It’s Ring Day for the Cubs, Enjoying the Celebration, the Cardinals Are Down, and Other Bullets

Apr 12, 2017

The off-day is over. May we never have to do that again after the start of a new series, and immediately after a thrilling walk-off game.

Well, unless it’s a playoff series.

It’s ring day for the Cubs! Before tonight’s game against the Dodgers at Wrigley Field, the world champion Chicago Cubs will receive their rings. What will Cubs players do with their rings, which reportedly will feature upwards of 108 diamonds (get it?) and be worth $70,000 (ESPN)? Most of the players asked by Jesse Rogers suggested they would wear the ring to special occasions, but mostly they just wanted to keep it safe. Given that the ring is not only valuable, but is the one tangible “trophy” that every player gets, you can understand why it would be treated as a revered item. Javy Baez, though, said he wants to wear it every day.

[adinserter block=”1″]

There was a brief moment where I thought it was overkill to separate the banner-raising festivities from the ring ceremony, but I now think it would actually have been a disservice to the fans not to split them up into two events. More fans will get to experience at least one, and also the spacing allows for us all to linger in the moment just a little bit longer.

Speaking of which, the Cubs put together a video package from Monday night’s celebration:

Unforgettable moments. pic.twitter.com/UPhFk41t61

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) April 11, 2017

This is a fantastic read at CSN about the late Cubs scout who pushed the organization to look very closely at Kyle Schwarber in 2014, a prospect that scout, Stan Zielinski, compared to Babe Ruth. A fun reveal among many in the article? Theo Epstein (jokingly? hyperbolically? completely honestly?) predicted in October 2013 that Schwarber would be the team’s pick in the following June draft, and would go on to put up “Big Papi numbers.” Recall, outsiders weren’t even aware Schwarber was remotely be considered with the Cubs’ fourth overall pick until about three weeks before the draft. That’s pretty incredible.

The article, by the way, is also a reminder of what the Cubs lost when Zielinski surprisingly passed away this offseason. His career was a touched one, and he meant a great deal to so many people, and to the organization as a whole.

[adinserter block=”2″]

The Cubs’ young stars were very busy on their off-day, heading all around town promoting various products, and getting their bright and shiny faces out in front of Chicagoans. It may seem like a bunch of fluff, but I get pretty excited to see baseball stars taking over a city like the Cubs have the last two years, and increasingly so this year. One of the most important ways the sport will continue to connect to young fans in the coming decades is by way of these earned, thoughtfully-developed personal connections with the community – not just in Chicago, but all across the country.

Speaking of which, they’re just like us (except much better at sports):

As a kid, @ARizzo44 imitated @garysheffield’s bat wiggle in the backyard: https://t.co/4zD8DeevYj pic.twitter.com/xsAFjYuUzt

— Play Ball (@PlayBall) April 10, 2017

We like to joke around and have some fun with this:

But in all seriousness, there has to be at least at little concern in St. Louis about the team’s 2-6 start to the season, second worst in the NL. As Buster Olney points out, one of the biggest problems is the team’s pitching, which currently sports the worst ERA in baseball. Although the Alex Reyes injury seriously hurt the Cardinals’ rotation, it’s actually the bullpen that’s done most of the damage: big-time free agent signing Brett Cecil, closer Seung Hwan Oh, Kevin Siegrist, and Jonathan Broxton all sport ERAs over 12(!). The samples are tiny, and we are, after all, talking about only eight games – were this midseason, it’s a blip that no one outside of hardcore Cardinals fans even notices. But the Cardinals don’t get these games back, and if they were hoping to contend at the top of the division, this does not help.

The Marlins had a wild night in their outfield, specifically because a cat came out of nowhere to join the group and scale the center field wall.

[adinserter block=”3″]

Also, Michael made a funny:

https://twitter.com/flippingbats/status/851819069854683136

Among the many latest items at TYL, the Browns may not actually be set on taking the clear best player in the draft at number one overall, which could throw everything for a loop.

Ooh, if you like the classic satchel/messenger bag look, there’s a fantastic-looking leather one on a huge sale today (75%). Also, a portable mini bluetooth speaker for under $20.

written by

Brett Taylor

Brett Taylor is the Lead Cubs Writer at Bleacher Nation, and you can find him on Twitter at @BleacherNation and on LinkedIn here. Brett is also the founder of Bleacher Nation, which opened up shop in 2008 as an independent blog about the Chicago Cubs. Later growing to incorporate coverage of other Chicago sports, Bleacher Nation is now one of the largest regional sports blogs on the web.

more cubs news

Chicago Cubs

Wake Up and Watch the Cubs Make Their Mothers Proud

There is something about seeing Cubs players homer with pink bats that makes me smile extra wide. I suppose it's PROBABLY at least a little because this is one of my favorite Cubs memories: https://twitter.com/ChiSportsDay/status/1788291377333170611 Javy Báez, with the pink...

Brett Taylor

May 13, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 5, Pirates 4 – May 12, 2024

It's Mother's Day. I'm hanging with the family. I don't feel like being as pissed off as a game like that threatened to make me. So I am QUITE relieved by that 10th inning (and the fact that the Cubs...

Brett Taylor

May 12, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Christopher Morel Kicks Off Mother’s Day With Some Love

I'll just presume he was sending this one out for mom. And I'll also presume that the knee is indeed feeling good. Home run number nine on the season for Christopher Morel: https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1789713524052087082

Brett Taylor

May 12, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Pre-Gamin’: Cubs at Pirates (12:35 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

CUBS LINEUP — The Cubs have played thirteen series so far this season, and this is already their eighth rubber match. Let's see if Kyle Hendricks and the Cubs can bring this one in. Chicago Cubs Lineup: Nico Hoerner, SS...

Michael Cerami

May 12, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Roster Move: Kyle Hendricks Activated to Start Today

No surprises here, as the decision to start Kyle Hendricks this afternoon against the Pirates was made yesterday, but the news has officially hit the wire, and here it is. Kyle Hendricks Activated Kyle Hendricks is returning from his short...

Michael Cerami

May 12, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Horrible History, Morel’s Knee, Almonte’s Shoulder, Hoerner, Wesneski, Hendricks, Mervis, and Other Cubs Bullets

Happy Mother's Day to the mothers among you, and to the mothers in my life! I'll be doing some extra family stuff today, so I'm gonna cruise through these Bullets ... Up front, because this was certainly the thing most...

Brett Taylor

May 12, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Kyle Hendricks Will Start for the Big League Cubs Tomorrow

The Sunday TBD has been D'd, and it's going to be Kyle Hendricks coming back an outing early. Instead of making another rehab start at Iowa, Hendricks is going to be activated from the IL to rejoin the rotation tomorrow:...

Brett Taylor

May 11, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Enhanced Box Score: Pirates 10, Cubs 9 – May 11, 2024

The Cubs came within 90 feet of keeping that ridiculous game going. No dice. Stupid game. Early on, it just kinda seemed like the Cubs might lose a perfectly normal - bad, but normal - game. Justin Steele did not...

Brett Taylor

May 11, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Pre-Gamin’: Cubs at Pirates (3:05 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

CUBS LINEUP — After a little tease yesterday, Seiya Suzuki is actually, officially in the Cubs lineup today. And he'll be greeted with a tough matchup against the top pitching prospect in Major League Baseball. Welcome back! Chicago Cubs Lineup:...

Michael Cerami

May 11, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Oh, Good, Yency Almonte is Now Also Hurt

Today the Chicago Cubs placed reliever Yency Almonte on the Injured List with a right shoulder strain. Jose Cuas has been recalled from Iowa to take his place in the bullpen. Almonte, together with Mark Leiter Jr., had been performing...

Brett Taylor

May 11, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Wake Up and Watch the Cubs Make Their Mothers Proud

Brett Taylor

May 13, 2024

Picks

Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets for Western Conference Semifinals Game 5 – Tuesday, May 14, 2024

The Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves take the court in Game 5 of the second round of the NBA Playoffs. The Nuggets are favored by 4.5 points in the contest, which airs on TNT at 10:30 PM ET. The...

Data Skrive

May 13, 2024

Picks

Knicks vs. Pacers Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets for Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 5 – Tuesday, May 14, 2024

The New York Knicks are slight 2-point favorites heading into Game 5 of the second round of the NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, beginning at 8:00 PM ET on TNT. The series is...

Data Skrive

May 13, 2024

NBA Picks

Mavericks vs. Thunder Predictions, Best Bets and Odds: Western Conference Semifinals Game 4 – Monday, May 13, 2024

The Dallas Mavericks are slight 1.5-point favorites heading into Game 4 of the second round of the NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at American Airlines Center on Monday, starting at 9:30 PM ET on TNT. The Mavericks hold...

Data Skrive

May 13, 2024

Picks

NHL Playoffs Anytime Goalscorer Bets and Odds Today – May 13

Anytime goal-scorer odds are listed in this article, with two Stanley Cup Playoffs Second Round games on the NHL calendar Monday.Watch the NHL on Fubo!Today's Top Anytime Goal OddsNathan MacKinnon (Avalanche) -115 to scoreAvalanche vs. StarsGame Time: 12:00 AM ET...

Data Skrive

May 13, 2024

Picks

Oilers vs. Canucks NHL Playoffs Second Round Game 4 Prediction: Live Odds, Stats, History and Picks – Tuesday, May 14, 2024

The Edmonton Oilers welcome the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday, and are -218 favorites on the moneyline, with the visiting team at +180.Watch the NHL on Fubo!Oilers vs. Canucks Favorite, Moneyline, TotalFavorite: Oilers (-218)Underdog: Canucks (+180)Total: 6.5Best Oilers vs. Canucks Promo...

Data Skrive

May 13, 2024

Oakland Athletics 2024 Schedule and How to Watch their games

MLB

How to Watch Athletics Games: Full 2024 Schedule, Live Stream and More

It's a bittersweet season for the Oakland Athletics. As they prepare to begin their move to Las Vegas for the 2028 season, the A's are looking to make their final year at the Coliseum one to remember. With a little...

Brian Twining

May 12, 2024

How to Watch

Angels vs. Cardinals: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

On Monday at 9:38 PM ET, Taylor Ward and the Los Angeles Angels (15-26) take on Brendan Donovan and the St. Louis Cardinals (16-24) at Angel Stadium of Anaheim.If you're intending to watch this game, keep reading for streaming and...

Data Skrive

May 12, 2024

How to Watch

Mariners vs. Royals: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Seattle Mariners (22-19), led by Josh Rojas, host Bobby Witt Jr. and the Kansas City Royals (25-17) on Monday at 9:40 PM ET.Keep reading to see how to watch the Seattle-Kansas City matchup in the article below.When is Mariners...

Data Skrive

May 12, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Diamondbacks vs. Reds: Live Stream or on TV

Jordan Montgomery will take the mound for the Arizona Diamondbacks (19-22) when they host starter Graham Ashcraft and the Cincinnati Reds (17-23) in a series opener on Monday, with first pitch at 9:40 PM ET.Keep reading to find out all...

Data Skrive

May 12, 2024

It’s Ring Day for the Cubs, Enjoying the Celebration, the Cardinals Are Down, and Other Bullets

Read More

more cubs news

Latest News

more cubs news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular