Old Times at Platteville

In 1994, 4 Bears fans from Lerner Newspapers and the Chicago area trekked out to Platteville to check out the Chicago Bears during training camp. Those men were Louie Atsaves, Jason Farber, Darryl Corter and me.What a blast we had. It was scorching hot (I think Darryl is still suffering the effects of his sunburn). We sat under the blazing sun and watched a scrimmage. This was right before Coach Dave Wannstedt's 2nd season with the Bears. It would be a 9-7 season and would give Chicago fans hope for good things (which didn't happen).
We ate at a restaurant which only served 'white' pop (which apparently meant no cola beverages). At that same restaurant, Louie ate his potato without even realizing it (he still denies eating it). We also made a trip to the casino boats by the river (was that Dubuque?).
I love the photo below because of the interaction between Wannstedt and his quarterback Steve Walsh (#4). I am assuming Walsh is introducing Wannstedt to his wife. This makes sense, since this was Walsh's first year with the Bears.
I also like that former Bears lineman and Chicago broadcaster Dan Jigggetts can be seen to the left. He is the large man (very large man) in black pants.

After scrimmage at Bears training camp in Platteville, IL-August 1994.

Seasons in the Sun

The softball team for Lerner was always a bit off kilter. Maybe that is why I love the picture below. No, I did not alter the picture to have it angled. The photographer did that little artistic touch all by himself. Why? Who knows, but somehow it does seem fitting.

An early incarnation of Lerner softball in Skokie, IL-Early 90's.

Seasons in the Sun

Our softball team at Lerner Newspapers didn't have much success on the field during our several seasons. We did have our moments though. Darryl Corter was a dispatch driver for Lerner Newspapers, while he attempted to get accepted at the Police Academy. Corter was also arguably our best hitter.
On one night, Corter hit 3 home runs and 1 double. After his first HR, the defense backed up, trying to play a little safer. It didn't matter, as Corter cracked one over the centerfielder's head for his second HR.
For his third at bat, the defense once again backed up some more. Once again, Corter smacked one over their heads. This time it was right field.
On his fourth trip to the plate, the defense basically backed up so far there was no way humanly possible for Corter to hit another HR. Instead (and undaunted), Corter laced a double to right-centerfield. Had I hit that same ball, it would have been an out, but with the outfield playing about 300 feet back, it dropped in nicely for a double for Corter.
Corter had other skills, too. He was a master at 'Strike A Pose', a game where we challenged him to copy various trophy poses, wrestling holds or famous monuments. My favorite of all-time was when he put the claw on himself. Kevin Von Erich would have been proud (and slightly unnerved).

Darryl Corter giving the ball a ride in Skokie, IL-mid 1990's.