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January 1, 2009 at 9:51 pm · Filed under Articles, Wrigley Field Hosts NHL
Wrigley Field added another chapter to its illustrious history on the first day of 2009 by hosting the National Hockey League (NHL). Having hosted the Chicago Cubs for nearly a century, the Chicago Bears for 50 years, concerts, and professional boxing matches, on January 1, 2009, the NHL skated into Wrigley Field and hit a home run with their outdoor game. With the ice rink set up between first and third base in the Wrigley Field, the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings squared off for the 2nd annual Winter Classic. Nearly 41,000 fans braved the cool but perfect hockey weather to watch a classic game which the Red Wings won 6-4.
Credit the National Hockey League for taking a quantum leap forward after the critical success of last year’s first outdoor Winter Classic in Buffalo. “This is what we hoped it would be,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said shortly after the conclusion of the game. “It’s unique in the way that it takes the game back to its roots. It’s unique in the way the players react to it because it’s so special to be there on the ice. It’s something that we know can be a special part of our game if we do it right.”
Nearly 240,000 ticket requests, for the 41,000 available seats, were made for the Wrigley Field game. Sponsorship support was strong with a series of national sponsors coming on board in spite of the economic downturn. Sales of Winter Classic merchandise were expected to double from last year’s event in Buffalo. This year, there was an opportunity for the media to skate on the ice, which created more good news surrounding the event, as well as helping the ice mature. The team’s families were much more involved this year, and Detroit coach Mike Babcock pointed to the family skate after practice Wednesday as one of the highlights of the event.
The NHL allowed the public to skate on the rink the day following the game for a $10 admission with all proceeds going to charity. Choosing Wrigley Field as its second venue for their Winter Classic went without a hitch and was a home run in promoting professional hockey for the league.
November 19, 2008 at 5:05 pm · Filed under Articles, Dempster Signs Contract Extension
Ryan Dempster signed a 4 year, $52 million extension with the Chicago Cubs this week. After a 17-6 record in 2008 with a 2.96 ERA in 33 starts, the Cubbies made it a priority in the off season to get Dempster signed, especially with the loss of Kerry Wood. The Dempster contract extension will have him locked up with the Cubbies through the 2012 season.
After his signing, Dempster stated, “Given as close as we’ve been the last two years, I thought ‘This is where I want to be.’ I enjoy playing here so much. Was there more money on the open market? I’m sure there probably was. Who knows if there would have been interest in five years. You never know. That’s a question that never can be answered. But I don’t even care. I’m happy with what I have, and it’s more money than I could ever dream of growing up and playing baseball.”
Now the Cubbies can focus on their other signing priorities which could include finding a middle infielder, who can be a true lead off hitter, and a left handed hitting outfielder. Regardless of their remaining off season signings, the Cubs pitching staff will be one of the best in the major leagues in 2009.
November 19, 2008 at 4:33 pm · Filed under 2008 Manager of the Year, Articles
Lou Pinella has been honored as the National League Manager of the Year for 2008. Pinella led the Cubbies to their most regular season victories (97) since 1945. Securing the number one seed for the postseason went for naught, as the Cubbies were swept by the Dodgers in the first round of the playoffs. This was Lou’s 3rd Manager of the Year award, but first in the National League. Pinella has won the manager of the year award twice previously, in 1995 and 2001, while managing the Seattle Mariners of the American League.
Shortly after receiving his manager of the year award, the Chicago Cubs announced they will be bringing back, for the 2009 season, all the coaches who worked under Lou Pinella this past season. The coaches returning include pitching coach Larry Rothschild, who will be entering his eighth season with the Cubbies. Bench coach Alan Trammell; hitting coach Gerald Perry; third base coach Mike Quade; first base coach Matt Sinatro; bullpen coach Lester Strode; and Ivan DeJesus, a special assistant to Piniella all will be returning for their 3rd year with the Chicago Cubs. “I was so happy today to see that my entire coaching staff is re-signed and coming back,” Piniella said. “They are basically a very integral part of my success.”
So Wrigley Field can expect to have plenty to cheer about again next season!
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