Banks to Sandberg to Grace: Five Decades of Love and Frustration with the Chicago Cubs - Tapa dura

Chicago Cubs history through the eyes of those who were there

Banks to Sandberg to Grace is the saga of the post-WWII Chicago Cubs--more than 50 years of (few) victories and (many) heartaches--as told by those who were on the field, in the front office, or on the fringes. Organized by era, each storyteller is a "chapter," sharing his or her account--some hilarious, some angry, some poignant, and all entertaining.

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. 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. 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 WGN-TV producer Arne Harris reminisces about sharing an earpiece with Jack Brickhouse and Harry Caray.

Banks to Sandberg to Grace offers more than 60 first-person stories from the past 50 years. Cut from the cloth of memory, these warm, insightful stories make a perfect gift for Cub fans who, through love and frustration, remain forever faithful to their team and to the promise of future success.