Category: Chicago Cubs (Page 21 of 26)

Cubbies

Old Sport Shorts: Pass the Salt #281

September 28, 2017 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

Please pass the salt! The Cubs not only won the final series of the season, but also officially eliminated the Cardinals from Post Season play at the same time. They did it in dramatic fashion with Leonys Martin leaped at the fence to rob Paul DeJong of a tying homer with two-outs in the bottom of the 11th inning. The Division Champion Cubs, who celebrated on the Busch Stadium pitcher’s mound last night, rubbed salt in the wound tonight, with most of their lineup resting. The season series weighed heavily in Chicago’s favor at 14-5, with Taylor Davis getting his first major league run-batted-in, a game winning double down the third base line. The Cubs hadn’t scored since a first inning Ian Happ solo home run. It was once again former Cub, Dexter Fowler, who tied it up in the 6th with a ground-out that scored Tommy Pham. Jen-Ho Tseng got his first win thanks to the game saving catch, and will apparently head to the bullpen for the Reds series finale at Wrigley Field. Tseng was called up from Iowa to hopefully fill a starting role, but was unimpressive in his September 14th debut against the Mets. Mike Montgomery will get the start instead.

I once again have to give credit to Ian Happ who continues to have an outstanding season. He got off to a rough start, as the team struggled early in the year. (See Posts #101 and #123). I also salute Kyle Schwarber, who battled back from a demotion to find his home run swing. Happ and Schwarber were the only two position players in today’s lineup that had played in at least 100 games. Kyle Hendricks struck out five and allowed four hits in five innings. Joe Maddon will have some tough decisions in determining a pitching rotation to compete with the Nationals, as the team begins post season play on October 6th. Lackey has lacked and Lester has been less, while Quintana showed some magic in Milwaukee. Hendricks has probably been the most consistent down the stretch, but far from the dominance he showed last year. Plus, the Nationals will have the home field edge.

There was a point this season, especially as they dropped that make-up game against the Brewers just before the All Star break to fall five games behind, that I thought that the party was over. Instead, it’s just beginning after an impressive 7-3 road trip. Go Cubs.

Old Sport Shorts: Sin to Win #280

September 28, 2017 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

It was not a good day to be a Cardinals fan, whether it’s St. Louis or Louisville. It truly was a sin that has taken Head Coach Rick Pitino off the University of Louisville bench, while die-hard Cardinal baseball fans undoubtedly see losing the Central Division Championship to the Cubs for the second straight year as an unforgivable sin. The Cubs celebrated their division clinching victory on the modern day Busch Stadium field for the very first time, as well as for the first time since 1938 on any Cardinal turf. They did what they have done since the All Star break, with one exception, and that was win or tie every series. The one series they lost to the Brewers at Wrigley Field was avenged in Milwaukee. One more game at Busch and three against the Reds at home will conclude the regular season. All indications are that their next challenge will be a five-game series against the Nats and their three exceptional starters in D.C. Once again, the objective is simply to win the series, and perhaps potentially move on to L.A.

There will be no home field advantage for the Cubs in the Playoffs because of their overall record that will barely exceed 90 wins. Two of their Playoff potential foes have already reached the 100-victory mark, the Dodgers and Indians, who both will seek revenge from last year’s post season. The Cubs have played the best baseball of any team in baseball the last half of the season, after struggling under the .500 mark prior to the break. Their pitching has been somewhat disappointing, interrupted by a few gems by Quintana and Lackey. The 1938 Cubs, who finished 89-63, were swept by the Yankees in the World Series. The 1935 Cubbies, who also clinched the Pennant at Busch Stadium, had that 21-game winning streak that was bested by the Indians this year. They lost the World Series to the Tigers after a 100-win season. Add 1910, 1918, 1929, 1932, 1935, and of course the 2016 crown to the short list of World Series appearances since the back-to-back accomplishment of 1907 and 1908. What are the chances of repeating that feat?

Meanwhile in Louisville, they’ve lost a coach, A.D., and two incoming prospects, with other repercussions expected. They boast the highest Adidas apparel contract in the nation that just cost them their future. These Cardinals won’t be heard from again for years in college basketball along with the programs from Arizona, Arkansas, Auburn, Oklahoma State, and U.S.C. Nike is also under investigation starting with their Elite Youth Basketball League, as the influences of the shoe industry start to include younger athletes. At least Louisville coaches are not yet facing criminal charges like these other major Universities, so we can’t, for now, call them “Jailbirds,” but as a bitter alumni of a nearby rival school, I can certainly “mock” them. They probably illegally stole some recruits from under our noses in Indiana. Admittedly, we were under the microscope ten years ago, and because of N.C.A.A. violations lost our credibility with five-star recruits. Now it’s there turn to pay the consequences.

Elsewhere in Chicagoland, the White Sox were the surprise spoiler in the Wild Card race, topping the Angels to the benefit of the Twins. That’s the only positive thing I can say about a team that is 34.5 games behind the A.L. Central Champion, Cleveland Indians. The Colorado Rockies continue to win, and will soon apparently clinch the last Wildcard spot, leaving the Brewers and Cardinals to prepare for next year. The Tigers and Giants will fight it out for the worst record of 2017. On the gridiron, the Chicago Bears, who won their first game of the season on Sunday, are proving to be little competition to the Packers, with a storm thankfully interrupting their poor start in Green Bay. The Cards and Cubs outcome has little significance, but I still watch with hopes for a Cubs series clincher to compliment the Division trophy. Does anyone have some salt to rub in the wound?

Old Sport Shorts: Da Bears #273

September 24, 2017 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

Rarely have I had a chance to write about Da Bears. I went to my last game at Soldier Field last Halloween, and saw a rare win over the Vikings the day after seeing the Cubs win game 5 of the World Series. Fellow I.U. alumni Jordan Howard was outstanding for the struggling Bears, as he was today versus the Pittsburgh Steelers. Although the Bears tried to shoot themselves in the foot several times, including a disastrous goal-line fumble and stepping out of bounds during a potential game-ending touchdown run, Howard carried them into the end zone for a 23-17 overtime victory. It looks like a big day for my favorite Chicago teams. The White Sox are beating the Royals 8-1 and the Cubs are one inning away from winning three in Milwaukee. Rarely, do I see all three Chicago teams victorious on the same day. Couple that with an I.U. football victory over Georgia Southern yesterday, and I probably couldn’t ask for much more this weekend. Although, the Cubs walk-off loss yesterday was painful and the Ducks fell short against Arizona State. Maybe the Timbers can also win later this afternoon.

Former White Sox, Jose Quintana, is two outs away from his 7th victory for the Cubs. Ryan Braun grounds out for the Brewers, who will fall to 9-10 on the season against the division leading Cubs. Travis Shaw pops out to complete the Quintana complete game shut-out. Three hits is all he allowed in the 5-0 victory, but most importantly the full nine inning performance was much needed for a tired Cub bullpen. The Magic Number drops to 2, as the Cubs travel to St. Louis for the next four games. Three out of four in Milwaukee was beyond my expectations, hoping simply for a draw. A split against the Cardinals would earn the Division title again! Holy Cow!

Seven games are left in the regular season, and the Cubs hold a 5.5 game lead on Milwaukee and 6 games on St. Louis, with a total of 87 victories. At this point, the Cubs will travel to Washington to play the Nats in the first series of the Playoffs. The Nationals have won 94 games, with Miami hardly providing any Division competition at 20.5 games behind. They’ve also lost 7 fewer games than the Cubs after winning today at the Mets. Scherzer got his 16th victory tying teammate Gonzales. Arrieta has 14 victories for the Cubs, matching the third Washington starter, Strasburg. It will be a tough away from home match-up for the defending World Champion Cubs, who won 2 out of 3 when they last met in August. The two potential Division Champions split in D.C. back in late June, and will probably meet again for a best of 5 starting October 6th. Go Cubs!

While the Cubs prepare to uncork the champagne, da Bears battle the Cheeseheads on Thursday night. After losses against Atlanta and Tampa Bay, a victory against a Division rival would even the score for the young season. The Pack is struggling today against the Bengals, so they are Bear vulnerable. Minnesota and Detroit are both already at 2-1 to lead the NFC North. I try to get excited about football, but with Indiana and Chicago as my favorites, I often find myself looking at baseball scores and wishing that basketball season would start. A rare weekend like this, where all my teams are winners, gives me false hope. Go Bears!

Old Sport Shorts: Cub Fanatic #271

September 24, 2017 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

I can’t think of a year in my life when I’ve followed the baseball season more closely. With the Cubs World victory last fall, I’ve been hooked on the little, round stitched-ball, anxious to find out if they can actually repeat the accomplishment. i went to a spring training game, the All-Star games, watched the action in several new stadiums, added to my baseball card collection, reported my experiences in this blog, and followed the M.L.B. Network religiously. I’m ready for the Post Season to start, but four teams, including the Cubs, have yet to cross the regular season finish line. The Cubs have 8 more games to play with a Magic Number of 4, striving for that 90 victory mark. I admit to being a fanatic!

The Cubs at Brewers series has been some of the most exciting baseball I’ve ever watched. Three straight 10-inning games to determine a Central Division Champ. The Brew Crew finally broke through with a walk-off victory yesterday and are now posed to tie the series. The third challenger, the Cardinals, were on a second-wind run, knowing that they have four home games against the Cubs starting tomorrow. The Cards had won four straight until last night’s loss against the Pirates, so they have once again slipped behind the pace of the Brewers. The Rockies continue to hold on to the final Wild Card spot, knowing that the Cubs, Brewers, and Cardinals will continue to play each other as the season comes to a close. The Brewers end their schedule with 3 critical games in St. Louis, while the Rockies have their final six games at home, even though the Dodgers loom as their finale foe.

All the Cubs have to do is patiently continue tying or winning each series, as they have most of September, with the miserable exception of the Brewers sweep at Wrigley. The I-90 season series is even at 9 games each, with today’s outcome to determine the better team. The Brewers were dominant the first half of the season, taking a five-game Central Division lead into the Break, but the Cubs now hold a 4.5 game lead over Milwaukee and 5 games above St. Louis. Wade Davis had a tough day yesterday at the end of a back-and-forth one-run battle. He entered the game in the bottom of the ninth to do what he’s done all year without fail – save another victory for the Cubs. He not only failed for the first time this season in that inning, but also blew the lead and game in the bottom of the tenth. He’s been a bit overused in this critical series, so I suspect that his delivery was a bit off, and will not appear again in today’s finale that should be another nail-biter.

If the Cards had won again last night, I would be even more worried today. They were in a position to pull off another Playoff-run miracle, as they did back in 2011, and maybe last night’s loss was only a small set-back. If they are somehow able to win all four games against the Cubs at Busch next week, a couple of fateful twists could lead to a Division Championship or at least a Wildcard spot. The Cardinals are not dead yet, and the Brewers were given new life in this time of Magic Numbers, late game heroics, and miracles. It’s not even the Playoffs, but it sure feels like it!

Retirement is not without Hassles: Activity Study #270

September 23, 2017 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

There was snow in the mountains this past week, along with cool temperatures in the city. Winter is on its way, as the local wineries begin to harvest their grapes and pumpkins start to appear on our doorsteps. A week from today I’ll be helping friends picks the fruits of their labor, as we continue to stay near home before next month’s busy travel schedule. Tonight is the first of three Field&Vine dinners that we’ve scheduled. We venture to Douglas Farm on Sauvie Island, along the Columbia River for this event, similar to the Outstanding In The Field dinners that we attend annually. Cornell Farms and Willakenzie Estate are the other two dining extravaganzas that we have pre-paid. I hope there’s a bonfire to keep us warm tonight.

In making the transition from a full time job to retirement, I’m consciously trying to constructively manage my time, when we aren’t traveling. I’m hoping to balance a variety of activities each day to keep life interesting. Here’s where my time goes on the average:

Sleep – 8 hours (33.3%)

Exercise – I hour (stretching, running, push-ups, sit-ups, walking) w/radio * (4.2%)

Hygiene – 1 hour (shower, shave, brush, prep, dress, etc.) (4.2%)

Dining – 1.5 hours (6.25%)

Pet Duty – 1 hour (walking, feeding, playing, kitty litter) (4.2%)

Errands – 1 hour (mail, gas, grocery, Target, vet, doctor, dry cleaning, meet-ups) (4.2%)

Household -1 hour (cleaning, repair, laundry, cooking, dishes) * (4.2%)

Writing – 2 hours (Blog, Poems/Diary/Budget)*(8.3%)

Computer – 2 hours – (Search/Phone/E-mail/Social Media/Solitaire Game/Collecting/Banking) * (8.3%)

Reading – 1.5 hours (Book, Newspaper, and Magazine) *(6.25%)

Television – 3.0 hours (Sports/News/Movies/Documentaries)*(12.5%)

Conversation – 1 hour (4.2%)

It looks like I spend only about 20% of my time on the move, so I need to work on getting that up to at least 25%. Regarding those activities marked with a (*), I’m typically multi-tasking with radio, television, phone, and/or computer. Right now, for example, I’m writing, plus watching a football game on T.V. and a Cubs game on my phone. I have a second computer on my desk that I use primarily for a Spider Solitaire game, so I’m constantly moving back-and-forth between computers as I try to gather my thoughts. A half-finished book always sits nearby that I will take outside on the back deck and read in the sunshine. I’ve been diagnosed with attention deficit issues that appear even more obvious when I try to determine how I spend my time. The T.V. is constantly on, and if I’m not within viewing range I usually have my earbuds in and the radio on, or I’ll simply go mobile with the program on my phone. I have to have background noise, so peace and quiet is not the norm for me. I should probably consider some unplugged meditation, but I can’t sit still that long. Even 15 minutes of quiet time would probably reduce my blood pressure levels that are typically high even with medication. I’m also concerned about my low levels of human interaction each day, considering that I only spend about an hour in uninterrupted face-to-face conversation. That’s a huge deviation from when I was working.

I think it’s helpful to study yourself from a time management standpoint. I’m at least not an unemployed slug, averaging over 12,000 steps a day with zero sick days. At some point, I’ll engage in some volunteer work, join a book club, take classes, and find other ways to stimulate more conversation. For now, I enjoy being a loner and a homer. However, I love date nights with my wife, lunch and happy hour meet-ups with my friends, travel, and baseball card shows. It’s enough to keep me content and happy with my adjustments as a recent retiree. As with anything, though, there’s always room for improvement, and I’ll keep studying those possibilities.

Old Sport Shorts: Et Tu Brewers #269

September 22, 2017 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

“Et tu, Brute?” This Latin phrase from Shakespeare expresses the surprise that Caesar felt as he was being stabbed to death. “Even You, Brutus?” is the translation of a friend’s betrayal. I’m sure the Brewers tonight feel like they’ve been stabbed by the Cubs the last two nights in the 10th inning. Et tu, Brewers? Miller Park sounded like the friendly confines of Wrigley Field, as the Cubs dealt a fatal blow, and the Magic Number is now down to 5 with nine games to go. The Cubbies are now at least assured of a series draw with the fading Brew Crew, thanks to a Tommy LaStella walk with the bases loaded. There is not enough beer in Milwaukee tonight to drown the sorrows of the Brewer faithful.

To get to this point, the lovable Cubs have won nine of their last ten games. They’ve been both lucky and good, and certainly good and lucky. These last two games have been real nail biters in a must-win series for both teams. While the Brewers have sputtered, the Cardinals have rebounded from the recent series sweep by the Cubs. The Cards have now won four straight and stand one game out of the Wild Card position, currently controlled by the Rockies. These three teams will be fighting for that last Wild Card spot, with the Cubs as the spoiler. Two more games against the Brewers and four in St. Louis still loom ahead for Chicago; not to mention the last three against the Reds. 86 victories for the year and counting, giving them potentially the worst record of the six Division Champs this season.

The Cubs have come through in Milwaukee, but the seventh and eighth innings of ballgames are their Achilles heel. They needed five pitchers tonight to finish and seven last night. This could be their downfall throughout the Playoffs. The Indians are sizzling, the Cards hot, the Red Sox on a roll, and the Dodgers back on their feet, while the Cubs are just getting by. I’m not complaining, just concerned. The last back-to-back Champion was 17 years ago, as the Yankees claimed a three-peat. The last National League team to do it was the Cincinnati Reds 41 years ago, while the last time for the Cubs was back 110 years. I know the team overcame impossible odds to win it all last year, but I don’t think they have the pitching depth to pull it off again in 2017. However, I’d love for them to prove me wrong! Et tu!

Old Sport Shorts: Trouble Brewing #266

September 19, 2017 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

The Cubs escaped with an opening game 2-1 victory in Tampa Bay, just as the Brewers topped the Pirates in Pittsburgh and the Cardinals won in Cincinnati after needing an extra inning. A dirty dozen games to go for the Cubs, with nine on the road. It won’t be easy, especially with only a 3.5 game lead on the Brewers and 6 on the Cardinals. The Cardinals are always a worry, but the Brewers are my biggest concern. The Cubs were five games behind them at the All Star break, despite a 5-3 head-to-head record. However, the Brewers have rebounded with a 5-2 record against the second-half Cubs, but haven’t fared as well against other clubs. The Magic Number is now 9, after an impressive 7-game winning streak, that will probably end this week given the level of competition. To end the season with a 16-game winning streak, including 10 on the road would seal the Central Division crown. However, realistically so would just winning or tying all four remaining battles.

The Cubs should win at least 90 games if they are playoff worthy, and have shown a strong finish considering they were 43-45 at the break. A conservative projection of a 90-72 record would mean a record of 47-27 (.635) in the second half of the season. At the same time, it would be disappointing if they dropped to .500 ball going into the playoffs, but considering the tough road schedule, and hopefully the opportunity to rest some players when the Reds come to town, mediocrity would get the job done. The Cubs have owned St. Louis this year with an 11-4 record, but Milwaukee now has that 8-7 edge and a 3-game winning streak as we near the final 4-game series this weekend. Winning that series in Milwaukee would settle the season score and give the Cubs playoff momentum. The Cardinals and Reds wouldn’t really matter at that point!

Let’s hope this streak goes at least 11-straight. The Cubbies won five straight in June, six consecutive in July, 5 more in August, and then went into September with 6 in a row. The current September streak of 7 is the longest this year, but 11 would seal the deal. In fact, with Cleveland stealing the Cubs 1935 record of 21 straight victories, it’s time for this team to put its stamp on history. I think the Indians will definitely be waiting for a World Series rematch.

Old Sport Shorts: Black Sox #264

September 19, 2017 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

I should feel good that the Cubs swept the Cardinals at Wrigley, exactly what they needed to do to start showing dominance in the Central. It’s also what they should have done to the Brewers last weekend, instead the tables were turned. All the Cubs really needed to do was win or tie all of their remaining series, but the Brew Crew was not to be denied The Cubs are on a 6-game winning streak with 13 games left on the schedule, and about to go on a decisive ten-game road trip. The road to the playoffs passes precariously through St. Louis and Milwaukee, and I’m on the edge of my seat. The Brewers have two more games with the Pirates, 4 with the Cubs, 3 with the Reds, and 2 with the Cardinals, and remain 3 games out of the Division lead or two games out of the Wild Card. The Cards may very well be out of contention after the trip to Wrigley and falling six games behind, but will play a major role in the playoff picture. They finish the season with two games against the Brewers, but more importantly have an opportunity to seek revenge on the Cubs directly, with the four-game series at Busch. Will they be a best friend or worst enemy?

I always worry about former Cub, Dexter Fowler, who always seems to come up big. He hit a three-run homer to tie the final game of the series, when it looked like the Cardinals couldn’t score. It was then former Cardinal, Jason Heyward, who put the Cubs back in front. I did breathe a sigh of relief as Wade Davis , thinking he had given up a go-ahead home run to Fowler in the ninth, thankfully watched the ball become a routine fly to deep center. It’s situations like this that show that the Cubs and closer Davis are vulnerable. The only blown save he has this year was in the All-Star Game, as the Cubs sole player representative. (See Post #174). The Cardinals, in general, make me nervous, especially Yadi Molina and Dexter Fowler. The Cubs have four more games against them this year.

The Cubs are 11-5 in September, while the Brewers are 10-6, including a major set-back in Cincinnati with three losses to the last place Reds. This was just before their sweep of the first place Cubs, that also cost them the services of starting pitcher, Jimmy Nelson. The Central Division is mediocre, and yet the Cubs can’t take command. This is what worries me about the Cub playoff chances. They’re in Tampa Bay tonight for a Joe Madden homecoming, and can’t afford to look beyond these games to the upcoming showdown. If they can go 6-4 on this road trip and don’t let down against the Reds, they should clinch the Division. If they go 4-6, they may still have a shot at a Wild Card. That depends on Colorado, and their remaining games against the Giants, Padres, Marlins, and Dodgers. What they can’t afford is another road trip disaster, like the trip to California earlier this year. (see Post #101). Hopefully, they’ll leave their leisure suits behind.

Over the weekend, while I was enjoying the Cubs success against the Cards, I went to a baseball card show and was given a copy of the Chicago Daily News from September 28, 1920. That was 97 years ago, and the headline reads: “EIGHT OF WHITE SOX INDICTED.” The paper came out just after a Sox victory over the Tigers, positioning them just a half-game behind the first place Indians, as they hit the road for St. Louis to play the Browns. Charles A. Comiskey, owner of the team, suspended all eight players from organized baseball that day, and virtually eliminated any chance of winning the American League pennant. Of the three remaining games, the Sox were able to win just one, while the Indians won 4 of 6, claiming the crown by a two-game spread, and eventually winning the World Series over the Brooklyn Robins. I was aware of the 1919 “Black Sox Scandal” as part of the 1919 World Series that enabled the Cincinnati Reds to win it all, but I didn’t realize how the timing of these charges affected the 1920 White Sox team. In effect, the gambling scandal really cost the White Sox TWO World Series Championships!

Eddie Chicotte told the jury he received $10,000 to “throw” the series and that “Shoeless” Joe Jackson got $5,000. “It (the money) was placed under my pillow in the hotel the night before the first game of the series,” according to the article. “Chick” Gandil, former first baseman for the Sox, reportedly acted as the chief go-between with the Rothstein gang. Charles Risberg, Happy Felsch, Claude Williams, Buck Weaver, and Fred McMullin were the other suspended players. The 1921 White Sox fell to 7th place in the American League standings, and it wouldn’t be until 2005 that they won another World Series. Before the scandal, the Sox had beaten the Cubs in the 1906 Championship and beat the New York Giants in 1917 to claim the title. Cicotte, Felsch, Gandil, Jackson, and Weaver all won rings for the Sox, but World War I cost them a chance to repeat, and the scandal effectively ended their careers. This year’s White Sox will finish over 30 games out of first place in the AL Central, and perhaps with the worst record in baseball.

Chicago baseball is at two extremes this season, but has a history of misfortune. I would hate to see the Cubs make headlines for a late season collapse. There’s still a chance for back-to back titles, but the Brewers and Cardinals are first to stand in the way. On the actual 97th anniversary of the “Black Sox Scandal,” as the Cubs face the Cardinals for the final time this season, the fate of the 2017 Cubs will be much clearer.

Old Sport Shorts: Fan Cam #261

September 14, 2017 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

The Cardinals won today at Busch Stadium, setting up a critical series this weekend at Wrigley. Even with a Cubs victory against the Mets today, the Cardinals can move into at least a tie with a 3-game sweep over their rivals. However, the “BIG” news in St. Louis happened during yesterday’s 6-0 loss. What happened on the BIG screen was a BIG surprise. With the fan cam on her, a woman, rumored to be a dancer, pulled up her shirt and flashed the crowd. It may have produced the biggest roar by the crowd all day, as the Cardinals were shut-out by the bottom dwelling Reds. I’m actually surprised that this hasn’t happened before, and perhaps sets the stage for a trend. A topless dancer by the name of “Busty Heart” was also thrown out of Busch Stadium years ago, but she never got on camera. Chances are that in both cases too much Budweiser was involved!

I’m sure she was seeking publicity for her profession, and what better way than the BIG screen! Apparently there is no delay on the in-house video system, since that probably takes all the fun out of seeing yourself on T.V. It reminds me of the “fan on the field,” craze, eventually highlighted by Morganna, the Kissing Bandit. Streakers also sought attention, hoping to appear BIGGER than real life on television, as we got BIGGER and BIGGER screens at home. For both men and women, it provided an opportunity to magnify your possible shortcomings, because size matters. Is BIGGER really better? Remember the movie, “Attack of the Fifty Foot Woman?” They don’t get much bigger than that, and the Busch screen is only 32 feet high. Look out Dallas!

On-field security has tightened up substantially because of streakers, exhibitionists, bandits, and flag burners. Now, it will be the “Kiss Cam” that faces more scrutiny. Until then, children hide your eyes. In my experience, it was the Indianapolis 500 that became famous for “Show Us Your T***!!!” I’m sure the Clydesdales were talking among themselves. When baseball games are lopsided, the fans get restless, and high jinks like this happen. Did a mention that “The King of Beers” might have played a role? When offered a 16-ounce Bud or a 12-ounce Bud, most will take the BIGGER size, especially if it’s the seventh inning. As they say in St. Louis, “This Boob’s For You!”

Old Sport Shorts: Freak Streaks #259

September 13, 2017 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

I’m enjoying some baseball history today, starting with an early morning Indians vs. Tigers game. It’s been a year of streaks and sweeps, as is typical with the game of baseball. However, there have been some monumental moments in 2017, including the current 20-game winning streak of the Cleveland Indians. As the Tribe goes for an American League record today, I’ll be their biggest fan. I thought the Cubs were finally on a roll at the end of July, and wrote about the 1935 club that won 21 straight games. (See Post #181) The Indians can tie that today with a victory over the Tigers. It only seems appropriate that the Cubs and Indians could share history today, especially since they were the two teams that everyone was talking about as the season started. The Cubs, of course, had edged them in the World Series last fall, leaving Cleveland with a 69-year title drought and a chip on their shoulder. It may be their turn this year!

The 1935 Cubs won 100 games, led by Hall of Famer, Gabby Hartnett with a .344 batting average. Pitchers Lon Warneke and Bill Lee each won 20 games. It was the last time that the Cubs were in the World Series, until their victory last year. That team lost the World Series to the Tigers, who gained some revenge for losses in 1907 and 1908 to the World Champion Cubs. Detroit’s Ty Cobb never won a World Series ring, but at least was alive to witness the redeeming rematch. It was the rival Cardinals that eventually ended the 21-game streak in St. Louis. It’s regarded as the second longest in modern day baseball, exceeded only by the 1916 New York Giants.

Some may say that the Cubs actually had the longest streak, since the Giants run was interrupted by a tie. It was actually 14 consecutive victories, a 1-1 tie with Pittsburgh, and 14 more before the Boston Braves beat them in the second game of a doubleheader. All 26 of these victories took place at the legendary Polo Grounds ballpark, so none were on the road! Hall of Fame pitcher Christy Mathewson was their biggest star. Despite this remarkable season-ending run, they would finish no higher than 4th in the National League, amassing 86 total victories but finishing seven games behind the Brooklyn Robins. The team had also won 17 consecutive games earlier in the season, so over half of their wins were part of these two streaks. The Boston Red Sox defeated the Robins four games to one to take the World Series crown.

As the 2017 Indians take a 4-1 early lead over the Tigers, edging closer to the 1935 Cubs standard, I’m wondering if they can challenge that 1916 record? It would be nice to see that controversial tie as no longer a factor in the record. Cleveland tied the American League record yesterday of 20 straight, set by the 2002 Oakland Athletics. The “Moneyball” A’s also failed to make it to the World Series, despite 103 victories. They lost to Minnesota in the A.L. Division Series, proving once again that long streaks and winning 100 plus games does not win World Series. However, the 1906 Chicago White Sox and the 1947 New York Yankees, both of which won 19 straight regular season games, also won the World Series.

The “Hitless Wonders” of 1906 somehow beat the Cubs in the World Series in one of the biggest upsets of the Fall Classic. The Cubs had won a record 116 games, but Sox pitcher, Ed Walsh, shut them down to win it all in six games. The New York Yankees of 1947, led by Joe DiMaggio, beat the Brooklyn Dodgers and Jackie Robinson to punctuate their 19-game streak. Going back in time, the 1904 New York Giants, who initially held the record, won 18 consecutive ballgames and 106 for the season, but no World Series was contested that year due to a dispute between the American and National leagues. Hall of Fame pitchers Joe McGinnity won 35 games that season, and teammate Christy Mathewson accounted for 33 victories. Finally, the 1953 Yankees matched the Giants’ 18-game mark, and went on to win the World Series. Yankee Hall of Fame notables included Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Phil Rizzuto, and Whitey Ford. The Bronx Bombers beat the Brooklyn Dodgers, in spite of falling one-game short of 100 regular season victories. The Yankees, who did it twice, and the White Sox are the only teams to have recorded both regular season streaks and to win it all. Can Cleveland join them?

The Indians just made a throwing error, but maintain a 1-run lead thanks to a Jay Bruce three-run homer. They have a 13.5-game lead over the Minnesota Twins in the A.L. Central, who will probably be good enough to win a Wild Card spot along with the Yankees. The Red Sox and Astros will fill the A.L. field of five. While the Indians can hopefully extend their winning streak, the Dodgers finally snapped an 11-game losing streak. This was a team that was destined to threaten the Cubs and Mariners 116 victory record, but got stuck on win number 92, after needing eight games to win just one. They’ve now lost 16 of their last 18 games but still maintain a 10-game lead over the Wild Card bound D-Backs. They finally clinched last night to join the Nationals in the post season. Meanwhile, the Cubs, Brewers, Cardinals, and Rockies will fight for those other two Playoff spots. The Cubs lead in the Central has shrunk to 2 over the Cards and 2.5 over the Brewers. All three teams won last night, but the Cubs and Cards will go head-to-head this weekend. The Brewers who swept the Cubs at Wrigley then proceeded to get shut-out by the Pirates. It seems that no one wants to take command of that Division, and whoever finishes second will probably not earn a Wild Card.

The Cubs play the Mets today and the Cards face the Reds, but the spotlight really belongs to the Indians. They’ve earned my vote as the most likely to return to the World Series, especially after this record setting run. The Cubs do not have that kind of resume to support their post season chances. They were, however, 5 games behind the Brewers at the All Star Break, and have won or tied all of their series until the Brewers came to town. To have Willson Contreras back behind the plate is a plus for the Cubs, while the Brewers lost starting pitcher Jimmy Nelson for the year. Dexter Fowler will be out for a few games for the Cards with a knee contusion, but will undoubtedly return to haunt his former teammates this weekend. Perez just homered for the Indians in the bottom of the 7th to extend their lead to two over the Tigers.

It’s the top of the ninth, and the last chance for the Tigers to snap the 21-game streak. The fans are on their feet, as closer Cody Allen puts on the finishing touches. With the final out, the Cleveland Indians now hold the American League record, surpassing the Oakland A’s, and are tied with the 1935 Chicago Cubs. I have mixed feelings about them taking away a Cubs record, but after that World Series victory from last year, I’m prepared to make a sacrifice. The Royals are next to challenge.