Carrie Muskat

The Big 50: Chicago Cubs is an extensive and dynamic look at the 50 top moments and figures that make the Cubs the Cubs Longtime MLB scribe Carrie Muskat recounts the living history of the team. Learn about and revisit the remarkable stories, featuring greats like Ernie Banks, Ryne Sandberg, Ron Santo, Anthony Rizzo, and more. With dozens of interviews compiled over years of intimate access to the team, this is the perfect primer for new Cubs fans and an essential addition to a seasoned fan’s collection. The Big 50 series take a deep dive into the fifty best figures and historical moments that make a team. Other Big 50 titles on Chicago sports include: The Big 50: Chicago Bears The Big 50: Chicago Blackhawks

In this colorful volume, illustrated by elementary school students from the Chicagoland area, veteran All-Star pitcher for the Chicago Cubs Kerry Wood shares the valuable principles he’s learned throughout life. The importance of education, working hard to attain goals, building character, maintaining integrity, and accepting responsibility are just some of the life lessons he shares. Aimed at any young dreamer looking to develop a successful personality—whether they want to be president of the United States, the best teacher in their school, or even a starting pitcher for the Chicago Cubs—Wood provides advice for every youthful go-getter. Sharing his own highs and lows, both on and off the baseball field, he also stresses the importance of family and friends, the positive power of laughter, and doing the right thing.

'The Cubs haven't won a World Series since 1908, but more books have been written about them than any team except the Yankees. Banks to Sandberg to Grace is one of the best' - Phil Tatman, "Orlando Sentinel". The Chicago Cubs are one of the most beloved teams in all of sports, though not for their success on the baseball field. The post- World War II years have been especially rough for the Cubs: they have been without a pennant since 1945 - longer than any team in the major leagues. But devoted Cubs fans continue to faithfully follow their team each season, regardless of the result. "Banks to Sandberg to Grace" takes the reader on a nostalgic journey through the triumphs (few), the heartaches (many), and the lighter moments, as told by those who were actually there - on the field, in the front office, or behind the scenes. In the more than 60 first-person stories spanning the last 50 years, each storyteller shares his or her personal, revealing account of what it was like to play or work for the Chicago Cubs. Hank Sauer laughs about fans in the bleachers throwing tobacco at him. The team's longtime equipment manager, Yosh Kawano, talks about gaining the trust and friendship of players like Ryne Sandberg. And the late WGN-TV producer Arne Harris reminisces about sharing an earpiece with Jack Brickhouse and Harry Caray. Cut from the cloth of memory, these warm, insightful stories make a perfect gift for Cubs fans, who, through love and frustration, remain forever faithful to their team and to the promise of 'wait 'til next year'.