Doing Chicago Cubbie-Style, Origin of Term "Out in Left Field"

Much was made of the Chicago Cubs this year and their getting to the playoffs, where, unfortunately, they were three and out, and I'm not talking about the Bears' horrible first quarter against the Packers Sunday night.

There just wasn't much to cheer about versus the Arizona Diamondbacks. We got bit!!! At least I didn't have to wear my Cubs hat. I bought it several years back, but have never worn it. I told my MANY Cub-nut friends that I would wear it if the Cubs ever got to the World Series.

The Chicago Tribune had a whole page devoted to Cub-related places to see in Chicago called "A Cub Fan's Map of the Windy City...CUBBIE CHICAGO." Words by Mark Jacob, Illustrations by Rick Tuma.

Any Cub fan or baseball fan visiting Chicago should have this. There is a map with the pictures and words superimposed over them.

Besides Wrigley Field at 1060 W. Addison, the epicenter of the Cubs Nation since 1916 (I loved it when the Blues brothers gave this as their address), there are 16 other "must-see" sites. Some of them are as follows.

Graceland Cemetery- 4001 N. Clark-- Gravestone of William Hulbert, former Cubs president and co-founder of National League- features over-size baseball

Billy Goat Tavern-- 1885 Madison--When owner William Sianis tried to bring his pet goat to the 1945 World Series, he was denied admission and the billy goat curse began. Also, the SNL skit "Chez boiger, chez boiger, cheeps, Pepsi, no Coke."

Harry Caray's Restaurant- 33 Kinzie-- "Holy Cow!" Where the infamous "Bartman Ball" was exploded in 2004.

Chicago Daily News Building (site) - Wells and Madison-- coined nickname "Cubs"-- officialy adopted in 1907.

Biograph Theater-- 2257 N. Lincoln-- Where, in 1934, noted Cub fan.. and bank robber John Dillinger was killed.

West Side Grounds-- Polk and Lincoln, which is now Wolcott-- Now part of the Chicago Medical Campus. Home of Chicago Cubs 1893-1915. They WON their LAST World Series here in 1908. A mental institution was built beyond the left-field fence and some believe this gave rise to the term "out in left field."

Union Station-- 225 S. Canal-- (Also on ROUTE 66!!) Cub slugger Hack Wilson punched out Reds pitcher Pete Donohue in 1929 while waiting for a train. Probably an interesting story.

Old Comiskey Park-- 35th and Shields-- There is NO US Whatever Field to me. It will always be Comiskey to me. I don't much like those cell phones anyway. The Cubs were the "home team' here in the 1918 World series because it held more people. Take THAT, you CUB fans!!!

There are other places as well. Check it out.

Sure Glad I Didn't Have to Wear That Cubs Hat. As Andy the Clown Would Say, "Go You White Sox!!"--RoadDog