The entire Cubs team will wear No. 14 in honor of Ernie Banks on Sunday, July 12 at Wrigley Field The Cubs and White Sox will honor their legends “Mr. Cub” Ernie Banks and “Mr. White Sox” Minnie Minoso, both of whom passed away this off-season, when they face each other for the Crosstown Cup Series at Wrigley Field July 10-12 and at U.S. Cellular Field August 14-16. On Sunday, July 12, the entire Cubs team will wear No. 14 throwback uniforms from 1958 in honor of Hall of Famer Ernie Banks. … [Read more...]
The Daily CCO: Changes Coming to the Cubs Bullpen? And Other News and Notes
What was viewed as a strength of the team coming out of Spring Training has turned into a glaring weakness for the Chicago Cubs. And for the fourth time in four seasons a bad bullpen is costing the Cubs games. Prior to this year, the Cubs were not expected to win games. Jed Hoyer has used the phrase “puncher’s chance” on numerous occasions to describe the odds the front office put on the big league team to compete in the three previous seasons under their leadership. This year is different, … [Read more...]
Cubs Franchise Four
Major League Baseball is asking for fans to vote on the four players who best represent the history of each franchise. And the players that receive the most votes will be revealed at the All-Star Game in Cincinnati on July 14. Some of the best players in the history of the game have played for the Cubs at one point during their career. But when one talks about the best players in the history of the Chicago National League Ball Club, several come to mind without having to give it too much … [Read more...]
Cubs to Honor Ernie Banks on Opening Night, Throughout the 2015 Season
Chicago Cubs to Host Opening Homestand of 2015 Season at Wrigley Field, April 5-8 Ernie Banks to be honored during MLB’s Season Opener and throughout the 2015 season The 2015 Major League Baseball season will officially kick off at Wrigley Field this Sunday, April 5, at 7:05 p.m. as the Chicago Cubs host Opening Night vs. the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals remain in town for a three-game series until Wednesday, April 8, when the Cubs conclude their opening homestand, then head to Union … [Read more...]
Cubs Paying Ernie Banks’ Funeral Expenses
The Chicago Cubs handled what could have added to the ongoing court battle over Ernie Banks’ estate. Donnellan Funeral Home filed a claim in court last Wednesday for reportedly more than $35,000 to cover the expenses the funeral home incurred for Ernie Banks’ funeral. The Sun-Times first learned that the Ricketts family and the team stepped up to pay Mr. Banks’ funeral expenses. Julian Green said last week, “We learned of the story through the news media, saw that the funeral home had … [Read more...]
The Daily CCO: Starlin Castro is Ready to Win, Cubs News from Day Five of Camp Maddon
Countdown to Cubs Cactus League Openers: 8 days The first full squad workout takes place for the Chicago Cubs today. Position players had to be in Mesa Tuesday. Tom Ricketts, Theo Epstein and Joe Maddon will address the players before practice and the Cubs’ Chairman is also expected to meet with the media. Tom Ricketts and Mayor John Giles were part of a large group Tuesday at the Cubs facility to dedicate the name change at the team’s spring home. Sloan Park looks ready for the exhibition … [Read more...]
The Daily CCO: Welington Castillo Wants to Stay with the Cubs, News from Day One of Camp Maddon
Countdown to the Cubs Cactus League Openers: 12 days Welington Castillo met with the media Friday and discussed his situation with the beat reporters. Castillo does not want to be traded. Castillo would like to stay with the organization that signed him when he was 17 years old. Castillo said he put too much pressure on himself last year instead of just having fun and playing the game. Joe Maddon said it would not be impossible for the Cubs to carry three catchers, but it would take … [Read more...]
Cubs Announce Plans to Honor Ernie Banks, Includes Wearing a No. 14 Patch on Home and Away Jerseys
The Cubs announced plans to honor Ernie Banks during Spring Training, Opening Night at Wrigley Field and throughout the 2015. Beginning in Spring Training and continuing throughout the 2015 season, the team will wear a commemorative No. 14 patch on both its home and away jerseys. The Cubs will open their Spring Training schedule by wearing No. 14 hats during both split squad games March 5, with additional acknowledgments planned for that day’s opening game at Sloan Park. Mr. Banks will be … [Read more...]
The Daily CCO: Baseball Begins, News and Notes the Day Before Cubs Pitchers and Catchers Report
Countdown to Pitchers and Catchers Reporting to Mesa: 1 day Baseball’s off-season officially comes to an end today as five teams open camp in Arizona and Florida. For the Cubs, the team wraps up its organizational meetings today as the early birds to Mesa continue to get their work in. It’s been one of the most active off-seasons in the history of the game, and the Cubs were right in the middle of the action throughout the winter. The team has transitioned from building mode to focusing on … [Read more...]
The Daily CCO: Scouts Really Like Jorge Soler and Other Cubs News and Notes
Countdown to Pitchers and Catchers Reporting to Mesa: 2 days With so much attention being paid to the Cuban players throughout the game, could the Cubs have the best young hitter of the bunch in their organization? According to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick, the recurring theme from the Latin scouts he’s talked to is “of the young Cuban hitters, they love Jorge Soler most of all.” Some talent evaluators think Jorge Soler could end up the best big leaguer among the impressive group of position … [Read more...]