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Last season, I did a little documentary on the Dogs softball team. I tried to capture the intensity exhibited throughout the season. I captured the veteran Jim Gekas discussing the upcoming game with Jim Pellum the young right fielder.
As the rock solid short-centerfielder, Jim G. is a steadying force on the defense. Jim P. joined the team and immediately sparked us with his youthful raw energy and speed. It's really a great juxtaposition. It's also really silly!
Showing posts with label Jim Gekas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jim Gekas. Show all posts
Happy Birthday Jim
Today, I am highlighting Jim Gekas on his birthday. Jim is the third Gekas in 22 days to celebrate a birthday.
I met Jim through his brother Chuck. Jim started to work at Lerner Newspapers after Chuck left, but while I was still there. Jim has also became a regular on my softball team.
Jim is a definite Hall of Famer when it comes to musical trivia (but I do think I might have a shot at "Name That Tune" against him). Jim is also a gifted musician as evident by his song Mr. Robinson.
On a baseball trip to Pittsburgh with a few friends, Jim ran into his childhood favorite, Manny Sanguillen. Jim was a big fan of the Pirates from that era. It was really cool to see Jim get excited and pose with his hero. I have done this hundreds of times, but I always get a kick when I see my friends meet one of their favorites.
Jim is certainly one of my closest friends and I appreciate and value his friendship greatly. I hope today is a great day. Happy birthday, Seamus!
I met Jim through his brother Chuck. Jim started to work at Lerner Newspapers after Chuck left, but while I was still there. Jim has also became a regular on my softball team.
Jim is a definite Hall of Famer when it comes to musical trivia (but I do think I might have a shot at "Name That Tune" against him). Jim is also a gifted musician as evident by his song Mr. Robinson.
On a baseball trip to Pittsburgh with a few friends, Jim ran into his childhood favorite, Manny Sanguillen. Jim was a big fan of the Pirates from that era. It was really cool to see Jim get excited and pose with his hero. I have done this hundreds of times, but I always get a kick when I see my friends meet one of their favorites.
Jim is certainly one of my closest friends and I appreciate and value his friendship greatly. I hope today is a great day. Happy birthday, Seamus!
Jim Gekas and Manny Sanguillen in PNC Park in Pittsburgh, PA-June 2005
Friendly Encounters
This is a weekly feature highlighting friends who have met celebs.
With the start of the football season yesterday, there is no better Friendly Encounter I could run than this one featuring Jim Gekas and Mike Singletary. Jim is one of the most diehard Chicago Bears fans I know. Singletary is the coach of the San Francisco 49'ers and a Hall of Famer because of his years with the Bears.
Mike is predicting a great year for his 49'ers. Jim is predicting good things from his Bears. Unfortunately, I think both will be wrong.
This post isn't about the negatives though. It is about positives. Nothing is more positive than Jim's song Mr. Robinson, about Jackie Robinson, baseball and life. If you haven't listened before, give it a listen now. The previous predictions might disappoint them and us, but this song won't. You'll love it.
Mike Singletary and Jim Gekas in Itasca, IL-Late 1990's.
With the start of the football season yesterday, there is no better Friendly Encounter I could run than this one featuring Jim Gekas and Mike Singletary. Jim is one of the most diehard Chicago Bears fans I know. Singletary is the coach of the San Francisco 49'ers and a Hall of Famer because of his years with the Bears.
Mike is predicting a great year for his 49'ers. Jim is predicting good things from his Bears. Unfortunately, I think both will be wrong.
This post isn't about the negatives though. It is about positives. Nothing is more positive than Jim's song Mr. Robinson, about Jackie Robinson, baseball and life. If you haven't listened before, give it a listen now. The previous predictions might disappoint them and us, but this song won't. You'll love it.
Mike Singletary and Jim Gekas in Itasca, IL-Late 1990's.Seasons in the Sun
I am a bit of a scrapbooker. Well, really more of a photo-albumer. I always liked to get photos of anything in which I participated. Seriously, I think it comes from my need to feel I belong (somewhere). I have gotten several team photos of the various teams on with I played (even if only for a game).
Such is the case below with the vaunted Dogs of War softball squad. The Dogs have been together for about 20 years, although few original Dogs remain. I have been a member (of some sort) since 1997.
As players get older and lives get busier, the Dogs have expanded to about 25 players. At any given game, you might see any random 10 of us. Oh sure, it bends the roster rule a bit, but this isn't the major leagues.
As for me, I am happy to participate on any level. It's great fun. It's competitive, yet loose. It's intense, yet very calming. It's just a great summer tradition and a way to keep up (if even loosely) with some old friends.
There's long-time friend Jim Gekas in the black in the back row. Tony (from Empire Carpet ads fame), Ron (from last week's post) and Harry Comerford (one of the newer guys) round out that part of the back row. Frank Moy (long-time Dog), Pete Zundel and Jim Pellum (the rookie and nephew of Jim G.) are kneeling up front. Steve Stumpf (long-time Dog, slow-motion runner and avid Sox fan), me and OT Cano (Mr. Versatile) round out the right half of the back-ish row.
We don't have jerseys. We barely have bats. (Somewhere I found that hideous green hat, though.) Still, I am sure we all have smiles and good memories. I know I do!
The Dogs in Park Ridge, IL-Summer 2009.
Such is the case below with the vaunted Dogs of War softball squad. The Dogs have been together for about 20 years, although few original Dogs remain. I have been a member (of some sort) since 1997.
As players get older and lives get busier, the Dogs have expanded to about 25 players. At any given game, you might see any random 10 of us. Oh sure, it bends the roster rule a bit, but this isn't the major leagues.
As for me, I am happy to participate on any level. It's great fun. It's competitive, yet loose. It's intense, yet very calming. It's just a great summer tradition and a way to keep up (if even loosely) with some old friends.
There's long-time friend Jim Gekas in the black in the back row. Tony (from Empire Carpet ads fame), Ron (from last week's post) and Harry Comerford (one of the newer guys) round out that part of the back row. Frank Moy (long-time Dog), Pete Zundel and Jim Pellum (the rookie and nephew of Jim G.) are kneeling up front. Steve Stumpf (long-time Dog, slow-motion runner and avid Sox fan), me and OT Cano (Mr. Versatile) round out the right half of the back-ish row.
We don't have jerseys. We barely have bats. (Somewhere I found that hideous green hat, though.) Still, I am sure we all have smiles and good memories. I know I do!
The Dogs in Park Ridge, IL-Summer 2009.The Boog Powell Incident
For our Boys of Summer trip in 2005, we went to Baltimore and Philadelphia to see ballgames. I knew Boog Powell had a barbecue stand in Camden Yards and I wanted to meet the big man.
Big man is correct. He is listed at 6'4", but he seemed even bigger. He was also as nice as can be, until Chuck E. Gekas and his elbow got involved.
Cuzz had a problem with his elbow that year, which caused it to become very swollen. It even lead to the Great Elbow Debate. Chuck T. Gekas (aka Chachi) wanted Cuzz to use it as a joke opportunity. At any restaurant, when offered dessert, Chachi wanted Cuzz to decline, stating that it would go right to his elbow.
It should be noted that the other 'boys', Jason Farber, Jim Gekas and I, were completely against that joke. Chachi stuck to his opinion that the joke was gold.
Fortunately, Cuzz was hearing none of it and passed on the 'opportunity'. The Great Elbow Debate rages on to this day.
Anyway, when we saw Boog, we asked him for a group photo. He was so amicable and eager to comply with our request. We all squeezed into the picture (which is hard with a man Boog's size). Then the elbow reared its ugly head.
Boog's beer was perched on the shelf behind us. Cuzz apparently knocked it over with his elbow (allegedly due to its unusually large nature).
Once Boog realized his beer was spilled, his sunny disposition dimmed quite a bit.
We still really don't know why. It's not like he couldn't get another beer. It's his stand!
Making this even funnier was that he thought Jason had been the culprit. All I remember was seeing Boog turn around and face Jason. I was on the other side of Boog and he eclipsed Jason. I honestly couldn't see him at all with Boog's bulk blocking him.
We thanked him for the picture and quietly and quickly left the scene. I believe Boog also left his stand then. I don't know if his departure was planned or if the beer prompted an early exit.
I had no idea meeting Boog would become such a legendary tale. When we met Greg Luzinski a couple days later, it was fun, but fortunately uneventful!
Boog Powell (center) with me, Cuzz, Jason, Jim and Chachi in Baltimore, MD-2005.
Big man is correct. He is listed at 6'4", but he seemed even bigger. He was also as nice as can be, until Chuck E. Gekas and his elbow got involved.
Cuzz had a problem with his elbow that year, which caused it to become very swollen. It even lead to the Great Elbow Debate. Chuck T. Gekas (aka Chachi) wanted Cuzz to use it as a joke opportunity. At any restaurant, when offered dessert, Chachi wanted Cuzz to decline, stating that it would go right to his elbow.
It should be noted that the other 'boys', Jason Farber, Jim Gekas and I, were completely against that joke. Chachi stuck to his opinion that the joke was gold.
Fortunately, Cuzz was hearing none of it and passed on the 'opportunity'. The Great Elbow Debate rages on to this day.
Anyway, when we saw Boog, we asked him for a group photo. He was so amicable and eager to comply with our request. We all squeezed into the picture (which is hard with a man Boog's size). Then the elbow reared its ugly head.
Boog's beer was perched on the shelf behind us. Cuzz apparently knocked it over with his elbow (allegedly due to its unusually large nature).
Once Boog realized his beer was spilled, his sunny disposition dimmed quite a bit.
We still really don't know why. It's not like he couldn't get another beer. It's his stand!
Making this even funnier was that he thought Jason had been the culprit. All I remember was seeing Boog turn around and face Jason. I was on the other side of Boog and he eclipsed Jason. I honestly couldn't see him at all with Boog's bulk blocking him.
We thanked him for the picture and quietly and quickly left the scene. I believe Boog also left his stand then. I don't know if his departure was planned or if the beer prompted an early exit.
I had no idea meeting Boog would become such a legendary tale. When we met Greg Luzinski a couple days later, it was fun, but fortunately uneventful!
Boog Powell (center) with me, Cuzz, Jason, Jim and Chachi in Baltimore, MD-2005.Friendly Encounters
This is another in a series of meetings of my friends and celebs.
Jim Gekas is a great friend. Actually, I think I might be the third Gekas brother that neither Jim nor Chuck ever wanted. I have spent a lot of time with both, discussing baseball trivia, making baseball lists and even attending games across the country.
A few weeks ago, I wrote about Jim's latest endeavor. Together with his friend Tony Calderisi, Jim wrote Mr. Robinson, a tribute song honoring Jackie Robinson, but encompassing so much more. I encouraged you then and I encourage you now to give it a listen on YouTube. Baseball fan or not, you will enjoy it.
Years ago, Jim met former major league pitcher Sparky Lyle. Being a smart baseball fan, I am sure Jim knows that Lyle won 99 games and saved 268 in his 16 year career that ended on the south side of Chicago. Jim surely knows Lyle won the Cy Young award in 1977 and had a career batting average of .192.
Jim also knows that Lyle had a better mustache. Perhaps Lyle has one of the best mustaches ever. This might have been the reason Jim shaved his shortly after. Either way, good call on that, Jim.
I'll end with something I know. If you (or Sparky Lyle) listen to Mr. Robinson, you will like it.
Jim Gekas and Sparkly Lyle in Itasca, IL-Late 1990's.
Jim Gekas is a great friend. Actually, I think I might be the third Gekas brother that neither Jim nor Chuck ever wanted. I have spent a lot of time with both, discussing baseball trivia, making baseball lists and even attending games across the country.
A few weeks ago, I wrote about Jim's latest endeavor. Together with his friend Tony Calderisi, Jim wrote Mr. Robinson, a tribute song honoring Jackie Robinson, but encompassing so much more. I encouraged you then and I encourage you now to give it a listen on YouTube. Baseball fan or not, you will enjoy it.
Years ago, Jim met former major league pitcher Sparky Lyle. Being a smart baseball fan, I am sure Jim knows that Lyle won 99 games and saved 268 in his 16 year career that ended on the south side of Chicago. Jim surely knows Lyle won the Cy Young award in 1977 and had a career batting average of .192.
Jim also knows that Lyle had a better mustache. Perhaps Lyle has one of the best mustaches ever. This might have been the reason Jim shaved his shortly after. Either way, good call on that, Jim.
I'll end with something I know. If you (or Sparky Lyle) listen to Mr. Robinson, you will like it.
Jim Gekas and Sparkly Lyle in Itasca, IL-Late 1990's.Jackie Robinson and Jim Gekas
My friend Jim Gekas is an avid and knowledgeable baseball fan. We have attended a bunch of games together, as well as stumped each other on trivia and debated each other on baseball lists.
Jim has also dabbled in music. Occasionally, I have had the pleasure of hearing some of his compositions as works in progress. One such song is Mr. Robinson.
A few months ago, Jim told me about a song he was writing and played an unfinished version, sung by his friend Tony Calderisi (and fellow composer). The song is an original tribute in honor of the late great Jackie Robinson, but it is equally about life.
This is an excellent song. I'm not just saying this because Jim is my friend. This song has a catchy melody and refrain. It's a song with a positive, but realistic, message about life. It's the kind of song that the great Terry Cashman or Steve Goodman would have done.
My explanations can't do justice to Mr. Robinson, but I know I like it. I'm not telling you to like Mr. Robinson. That will happen naturally if you give it a listen by clicking the photo below.
Jim has also dabbled in music. Occasionally, I have had the pleasure of hearing some of his compositions as works in progress. One such song is Mr. Robinson.
A few months ago, Jim told me about a song he was writing and played an unfinished version, sung by his friend Tony Calderisi (and fellow composer). The song is an original tribute in honor of the late great Jackie Robinson, but it is equally about life.
This is an excellent song. I'm not just saying this because Jim is my friend. This song has a catchy melody and refrain. It's a song with a positive, but realistic, message about life. It's the kind of song that the great Terry Cashman or Steve Goodman would have done.
My explanations can't do justice to Mr. Robinson, but I know I like it. I'm not telling you to like Mr. Robinson. That will happen naturally if you give it a listen by clicking the photo below.
Friendly Encounters
This is another in a series of meetings of my friends and celebs.
Growing up in Chicago, we had a Hall of Fame worthy 3rd baseman in Ron Santo and a very good 3rd baseman in Bill Melton. Outside of Chicago, the best 3rd baseman in baseball was Brooks Robinson.
Robinson was a 14 time All-Star and a 15 time Gold Glove winner. He fielded everything near him at 3rd and hit .267 with 268 homers in his career. What more could you want?
Jim Gekas met "The Vacuum Cleaner" at a golf outing many years ago. Gekas is a diehard Cubs fan, but was able to control himself and not take out his anger over Santo's HOF ommission on Robinson.
Jim Gekas and Brooks Robinson in Itasca, IL-late 1990's.
Growing up in Chicago, we had a Hall of Fame worthy 3rd baseman in Ron Santo and a very good 3rd baseman in Bill Melton. Outside of Chicago, the best 3rd baseman in baseball was Brooks Robinson.
Robinson was a 14 time All-Star and a 15 time Gold Glove winner. He fielded everything near him at 3rd and hit .267 with 268 homers in his career. What more could you want?
Jim Gekas met "The Vacuum Cleaner" at a golf outing many years ago. Gekas is a diehard Cubs fan, but was able to control himself and not take out his anger over Santo's HOF ommission on Robinson.
Jim Gekas and Brooks Robinson in Itasca, IL-late 1990's.Seasons in the Sun
Last week, I featured my first softball team photo. This week, I fast forwarded about 15 years to feature my Dogs of War softball team.
After several seasons on the field and several cutbacks in the office, it became too much of a challenge to field a team at Lerner Newspapers. Fortunately around the same time, Louie's team was suffering from attrition, too. I was occasionally asked to be a sub (when they were really desperate). Aside from being in a men's league, this team was definitely a step-up competitively from the Lerner teams.
The picture below is one of my favorite shots. It just screams 'softball'. I love the sun, mismatched shirts, 16 inch ball...all of it.
I also like the grit shown by Jim G. (standing far right). Jim hit a hard shot and had thoughts of going for 2nd base. The poorly manicured field of Park Ridge didn't fully cooperate, but Jim was not to be denied. A shirtful of dirt, sore shoulder and a great effort later, Jim was safe with another of his key hits.
The Dogs in Park Ridge, IL-mid 2000's.
After several seasons on the field and several cutbacks in the office, it became too much of a challenge to field a team at Lerner Newspapers. Fortunately around the same time, Louie's team was suffering from attrition, too. I was occasionally asked to be a sub (when they were really desperate). Aside from being in a men's league, this team was definitely a step-up competitively from the Lerner teams.
The picture below is one of my favorite shots. It just screams 'softball'. I love the sun, mismatched shirts, 16 inch ball...all of it.
I also like the grit shown by Jim G. (standing far right). Jim hit a hard shot and had thoughts of going for 2nd base. The poorly manicured field of Park Ridge didn't fully cooperate, but Jim was not to be denied. A shirtful of dirt, sore shoulder and a great effort later, Jim was safe with another of his key hits.
The Dogs in Park Ridge, IL-mid 2000's.The Rick Stelmaszek Saga:Part 4
Over the last month or so, I have written posts highlighting the career of my old neighbor and current Twins' bullpen coach Rick Stelmaszek. Today, I am going to feature Rick's ability to hit the long ball.
In the major leagues, Stelmaszek had 108 plate appearances and 1 big home run. It did come off of a Hall of Famer, however (although not one of my favorite HOF'ers).
On August 20, 1974, the Chicago Cubs were hosting the Los Angeles Dodgers. Don Sutton was the starting pitcher for the Dodgers and he had an 18-2 lead going into the 6th inning.
Andre Thornton started the inning with a groundout. Jerry Morales followed that with a single. Stelmaszek came up with 1 out and 1 on base. Stelmaszek took a mighty swing and crushed Sutton's pitch onto the catwalk in Wrigley Field.
The crowd went wild, with the Cubs now within 14 of the Dodgers, but Sutton recovered and retired the next 2 batters. The Dodgers hung on for an 18-8 win.
I find it quite fitting that Sutton gave up Stelmaszek's lone HR. I have debated Sutton's Hall of Fame credentials for a long time, but at least Stelmaszek can say all of his HR's were off of Hall of Famers.
In a sign of pure support (and lunacy), when my friends Jim Gekas and Chuck 'Cuzz' Gekas visited the Baseball Hall of Fame, they attempted to remove Sutton's plaque. This gesture still brings a tear to my eye.
Jim Gekas and Chuck 'Cuzz' Gekas in Cooperstown, NY-Summer 2004.
In the major leagues, Stelmaszek had 108 plate appearances and 1 big home run. It did come off of a Hall of Famer, however (although not one of my favorite HOF'ers).
On August 20, 1974, the Chicago Cubs were hosting the Los Angeles Dodgers. Don Sutton was the starting pitcher for the Dodgers and he had an 18-2 lead going into the 6th inning.
Andre Thornton started the inning with a groundout. Jerry Morales followed that with a single. Stelmaszek came up with 1 out and 1 on base. Stelmaszek took a mighty swing and crushed Sutton's pitch onto the catwalk in Wrigley Field.
The crowd went wild, with the Cubs now within 14 of the Dodgers, but Sutton recovered and retired the next 2 batters. The Dodgers hung on for an 18-8 win.
I find it quite fitting that Sutton gave up Stelmaszek's lone HR. I have debated Sutton's Hall of Fame credentials for a long time, but at least Stelmaszek can say all of his HR's were off of Hall of Famers.
In a sign of pure support (and lunacy), when my friends Jim Gekas and Chuck 'Cuzz' Gekas visited the Baseball Hall of Fame, they attempted to remove Sutton's plaque. This gesture still brings a tear to my eye.
Jim Gekas and Chuck 'Cuzz' Gekas in Cooperstown, NY-Summer 2004.Friendly Encounters
This is another in a series of meetings of my friends and celebs.
In a previous Friendly Encounters, I featured my friend Jim Gekas and his meeting with NHL Hall of Famer Denis Potvin. Jim and I share a love for hockey, especially from the 70's. We also share meeting Bobby Hull, although mine was much more recently.
Like Potvin, Hull is also a Hall of Famer. Hull is about as big as it gets for Chicago hockey fans. In the 60's, the Golden Jet captured the hearts of all Chicagoans, especially Blackhawks fans. Hull was exciting, flamboyant, tough and skilled. When he left the Hawks after the 71-72 season, the Hawks and their fans went into a lull some think has never gone away.
Jim was very excited about meeting Hull. Rightly so. Hull was one of the all-time greats. Besides, Jim has better hair than Hull.
Jim Gekas and Bobby Hull in Itasca, IL-late 1990's.
In a previous Friendly Encounters, I featured my friend Jim Gekas and his meeting with NHL Hall of Famer Denis Potvin. Jim and I share a love for hockey, especially from the 70's. We also share meeting Bobby Hull, although mine was much more recently.
Like Potvin, Hull is also a Hall of Famer. Hull is about as big as it gets for Chicago hockey fans. In the 60's, the Golden Jet captured the hearts of all Chicagoans, especially Blackhawks fans. Hull was exciting, flamboyant, tough and skilled. When he left the Hawks after the 71-72 season, the Hawks and their fans went into a lull some think has never gone away.
Jim was very excited about meeting Hull. Rightly so. Hull was one of the all-time greats. Besides, Jim has better hair than Hull.
Jim Gekas and Bobby Hull in Itasca, IL-late 1990's.Friendly Encounters
This is another in a series of meetings of my friends and celebs.
Jim Gekas (Jimmy G) has been a great friend of mine for over 10 years. Jim is one of the most knowledgeable and passionate sports fans I know. Jim and I share a passion for hockey, especially from the 70's.
This is one reason why Jim was very excited to meet Denis Potvin, an NHL Hall of Famer who played 18 seasons with the New York Islanders. A 3 time winner of the Norris Trophy as the NHL's best defenseman, Potvin became the first Islander to have his number (#5) retired by the team.
Jim is an award winner in his own right. His latest piece of hardware is the prestigious 'Best Week' Award for his performance in the 2008 Best Damn Football Pool Period (BDFPP).
Jim met Potvin at a charity golf event at the Nordic Resort in Itasca (IL). There is no truth to the rumor that Potvin checked Jim into the wall after this photo was taken.
Denis Potvin and Jim Gekas in Itasca, IL-late 1990's.
Jim Gekas (Jimmy G) has been a great friend of mine for over 10 years. Jim is one of the most knowledgeable and passionate sports fans I know. Jim and I share a passion for hockey, especially from the 70's.
This is one reason why Jim was very excited to meet Denis Potvin, an NHL Hall of Famer who played 18 seasons with the New York Islanders. A 3 time winner of the Norris Trophy as the NHL's best defenseman, Potvin became the first Islander to have his number (#5) retired by the team.
Jim is an award winner in his own right. His latest piece of hardware is the prestigious 'Best Week' Award for his performance in the 2008 Best Damn Football Pool Period (BDFPP).
Jim met Potvin at a charity golf event at the Nordic Resort in Itasca (IL). There is no truth to the rumor that Potvin checked Jim into the wall after this photo was taken.
Denis Potvin and Jim Gekas in Itasca, IL-late 1990's.