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Author Interview - Cubs Pride
The history of the Chicago Cubs dates back to the late 1800's when they were known as the Chicago White Stockings.
Today, they are known as the lovable losers of baseball, who last won a World Series in 1908 and were last playing
in a World Series in 1945. Cubs Pride takes you through a history of quotes from players, coaches,
reporters, actors, and other notable figures related to the Cubs. The book digs deep into the history of the Cubs talking about
everything from Ernie Banks' love of the game to the nostalgic feel of baseball at Wrigley Field.
View the interview with the author of Cubs Pride, Alan Ross below.
Cubs Pride covers the entire history of the Cubs all the way back to the White Stockings in the late 1800's. What
inspired you to write Cubs Pride?
Alan Ross - I'm a history freak, and for unbroken lineage, it doesn't get better than the Cubs-organized baseball's
oldest continuous professional franchise.
How did you research Cubs Pride?
Alan Ross - The format in which Cubs Pride is presented, as well as my other books, calls for gathering the most informative and entertaining quotations on the subject at hand. For this particular one, I researched 25 books previously published on Cubs baseball or MLB to glean "the best of the best" quote-wise, plus a personal interview I had done with Ernie Banks.
How long did it take you to complete the project?
Alan Ross - Five to six months.
Our favorite quotes in the book came from Ernie Banks. One that can't be forgot was when Ernie Banks talked about his empathy for people who came to Wrigley Field. He talked about how he would sign autographs and think that someday he may have to ask one of these people for a job or how someday they might have to save his life. What is your favorite quote and how did it affect you?
Alan Ross - The one you mention is also one of my favorites, for it is a true indicator of
Banks' humility and genuine belief that we're all equal. As for other favorite quotes, I tend to
lean toward any of the gems from the chapter on Cubs humor. Who wouldn't chuckle when you hear someone
like author Rick Schwab say, "The 1947 to 1967 Cubs years were leaner than Cher. They never won a game
they should have lost during that span."
In my chapters on players, I attempt to convey colorful images through remarks such as this one by
the great Frankie Frisch on legendary Cubs outfielder Hank Sauer: "I wouldn't trade one Sauer for
three [Duke] Sniders."
Who has been your all-time favorite player on the Cubs? What makes them special?
Alan Ross - Like most Cubbie fans, I love "Mr. Cub," the immortal Banks. The older players seemed so
much more connected to the game as a sport. Banks embodied the pure joy of baseball. That was possible
before big money changed the game forever.
I also went hoarse in outrage at the initial omission of Ryne Sandberg by Hall of Fame voters. What a
blasphemous injustice that was.
Any thought on adding another chapter just dedicated to Harry Caray?
Alan Ross - I know Chicagoans love their Harry, but remember, his broadcasting career was split. How
can Cubs fans truly justify their undying allegiance to a man who not only did the same ranting and
raving for the cross-town-rival White Sox but for the hated Cardinals?
What makes the Cubs America's lovable losers?
Alan Ross - Well, now basically they are America's only [baseball) lovable losers. It seems we will always create a soft cozy spot of sentiment for the classic uphill battlers in life. Only two years ago, though, people were feeling the same way about the Red Sox, and just a year ago, the White Sox (though, historically there is little that is warm and fuzzy about them). As far as "lovable" goes, I think each franchise's ownership has a lot to do with that. The Wrigleys, for instance, right or wrong, were perceived as more approachable than the Comiskeys.
What is your assessment of the 2006 Cubs? How do they compare to Cubs' teams of the past?
Alan Ross - The saddest tale in baseball the past couple years has been the abortive attempts of the Wood-Prior tandem to even reach the pitching mound. Lee's breakout year in 2005 will be tough to duplicate, but I like the adds in the outfield with Pierre and Jacque Jones. As with so many hopeful Cubs lineups of the past, there appears little depth past top regulars Pierre, Lee, Ramirez, Walker, and Jones. The new setup adds in the pen should help Dempster, but all in all, its hard to figure the '06 Cubs as more than middle-of-the-packers. In that regard, they compare favorably (make that unfavorably) with so many other Cubs teams down through the ages. This team will not threaten the 1908 Cubs for franchise supremacy. As political columnist/baseball historian George Will once pointed out: "Wrigley Field's most conspicuous tradition is mediocre baseball."
CBB thanks Alan Ross and and appreciates the time he took to give the CBB staff an interview. To see more books
by Alan Ross, visit his website.
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