The old saying, “When you’re handed a lemon, make lemonade,” sure applies to the Peoria Chiefs. After Chicago Cub management unceremoniously dropped the Peoria Chiefs as one of their minor league teams, it took Chief officials two days to turn a negative into a positive. They did it by signing a four-year agreement with the St. Louis Cardinals, much to the delight of local Redbird fans. As a Cub fan, I have no problem with the change since the Cubs have long been a weak baseball organization characterized by a series of management blunders from the trade of Lou Brock for a sore-armed pitcher to their failure to promote Ryne Sandburg over the current no-name Dale Sveum as manager. I’m not alone in my thoughts. Peoria’s “Mr. Baseball,” Pete Vonachen, was even stronger in his criticism. During a recent appearance on “Breakfast with Royce and Roger” on 1350 WOAM, Pete bluntly stated, “The Cubs dumped on us. After 25 years of taking care of their kids and coaches they sent an email that said they would not be renewing their contract. They could’ve met with the management of the Chiefs, thanked everyone for their support, including the fans, and wished us well. Instead, they sent a cold email. The Cubs have become a no class organization.”
Pete pointed out officials of the Peoria Chiefs did a lot of extra special things for players over the years, but did not seek any reimbursement from Cub management. Favors included dental and medical care when needed. “We even acquired a car for a coach’s wife who needed transportation for a job. Apparently, what we did wasn’t appreciated by new management.”
The Peoria icon also accused the Cubs of violating Major League rules by contacting Kane County baseball officials about relocating to their ballpark for the 2013 season. “The rules clearly state nothing can or should be done before September 15. It’s obvious, in my opinion, they violated that rule.” Still, as usual, Pete was upbeat about next season for the Chiefs, especially with the Cardinal affiliation. “It’ll be an exciting baseball season next year,” he said as he bit into a donut…again and again.
WAKE UP BUD SELIG
Bud Selig, who’s been serving as Commissioner of Major League Baseball since 1992, is considered by many to be the best in the sport’s history. The former owner of the Milwaukee Brewers has championed many changes to the benefit of baseball. Having said that, he needs to wake up and approve replays in the game as has been done in virtually every other sport from horse racing to hockey to basketball to football. Players, coaches, managers and fans have watched in dismay and anger at one blown call after another in baseball. Some are famous from the loss of a no-hitter to a loss in a World Series game or two or three. With the technology today, there’s no excuse for baseball to continue in the dark ages of officiating. Umpires are human and make mistakes just like Selig is doing by blocking calls for replays on controversial plays. Since owners hold the Commissioner’s contract, they need to take control of this issue and do what’s fair and long overdue. Install replays in every Major League park and field.
NEW PEORIA SONG
A friend sent me an email with Barry Cloyd singing a new song about Peoria, titled, “Peoria Pride.” Written by Tom Dermody, editor of the Catholic Post, it’s a cute song with clever lyrics. The music on You Tube features the Peoria Municipal Band directed by David Vroman along with photos by Dr. Joe Couri. I might suggest a few changes. Drop the photo of the professional cyclists racing in downtown Morton since the promoters dropped Peoria a couple of years ago. Ditto for the photo of the East Peoria Festival of Lights Parade since the song is about Peoria. There also needs to be little more religious diversification. The only hospital photo was St. Francis. The only religious leader shown was Bishop Jenky and among the parades, as expected, was St. Patrick’s Day. Tom deserves a raise from the Bishop for his Catholic promotion.
MEDIA NEWS
A friend recently received a letter from Arbitron, the so-called radio ratings company, the only one left doing surveys. The letter invited him to participate in a survey of local radio stations. However, when he responded, he was denied participation. Makes one wonder how objective and accurate Arbitron is. Anyway, you can tell when a radio survey is underway by the contests stations run and by the TV commercials radio stations receive with “trade outs.”
Speaking of radio stations, WOAM could be on the for sale market as rumors circulate after station manager Jim Sauers’ recent resignation. A central Illinois businessman reportedly considered making the purchase according to sources. WOAM was bought over a year ago by Nelson Broadcasting of Plano, Illinois. The company owns a number of other Illinois stations.
Meanwhile, it’s been reported, but not in the Peoria Journal, that GateHouse Media is operating in the red to the tune of close to $17 million. Owners of 450 community newspapers including the Peoria Journal, GateHouse has some 5,202 employees in 18 states with 235 web sites. Worse off is the New York Times with a reported $120 million operating deficit. It’s no secret newspapers, magazines, radio and TV stations are struggling financially under this president. Yet, virtually all of them are big Obama supporters. It’s like the Captain of the Titanic, saying, “What iceberg?”
SPORTS HALL OF FAME
The Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame board of directors has begun its process of selecting teams and individuals for induction in 2013. New officers for 2012-2013 have been seated. They include Mike Burns as 1st Vice President, Rick Kestner as 2nd Vice President, Susie Stockman as Treasurer, and Roger Monroe as President. Rhonda Parker serves as Secretary. The annual induction banquet is scheduled for Sunday, April 14, 2013, at the Civic Center.
AROUND TOWN
More and more people have confirmed my recent exclusive story that District 150 has plans to sell Peoria Stadium. Efforts by some to get district officials to release details, if only as part of their five year facilities plan, have been unsuccessful. One source told me, “It’s a done deal.”
BLOGGERS BLOW IT
Local bloggers really blew it recently after police were called to Peoria High School. Bloggers claimed there was a bloody fight that injured teachers, a coach, and students. One blogger said the initial fight on the third floor of the school was between some students, but when teachers tried to stop the fighting all of the students turned on them. There was even a claim the football
coach was thrown to the floor by students. Wrong.
The truth is there was a boy on boy fight during the first hour of school. It was broken up although one of the fighters had a bloody nose. There was another boy on boy fight in the second hour and a third the following hour. Police were notified because two of the students involved were 18. They were taken into custody. The fights attracted a lot of student attention, as fights do. But the day was calm and so was the week after the student disagreements. That’s it. No riot. No teachers injured and the football coach wasn’t even at the school. This bit of news may disappoint the local bloggers, but that’s the way it was.
POLITICAL CHAT
It’s official. Jim Ardis will seek another four year term as mayor of Peoria. He told local media he decided to run for re-election after a family meeting where he received a “vote of confidence” (my words not his). His announcement will probably scuttle Councilman Chuck Weaver’s mayoral plans, if he has any, as rumored. I’m told some supporters of Weaver feel he should at least complete one term on the council before elevating his political ambitions. Ardis may wind up having opposition, but few believe he will not be re-elected.
Former District 150 educator and City Council member, Chuck Grayeb, has thrown his hat into the political ring again. With blowing trees and still blooming flowers and green grass in Bradley Park as his background, Grayeb said he would be filing petitions to seek election as the representative for the city’s Second District. That seat is currently held by Barbara Van Auken. As in his previous bid to be elected as an at-large councilman, Grayeb made public safety his main campaign issue. He wants more police officers patrolling city streets. No word from Van Auken on whether she will seek re-election.
On the national scene, Republicans are chortling over the use of former President Bill Clinton by the Democrat Party as their “poster boy.” Clinton, best known for lying under oath about his affair with Monica Lewinsky, accused adulterer, continues, say Republicans, to be a champion fibber on behalf of President Obama. On a TV commercial Clinton claims hard economic times were caused by tax breaks for the rich and deregulation of banks. Funny, I thought he admonished Obama a few months ago for not supporting the Bush tax cuts (for all) and virtually every economic authority points to the collapse of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac headed by Democrats Chris Dodd and Barney (you know who) for the start of the economic downhill slide. Clinton points to alleged job growth under Obama at a time when 23 million are unemployed, record numbers of people are receiving food stamps, income for the middle class has decreased by $4,000, and the middle class is smaller today while lower income numbers have grown. And, oh yes, the national debt has increased to over $16 trillion under his “leadership,” or is that zillion?
Clinton’s White House girl friend, Monica Lewinsky, is planning to write a book about her sexual trysts in the Oval House according to the New York Post. The report says she’s seeking $12 million for the tell-all book of memoirs, yet to be written. A friend of the former White House intern said Lewinsky has been unable to obtain employment and needs money. Don’t look for the book to be written and published. If not Clinton or Hillary, friends will pony up money to buy her off. Such a book will make the former president the butt; pardon the expression, of even more jokes than the famous cigar.
“A.J.’s” DEDICATION
Some folks were disappointed when Bradley demolished historic Robertson Memorial Fieldhouse to make room for a newer athletic facility. No doubt the A.J. Robertson family experienced some remorse as well. Bradley president Joanne Glasser has rekindled the spirit and memories of the late coach with the naming of Robertson Court and the planned unveiling of a life-size bronze statue on the campus, 5:00 p.m., Friday, October 12. A reception in honor of the Robertson family will take place in the Zobrist Room of the Renaissance Coliseum following the unveiling.
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
“I did not have sex with that woman.” —President Bill Clinton