Pitchers and Catchers Reported

This past weekend pitchers and catchers reported to spring training camps in Florida and Arizona. While today much is made of last year stars, trades and signings in the off season, free agency, ped's and steroids . . . the anticipation is as great as ever for all teams.

Who will "break out" and provide that boost to carry a team to a pennant, who will slump and be moved around to the minors, who will do what when and for how long. While answers will not become clear until early April or June or even September . . . it was clear back in 1965 that two players would "star" for the Chicago Cubs.

Interesting enough, a pitcher and catcher, traded together in December of 1965 from the San Francisco Giants, appearing together as "1966 Rookie Stars" broughtthese same feelings for the Cubs as the feelings today during this time of year (except that ped talk).


Bill Hands and Randy Hundley had "star" quality years in Chicago, played together for the better part of seven years (thru 1972) and at least for this Chicago Cub fan both lived up to their "rookie star" status.

I like this card; even if they both appear to be wearing the Giants uniform (note the banding around the collar); they were "rookie stars" and "work horses" for the Chicago Cubs . . . as a pitcher and catcher.

A Cubs Poem . . .

Pitchers and Catchers are reporting soon,
Dreams of a pennant and singing that championship tune.
Coaches and managers will attempt to find the best,
off to the minors for the rest.
Opening Day is drawing near,
our national pastime is once again is here.

While there is nothing better than a Sunday at the park,
or the long majestic journey of the home run arc.
Whether April or October, blinding sun or clouds,
there will be an over pouring of joy of being one of the crowd.
Us (Cubs) fans who have waited decades, hoping this year we will be blessed,
with our team that hoists the trophy, signifying “we are the best”.

The summer of ’69 as I recall,
was when I first realized that the game was more than just a bat and a ball.
It overtook my senses with the power to excite,
a double play of Kessinger, Beckert to Banks and a fly out to right.
Santo’s heel click, Williams’ sweet swing, our faith that never ceases
was this be the year that futility finally decreases ?


It has now been over 100 years since the Cubs have won it all,
a century of curses, chokes and most of all that ball.
A little ball of twine and seams that truly have amazing powers,
to captivate and devastate a person in three hours.
Cub fans are famous for our faith, there is never a reprieve
For we all know there’s always this year, so we might as well believe.



Current 21 year old Adam Mamawala, originally wrote this poem and submitted it to his high school literature class - the subject being ones "true love". With his permission I have expanded and revised it slightly (note the third stanza) yet maintained his classic theme. He has accurately captured the feelings of baseball as a Chicago Cub fan (at least this fan). I greatly appreciate Adam for allowing me to modify it and re-print for all of you to enjoy . . . as this weekend brings the "unofficial" start of the baseball season.