Done with Flickr

I'm done with Flickr. Porn is starting to seep into baseball card groups, car groups, and everything else. Group admins can't stop it because there is a hole found in the system and Yahoo does not seem to care to fix the issue.  Additionally, I don't want to see people's cats laying on a chairs.<br />
<br />
I'm going to make my own repository again. Probably not going to use my old code, but start over. Not only am I going to start over with the code, but also the photos and retake them all. I'm going to also have a new naming conventions.<br />
<br />
So the fourth photo of cards from 1960 Chicago Cubs would be named 1960CHC004.jpg

New Nifty Script

I have written a new "nifty" script for my web site that displays all the cards cataloged per team.

http://mrgibson.com/baseball9.php

By default, it shows the Cubs, but is programmed to show any team of choosing. For the larger teams, the script is rather slow as it processes a large amount of information. One of the coolest parts of the script is that is cross-references the players against two other tables that list players with a career WAR of 9 or greater and a table of Hall of Fame inductees. If the player matches these, a little icon will show by their name.

To see my Cardinals collection:
http://mrgibson.com/baseball9.php?team=card

To see my White Sox collection:
http://mrgibson.com/baseball9.php?team=White Sox

To see my Red Sox collection:
http://mrgibson.com/baseball9.php?team=Red Sox

Update on Cubs baseball card collection

With the purchase of a 1997 Ryne Sandberg Topps card, I now have cataloged 60 sandberg cards.  All between his rookie card in 1983 and his final card in 1997.

http://mrgibson.com/baseball7.php?name=sandberg

I thought it might be fun at this point to list my 3 favorite Cubs baseball cards for every year from 1960 to 2018. I still don't own any 2019 cards. I don't own enough card before 1960 to do this either for every year. So this does not take for ever, I will post 2 or 3 years each post. Hopefully I can get through this without giving up.

1960
 Ernie Banks    Topps   #10   HoF
 Mordecai Brown Fleer   #9    HoF 
 Walt Moryn     Topps   #74   

1961
 Billy Williams Topps   #141  HoF
 Ron Santo      Topps   #35   HoF
 Frank Thomas   Topps   #382

RH Fedora

I miss some old habits. Some things are just still better, faster, more fun. So I'm installing Red Hat Fedora. Why? First and for most, to get the tools I need to create a new FVWM Theme "Glassy Blue". Secondly, I miss that environment.

Creating window manager themes are fun. Look for ideas for a really good one, I found out tonight that my old FVWM page is still up and running... and advertised on other FVWM sites. I have no idea how to get to the HTML to even edit the page. But that is another issue all in it's self.

I've started the work on the theme already and it will be a little challenging. I would also like to update an older theme that I created called ruby. I'm wondering how gothic I can make a computer interface :)

New version of FVWM!

News on new a FVWM release

I'm happy to say that 2019 has a new release of the FVWM window manager! Yes, I'm still a fan and the previous release had not been since March 31, 2018.
FVWM is the Linux, BSD, AIX, or for that matter almost any OS graphical interface that can be anything you want. That is why I love it. The configuration of this window manager allows your desktop and windows to behave and look anyway your imagination...well.. can imagine.
Changes are in the stable release 2.6.9 (not officially released, yet there it is on FVWM site)

• Bug fixes:
  • Fix handling of configure’s –enable-mandoc/–enable-htmldoc

Note, the changes for the last STABLE release start with release 2.6.0.

See http://www.fvwm.org/news/ for the FVWM release. Also See http://mrgibson.com/FVWM_themes/ for some of my cheesy themes I created for FVWM some time ago.

Dig Dug port reviews

Just reviewing versions from old classic systems. Many modern ports are near identical.  
So here are 8 Dig Dugs they should not have bothered making.  And 8 really good ports.

First, the list of bad Dig Dugs:

#1 Atari 2600 - horrible play, horrible graphics. Rocks are squares. Other than main

character, none of the other characters look close to arcade.


[Atari 2600 version screen shot]

#2 Apple II - bad play, bad graphics
#3 MSDOS - accurate and good play, bad graphics
#4 Intellivision - expected better from them.
#5 VIC20 - good play, not the best graphics
#6 Atari 800 - surprisingly bad for that system
#7 Atari 5200 - graphics are capable of being better.  little effort on design team.
#8 TI994A - some of the graphics could have been detailed better


Good Dig Dugs

#1 Sega Dreamcast - Perfect in most ways from opening screen on.


[Sega Dreamcast version screen shot]

#2 Nintendo 64 - Perfect.  same graphics, play, and development as the Sega Dreamcast.
#3 Windows - very good in strange and different way
#4 Nintendo Family Computer - Perfect as it can get.
#5 Nintendo NES - very good and accurate.  Worst part is that NES graphic flicker.
#6 Atari 7800 - One of the best Arcade clones of the game.  Little higher resolutions and they 
   would have nailed it.


[Atari 7800 version screen shot]

#7 Commodore 64 - well done over all, sore weird graphic glitches
#8 ColecoVision -  Nailed the game play, graphics not so much

Centipede 7800

Just a little blurb about Centipede for the Atari 7800. I like the games so I personally give this version 4 out of 5 stars. Much, much, better looking with improvement over Atari 2600. But... not as much of the feel as the TI994A version to the arcade. Even the Atari 5200 version looks a lot closer to the arcade version. I get it. Just like Asteroids, the Atari 7800 group was trying to add something different like 3d shaded mushrooms. Their goal was to "modernize" the Arcade favorites. Yet looking and playing the game, I feel they still could have done a little better. I have seen what the 7800 is actually capable of.

First Time....

For the first time I will be selling a large amount of surplus sports cards at a hobbies/craft show in Bloomington IL on December 7th at the Lafeete Club. I will be selling unopened packs of baseball cards, baseball card singles, football card singles, NASCAR singles, Hockey singles, and more. I'm still working on coming up with the giveaway prize.

Cubs room (progress)

This is a small update. Yes, there is still work happening in the Cubs room - Although slow. Resorting and distributing thousands of baseball cards is time consuming. Additionally I still have more bins to purchase and raisers. I'm also taking this time to re-photo my collections.

Update on Cubs HoF collection.

First on the list, Ryne Sandberg

Hall of Fame / MVP / 10x All-Star / 9x Gold Glove / 7x Silver Slugger /ML PoY
WAR 68.0 / H 2386 / HR 282 / R 1318 / RBI 1061 /SB 344

59 cards between make years of 1983 and 1996

I have not updated the blog recently on Ryne, I have purchased total of 9 Ryne Sandberg cards in 2019 and I'm closing in on completion on my Ryne Sandberg collection.  I currently have 59 cards of which 48 are unique.  Given that I don't have any 1995 cards of Ryne, there are at least 10 cards from 1995 that could be added.

http://mrgibson.com/baseball7.php?name=sandberg


Second, Andre Dawson

Hall of Fame / MVP / Rookie of the Year / 8x All-Star / 8x Gold Glove / 4x Silver Slugger
WAR 64.8 / H 2774 / HR 438 / R 1373 / RBI 1591 / SB 314

40 cards between 1978 and 2012.

I believe I have purchased 2 or 3 Andrew Dawson cards in 2019 bringing up the total to 40 cards.

http://mrgibson.com/baseball7.php?name=andre%20dawson

Next, Lee Smith

Hall of Fame / 7x All-Star / 3x Rolaids Relief
WAR 28.9 / W 71 / SO 1251 / WHIP 1.256

30 cards between 1982 and 1996.
http://mrgibson.com/baseball7.php?name=Lee%20Smith

Ernie Banks

Billy Williams

Fergie Jenkins

Lou Brock
Cap Anson

Cubs room update -3

As little time as I have to put towards the Cubs card room, this project looks to be slow going.  So just another small update.

Below is a photo of snaps and blue ribbon to bind the top-loaders of the teams sets that I purchased.


Here is a photo of the new shelving to display team sets and various Cubs art.

Baseball card room redo - post 2

This is a status update before photos:

1) I have the display shelves ordered and should be here Oct 22nd or 23rd.

2) All walls are painted.

3) All cards have been moved back to the house and back in the room

4) All 60 Cubs team sets have been selected for display out of my over 130 Cubs Team sets.
http://mrgibson.com/CubsDisplay3.htm

Redoing Cubs baseball card room

I have been quiet on this blog, but I am completely redoing my Cubs baseball card room (and house). Currently, I have pulled everything out of the room. In order to better display my Cubs team cards, I'm going to to make a display consisting of numerous shelves that hold as many team sets as possible on each. Here is the layout that I have been working on:

http://mrgibson.com/CubsDisplay3.htm

2020 Cubs - End of Era

Here are my predictions. I think it is safe say to these individual will probably not be with the Cubs in 2020:


Pedro Strop - worst year yet in relief and closing. He is a free agent. With a 4.99 ERA in his contract year he is as good as gone.

Steve Cishek - 13 million contract price vs mediocre production. The Cubs will gladly let him enter free agency after his performance over the last two years.

Jon Lester - Continuously declining in performance. His record in 2019 does not show how horrible he truly was. Offense has bailed him out many times.

Brandon Morrow - Nobody cares why he will be gone and will soon forget he played for the Cubs.

Cole Hamels - He was to improve the overall pitching rotation. Cubs will part ways with him.

Nicholas Castellanos - the only player on this list the Cubs should fight for, but probably will not.

Ben Zobrist - Extremely reliable as player, but aged, becoming slow on the bases, and will not fit in future plans.

Ian Happ - 2019.... 'nuff said :(

Addison Russel - too much of a headache for the Cubs with too little results. I think the Cubs are willing to eat some money to wash their hands.

Almora Jr - fallen out of favor with Cubs because of his bat.

Joe Maddon - End of contract. Did not deliver playoffs in 2019. Cubs will want to change things up. I feel this is still 50/50 chance.
[Updated 9/29/2019] Gone!

Tony Kemp - most likely a pit stop with the Cubs. A few years from now nobody will remember he played for the team.

Robel Garcia - another player I feel the Cubs think of as disposable.

Daniel Descalso - with little performance, I don't think he will find a place with the Cubs.

Kimbrel - A frustrated fan's favorite to get rid of.

Lester

Can you believe Lester got a win today?
Lester gave up:

5 Single
4 Double
2 Walks
1 Triple

This was over 5 innings. Total of 7 runs given up while Lester was pitching, yet he still go the win. Two of the runs were because of errors, but that is not how anyone got on base.  Think if the Cubs had faced a good pitching team and go blanked like so many times have happened this year.  The Cubs just can't afford to have Lester pitch anymore.

We are social media lab rats

Why we are addicted to social media and people are leaning farther left and right. All by design. “The polarization of our society is actually part of the business model.” -Tristan Harris on the power of Social Media companies.

https://youtu.be/WQMuxNiYoz4

Cards vs Cubs

As of Sep 5th, 2019 11:30PM. Top hitters between Teams

RK  Player         Team  Pos  G    AB  R  H   2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB  CS AVG OBP   SLG  OPS
12  Castellanos, N  CHC   RF  132  536 83 155 47 3  23 61  37 127 2  2 .289 .338 .517 .855
15  Baez, J         CHC   SS  133  530 88 149 38 4  29 85  28 155 11 7 .281 .316 .532 .848
24  Bryant, K       CHC   3B  131  489 96 137 34 1  26 64  66 126 3  0 .280 .379 .513 .892
29  Goldschmidt, P  STL   1B  139  520 85 135 18 1  29 79  60 142 2  1 .260 .337 .465 .803
32  Rizzo, A        CHC   1B  129  455 81 133 26 2  25 83  64 78  5  2 .292 .407 .523 .930
40  DeJong, P       STL   SS  138  505 88 124 28 1  26 70  54 123 6  5 .246 .327 .459 .786
42  Wong, K         STL   2B  135  429 54 123 23 4  10 55  44 73  20 2 .287 .367 .429 .796

Top power hitters between Teams

RK  Player         Team  Pos  G    AB R   H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS
9   Schwarber, K    CHC   LF  133  448 69  107 22 2 34 81 61 129 1 3 .239 .332 .525 .857
21  Baez, J         CHC   SS  133  530 88  149 38 4 29 85 28 155 11 7 .281 .316 .532 .848
21  Goldschmidt, P  STL   1B  139  520 85  135 18 1 29 79 60 142 2 1 .260 .337 .465 .803
29  Bryant, K       CHC   3B  132  492 97  138 34 1 26 64 67 128 3 0 .280 .380 .512 .893
29  DeJong, P       STL   SS  138  505 88  124 28 1 26 70 54 123 6 5 .246 .327 .459 .786
31  Ozuna, M        STL   LF  109  405 69  104 20 1 25 78 45 95 12 1 .257 .332 .496 .828
31  Rizzo, A        CHC   1B  130  458 81  134 27 2 25 86 65 78 5 2 .293 .407 .524 .931
39  Contreras, W    CHC   C    89  303 48  87 17 1 21 60 35 85 1 2 .287 .375 .558 .933

Mustang GT500 track video

Here is Footage of the 2020 GT350 and GT500 Mustangs at Grattan. The GT500 was timed on the Grattan race track beating the previous track record by the Dodge Viper ATR with a 00:01:21:66 time. This is raw unedited video.
https://youtu.be/MDIP59Hn4Z4

Lunduke resources

Here is a plug for Lunduke resources:

- BBS
- - Telent: BBS.lunduke.com
- - Web:    http://www.lunduke.com
- - SysOp:  Bryan Lunduke

- Show
- - Video YouTube:    https://www.youtube.com/bryanlunduke
- - Video LBRY:       lbry://@Lunduke 

- - Audio: MP3 RSS Feed      http://vault.lunduke.com/LundukeShowMP3.xml
- - Audio: Google Play Music https://play.google.com/music/m/I3eptvmuqocsoc5qmqj4xcs2dcm?t=The_Lunduke_Show
- - Audio: iTunes Podcasts   https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lunduke-show/id1465523928

Not worried about Cardinals

Why am I not worried about the Cardinals? Here is a list of the best hitters in the NL. What is missing? Birds are missing. Yes, the Cardinals are surging...., but they are not good at the core - behind the plate. Take a look:

RK  Player       Team   Pos    R    H
1   Marte, K     ARI    CF    87  163
2   Acuna Jr., R ATL    LF   107  158
3   Arenado, N   COL    3B    89  155
3   Blackmon, C  COL    RF    96  155
5   Freeman, F   ATL    1B   103  154
6   Albies, O    ATL    2B    82  152
7   Marte, S     PIT    CF    89  149
7   Yelich, C    MIL    RF    92  149
9   Rendon, A    WSH    3B    96  148
9   Castellanos  CHC    OF    79  148 <-
10  Baez, J      CHC    SS    87  147 <-
11  Hosmer, E    SD     1B    65  146
11  Rosario, A   NYM    SS    63  146
11  Story, T     COL    SS    95  146

The next Cardinal? After two more Cubbies
21 Bryant CHC with 135 hits
...
26 Rizzo CHC with 129 hits

all the way to 28th place

28 Goldschmidt, P STL 1B 128 hits <- first for Cardinals
and after Goldschmidt

41 DeJong, p STL with 118

then a bit longer till you get the the rest of the Cardinals. Let's face it. The Cardinals are hot right now, but overall, they can not hit! You have to trust the talent and the statistics. They both favor the Cubs.

training log

              Speed        Time
Date       MPH     Miles  M/S    Cal  Inc
25 Aug 19  2.3     0.936  25.05  100  0 L
26 Aug 19  2.6     1.053  24.45  108  0 L
27 Aug 19  2.8     1.255  27.00  125  0
28 Aug 19  3.0     1.304  26.05  127  0 *
29 Aug 19  3.1v    1.364  26.28  132  0
30 Aug 19  2.V     1.003  24.04  103  0 L
31 Aug 19  3.2     1.504  27:22  142  0
01 Sep 19  day     off
02 Sep 19  3.7     1.301  21:05  120  0
03 Sep 19  3.5-4.2 0.937  18:02  104  0 L
04 Sep 19  V       1.000  ?????  ???  V LW
04 Sep 19  3.7-4.5 1.618  25:10  163  0 +
05 Sep 19  day     off
06 Sep 19  3.5-4.5 1.667  25:01  215  0 [14:15 mile]
07 Sep 19  3.5-4.5 1.886  27.52  252  0 x
08 Sep 19  day     off
09 Sep 19  V       1.085  22.29  128  0
10 Sep 19  Stairs day 20 floors up and down
11 Sep 19  3.0-5.0 1.309  19:37  175  V
12 Sep 19  day     off
13 Sep 19  V       1.254  19.09  159  0

I will post my progress on this article.

goal #1: Do 3 mph mile in about 20 minutes. *
goal #2: Very brisk 15 minutes mile. +
Note: impossible to walk a 15 min mile, must be at least partly run.
goal #3: Complete a 2 mile walk in less than 40 minutes.
goal #4: Complete a 5k walk
goal #5: Use 250+ calories. x
goal #6: Jog a mile
goal #7: Jog 3 miles or 5k

visual log

Top 10 posts since moving to Google blogger

The biggest topic since I started blogging in 2000 has been Arcade games. I had my largest following. Since then I get a fraction of the traffic I once did. I decided to see what are my top 10 since moving to the Google platform for blogging. Now the biggest pulls are video game consoles and dice.

Entry                            Date pub       Page views
PlayStation 1 Classic Game add     Jan 1, 2019    321
Making a custom dice box. Part I   Jan 9, 2018    132
Making a custom dice box. Part V   Jan 14, 2018    97
My dice collections                Feb 8, 2018     77
Making a custom dice box. Part II  Jan 10, 2018    74
Making a custom dice box. Part III Jan 12, 2018    68
Making a custom dice box. Part IV  Jan 13, 2018    67
Day 8 of backyard work             Jun 25, 2018    60
1960 Cubs cards                    Jan 31, 2018    56
PlayStation Classic Controllers    Jan 06, 2019    27

Mustang News.

In April, we learned from Ford that Hybrid Ford Mustang are due out 2020. Then there were other rumors. Now we learn that a Mustang inspired SUV has been confirmed. Additionally, an all wheel drive electric mustang has been confirmed. The AWD version makes the all electric more palatable. Mustang owners love gas engines. But the newer performance engineered car nuts also know the benefits of planting HP over four wheels and what that means for track times.

Plenty of people are upset about high performance Mustangs loosing the manual transmission for increased performance. More people will be upset about an electric Mustang. Even more about a non rear wheel drive Mustang. But then again, there will be people that care more about Physics. My 2 pennies.

There is very little hard facts about either of these cars that Ford confirmed, but I expect there will be in a month or so. That is how Ford operates.

Battery life is going to be something over 300 miles. A front and rear electrical motor. Reasonably priced like most cars that Ford tries to market.

Cubs power offense

Cubs are having one of their best offensive years ever and yet are in second place and struggling badly on the road.  With the numbers that Castellanos is having, I would like to see the Cubs keep him.  Although Baez is clearly the best hitter and base runner on the team, he has been off track lately and the rest of the team is catching up.

As of August 20th, the Cubs have 9 players with double digit Home runs. In fact the slugging numbers a looking good so far.  Odds are likely the Cubs will have three players with 30 or more home runs this regular season.

Player       HR  3B  2B  XBH    H
Baez         28   4  34  66   140  <--
Schwarber    28   1  18  47    92
Bryant       25   1  32  58   128
Rizzo        25   2  25  52   125
Contreras    19   1  15  35    81
Heyward      18   4  15  37   109
Castellanos  18   3  44  65   137  <--
Almora Jr.   12   1  11  24    78
Bote         10   0  16  26    69

Baez and Castellanos lead the team in hits, doubles, triples and in general extra base hits. Every great team has to have at least a trio or great hitters. Everyone thought it would be Baez, Bryant, and Rizzo.... but their offense has been spotty this year. who is going to step it up?

Overall, it looks promising still for the Cubs. The Cardinals only have 7 players with double digits and their numbers a much lower.

Player        HR  2B  3B    H
Goldschmidt   28  15   0  120
Delong        22  27   1  112
Ozuna         22  18   0   91
Fowler        14  19   1   89
Carpenter     11  14   2   72
Martinez      10  12   0   83
Wieters       10   4   0   34

As you can see, The Cardinals are no where near as impressive hitting as the Cubs. The difference is mostly pitching.

Best Cartoon Duo

Tell me who you think is the best Cartoon Duo?

1 Ren and Stimpy
2 Beavis and Butthead
3 Zim and Gir
4 Pinky and The Brain
5 Rick and Morty
6 SpongeBob and Patrick
7 Bender and Fry
8 Fred Finstone and Barney Rubble
9 Scooby and Shaggy
10 Daggett and Norm
11 Cow and Chicken
12 Garfield and Odie
13 Chip and Dale
14 Yogi and Boo-boo
15 The Tick and Arthur
16 Pooh and Piglet
17 Phineas and Ferb
18 Snoopy & Woodstock
19 Stewie & Brian Griffin
20 Bullwinkle & Rocky
21 Marlin and Dory

22 Elroy and Astro

23 He-Man and Battlecat

24 Johnny Quest and Hadji

I did not included these duos because they are not really duos, but antagonist to each other:
-  Tom and Jerry
-  Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck
-  Willie Coyote and Road Runner

I did not include these because they never made it to the screen:
-  Calvin and Hobbes

So far on other media I have [I will keep updated]:

2 votes for Scooby and Shaggy
1 vote for Ricky and Morty
1 vote for Phineas and Ferb
1 vote for Pinky and The Brain
1 vote for Tom and Jerry (even though I said they don't count) 
1 vote for Elroy and Astro
1 vote for Snoopy and Woodstock

1 vote for He-Man and Battlecat

1 vote for Johnny Quest and Hadji

2019 Summer Mustangs

I just posted a new video of various Mustangs that I took photos of in Bloomington IL during the Summer of 2019.  As promised earlier, I really want to start video blogging more.

You can view the video here

I think my next video blog will actually be of some content and I plan on doing something on Route 66 like visiting:

1. Ryburn’s Place on 305 E. Pine Street, Normal IL and getting a photo of my Mustang there.

2. Funks Grove Pure Maple Sirup at 5257 Historic U.S. 66, Shirley IL

3. Dead Man’s Curve at Towanda IL

4. Gemini Giant on 810 E. Baltimore St., in Wilmington IL

5. Brick wall in Pontiac IL with mustang car photo.

6. Eat at Park View Inn in Bloomington IL

7. world largest catsup bottle in Collinsville, Il

8. Arcade museum in McLean IL.

2020 Shelby GT500 info

Ford submits headline:

2020 SHELBY GT500 ACHIEVES SUPERCAR ACCELERATION WITH 760 HORSEPOWER AND 7-SPEED DUAL-CLUTCH TRANSMISSION

So what is Ford bragging about:

Ford: "Its 760-horsepower 5.2-liter V8 engine is the most power- and torque-dense supercharged V8 in the world. With 625 ft.-lb. of torque funneled through a Tremec® TR-9070 DCT 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, the Shelby GT500 achieves a 0-100-0 in 10.6 seconds, thanks also to the largest front brakes of any domestic sports coupe (16.5-inch rotors) and available carbon fiber wheels, each wrapped in a Ford Performance-spec Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tire."

That is pretty impressive.  What is Chevy saying for the C8? 

But a more Interesting bit of information here:

Ford: "Power output is transmitted to the 3.73:1 Torsen limited-slip independent rear suspension via a carbon fiber driveshaft for reduced rotational mass and torsional distortion, plus larger halfshafts and a redesigned rear suspension hub for added strength."

That is impressive in that this Mustang is geared for 0-60 acceleration.  This machine is geared for fast acceleration like other high performance Mustangs!  The sixth generation Mustangs have been released with the following limited-slip independent rear axle ratios: 3.15:1, 3.31:1, 3.55:1, 3.73:1 Torsen limited-slip rear axles.  Down side of 3.73:1 is lower top speeds and fuel efficiency.

Baez Praise, Theo Shame

Just a little Javier Baez praise after I just learned yesterday that the Cubs had tried to trade Javier Baez in 2017. Let's think about that. With the 2018 and 2019 seasons, the Cubs would have fallen on the Cubs' collective face if not for Baez. Theo believed the sole core or the Cubs is Rizzo and Bryant.

Currently, as of Aug 5th, 2019 - Javier leads the Cubs in every offensive stat except Runs and he is second. I'm not sure who was dumber; the Cubs for trying to remove much of the Cubs Offense or the Tigers for not seeing the possibilities.

Yes, in 2017 Baez was not keeping up with Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant, but in 2018 and 2019 he performed much better than both.

So far, compared to the two players the Cubs said were the sole back bone:

        Year    R    H  2B  3B  HR  XBH  RBI  SB    BA   OBP 
Baez    2017   75  128  24   2  23   49   75  10  .273  .317
Rizzo   2017   99  156  32   3  32   67  109  10  .273  .392 
Bryant  2017  111  162  38   4  29   71   73   7  .295  .409

Baez    2018  101  176  40   9  34   83  111  21  .290  .326
Rizzo   2018   74  160  29   1  25   55  101   6  .283  .376
Bryant  2018   59  106  28   3  13   44   52   2  .272  .374

Baez    2019   79  130  30   4  28   62   76   9  .290  .323
Rizzo   2019   68  113  24   2  21   47   71   5  .285  .390
Bryant  2019   81  113  30   1  21   52   51   2  .284  .385

In 2018, Javier beat Rizzo and Bryant in every number but On Base Percentage. In 2019, Baez leads in most stats.

comparisons on 440+ HP cars [on going]

 
Car             Engine   HP   Trans   0-60     Top Speed  body 
==============  ======   ===  =====   =======   =========  ============
Ford GT         3.5L V6  647  7S-DCT  3.0 sec   216 MPH    carbon fiber
Mustang GT500   5.2L V8  760  7S-DCT  3.5 sec   180 MPH    Steel

Chevy Vette C8  6.2L V8  495  8S-DCT  2.9 sec   ??? MPH    fiber glass
Chevy Vette C7  6.2L V8  460  8S-Auto 3.7 sec   185 MPH    fiber glass

911 Carrera S   3.0L H6  443  8S-Auto 3.3 sec   191 MPH



Car               Length (in)   Width (in)   Height (in)   Weight (lbs)
==============    ==========    =========    ===========   ============ 
Ford GT           187.5         78.9          43.7         3,054
Mustang GT500                                              4,225

Chevy C8 vette    182.3         76.1          48.6         3,366
Chevy C7 vette    176.9         73.9          48.8         3,298

911 Carrera S     177.9         72.9          51.2         3,382

SUV mustang

This was just circulated and I'll leave this here. Not sure if this is a hate or love thing. Not sure if this is real or fake.  There have been rumors of this for a long while now.

Most reactions that I have seen have been mixed.  I think the problem is that the Mustang brand from over 50 years have had some very defined parameters.  Everyone is very uncomfortable about breaking outside of those.

Manual transmission is terminal

The manual transmission is terminal and will be dead in a matter of a few short years. This is an easy argument to make. First, car companies and customers have always valued manuals in performance cars. Now Chevy and Ford are now abandoning the manual even on their fastest most powerful cars. The 8th generation mid engine Chevy Corvette will be 10 speed dual clutch automatic transmission. The Ford's GT500 power house Mustang will only come in a 10 speed dual clutch automatic transmission. Chevy and Ford claim that no human with a manual transmission can match a dual clutch automatic transmission, and they are correct. Secondly, high performance automatic 10 speed transmissions is not the only reason manuals are dying. The general population no longer wants them. In 1992, 25% of cars sold were manual. In 2012, 6.8% of cars sold were manuals. And in 2018, 3.5% of cars sold were manuals
[Source Donut Media]
Some sources say lower for 2018. Edmunds says manual transmissions accounted for just 2 percent of all vehicles sold in 2018.
[Source Edmunds.com]
In 2006, 47% of car models we offered in either manual or automatic In 2018, only 27% of car models are now offered in either manual or automatic transmissions.
[Source Chicago Tribune]
Compared to traditional automatic transmissions, manual transmissions were considered more fuel efficient. But now with CVT transmissions being used in many cars that are fuel conscious, manual transmissions can't compare here anymore either. So the only purpose manual transmissions appear to have, is that to a few car enthusiast, where manuals are thought of as more fun. But fun does not equal profits for car companies. In the end, money is what drives car companies. If there is no longer performance, preference, or efficiency advantages, people will not be driving with manuals in the near future.

Cubs' half season report 2019

Every year I do a half season report, but this year is different. Different Stats:

Best Cubs stolen base leaders (>=3 SB)
Name      S%  SB  CS
Heyward  83%   5   1
Bote     80%   4   1
Rizzo    60%   3   2
Baez     50%   5   5

NL Central best stolen base leaders
Name    Team   SB    CS
Yelich  MIL    19     2
Wong    STL    14     0
Marte   PIT    13     2
Puig    CIN    13     3
Cain    MIL    10     4
Ozuna   STL     8     1
Senzel  CIN     8     3
 

That is a huge gap between the Cubs and other NLC teams.

Cubs Most Hits
Name       AB    H  XBH   AVG
Baez       356 103   48  .289
Bryant     317  94   46  .297
Rizzo      316  86   38  .272
Heyward    289  77   24  .266
Contreras  259  74   33  .286

Error Leaders:
Baez      10
Bote      10
Contreras 10
Bryant     9
Schwarber  5

Over all these Cubs are very weak in comparison to the leaders on other teams.

More thoughts on the 2020 GT500.

Most ridiculous issue in my mind is $10,000 option for stripes on the 2020 Ford Mustang GT500. There is NO OTHER manufacture that charges this price. Not even the exotic 500k cars manufactures...This is Ford saying we don't want to put factory stripes on this car. Have it done yourself for a faction of the price, but if you really want us to do it, hand over another 10k!

Most most overblown non-issue with this vehicle is the 10-speed duel clutch automatic transmission. My take on this is Ford promised their fastest production car ever. You can not achieve this with a manual transmission. No human can outperform this transmission. Yes, people like the control that you feel with a manual, but once again, Ford promised the *fastest* production ford car in their history. They have promised certain numbers that will not be achievable with the manual.

Ford is still getting beat at the line with all-wheel performance sports cars with less HP. I feel Ford still is missing this mark. 2020 could have been the year Ford makes a car that shoots off the line with near zero loss in torque.

Power sluggers of the NL 2019 season.

At nearly half way through the season (morning of 6/26/2019), here are your National League sluggers sorted by home run rankings:

RK   Player        Team Pos  G   AB    R   H   2B   3B  HR
1    Yelich, C     MIL RF   71  266   63  91  16   2   29
2    Alonso, P     NYM 1B   79  287   52  80  17   2   27
3    Bellinger, C  LAD RF   77  275   62  97  17   2   25
4    Renfroe, H    SD LF   72  233   35  58  12   1   23
5    Moustakas, M  MIL 2B   71  271   49  76  16   0   22
6    Freeman, F    ATL 1B   79  312   59  97  21   2   21
7    Bell, J       PIT 1B   76  293   57  91  28   3   20
7    Marte, K      ARI 2B   76  311   53  97  17   4   20
7    Ozuna, M      STL LF   75  285   52  73  13   0   20
7    Pederson, J   LAD LF   71  220   45  51   4   3   20
7    Reyes, F      SD RF   75  238   31  58   7   0   20
12   Acuna Jr., R  ATL LF   79  318   55  92  10   1   19
12   Arenado, N    COL 3B   77  298   57  97  17   2   19
12   Baez, J       CHC SS   77  310   52  89  19   3   19
12   Rizzo, A      CHC 1B   75  275   50  75  12   1   19
16   Blackmon, C   COL RF   62  273   55  90  18   6   18
16   Dietrich, D   CIN 2B   71  175   36  40   4   2   18
16   Hoskins, R    PHI 1B   78  278   42  75  16   2   18
19   Escobar, E    ARI 3B   78  308   51  87  17   5   17
19   Grandal, Y    MIL C    71  241   39  66  10   2   17
19   Machado, M    SD SS   77  292   47  82  14   0   17
19   Muncy, M      LAD 1B   77  261   48  73  12   1   17
19   Rendon, A     WSH 3B   64  236   58  74  20   2   17
19   Story, T      COL SS   72  296   65  87  20   2   17
25   Conforto, M   NYM RF   71  254   45  66  15   0   16
25   Contreras, W  CHC C    68  224   36  66  12   0   16
25   Puig, Y       CIN RF   71  267   32  64   9   1   16
25   Schwarber, K  CHC LF   74  263   41  61  11   1   16
25   Suarez, E     CIN 3B   76  281   37  69  13   0   16

Chi Cubs has 4 Sluggers, all ranked between 12 and 25. Although not far behind, Heyward and Bryant did not make the top 25. Cin Reds has 3 Sluggers. Mil Brewers 3 Sluggers, but has two in the top 5. Pit Pirates has 1 Slugger. Stl Cardinals has 1 Slugger.

If you look at the standings, this has been a large part of how the teams stack.

GT500 Announcement!

In case you haven't heard, just released on Twitter, the Shelby GT500 Mustang will have 760 horse power! The vehicle will sport a 5.2L super charged V8 and will produce a maximum of 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of torque. Ford says this is its fastest-ever street-legal Mustang.


Now the world waits for the price. Source: Ford - pictured [Engine for the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500.]

2019 Car Shows/Meets

2019 Car Shows/Meets

---

Event: Mustang Club of America "Stampede to the Heartland"
When: Jul 18 2019 / 8 AM
When: Jul 21 2019 / 5 PM
Type: Public Event
Hosted by: Heartland Motorsports Park and Mustang Club of America
Where: Heartland Motorsports Park
   7530 SW Topeka Blvd, Topeka, Kansas 66619

---

Event: Antique Auto Exhibit
When: Aug 4 2019 / 9 am- 3pm
Type: Public Event
Where: David Davis Mansion

About: Beautiful, historic cars in a beautiful, historic setting – that’s the promise of 22nd Annual Antique Car Exhibition. More than 75 cars from the 1900s through the 1980s will be displayed on the mansion grounds. This year, we will also be featuring the 33rd Regimental Band in a special Civil War era concert on the lawn. There will also be picnic foods and beverages for sale and free, self-guided tours of the mansion will be offered!

---

Event: Cruise-In
When: August 11 / 4 pm- 9 pm
Where: Uptown Normal

About: A full-scale cruise-in sponsored by the Car Community Automobile Club in conjunction with the Twin City Cruisers and the McLean County Antique Automobile Club. Come enjoy hundreds of classic and contemporary show cars while you stroll the streets of Uptown!

---

Event: 41st Annual All Ford Show and Swap Meet
When: Aug 25 2019 / Sun 8 AM
Type: Public Event
Hosted by Central Illinois Mustangers
Where: Landmark Ford Springfield, IL

---

Event: Cruise-In at the Mansion
When: September 8 / 10 am- 2 pm
Type: Public Event
Where: David Davis Mansion Bloomington IL

About: All types of cars will be on display at the David Davis Mansion, including antiques, classics, trucks and motorcycles. Dash plaques will be given to the first 100 vehicles. Attendees can also enjoy tours of the mansion, concessions and music.

---

Event: Cruise 11 to Remember 9-11
When: Sep 11 2019
Type: Public Event
Where: Downtown Decatur IL

About: Car/bike show-$11 registration fee, 11 mile cruise, food vendors, FREE entertainment ...Memorial Service. This fund raiser was created to provide our area a way to honor those that serve, have served our Country and provide family entertainment. This year is our 11th annual show to honor the anniversary of 9-11 with family fun in downtown Decatur.

---

Event:American Legion Car Show - 3rd Annual Car meet
When: Oct 19 2019 / Sat 9 AM - 2 PM
Type: Public Event
Hosted by: American Legion
Where: Burna Ky

About: Car show - $10 registration fee. In the past 2 years approximately 100-110 cars in show - all years, makes, and models. Registration fee goes toward funding American Legion.
https://www.facebook.com/events/2098096367154288/
***See photos of 2018 show

---

Jul 13
Central Illinois Mustangers Ford Cruise-in
Sat 1 PM · Bob Ridings in Taylorville · Taylorville, Illinois
You like Central Illinois Mustangers

Aug 25
41st Annual All Ford Show and Swap Meet
Sun 8 AM · Landmark Ford · Springfield, Illinois
You like Central Illinois Mustangers

Andre Dawson collection as of June 2019

Andre Dawson collection as of June 2019

Like Ryne Sandburg, Andre Dawson is on of my most collected Hall of Fame Cubbie! As soon as I had started collecting Cubs, I was searching out Andre Dawson. I still remember  buy Andre Dawson's rookie card in a card show in the 80's and how proud I was to own that card.

Here is my collection at a glance:

  Year  Brand       Series        Card #   Name                 Team              Note            .
  1978  Topps       Standard      072      Andre Dawson         Mon Expos         rookie card    
  1981  Topps       Standard      125      Andre Dawson         Mon Expos     
  1983  Topps       Standard      680      Andre Dawson         Mon Expos      
  1985  Leaf        Donruss       421      Andre Dawson         Mon Expos     
  1987  Leaf        Donruss       009      Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs          Diamond Kings    
  1987  Topps       Standard      345      Andre Dawson         Mon Expos     
  1988  Fleer       Standard      415      Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs      
2 1988  Leaf        Donruss       ---      Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs          Popup    
  1988  Leaf        Donruss       009      Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs          Diamond Kings    
2 1988  Topps       Big           153      Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs     
  1988  Topps       Kmart MMo80s  009      Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs 
2 1988  Topps       All-Star      001      Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs 
3 1989  Fleer       Standard      422      Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs 
  1989  Fleer       Standard      713      R Sandberg/A Dawson  Chi Cubs          100 Club    
  1989  Leaf        Donruss       167      Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs      
  1989  Topps       Bowman        298      Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs      
  1989  Topps       Standard      004      Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs          Record Breaker    
  1989  Topps       Standard      010      Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs      
  1989  Topps       Standard      391      Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs          All Star National Leag    
  1989  Topps       Standard      391      Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs          All-Star    
  1990  Fleer       Standard      029      Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs      
  1990  Upper Deck  Standard      073      Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs          Team check list    
2 1990  Upper Deck  Standard      357      Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs      
  1991  Topps       Standard      640      Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs      
  1992  Leaf        Awesome       113      Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs      
  1992  Leaf        Donruss       422      Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs          All-Star card    
  1992  Topps       Standard      460      Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs      
  1993  Leaf        Donruss       632      Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs      
  1994  Leaf        Donruss       448      Andre Dawson         Bos Red Sox      
  1996  Topps       Standard      275      Andre Dawson         Mia Marlins      
  1996  Upper Deck  Standard      335      Andre Dawson         Mia Marlins      
  2012  Topps       Standard      GG-76    Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs          Golden Greats    
  2012  Topps       Standard      TT-16    A Dawson/J Upton     Chi Cubs D-backs  Timeless Talents    

Is there a future for e-Mustang

Is there a future for an electronic Mustang?

Ford continues to tease about a non-gasoline, electronic, Mustang coming in the future. But I see this a risky future for the Pony line. I'm not a car engineer.  I also don't have an inside track with any car manufacturer's  engineering team.  I just have a few thoughts on this.

First, the majority of Mustang lovers love the sound of a Mustang.  Especially any Mustang in the GT line. Electric cars are notorious for being super quiet.  To the point the blind don't like them for safety reasons.

Then there is weight of electric cars. Currently Ford is making lighter, more powerful, faster cars than Ferrari. In fact, Ford purchased Ferrari cars when developing the 6th generation to ensure they were. The engine itself on the 6th generation 5.0 L engines are at least 12 pounds lighter. But electric cars are heavy. The heavier the vehicle, the more power is lost moving down the road and Mustangs are about performance.

Additionally, there will be major changes in a vehicle's suspension when weight of the vehicle is distributed.

The near future of the Mustang is near and it looks impressive. Ford is just about to release the GT500, and "By the Numbers" (see http://2020gt500.ford.com/Y2019/default.aspx)

HP: 700+
0-60 mph: mid-3.0 seconds
1/4-mile: < 11 seconds
Front Brakes: 420mm
Hood Vent: 6.03 sq. ft.
Transmission Shifts: capable of < 100 milliseconds

All of these specs are just insane!! So my parting questions are, do we have the technology in electric cars to do this?  Maybe we do.  If we alter the car so much to be electric, will it still be a Mustang at heart?

(image copyright by Ford)

Making the Perfect Layer Cake

Making the Perfect Layer Cake 

Many people think that baking a cake is as easy as buying a box of mix and then adding water and a couple of eggs. True, this will produce a cake, but it will be far from perfect. It’s best to start from scratch. Choosing the proper fresh ingredients and maintaining good technique is key.

Ingredients 
Always start by preheating your oven. A preheated oven is key to even baking. If you throw a pan in an oven that's still heating up, you will end up with a cake that is burned on the top and still batter on the bottom. 

Then choose the ingredients. It's a good idea to set out all the ingredients in the beginning so that you don't end up with a half-mixed batter only to realize you are out of eggs. The kind of layer cake you’re making requires different recipes. Choose cake flour to increase the lightness of a cake or a whole wheat flour to increase the density of a cake. The kind of sugar you use can also make or break a cake. White sugar will make for a very light and airy cake, but for a cake with depth of flavor and texture, choose brown sugar. Chocolate cakes are especially good when made with brown sugar You'll also need flour eggs and baking powder. And you'll need butter and some good-sized pans to bake the cake in.

Mixing
Once you have decided on a recipe and set out the ingredients, start with the butter. Cream the butter until it's a light yellow. The butter will need to be room temperature so that you can easily cream it. For best results, use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Once you’ve finished, slowly add the sugar. Mix the butter and sugar together until they are blended evenly. Add the rest of the wet ingredients and mix well.

When you mix the batter, pause the mixer to scrape down the sides with a spatula a couple of times during the process. This will help you get everything in without making a mess as well as ensure that the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

While the mixer is mixing the sugar and wet ingredients, you can start sifting the flour and other dry ingredients together into a separate bowl. Once you have combined the dry ingredients, set the mixer to low and slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients a little at a time. Make sure each addition is completely mixed in before adding the next batch.

Baking 
Now that the batter is mixed, grease two round cake pans. Pour the batter into the pans; be sure to evenly divide the batter between the two pans. Place them into the oven and position
them as close to the middle of the oven as possible; this will allow for even baking. Set the timer based on the recipe. While you wait, take the time to prepare the frosting.

When the timer goes off, you should test the cakes with a skewer or cake tester to make sure you have baked the cake long enough to take it out of the oven. If the skewer comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached, take the cakes out. If not, set the timer for two more minutes and check again. Bake in two-minute increments, watching closely until the cakes are ready. Take them out and cool them. While cooling, leave them in the pans.

Frosting
When the cakes are cool, prepare them for frosting. Slide a knife around the edge between the cake and the pan. Invert each cake on a cooling rack. Then take a long serrated knife and carefully slice through the cake from one side to the other. This will create two layers out of one cake. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap. Place the layers in the freezer for at least half an hour. This will make them much easier to work with.

For the crumb coat, start by taking the layers out of the freezer. Unwrap the layers one at a time as you need them. Place the first layer on a cake board. Frost the cake all over with a light coat. It’s called the crumb coat because for this, it doesn't matter if you get crumbs on the frosting or if the cake shows through. Think of this as the primer. Continue until all the layers are frosted and in place. Put the whole cake in the refrigerator for another half hour. This will make the last coat look nicer as well as make it easier to work with.

Remove the cake from the refrigerator. Drop a large amount of frosting on the top of the cake. This will be the final coat. Using a metal spatula, spread the frosting over the top. Then take some frosting with your spatula and, holding the spatula against the side at a 45-degree angle, spread the icing around the cake. You can put the cake board on a lazy Susan to help you turn it.

You should end up with frosting sticking up above the top layer. Use the spatula to smooth the frosting over the top of the cake. Dip the spatula in warm water and smooth out the top of the cake.

Decorating Embellishments are very fun and enticing! Add flowers, sprinkles, chocolate shavings, fruit — whatever you think will be delicious and beautiful. Place the cake on a platter or cake plate and invite friends over to celebrate your first perfect layer cake. Finally, dig in and be sure to enjoy the savory taste that you could never get from out of a box!




https://www.buzzfeed.com/christinebyrne/yes-it-matters-what-kind-of-kitchen-mixer-you-use


http://blog.redvelvetnyc.com/lifestyle/diy/frosting-techniques-for-cakes/


https://www.make-fabulous-cakes.com/icing-a-cake.html

My old stang and my new stang.

There is nearly 50 years difference between my first red 1967 Mustang and my newer 2016 Mustang.

Completely different cars concerning how they are made and the technology used by each.
Yet, sitting behind the steering wheel on both cars are oddly the same spirit of the vehicles.

• The fact you hear the engine. The rumble from their V8 or V6 is something I will miss when cars all go electric.
• The long red hood you stare over with twin ridges.
• The three chrome pieces on the steering wheel with the horse in the middle.
• Round gauges
• The simple way you sit in the seat.
• The heavy doors that you open and close when you get in and out of the vehicle.

Of course the steering wheel, suspension, safety, and power are all better than any Mustang made in the 60s. But somehow Ford makes a Mustang feel like a Mustang and Mustangs makes me smile.

Ford vision, or the DNA of the Mustang, as the following:

• Flat front grille
• Twin eyebrow dash
• Round gauges on console
• Tri-bar tail lamps
• Shark bite nose
• Hockey stick side.

In fact I read a review that stated the Cons: **Edmonds web review

• Impractical back seat
• Performance package ride quality can be bouncy
• Long, heavy doors and mediocre cabin access

Heck, if it didn't have these cons, it wouldn't be a Mustang ;)

My new (to me) 'Stang

⭕My new toy I got for Father Day/Birthday (a week early). This is my 50th birthday to shut me up about wanting a Mustang again.

                  

⭕This Mustang is a 2016 (6th Generation), Race Red, V6 3.7L 300HP engine, 6-Speed Manual, upgraded rear suspension, aluminum wheels, and factory installed blade spoiler.

⭕Detailed Description:

2016 Ford Mustang V6 in Race Red:

Body:         2D Coupe fastback

Exterior:     Race Red (2016 Ford Race Red PQ M7236) with 

              factory blade rear spoiler (Optional equipment)

Wheels:       18"  Silver painted  aluminum 5 spoke (Optional equipment)

Tires:        Goodyear F1 Asymmetric 235/50R18W (Optional equipment)

Transmission: 6-Speed Manual

Engine:       The Duratec 37 227.4 cu (Cyclone)
              3.7L V6 Ti-VCT 24V
              300 HP (224 kW) at 6,500 
              270 lb⋅ft (366 N⋅m) at 4,000

Interior:     Ebony Cloth Bucket Seats

Center Con:   Sync Communications & Entertainment System
              - 6 Speakers
              - AM/FM radio
              - w/Single CD Player
              - Bluetooth
              - Rear-view Backup Camera

Rear Axle:    3:15 Ratio Limited Slip Axle for higher top speeds (Optional equipment)


Other Standard Features:
  Key-less entry/start button
  Power Lift-gate
  Power Windows
  Power Seats
  High-Intensity Discharge Headlights
  Air Conditioning
  Rear window defroster
  Power steering

⭕Considering all, when this Mustang was new, given all that the vehicle came with, Ford gives a lot of bang for the buck.

⭕Although I know it is not universal with Mustang lovers, I personally love the "mean" look of the 6th Generation of 'stangs!

My Ryne Sandberg Collection

This will be my second recent post on players I collect. Ryne Sandberg was just a natural choice to collect being a HoF, a Cubbie, and so many different cards made. So far, I have 58 cataloged cards of Ryne Sandberg (including some duplicates). I probably have more in my collection that have not been unsealed.

x  Year  Brand       Series            Card#  Name(s)                Team      Note             _
   1983  Topps       Standard          083    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs  rc (perfect mint) 

   1984  Topps       Standard          596    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs

   1985  Topps       Standard          460    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs

2  1986  Fleer       League Leaders    039    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs
3  1986  Topps       Standard          690    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs   

   1987  Leaf        Donruss           077    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs
2  1987  Topps       Standard          680    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs

   1988  Fleer       Standard          431    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs   
2  1988  Fleer       Standard          628    Ryne Sandberg/Smith    Chi Cubs  Master of the DBL play 
   1988  Leaf        Donruss           ---    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs  Popup 
   1988  Topps       Big               016    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs
   1988  Topps       Standard          010    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs
3  1988  Topps       Standard All-Star 014    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs

2  1989  Fleer       Standard          437    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs
   1989  Fleer       Standard          713    Ryne Sandberg/Dawson   Chi Cubs  100 Club 
2  1989  Leaf        Donruss           105    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs   
   1989  SDC         Standard          005    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs
   1989  Topps       Bowman            290    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs
2  1989  Topps       Standard          360    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs
   1989  Topps       Standard          387    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs  All-Star 
   1989  Topps       Standard All-Star 014    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs

2  1990  Fleer       Standard          040    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs   
   1990  Fleer       Standard          625    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs  Players of the Decade 
   1990  Fleer       Standard          ???    Ryne Sandberg/Johnson  Chi Cubs   
   1990  Fleer       Standard          ???    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs  '84   
   1990  Leaf        Donruss           067    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs   
   1990  Leaf        Donruss           077    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs   
   1990  Leaf        Donruss           692    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs  All Star card 
   1990  Leaf        Donruss           BC-10  Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs  MVP card 
   1990  Topps       Standard          210    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs   
   1990  Upper Deck  Standard          324    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs   

   1991  Fleer       Standard          431    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs   
   1991  Fleer       Standard          709    Ryne Sandberg/Fielder  Chi Cubs  Home Run Kings 
   1991  Leaf        Donruss           014    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs  Diamond Kings card 
   1991  Leaf        Donruss           404    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs  MVP card 
   1991  Pinnacle    Score             862    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs  Franchise card 
   1991  Post        Collector Series  016    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs   
   1991  Topps       Standard          398    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs  All-Star 
   1991  Topps       Standard          740    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs   

   1992  Leaf        Donruss           429    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs  All-Star card 
   1992  Leaf        Donruss           576    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs   

   1993  Leaf        Donruss           344    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs   
   1993  Topps       Stadium Club      366    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs   
   1993  Topps       Stadium Club      600    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs  Members Choice 
   1993  Topps       Standard          003    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs   

   1994  Topps       Standard          200    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs   

   1996  Topps       Standard          356    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs   

Some cards missing from my collection

1983 Donruss
1983 Fleer
1984 Donruss
1984 Fleer
1985 Donruss
1985 Fleer
1986 Donruss
1987 Fleer
1984 Fleer
1992 Topps
1992 fleer
1994 Fleer
1995 Topps
1995 Fleer
1996 Fleer

The Big 3s of the big 3

Cubs/Brewers/Cardinals
Player         Team  Pos  G    AB    R    H   2B  3B  HR  RBI  BB   SO  SB  CS  AVG    OBP   SLG
Baez, J        CHC   SS   53   218   37   67  17   1  13  34   15   75   2   2  .307  .350  .573
Rizzo, A       CHC   1B   50   190   36   55  10   1  15  42   26   32   2   1  .289  .404  .589
Bryant, K      CHC   3B   51   191   43   54  15   1  13  35   33   39   1   0  .283  .403  .576
Cain, L        MIL   CF   53   224   34   59  18   0   4  24   16   39   5   3  .263  .317  .397
Yelich, C      MIL   RF   50   179   44   56   7   1  21  45   34   38  10   1  .313  .427  .715
Moustakas, M   MIL   2B   51   201   34   54  13   0  15  36   17   44   3   0  .269  .332  .557
DeJong, P      STL   SS   55   204   41   58  17   1   8  26   29   41   4   0  .284  .385  .495
Goldschmidt, P STL   1B   55   211   36   58   4   0  11  26   29   64   0   1  .275  .365  .450
Molina, Y      STL   C    50   189   18   50  13   0   4  33    7   17   4   0  .265  .294  .397

The Cardinals top players are simply not keeping up with the Cubs and Brewers. We will see how the Cardinals fare against the Cubs this weekend. The Cardinals need wins badly.

CENTRAL
            W     L     %     GB
Chi Cubs    31    23   .574   -
Milwaukee   32    25   .561   0.5
St. Louis   27    28   .491   4.5
Pittsburgh  27    28   .491   4.5
Cincinnati  26    30   .464   6.0

ISU and UofI in NCAA championship baseball!

Illinois State University #3 (34-24) and University of Illinois #2 (36-19) has made it to the NCAA College World Series field of 64!

The 2019 College World Series begins June 15 and runs through June 25/26, and it'll be back at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Nebraska — marking the 70th straight year the city has hosted the event.

The CWS consists of two double elimination brackets. The winners of each faces off in a best-of-three finals series.

In the first round, ISU will face #2 Indiana (36-21) and UoI will face #3 Clemson (34-24)

Larry Jackson (Cardinal/Cubbie) collection

Why I collect Larry Jackson cards:

Silly reasons.
- He played with the Cardinals and the Cubs.
- His card years are in scope with what I collect.
- His cards don't cost an arm and a leg like other good players. This is because most have forgotten him and he is not a HoFer.

Legit Reasons:
- He was popular and a good player. Larry is a 5 time All-Star
- His adjusted earned run average (ERA+) is better than that of a dozen Hall of Famers, including Nolan Ryan.
- He was a game wins league leader in 1964 with Cubs with 24 wins
- He was also a runner up to Cy Young award in 1964
- 1709 carrer strikeouts
- Four top 10 WHIPs years
- - 1957 NL 1.203 (7th)
- - 1960 NL 1.230 (10th)
- - 1961 NL 1.227 (5th)
- - 1964 NL 1.085 (6th)
- He had 149 complete games with 37 shutouts being 1st place in 1966 with 5 shutouts.
- Larry started 38 games in 1960, so he was considered a durable work horse pitcher.

My modest collection:

Year	Brand	Series	Card Number	Name	Team	Photo
1959	Topps	Standard	399	Larry Jackson	Stl Cardinals	photo link
1963	Topps	Standard	095	Larry Jackson	Chi Cubs	photo link
1964	Topps	Standard	444	Larry Jackson	Chi Cubs	photo link
1965	Topps	Standard	010	Larry Jackson	Chi Cubs	photo link
1965	Topps	Standard	420	Larry Jackson	Chi Cubs	photo link
1968	Topps	Standard	081	Larry Jackson	Phi Phillies	photo link

Cub's Hitting

Cubs hitting as of May 15th - 40 games in (25 wins - 15 losses):

RK  Player         Pos   G   AB   R   H  2B  3B  HR  XBH  RBI  BB  SB  AVG   OBP    
1   Baez, J         2B  40  171  31  55  14   1  11   26   29  10   2  .322  .357   
2   Bryant, K       3B  39  146  32  39  12   1   8   21   26  28   1  .267  .400   
3   Contreras, W     C  37  119  23  36   6   0  10   16   25  18   1  .303  .410   
4   Rizzo, A        1B  37  139  25  35   7   1  10   18   29  21   1  .252  .379   
5   Heyward, J      RF  38  133  18  32   2   2   6   10   18  21   4  .241  .344   

6   Almora Jr., A   CF  38  114  15  29   5   0   3    8   11   5   2  .254  .292     
7   Bote, D         3B  37  109  16  26   7   0   3   10   16  13   0  .239  .328     
8   Schwarber, K    LF  36  116  13  26   4   0   5    9   11  20   0  .224  .341     
9   Descalso, D     2B  36   95  15  22   5   0   2    7   12  11   1  .232  .308     
10  Zobrist, B      2B  26   83  12  20   1   0   0    1   10  14   0  .241  .343     

11  Caratini, V      C   6   14   4   8   3   0   1    4    5   3   0  .571  .647   
12  Zagunis, M      RF  23   30   2   7   3   0   0    3    4   4   0  .233  .324   
13  Hendricks, K     P   8   19   1   4   1   0   0    1    2   1   0  .211  .250  
14  Davis, T         C   6   15   2   3   0   0   1    1    4   2   0  .200  .294  
15  Russell, A      SS   6   12   2   3   1   0   1    2    2   2   0  .250  .357   

16  Lester, J        P   6    8   1   2   1   0   0    1    2   2   0  .250  .400   
17  Chatwood, T      P   9    4   1   1   1   0   0    1    0   0   0  .250  .250   
18  Darvish, Y       P   8   15   0   1   0   0   0    0    0   0   0  .067  .067   
19  Quintana, J      P   7   15   1   1   0   0   0    0    0   0   0  .067  .067  

The big 5 continue to be the big 5. Baez is on track for a 200+ hits, 100+ RBI, and 30+ HR year. Between Bryant's turn around in hitting and Rizzo missing games, Bryant has climbed to second. In fact, Bryant has made a big come back and may be able to save his year. Schwarber continues to struggle overall, while Almora has found his way out of his slump. With Zorbist missing so much time, and Russell coming in after missing so much time; I expect the two to switch places in a couple weeks. I also expect Darvish to fall back into last.

Here are the Cubs' stats 21 games in:

   Player           G  AB   R   H  2B  3B  HR  XBH RBI  BB  SO   AVG   OBP
1  Baez, J         21  89  19  28   6   1   7   14  18   5  27  .315  .351 
2  Heyward, J      19  59  14  20   1   0   4    5  11  14   9  .339  .461 
3  Contreras, W    20  59  14  19   5   0   6   11  16  12  19  .322  .467 
4  Bryant, K       20  77  13  17   7   0   1    8   8  11  19  .221  .341 
5  Descalso, D     18  55   9  17   5   0   1    6  10   7  13  .309  .387  

6  Rizzo, A        21  75  15  15   2   1   4    7  13  14  16  .200  .362 
7  Zobrist, B      18  60   7  15   0   0   0    0   5   9   9  .250  .343 
8  Bote, D         19  44   7  13   4   0   1    5   9   5  10  .295  .380 
9  Schwarber, K    18  66   8  13   1   0   3    4   6   6  21  .197  .264 
10  Almora Jr., A  20  52   4  10   0   0   0    0   4   5   9  .192  .263 

11  Caratini, V     6  14   4   8   3   0   1    4   5   3   4  .571  .647 
12  Zagunis, M     12  23   1   7   3   0   0    3   4   0   8  .304  .304  

Cubs Leaders 5/3/2019

Interesting Fact: Javier Baez and Sammy Sosa are the only two Cubs in the history of the franchise to have 20+ RBI going into May.

Runs                 Wins
Baez      25         Brach     3
Rizzo     21         Hamels    3
Contreras 19         Quintana  3
                     Darvish   2
Hits                 Hendricks 2
Baez      39         Lester    2
Heyward   28         Chatwood  1
Rizzo     27         Strop     1

Doubles              ERA
Bryant    10         Lester    1.73
Baez       9         Chatwood  2.51
Bote       6         Kintzler  2.60

Triples              Strike Outs
Baez       1         Quintana  38
Rizzo      1         Hamels    37
                     Darvish   33

Home Runs            WHIP
Baez      10         Kintzler  0.66
Contreras  8         Strop     0.83
Rizzo      8         Lester    0.96

RBIs 
Baez      25
Rizzo     23
Contreras 19

The clear batting leaders for the Cubs are Baez and Rizzo. Not a clear cut leader for Cubs pitching staff yet.

Illinois Baseball as of April 29, 2019

Illinois Baseball as of April 29, 2019
Vol 1 I 2 2019
Note: WHIP is not tracked for University Teams.

Bloomington Titans /  Illinois Wesleyan   | W 
Record
    18-15     .545
Leaders
    H      43 Shea, Garrett
    H      43 Fletcher, Dalton
    R      33 Ranneklev, Evan
    HR      6 Shea, Garrett
    RBI    29 Shea, Garrett
    AVG  .416 Figus, NicK
    OBP  .496 Figus, NicK

    ERA  1.61 Houghton, Jacob
    Wins    5 Brune, Nick  
    Wins    5 Gudaitis, Quinn   
    SO     57 Brune, Nick   

Chicago Cubs / MLB - National League   C 
Record
    14-12     .538
Leaders
    H      35 Baez, Javier     
    R      23 Baez, Javier 
    HR      9 Baez, Javier
    RBI    22 Baez, Javier
    AVG  .315 Baez, Javier
    OBP  .433 Heyward, Jason

    ERA  3.16 Hamels, Cole
    Wins    3 Hamels, Cold
    Wins    3 Quintana, José 
    WHIP 0.99 Hamels, Cole   
    SO     38 Quintana, José    


Chicago White Sox / MLB - American League SOX
Record
    12-14      .462
Leaders
    H      36 Anderson, Tim
    R      22 Moncada, Yoan
    HR      6 Moncada, Yoan
    RBI    24 Abreu, Jose
    AVG  .375 Anderson, Tim
    OBP  .400 McCann, James

    ERA  4.94 Rodon, Carlos
    Wins    3 Rodon, Carlos
    WHIP 1.39 Rodon, Carlos   
    SO     40 Rodon, Carlos   


Crestwood Windy City ThunderBolts / Frontier League 🗲 
Record
    0-0       .000  Season has not started

Danville Dans / Prospect League
Record
    0-0       .000  Season has not started

Decatur Big Blue / Millikin University  M
Record
    19-16    .543
Leaders  - Waiting on update

Evanston WildCats / NorthWestern University N
Record
    18-22    .450
Leaders
    H     54 Erro, Alex
    R     36 Dunn, Jack
    HR     4 Erro, Alex
    RBI   29 Bourbon, Willie
    AVG .349 Dunn, Jack
    OBP .457 Dunn, Jack

    ERA 2.37 Paciorek, Nick
    Wins   3 Lavelle, Quinn
    Wins   3 Hanks, Parker
    Wins   3 Levy, Josh   
    SO    43 Lavelle, Quinn    

Joliet Slammers / Frontier League
Record
    0-0       .000  Season has not started

Marion Miners / Frontier League
Record
    0-0       .000  Season has not started
        
Normal Redbirds / Illinois State University ISU
Record
    27-17    .614
Leaders
    H     66 Aeilts, Joe
    R     35 Aeilts, Joe
    HR     9 Aeilts, Joe
    RBI   37 Aeilts, Joe
    AVG .359 Aeilts, Joe
    OBP .451 Libman, Jordan

    ERA 3.21 Johnson, Colton
    Wins   5 Headrick, Brent 
    SO    77 Headrick, Brent     

Normal Cornbelters / Prospect League
Record
    0-0       .000  Season has not started
        
Peoria Braves / Bradley University B         
Record
    27-13      .675
Leaders
    H     56 Shadid, Luke
    R     39 Bolt, Dan
    HR     8 Bolt, Dan
    RBI   41 Shadid, Andy
    AVG .333 Shadid, Luke
    OBP .459 Rice, Keaton

    ERA 1.47 Janssen, Mitch
    Wins   4 Cook, Cole
    Wins   4 Gosswein, Brooks
    Wins   4 Moscot, Jed 
    SO    48 Janssen, Mitch    

Peoria Chiefs /  MiLB - Midwest League - Single A
Record
    8-13     .381
Leaders
    H      26 Gorman, Nolan 
    R      15 Gorman, Nolan
    HR      6 Gorman, Nolan
    RBI    20 Gorman, Nolan
    AVG  .235 Gorman, Nolan
    OBP  .500 Wilson, Alexis

    ERA  0.30 Parsons, Tommy
    Wins    3 Parsons, Tommy
    WHIP 0.35 Parsons, Tommy    
    SO     24 Seijas, Alvaro     

Rosemont Chicago Dogs             
Record
    0-0       .000  Season has not started

Sauget Gateway Grizzlies / Frontier League
Record
    0-0       .000  Season has not started

Schaumburg Boomers / Frontier League 
Record
    0-0       .000  Season has not started

Springfield Sliders / Prospect League
Record
    0-0       .000  Season has not started

Urbana Fighting Illini / University of Illinois   I 
Record
     28-14     .667
Leaders
    H     52 Massey, Michael
    R     29 Taylor, Zac
    HR     7 Taylor, Zac
    RBI   22 Massey, Michael
    AVG .357 Van Scoy, Grant
    OBP .436 Van Scoy, Grant

    ERA 1.90 Acton, Garrett
    Wins   5 Fisher, Andy
    Wins   5 Leland, Sean
    SO    70 Fisher, Andy     

Cubs 1961 cards update

I had previously posted about my 1961 Cubs cards. https://elfstones69.blogspot.com/2018/02/1961-topps-cubs-cards.html I have since have added two new additions: My complete 1961 Cubs set is now:

Frank Thomas Topps Chi Cubs  1961 Standard  382
Glen Hobbie Topps Chi Cubs  1961 Standard  264


Jim Brewer Topps Chi Cubs  1961 Standard  317
Sammy Taylor Topps Chi Cubs  1961 Standard  253


Moe Thacker Topps Chi Cubs  1961 Standard  012
Danny Murphy Topps Chi Cubs  1961 Standard  214


Ron Santo Topps Chi Cubs  1961 Standard  035
Billy Williams Topps Chi Cubs  1961 Standard  141

That is four Rookie cards I have for that year. Still missing Ernie Banks.