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The Chicago Cubs – 1945 – 2015
June 22, 2016 @ 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
In the first half of the 20th century, the Cubs were one of the mightiest teams in baseball – a perennial contender despite not winning the World Series since 1908.
The second half of the 20th century entrenched that comes in America’s national consciousness as “lovable losers.” Despite having some great players – Ernie Banks, Ron Santo, Billy Williams, Fergie Jenkins, Mark Grace, Kerry Wood, Carlos Zambrano, Sammy Sosa – the Cubs rarely reached the postseason and mostly endured losing season after losing season. Empty bleachers, a crumbling Wrigley Field, and terrible trades became the hallmark of the once mighty Chicago Cubs. Even when the Cubs would field a competitive team and make a good postseason run, something always seem to go wrong.
In 1969, a black cat running in front of Ron Santo seemed to symbolize the utter futility of the Cubs. I normally serenaded first baseman led a ball go by him and the postseason was lost. A hapless fan reached for a foul ball and our world series hopes were dashed. On and on it went. And then came 2015! The arrival of some of the most talented prospects in baseball history created a team that was fun, exciting and competitive. The long, slow, March of the Cubs – from the cheapness and racism of the Wrigley years, to the boredom and inactivity of the years of ownership by the Chicago Tribune and by Sam Zell have given way to a unique feeling of hopefulness on the part of Cub fans. A robust ownership team brought in the financial resources and personnel necessary to begin turning the Cubs into a perennial contender once again. In this multimedia presentation, filled with fabulous film clips, amazing anecdotes, and nostalgic photos, we will trace the confounding Chicago Cubs from 1945 to 2015.
Please note – there is a cost to attend. Please contact the sponsor for details.