "commons" but because of the importance of the first
Topps set, plus the limited supply of cards (especially in high grades) have escalated the 1952 Topps #1 Pafko card to stratospheric heights. An ungraded 1952 Topps #1 Andy Pafko in VG
condition lists for $190, $375 in EX, and $3500 in NM. So you can see the higher the grade, the higher the price tag. Expect even higher prices for cards graded by reputable third party
grading services (the only known PSA 10 GEM MINT example sold for $250,000 in 2007). The above Exhibit card was issued by the Exhibit Supply Company of Chicago and were issued in
vending machines for one penny. This example has been autographed by Pafko long after the card was produced (notice the autograph was signed by a blue "Sharpie"). This particular card
lists for $10 in ungraded EX condition.
| 1969 Topps #4 '68 RBI Leaders (Willie McCovey, Ron Santo, Billy Williams) |
Topps produced many "League Leader" cards beginning in 1961. These cards are great bargains; most feature multiple Hall of Famers and stars of day, and for the most part they are very
affordable. This 1969 Topps #4 1968 RBI Leaders card features Hall of Famer Willie McCovey plus two Cubs greats- Ron Santo (should be in the HOF) and Billy Williams (is in the
HOF). This card lists for only $9 in ungraded NM condition (2009 Sports Collector's Digest Standard Catalog of Baseball Cards, Krause Publications), which is much cheaper than buying
individual cards of McCovey, Santo, and Williams.(which range from about $7-$15 each).
affordable. This 1969 Topps #4 1968 RBI Leaders card features Hall of Famer Willie McCovey plus two Cubs greats- Ron Santo (should be in the HOF) and Billy Williams (is in the
HOF). This card lists for only $9 in ungraded NM condition (2009 Sports Collector's Digest Standard Catalog of Baseball Cards, Krause Publications), which is much cheaper than buying
individual cards of McCovey, Santo, and Williams.(which range from about $7-$15 each).
1982 Donruss #252 Lee Smith RC 1981 Topps #590 Bruce Sutter
Another Cubs player who should be in the Hall Of Fame is relief pitcher Lee Smith. Smith played 8 years for the Cubs, saved 180 ballgames, won 40 and posted a 2.92 ERA (3.03 lifetime).
Smith was a 7 time All Star and he finished his career with an impressive 478 saves (3rd All-Time). Bruce Sutter, who was the Cub's closer before Lee Smith, IS in the Hall of Fame (2006)
and deservedly so. He played 5 seasons in Chicago, won 32, saved 133 and posted a 2.39 ERA (2.83 lifetime). Sutter led the league in saves 5 times and won the 1979 NL CY Young Award
for the Cubs. Sutter finished his career with exactly 300 saves, which is considerably lower than Smith's 478, but he had a shorter career (12 seasons compared to Smith's 18). While Sutter
did win a Championship with St. Louis, Lee Smith did not; maybe this is why Sutter is in the Hall of Fame, I don't know. Both pitchers were the best relief pitchers of their era and both should
be in the Hall of Fame.
Smith was a 7 time All Star and he finished his career with an impressive 478 saves (3rd All-Time). Bruce Sutter, who was the Cub's closer before Lee Smith, IS in the Hall of Fame (2006)
and deservedly so. He played 5 seasons in Chicago, won 32, saved 133 and posted a 2.39 ERA (2.83 lifetime). Sutter led the league in saves 5 times and won the 1979 NL CY Young Award
for the Cubs. Sutter finished his career with exactly 300 saves, which is considerably lower than Smith's 478, but he had a shorter career (12 seasons compared to Smith's 18). While Sutter
did win a Championship with St. Louis, Lee Smith did not; maybe this is why Sutter is in the Hall of Fame, I don't know. Both pitchers were the best relief pitchers of their era and both should
be in the Hall of Fame.
1971 Topps Greatest Moments #35 Ernie Banks (Sets ML Record With 5 Grand-Slammers)
The 1971 Topps Greatest Moments cards was an over-sized set of highlight cards featuring the top players of the day. Like the regular 1971 Topps cards, the Greatest Moments cards
feature jet black boders which are very condition sensitive. They are fairly scarce and expect to pay premiums for high graded examples. This 1971 Topps Greatest Moments #35 Ernie
Banks highlights his record 5 Grand Slam Home Runs in 1955.
feature jet black boders which are very condition sensitive. They are fairly scarce and expect to pay premiums for high graded examples. This 1971 Topps Greatest Moments #35 Ernie
Banks highlights his record 5 Grand Slam Home Runs in 1955.
Epilogue. Are the Cubs really "cursed?" Yes. They are cursed with a bad organization, specifically the people who make decisions like spending Albert Pujols money on a certain Milton
Bradley or try and build a team around a "franchise" player like Alfonso Soriano when Soriano, who is a very good player and he plays hurt, is not a franchise player. Lou Pinella
needs to kick some ass but today's players are "above" this. In the old days guys played hard because they might lose their job. Today's players have tremendous pressure to perform
well but they get paid astronomical figures regardless, while working stiffs like us have to bust ass to make a buck. Cubs fans know this and they let their players know when they aren't
doing what they are paid to do. It isn't "racist" as some players claim (Milton Bradley), it's just the way you play the game. Milton Bradley shouldn't take all the blame for this season,
Cubs upper management should take the blame and it would be classy of them to say, hey we made a mistake and we apologize to Cubs fans. And move on. To be honest, the Red
Sox would not have won the World Series in 2004 without the "Wild Card" format. Neither would the Chicago White Sox in 2005. So there is an even better chance now that the Cubs
can someday bring a World Championship to Chicago. It can happen.
Bradley or try and build a team around a "franchise" player like Alfonso Soriano when Soriano, who is a very good player and he plays hurt, is not a franchise player. Lou Pinella
needs to kick some ass but today's players are "above" this. In the old days guys played hard because they might lose their job. Today's players have tremendous pressure to perform
well but they get paid astronomical figures regardless, while working stiffs like us have to bust ass to make a buck. Cubs fans know this and they let their players know when they aren't
doing what they are paid to do. It isn't "racist" as some players claim (Milton Bradley), it's just the way you play the game. Milton Bradley shouldn't take all the blame for this season,
Cubs upper management should take the blame and it would be classy of them to say, hey we made a mistake and we apologize to Cubs fans. And move on. To be honest, the Red
Sox would not have won the World Series in 2004 without the "Wild Card" format. Neither would the Chicago White Sox in 2005. So there is an even better chance now that the Cubs
can someday bring a World Championship to Chicago. It can happen.
Open letter to Steve Bartman:
Dear Mr. Bartman,
It is not your fault! I apologize for the way you were treated and I hope you are living a good life. Anyone sitting in your seat would have done the same thing. It was a foul ball. The
Cubs lost that game (and the next game) on their own. I just want to wish you the best and don't let this ugly incident ruin your life. Baseball is just a GAME! You love it, I love it, we all
love it. We really take this game too seriously. It shouldn't be about making someone's life miserable. I'm just sorry. I think it would be a class act of the Cubs to let you have a lifetime
pass in this seat so you can enjoy your Cubs and replace the bad memories with good ones. That would be great of the Cubs to do that. If I were the Cubs owner I would do this for
you. It would be good for you, good for the Cubs and good for baseball. God bless! Sincerely, Tim Pulcifer
Dear Mr. Bartman,
It is not your fault! I apologize for the way you were treated and I hope you are living a good life. Anyone sitting in your seat would have done the same thing. It was a foul ball. The
Cubs lost that game (and the next game) on their own. I just want to wish you the best and don't let this ugly incident ruin your life. Baseball is just a GAME! You love it, I love it, we all
love it. We really take this game too seriously. It shouldn't be about making someone's life miserable. I'm just sorry. I think it would be a class act of the Cubs to let you have a lifetime
pass in this seat so you can enjoy your Cubs and replace the bad memories with good ones. That would be great of the Cubs to do that. If I were the Cubs owner I would do this for
you. It would be good for you, good for the Cubs and good for baseball. God bless! Sincerely, Tim Pulcifer
1933 Goudey #227 Bill Herman
Billy Herman played 11 seasons for the Cubs (1931-1940) batting .309. He was a 10 time All Star and had 2345 lifetime base hits (15 seasons). Over a 162 game schedule, Herman
would have averaged .304 with 198 hits (41 doubles, 7 triples, 4 HRs), 98 runs scored and 71 RBIs. All this production from a second baseman no less. At least Herman got to appear
in a World Series; in fact 3 with the Cubs (1932, 1935, 1938). Of course the Cubs did not win any of those Series but at least they got there. In the 1935 World Series vs. Detroit,
Herman batted .333 with 8 hits (2 doubles, triple, HR) and 6 RBIs. Bill Herman was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1975. He died in 1992.
would have averaged .304 with 198 hits (41 doubles, 7 triples, 4 HRs), 98 runs scored and 71 RBIs. All this production from a second baseman no less. At least Herman got to appear
in a World Series; in fact 3 with the Cubs (1932, 1935, 1938). Of course the Cubs did not win any of those Series but at least they got there. In the 1935 World Series vs. Detroit,
Herman batted .333 with 8 hits (2 doubles, triple, HR) and 6 RBIs. Bill Herman was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1975. He died in 1992.