Editor’s Note: We’re bringing you an extra edition of Cubby Corner today. Also, while most of the CC items will be Cubs-related, some will be related to other MLB teams, or baseball in general.
Free Crap
ESPN’s D.J. Gallo had a funny column on the best (and worst) giveaways at MLB parks this season.
The Cubs had two of the worst giveaways:
Kosuke Fukudome Bobblehead Doll (Cubs, May 27) — Something that vibrates and has “Kosuke Fukudome” written on it? I hope this giveaway is only for those 18 and older.
Wristbands (Cubs, June 26) — Kind of a cruel reminder of the Dusty Baker era, no? In light of the promotion, that night’s starting pitcher will probably have to throw nine innings whether he likes it or not.
And two of the best:
Cubs Pink Cap (Cubs, May 11) — Unfortunately, this giveaway is a necessity. The Red Sox proved four years ago that having a stadium full of pink-hatted women is the only way to break a long World Series drought.
Aramis Ramirez Mini-Souvenir Baseball Bat (Cubs, May 31) — Ramirez is heavily involved in cockfighting in his native Dominican Republic (where cockfighting is legal, mind you), so perhaps his gamecocks can fight from now on with miniature bats.
Gallo also notes that the White Sox are sponsoring “Mullet Night” on July 19. I know they ran this promo last year, but to they really need to be encouraging this kind of behavior?
Oddly enough, the Royals are in town that night. Couldn’t they have picked a different series? If you don’t remember, the picture in the above link, was a photo of White Sox fan William Ligue, who, along with his then-14-year-old son ran onto the field and attacked Royals first base coach Tom Gamboa during a game on the South Side in 2002. Luckily, Gamboa is no longer with the team, but current Royals first base coach Rusty Kuntz better keep one eye on the stands during the game.
In other dispatches from the South Side
I noted that the team has a new slogan on its Web site: SHARE THE PASSION. SHOW THE SWAGGER.
Holy ripoff, Batman! Really Sox, that’s the best you could do?
Forgive and forget (Part II)
As we told you yesterday, the Red Sox have seem to forgiven Bill Buckner for his blunder in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series, and “Mr. Cub” Ernie Banks says maybe it’s time the Cubs do the same for embattled former Cub, Sammy Sosa.
Rushing to build a Banks-esque statue for the slugger may be a little much, but how much harm would there be if Sosa threw out a ceremonial first pitch, or led the crowd in “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” in the near future?
Me fail English? That’s unpossible! (Part II)
As we told you about last week, the Cubs overcame a slight embarrassment by correcting a grammatical error on the new Ernie Banks statue outside the Friendly Confines. Not to nitpick, but if the Cubs are fixing grammatical errors, shouldn’t they turn their collective attention to the red sign outside Wrigley at Clark & Addison? I’ve always thought a “THE” would make sense. I’m just sayin’…
If I were him, I might be a little concerned
Cleveland Indians center fielder Grady Sizemore has earned quite a reputation (and rightfully so) in Cleveland with his spectacular play during his career with the Tribe. However, if I were Sizemore, I’d be a little creeped out by Grady’s Ladies. The women of GL (or “The Grady’s Ladies Sisterhood” as they officially call themselves) are apparently a bunch of Cleveland-area women who love Sizemore. With hundreds of official members, I’d lock my doors at night, if I were Sizemore. The funniest/weirdest/creepiest quote was featured on the club’s Web page:
“Can’t we just pay them [Grady Sizemore and Brows QB Brady Quinn] extra bonus money or something to stay here and procreate?”
I’m not sure what’s more troubling, the quote, or the fact that Rebecca Wilde, who made the statement, “Should run for office,” according to the stalkers…I mean fan club’s Web site.
Weather woes
Much of the country is beating attacked by a massive storm. Atlanta at Colorado has already been canceled due to snow in Denver and Minnesota at the White Sox was washed out thanks to the heavy, persistent rain throughout the day in Chicago. More games may be postponed/canceled, so stay tuned.
