Stuff for Sports Fans

Can you imagine how long ago 1908 is? At that time, federal spending amounted to $0.66 billion and jobless stood at 8.0%. The cost of a first-class stamp was $0.02. In 1908, the Chicago Cubs did not even have a home yet at Wrigley Field. They played the 1908 World Series at West Side Park which was located on a little block bounded by Congress, Loomis, Harrison and Throop Streets. Better yet, the Cubs at that time even had a dissimilar name. They were then known as the White Stockings. However, that was then and this is now and 2008 is shaping up to be a historical ride in the baseball world. As of this writing, the Cubs are 76-48 with a 5 game lead over Milwaukee. From June 2nd, 2007 through June 16th, 2008, the Cubs have posted a record of 108-71 (.603 winning percentage). This is the best record in baseball over that span.

In 2008, the Cubs lead in most major league baseball statistics. The Cubs are original in the NL in runs. Their rotation has the best ERA in the league. They’re 44-17 at Wrigley Field, possessing the best home record in the NL. And they havn’t been out of initial place in 91 days. This team has been expertly constructed. It has outstanding leadership in the clubhouse, a outstanding manager in the dugout. General manager Jim Hendry is known in baseball circles as a player development guy. He believes good franchises are built through the draft, through instruction. On July 26, the Brewers and Cubs were tied for initial in the division, and the instinctive seemed to be in Milwaukee’s favor. Then, the Cubs did what good teams do. They made a statement. Actually, they made four of them in sweeping a series at Miller Park. Now, their four-game lead in the NL Central is the second-largest in all of baseball. They’re the initial NL club to reach 70 victories, and at a time when the games mean the most, the Cubs have won 10 of 13.

This team seems destined for larger and better postseason wins. Yes, they have a great deal of bullpen issues that still register galore concerns. Only four teams have blown more saves, and Kerry Wood’s health will be a concern through the end. But since Wood begun suffering from a blister problem, the Cubs have the lowest bullpen ERA in the NL. Carlos Marmol has rediscovered his 98 mph magic, and the Cubs have gotten a gift from the baseball gods in 23-year-old Jeff Samardzija. So even with Wood hurting, the Cubs still have a deep, gifted bullpen. The Cardinals and Brewers likewise have bullpen issues, but they don’t have as numerous good arms as the Cubs.

The final push over the finish line will be provided by the often maligned and much misunderstood manager Sweet Lou. Lou has one World Series win already and also 4 prior Divisional Titles beneath his belt. Known for his often aggressive and at times explosive behavior, Lou has the clubhouse in order and a deep understanding of what buttons to press and when. Seasoned leadership may never be discounted. Lou has been in this position before. Remember, Lou played and managed in the Yankee zoo for eleven seasons. In that time period, the bronx bombers won five AL East titles (1976-78, 1980 and 1981), four AL pennants (1976-78 and 1981), and two World Series championships (1977-78). After center fielder Mickey Rivers was traded, for the duration of the 1979 season, Piniella became the Yankee leadoff hitter. One of the more underrated players of the 1970s (he made just one all star team), he compiled 1705 lifetime hits in spite of not playing full time for just beneath half of his career. This man is a winner and has transformed the lovable losers of yesteryear into a cool, effective club with rather a swagger.

Reaching the World Series was always the primary dream of any die hard Cubs fan. They will do that this year. Maybe we may sneak in another little dream and get to play the other Chicago team on the south side. Go Cubbies!

Chicago Cubs 1908 Cooperstown Official

Get back to your Chicago origins with this vintage Chicago Cubs 1908 Cooperstown Official Logo Tee from Majestic. Features screen printed throwback vintage logo on chest.

Chicago Cubs 1908 Cooperstown Official Picture

Chicago Cubs 1908 Cooperstown Official Photo

Chicago Cubs 1908 Cooperstown Official Pic

Chicago Cubs 1908 Cooperstown Official Image