Rest in peace, Ernie Banks

The City of Chicago and the country is mourning the loss of the back-to-back National League MVP  (1958-59) and the first African-American player on the Cubs also known as "Mr. Cub," Ernie Banks. 

The shortstop known for his positive personality and dedicated loyalty to the Cubs passed away on Friday, January 23 at the age of 83. 

Ernie Banks in 2014 (Chicago Tribune photo)

I feel very lucky to have met Mr. Banks on a couple of occasions and he always made me feel like I was the most important person he was talking to and that he genuinely cared about our conversation. 

Ernie Banks at Wrigley Field in the 1970s (Chicago Tribune photo)

Reading quotes, tweets and comments from others about Mr. Banks only solidifies my feelings for him even more.  Here's what some had to say:

"Approachable, ever optimistic and kindhearted, Ernie Banks is and always will be Mr. Cub.  My family and I grieve the loss of such a great and good-hearted man, but we look forward to celebrating Ernie's life in the days ahead."  --Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts

"He was always an individual who was the happy type.  He was always an optimist.  You only saw the cheerful side of Ernie."  --Teammate and Hall of Fame Member Fergie Jenkins

"Mr Cub.  What you have done for the game of baseball and the city of Chicago and everyone you have ever touched will never be forgotten.  RIP"  --Tweet from Anthony Rizzo

"New to the @cubs family but always admired Ernie Banks. Mr. Cub's play on the field was only matched by his demeanor off of it. #LetsPlayTwo"  --Tweet from new Cubs Pitcher Jon Lester

"Ernie actually didnt get ENOUGH credit as player bc never talked about himself. He was way more interested in the person he was talking to"  --Tweet from Len Kasper

"RIP Ernie banks/ sad day for Chicago and cubs nation - great human being"  --Tweet from actor and Chicago native John Cusack

"We lost a legend tonight. Sad night."  --New Cubs Outfielder Dexter Fowler

And there are many, many more if you scan Twitter, the internet or the media.  Here's a link from the Chicago Tribune to an in-depth article that's worth reading about Mr. Cub.  

Ernie Banks hit his 500th career home run on May 12, 1970 (Chicago Tribune photo)

Even though Mr. Banks was an amazing player, he never talked about himself or touted his accomplishments.  Banks is the Cubs' all-time leader in games played (2,528), at-bats (9,421), home runs (512), total bases (4,706) and extra-base hits (1,009).

Mr. Cub was second in all-time hits (2,583), home runs (512) and RBIs (1,636) for the Cubs franchise during his 19 seasons played from 1953-1971.  

Banks was a National League All-Star for 11 seasons and played in 14 All-Star games.  Mr. Cub hit his 500th career home run in 1970 and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977.  More recently, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in 2013.

Ernie Banks is awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama on November 20, 2013 (Chicago Tribune photo)

Banks coached for the Cubs until 1973, served as a minor-league instructor from 1974-76 and also worked in the Cubs front office.  His uniform No. 14 was the first one to be retired by the Cubs organization and can be seen on game days on the left field foul pole.

Mr. Cub will always be remembered in the minds of so many and his contribution to baseball and everyone he met will definitely live on.  Let's play two!

Welcome to 2015!

Welcome to 2015, which is sure to be a milestone year for the Cubs.  There was much excitement at the 30th Annual Cubs Convention, which was held last weekend (January 16-18) at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers.  

Current and past Cubs players on stage during the Opening Ceremonies of the Cubs Convention (photo by Karen Burchell)

This was my 7th Convention and the mood during the weekend was noticeably different than in previous years.  Cubs fans were pumped, energized and seemed to have a renewed outlook on a team that's ready to compete, rather than "re-build." 

For the first time in years, Convention passes and hotel rooms sold out before the Convention started, which I think is a sign of things to come!  All of the panels were packed and had people standing in the back of the ballrooms and flowing into the hallway.

Fans were the most excited to see Joe Maddon, the new Cubs manager, Jon Lester, the new Cubs starting pitcher, Anthony Rizzo, Starlin Castro and top prospect Kris Bryant.  

New Cubs Manager Joe Maddon shakes hands with Cubs Alumni during the Opening Ceremonies of the Cubs Convention (photo by Karen Burchell)

Cubs Shortstop and All-Star Starlin Castro walks out during the Opening Ceremonies of the Cubs Convention (photo by Karen Burchell)

Top prospect Kris Bryant on stage during the Opening Ceremonies of the Cubs Convention (photo by Karen Burchell)

Another highlight of the weekend:
I, along with approximately 550 other guests, had the great opportunity to attend Kerry Wood and the Wood Family Foundation's (WFF) 4th Annual Woody's Winter Warm-Up on Friday, January 16th.

The event had a new venue this year, which was Harry Caray's 7th Inning Stretch Restaurant and Chicago Sports Museum located in Water Tower Place on the 7th Floor.  The Plain White T's performed while guests mingled with Cubs players and local celebrities, who also took turns guest bartending to earn tips to benefit the WFF.

I got a chance to get a photo with former Cubs Pitcher (and the event host) Kerry Wood

The night raised over $100,000 for the Wood Family Foundation's "Pitch In" program.  This is always an event I look forward to each year, because not only is it a lot of fun, it's a wonderful feeling to also know that my support ends up helping children through the Wood Family Foundation's programs.

Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo gets ready to guest bartend during Woody's Winter Warm-Up (photo by Karen Burchell)

Now that the Cubs Convention is over and there are just 28 days until pitchers and catchers report to spring training, I am thoroughly looking forward to this season.  As Chairman Tom Ricketts mentioned at the Opening Ceremonies, "Let's Go!"

Cubs and Wrigley Field are officially decked out for the holiday season; Cubs roster changes; Spring Training schedule released

The Cubs were busy kicking off the holiday season today at Wrigley Field.  The day started early as Cubs outfielder David DeJesus and his wife Kim were at the Friendly Confines for a live broadcast on WGN-TV's morning show to support the Toy Drive.  The toys collected at Wrigley Field will be donated to Jennifer Hudson’s Julian D. King Gift Foundation.

The Tree Lighting ceremony took place at 5pm under the Wrigley Field marquee and had a good turnout, as I was there to join in the festivities.  David and Kim DeJesus helped light the tree, which was designed by Christy Webber Landscapes.  The funny thing is that Webber mentioned that she's actually a Sox fan (which Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts later joked that she "could have left out that piece of information").  Webber said the good part about her rooting for the Southsiders is that she won't be asking Ricketts for any Cubs tickets.  Haha.

Also present at the Tree Lighting was Cubs Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins, Todd Ricketts (Cubs Board of Directors), Crane Kenney (President of Business Operations) and lots of Cubs personnel.  There was also complimentary hot chocolate and cookies for attendees, which was a nice touch!

After the tree lighting, the Cubs offered free skating at the Rink at Wrigley, as well as free popcorn and hot chocolate and coffee.  The rink is located in the Cubs’ parking lot at the corner of Clark and Waveland.  For skating fees and hours, visit www.rinkatwrigley.com.

Below are some photos I took at the Tree Lighting ceremony:

Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts addresses the crowd at the Tree Lighting ceremony (photo by Karen Burchell)

The DeJesus family at the Tree Lighting ceremony at Wrigley Field (photo by Karen Burchell)

The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Wrigley Field kicked off the holiday season (photo by Karen Burchell)

Before and after the Christmas tree lighting at Wrigley Field on Friday night (photo by Karen Burchell)

In other Cubs news, the team decided to non-tender third baseman Ian Stewart, who is now a free agent.  Stewart's 2012 season was cut short after only playing 55 games due to a wrist injury, which he ended up having surgery for.  There's still a chance the Cubs will still negotiate a new contract with Stewart, especially since there isn't an abundance of available third basemen both in and out of the Cubs organization.

The Cubs decided to non-tender third baseman Ian Stewart before Friday's deadline (Chicago Tribune photo)

Right-handed pitcher Casey Coleman cleared waivers after being designated for assignment earlier this week in order to make room on the 40-man roster for recently acquired right-handed pitcher Scott Feldman, who came to the Cubs from the Texas Rangers and signed a one-year, $6 million deal and is expected to be a part of the 2013 starting rotation.  Coleman was assigned outright to Triple-A Iowa today.

The Cubs signed a one-year contract with right handed pitcher Scott Feldman (AP photo)

The Cubs also signed right-handed pitcher Scott Baker to a one-year, $5.5 million contract on November 13th.  Feldman and Baker will join Jeff Samardzija, Matt Garza and Travis Wood in the Cubs' rotation, even though GM Jed Hoyer says the team may not be finished shopping for starting pitchers yet.

The Cubs signed a one-year contract with right-handed pitcher Scott Baker

The Cubs hired 25-year old Scott Harris as their new Director of Baseball Operations on Thursday.  Harris spent the last two years with Major League Baseball as the league’s Coordinator of Major League Operations.  Harris also interned for the Cincinnati Reds in 2010 and the Washington Nationals in 2008. 

The Cubs released their spring training schedule earlier today, which includes 17 home dates at HoHoKam Park, 16 Cactus League road games and two games in Las Vegas against the Texas Rangers.  The Cubs will open their schedule on February 23 against the Los Angeles Angels in Tempe, AZ and end it on March 28 against the Seattle Mariners.

Individual tickets for home games at HoHoKam Park can be purchased starting January 4th at cubs.com or by calling 1-800-905-3315.  Below is the 2013 spring training schedule, with all games beginning at 1:05 p.m. Arizona time unless otherwise noted:

Date	Opponent	Location
Feb. 23	Los Angeles (AL)	Tempe
Feb. 24	San Francisco	Mesa
Feb. 25	Los Angeles (NL)	Glendale
Feb. 26	Colorado	Mesa
Feb. 27	Los Angeles (NL)	Mesa
Feb. 28	Oakland	Mesa
March 1	Arizona	Mesa
March 2	San Francisco	Scottsdale
March 3	Milwaukee (ss)	Mesa
March 3	Los Angeles (AL/ss)	Tempe
March 4	Cleveland	Mesa
March 5	Colorado	Scottsdale (1:10 p.m.)
March 6	Texas	Surprise
March 7	White Sox	Mesa
March 8	Cincinnati	Goodyear (7:05 p.m.)
March 9	Cleveland	Mesa
March 10	San Diego	Mesa
March 11	Arizona	Scottsdale
March 12	OFF DAY
March 13	Colorado	Mesa
March 14	Los Angeles (NL)	Glendale
March 15	White Sox	Glendale (12:05 p.m.)
March 16	Kansas City (ss)	Mesa
March 16	Texas (ss)	Las Vegas (game time TBD)
March 17	Oakland (ss)	Phoenix
March 17	Texas (ss)	Las Vegas (game time TBD)
March 18	San Diego	Peoria
March 19	Texas	Mesa
March 20	OFF DAY
March 21	Seattle	Peoria
March 22	Milwaukee	Maryvale
March 23	Los Angeles (AL)	Mesa
March 24	Cleveland	Goodyear
March 25	San Francisco	Mesa
March 26	Cincinnati	Mesa (7:05 p.m.)
March 27	Kansas City	Surprise (6:05 p.m.)
March 28	Seattle	Mesa (12:05 p.m.)

Hope everyone enjoys the unseasonable 'warmer' weather in Chicago this weekend, as there's sure to be more Cubs news next week!  And for those of you not in Chicago, hope you have a great weekend as well!

Bryan LaHair leads Cubs to walk-off win to end the season

The Cubs ended their rough 2012 season with a walk-off win against the Houston Astros as Bryan LaHair's RBI single scored pinch runner Darwin Barney for the exciting 5-4 win at Wrigley Field on a cloudy Wednesday afternoon.

Darwin Barney and teammates congratulate each other after ending the 2012 season with a win (photo by Karen Burchell)

I was at the game when I saw the @Cubs tweet "We've got two dugout box seats for our final seat upgrade of the season. First person at today's game to send their full seat location wins."  I then immediately tweeted them my seat location and was pleasantly surprised to see Kevin from the Cubs show up to tell me that I had won the seat upgrade!

My daughter and I then moved to the dugout box seats right by the Cubs dugout for the rest of the game.  It was definitely the highlight of my year, as we sat not even ten feet away from Dale Sveum and could always what he was doing to our left.  We were also sitting amongst Todd and Tom Ricketts and Crane Kenney.  Was I dreaming?

Our upgraded seats in the dugout box, thanks to the @Cubs on Twitter! (photo by Karen Burchell)

Our day was topped off with a walk-off win to end the season.  After the Cubs celebrated on the field, Darwin Barney entered the dugout and came out by where we were sitting and gave his bat to someone sitting behind the dugout.  He then looked around and took his batting glove off and threw it to my daughter, who was so excited!  We also came home with Matt Garza's bag and a baseball.

Darwin Barney's batting glove, Matt Garza's bag and a baseball (photo by Karen Burchell)

I would like to give the Cubs organization, especially Kevin and his social media team my biggest thanks and appreciation for making the last game of the season such a special and memorable game for my daughter and I.  It was an experience we will never forget.

I am so impressed and love how the Cubs social media team is so diligent about interacting with fans and making each one feel special.  I was also touched by the tweets from fellow Cubs fans on Twitter congratulating me for winning the seat upgrade.  It really meant a lot and shows just what kind of people Cubs fans really are, no matter if we have ever met in person or not.

If you're not following the @Cubs on Twitter and you're a Cubs fan, you really should follow them at http://twitter.com/Cubs.  Do it now!  And if you're looking for other Cubs fans to follow and the latest Cubs news, please follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kcburchell and tweet me to say "hi!"

Anyway, onto the game recap:  Travis Wood started for the Cubs and had a good outing as he allowed one run on three hits while walking five and striking out four batters over 6.1 innings pitched.  Wood also had a hit and two RBIs.

The lineup consisted mainly of players that don't usually get to start, with the exception of shortstop Starlin Castro, who became the first shortstop in franchise history to play all 162 games in a season.

The Cubs ended their season with a 61-101 record, which was the third-most losses in franchise history.  The Cubs lost 103 games in both 1962 and 1966.

Here are some photos I took at the game:

Cubs players during the National Anthem before the final game of the season (photo by Karen Burchell)

Cubs players during the National Anthem before the final game of the season (photo by Karen Burchell)

Cubs players during the National Anthem before the final game of the season (photo by Karen Burchell)

Cubs players during the National Anthem before the final game of the season (photo by Karen Burchell)

Cubs players during the National Anthem before the final game of the season (photo by Karen Burchell)

Bryan LaHair in the on-deck circle (photo by Karen Burchell)

Dale Sveum during the last game of the season (photo by Karen Burchell)

Travis Wood congratulates Dave Sappelt after he scores (photo by Karen Burchell)

Dave Sappelt after crossing home plate (photo by Karen Burchell)

Dave Sappelt by the dugout after scoring (photo by Karen Burchell)

Travis Wood batting with Tony Campana in the on-deck circle (photo by Karen Burchell)

Darwin Barney between first and second base during the 9th inning of the season finale (photo by Karen Burchell)

Cubs win! (photo by Karen Burchell)

The 2012 Cubs walking off the field after ending their season with a "W" (photo by Karen Burchell)

The Wrigley Field Grounds Crew sang the 7th inning stretch (photo by Karen Burchell)

In other Cubs news, the organization fired third base coach Pat Listach after Wednesday's finale. "This is hard for me because he was one of the first people that really saw what I had and believed in it and voiced his opinion for me a couple of years back," Barney said.  "It's tough.  He's going to be fine.  He has a place in baseball and will find work for sure, but it's hard to see him go."

Shiraz Rehman, 34, was promoted to Assistant General Manager alongside Randy Bush, both reporting to GM Jed Hoyer.

It was announced Thursday that Josh Vitters and Brett Jackson will be sent back to Triple-A Iowa to start the 2013 season in order to give them the time to better prepare for the majors.

Theo Epstein held a press conference Thursday and said, “I’m not going to sit here and say, 'Don’t worry about 101 losses because we have a magic plan to win the World Series in 2013, (that) it’s gonna happen, so be there now.  That’s not the case.  There is a plan, there is a vision.  It might be a little bit longer turn than we all want it to be, but that we’re committed to it and that there is a great reward at the end.”

Cubs President Theo Epstein held a press conference Thursday (photo from cubs.com)

Epstein did say they would still focus on starting pitching.  The team went through 30 pitchers this season, of which none won 10 games.  The pitchers that won the most games were Jeff Samardzija and Paul Maholm.  Joe Mather finished with the best ERA after the team had to use him in September as a last resort.

The Cubs received approval to add an additional row of 56 seats behind home plate by moving the brick wall forward three feet.  They also received ap proval to reconfigure a 12-foot section of the wall along the third base line so that it would be movable by forklift so that it could be a larger buffer between the playing field and the brick wall.  This would make the Friendly Confines more suitable to host college football games.  In 2010, Northwestern and Illinois played against each other at Wrigley Field, but the NCAA required the offense to use only the west end zone.

It's always a little sad once baseball season comes to an end, but on the bright side, the Cubs will have the #2 draft pick in 2013, due to their won-loss record in 2012.  Now it's time to enjoy the cooler weather, the holidays (which are really right around the corner) and start counting down the days to the Cubs Convention, which will be held at a new location (the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers at 201 East North Water Street in downtown Chicago) on January 18-20, 2013.  Go Cubs Go!!!

Anthony Rizzo makes memorable debut in Cubs 5-3 win over Mets

The Cubs won 5-3 over the New York Mets at Wrigley Field tonight.  Scott Maine earned his first win of the season, as he pitched in relief of Randy Wells, who started in place of Ryan Dempster, who is on the disabled list because of a tight right lat.  Wells gave up three runs on six hits and walked four and struck out three batters in three innings pitched.

The big news of the day and night was top prospect Anthony Rizzo's Cubs debut.  And Rizzo gave Cubs fans something to cheer about as he went 2 for 4 with a double and also drove in the go-ahead run. 

Anthony Rizzo was impressive in his Cubs debut tonight (photo from cubs.com)

Anthony Rizzo chats with Cubs owner Tom Ricketts before Tuesday's game (photo from Paul Sullivan)

Wrigleyville is ready for Anthony Rizzo's Cubs debut (photo from Paul Sullivan)

The Cubs' front office watches as Anthony Rizzo takes batting practice before Tuesday's game (photo from Len & Bob)

"I think it's great to be this excited," General Manager Jed Hoyer said about Rizzo's arrival.  "I hope it comes with the understanding that there will be ups and downs.  It's hard to find players who come up and never struggle.  When they do that, they're in the Hall of Fame."  Well put, Mr. Hoyer.

Carlos Marmol earned his 100th save of his career tonight and is only the fourth Cub in franchise history to reach that number.

In other Cubs news, third baseman Ian Stewart, who has been on the disabled list since June 13th for a sore left wrist, is not ready to come off the disabled list yet, even though he is eligible to come off on Friday.  Stewart received a cortisone shot in his left hand to help relieve the pain and said, “No, I am not ready yet for [rehab].  We have to get through soft toss and hit on the field first, then we can go from there.  But this has weighed on me mentally because I really haven’t got any relief from the injections I have had.” 

Tomorrow the Cubs and Mets will play the series finale at 1:20pm at Wrigley Field.  Jeff Samardzija will start for the Cubs and try to earn his sixth win of the season.

Cubs raise over $1.25 million at 2nd Annual Bricks and Ivy Ball; Cubs travel to Philly on off-day

The Chicago Cubs held their second annual Bricks and Ivy Ball last night in Navy Pier's Grand Ballroom, where all of the 2012 Chicago Cubs players and coaching staff mingled with more than 900 guests.  The evening raised more than $1.25 million to benefit Chicago Cubs Charities.

The 2012 Chicago Cubs team and staff on the stage at the 2nd Annual Bricks and Ivy Ball

In addition to supporting youth sports, health and fitness throughout Chicago and particular needs of the Lakeview Community, Chicago Cubs Charities will donate a portion of the net proceeds to charities supported by Chicago Cubs players, including the Wood Family Foundation, Theo and Paul Epstein’s A Foundation To Be Named Later, The Greater Chicago Chapter of the ALS Association and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

"We owe the success of this event to our extraordinary Cubs fans, our players and coaches, their wives and the Cubs staff,” said Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts.  “We are tremendously grateful to those who participate alongside us in the efforts to make the Bricks and Ivy Ball a success."

The Cubs had an off day today and will play a four-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies starting tomorrow at 6:05pm, where Paul Maholm will be the starting pitcher.

Paul Maholm doesn't fare well in his first start; Cubs lose 7-4 to the masked Brew Crew

The Cubs lost 7-4 to the Milwaukee Brewers at a chilly Wrigley Field tonight.  Most of the Brew Crew was wearing matching balaclavas/face masks during the game.  I understand that it was a cold night, but the masks just made them look wimpy. 

Left-handed pitcher Paul Maholm had his first start for the Cubs and didn't do well.  He gave up five runs in the first inning, including a three-run homer by Alex Gonzalez.  He also hit two batters and walked two in the inning.  The Cubs weren't able to recover from the rough first inning.

Paul Maholm didn't fare well in his first start for the Cubs tonight (photo from cubs.com)

On the bright side, Geovany Soto hit his first home run of the season in the ninth inning and Alfonso Soriano was 2 for 4 with two RBI.  

The Cubs will play game 3 of 4 against the Brewers tomorrow at 1:20pm at Wrigley Field.  Ryan Dempster will start for the Cubs in his second start of the season.  Let's hope he can pitch as well as he did on Opening Day!

On another note, Tom and Laura Ricketts hosted a luncheon at Wrigley Field today where more than $1 million in grants was given to Chicago area non-profits through Cubs Care and Chicago Cubs Charities.

Cubs beat their Crosstown Rivals, 5-1 in Glendale; Single-Game Tickets Go on Sale to the Public

The Cubs beat the White Sox 5-1 at Camelback Ranch today.  Even though it's a preseason game, it's still fun whenever the Cubs can beat the Sox!  Darwin Barney drove home Alfonso Soriano in the first to give the Cubs an early 1-0 lead.  Edgar Gonzalez hit a two-run homer in the second inning after Junior Lake was walked.

Travis Wood pitched 2 1/3 innings and gave up just a sacrifice fly.  However, he got into a bases-loaded one-out jam in the third, but Randy Wells came in to pitch in relief and was able to get the Cubs out of the jam by getting Paul Konerko to hit into a double play.  Wells pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings and gave up just one hit and struck out one batter.  When asked about the Cubs-Sox series without Ozzie Guillen, Wells said, “It’s quieter.”  Wells definitely helped his case for making the starting rotation after his impressive performance today.

Marlon Byrd homered in the sixth and Steve Clevenger homered in the seventh.  Rodrigo Lopez threw two hitless innings. 

The Cubs will play the Brewers in Maryvale tomorrow, where Ryan Dempster will be the starting pitcher.  Cubs manager Dale Sveum said the following about his old team, “It’ll be fun facing them.  I’m looking forward to it, to see the guys and say hello. We’ll try to beat their butts, but it’ll be good to see everybody.”  You can watch the game on WGN-TV and also listen on WGN-Radio at 2:05pm CST.  Catcher Geovany Soto is expected to play tomorrow, after being sidelined due to a groin injury.

On another note, Cubs single game tickets went on sale today.  Here are some photos from the Cubs' twitter account:

Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts greets the first Cubs fan in line this morning to buy single game tickets at Wrigley Field.

Cubs Board Member Laura Ricketts offering coffee to Cubs fans buying tickets at Wrigley Field.

 27 more days until Opening Day!  The Cubs "W" over the Sox is a great way to start the weekend!

Cubs had their first full squad spring training workout today

Today was the first full squad spring training workout for the Cubs, which took place around noon, after Tom Ricketts addressed the team.  Here are some photos from today:

New Cubs 3B Ian Stewart

Darwin Barney and Alfonso Soriano (photo from Tim Sheridan)

A clean-shaven Randy Wells (photo from Tim Sheridan)

Ryan Dempster used his time before today's practice to prepare for the bunting tournament (photo from Bruce Miles)

Paul Maholm tweeted tonight, "Had a great first full squad workout. Looking forward to the GRIND with all the guys. #GoCubsGo"  You can follow Maholm as @paul_maholm on twitter.  Only 9 more days to go until the Cubs' first spring training game!