Jared Young (photo by Rikk Carlson)

MLB

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

Signs are pointing toward the Cubs starting Caleb Kilian, their top pitching prospect, in Wednesday’s game against the Padres at Wrigley Field. Acquired from the Giants in last summer’s Kris Bryant trade, Kilian has a 2.51 ERA through 10 starts at Triple-A Iowa.

June 14, 2022

AAA

Iowa 11, Omaha 6

Game Recap

Jared Young, Narciso Crook, and Greg Deichmann hit back-to-back-to-back homers in the 2nd inning. The team wouldn’t hit any more home runs on the night but compiled two more big innings. That trio, and Crook and Deichmann in particular, have been bringing the power of late. Each continued their hot streaks with multi-hit games. The team also got two run scoring hits out of backup catcher Tyler Payne.

Three pitches, three home runs! Jared Young, Narciso Crook and Greg Deichmann give us a 3-0 lead over Omaha. pic.twitter.com/XW7L59UbdO

June 15, 2022

On the mound, Cam Sanders looked pretty darn good once again. There’s no doubt the stuff plays. He’s not always the most efficient and his command comes and goes, so it is still an open question if he can make it as a starter, but at some point this season the Cubs figure to give him a look as either a starter or reliever (or both).

Going to be in Chicago post TDL.
Painting the edges is not something he typically does, but with his stuff he doesn’t really need to. https://t.co/nFVCU0GKBa

June 15, 2022

Top Performers

Cam Sanders: 4 IP, H, 0 R, 4 BB, 3 K (2.73)Greg Deichmann: 2-3, 2B, HR (6), 3 R, 3 RBI, BB (.230)Jared Young: 3-4, 2B, HR (10), 3 R, 2 RBI, BB (.263)Narciso Crook: 2-5, HR (8), R, 2 RBI, SB (6) (.254)Tyler Payne: 2-4, 2B, 3 RBI (.333)Alfonso Rivas: 2-5, R (.500)Dixon Machado: 1-4, BB (.302)

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

Last year it felt like the focus was on strength training and making mechanical/velocity improvements. Now that most of the pitchers are healthier, stronger and throwing harder it makes upgrading their pitch profiles easier to implement. Developmentally lining up properly.

June 14, 2022

AA

Pensacola 3, Tennessee 0

Game Recap

Ryan Jensen returned from a month on the developmental list with slightly altered mechanics. Early returns… looked pretty solid. He threw two perfect innings, striking out two in the process. Dalton Stambaugh relieved him and pitched okay, but the Smokies got little out of their offense outside of good games from Chase Strumpf and Matt Mervis (big surprise) at the top of the order.

This has been a long time coming as Bryan says.
Results have never matched the stuff.
Consistency an issue, and I always got the sense opposing hitters saw the ball well and times him up easier than should. Shortening the arm action could help both issues. https://t.co/gJmO5J3J34

June 15, 2022

Then Matt Mervis did the same thing in the 4th. Nice to see him hit it hard center/oppo two games in a row. pic.twitter.com/dO8RdpQFlz

June 15, 2022

Top Performers

Chase Strumpf: 2-4, 2B (.235)Matt Mervis: 2-4, 2B, (.337)Yonathan Perlaza: 1-3, (.216)Bryce Windham: 1-3 (.217)Ryan Jensen: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K (4.91)Dalton Stambaugh: 5 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, BB, K (L, 3-1, 4.58)

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

In addition to Ryan Jensen returning from the developmental list, it appears that he will be followed by Riley Thompson. Both were taken out of the Smokies rotation at the same time in early May, and Thompson will be re-joining the rotation with Jensen this time through. I’ll be curious if there will be visible mechanical tweaks with him as well.

Andy Weber was activated from the IL.

Jeremiah Estrada received a long overdue promotion from South Bend where he was regularly dominating.

High-A

Quad Cities 5, South Bend 4

Game Recap

D.J. Herz rebounded from a tough outing by allowing just one run in three innings of work, albeit while navigating through quite a bit of traffic on the bases. Joe Nahas followed with two perfect innings, and it looked like South Bend was on the way to victory. Quad Cities would tie the game at 3-3 in the 7th though with a pair of runs off Sheldon Reed. Yohendrick Piñango quickly responded with his second runs scoring hit of the night to retake the lead in the 8th, but once again Quad Cities fought back, this time with a pair of runs off closer Hunter Bigge in the 9th to win in walk off fashion.

Top Performers

Yohendrick Piñango: 2-4, R, 2 RBI, SB (8) (.269)Yeison Santana: 2-4, R, SB (6) (.300)Jordan Nwogu: 2-4, R (.252)Owen Caissie: 1-3, RBI, BB (.238)Fabian Pertuz: 1-3, RBI, CS (2) (.231)

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

After hitting really well in Low-A B.J. Murray Jr. will now be getting a long look in South Bend. A switch hitter, he was a late bloomer in college who tore it up in his draft year for Florida Atlantic, but because he hadn’t done much in previous seasons was still available for the Cubs in the 15th round. A third baseman by trade, he got most of his looks with the Pelicans at 1B/DH due to the presence of so many top infield prospects, but figures to get more time there now. I’ll be interested to see how he handles the position, because it would help his prospect profile immensely. He’s got a quiet approach at the plate and has shown an ability to hit hard line drives, but he lacks the size and power one looks for as a 1B. He’s had a good start to his first full pro season, but South Bend is a more appropriate level for someone of his experience and I want to see how the native of the Bahamas responds. If he can keep putting up good numbers at the plate and play solid defense at the hot corner he puts himself much more firmly on the prospect map.

On his way to South Bend.
Late bloomer in college. Good opening couple of months in Low-A. Quiet at the plate. Hits line drives all over. Tough D profile as maybe 3B, but maybe only 1B/DH. Gotta hit for 2 out of 3 of AVG/OBP/SLG. Doing it so far. High-A will be a better barometer https://t.co/AvDhWc15KZ

June 14, 2022

There was quite a bit of roster churn on the South Bend roster outside of the addition of Murray. The club also activated Michael McAvene and Gabriel Jaramillo from the IL. It has been a rough 18 months or so for McAvene who came to the Cubs as a hard throwing reliever from Louisville in the 3rd round of the 2019 draft. He missed most of 2021 battling shoulder issues, and when he was on the mound the results were ugly, and the reports on his stuff from Mesa were not good. He’s had more time to recover now, and I saw scattered reports he has been throwing better in EXST. Hopefully he is back on track.

Jaramillo was an under the radar reliever who put up good numbers at a couple of different levels last year before going on the IL in the 2nd half. He’ll also be seeing his first game action in a while.

To make room, reliever Bailey Reid was placed on the Developmental List, and utility man Grayson Byrd was released. The son of former MLB pitcher Paul Byrd, Grayson filled in at a number of positions across several levels in the Cubs system the past few years, but with the additional prospect depth on the farm this season, a role never materialized for him in 2022.

Low-A

Myrtle Beach 2, Fredicksburg 0

Game Recap

Luke Little kicked off the shutout with 2.2 innings of no hit ball before handing the keys over to Tyler Santana, who gave up just six hits and issued no free passes over the following 5.1 innings. Lefty Angel Hernandez has looked promising since coming up from Mesa a couple of weeks ago, and earned his first save with the Pelicans with two strikeouts in a perfect 9th.

Top Performers

Luke Little: 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K (2.45)Tyler Santana: 5.1 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K (W, 6-0, 2.36)Angel Hernandez: IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K (S, 1, 0.00)

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

As great as the Pelicans have been this year it is crazy that they are only a game up in the division. The two best team W/L records in all of Minor League Baseball are playing in the same division. https://t.co/R37NCEyJM0

June 15, 2022

ACL

Brewers Gold 4, Cubs 2

DSL

Nationals 6, Cubs Blue 5

Philiies Red 12, Cubs Red 7

June 13, 2022–Monday

Almost halfway through June, and the furnace came on overnight! Heat and humidity on the way, today.

And a full moon tonight–the strawberry honey super full summer moon! Strawberry and honey are old folklore names for this moon, a season of ripening strawberries, of bees in the flowers and buds on the milkweeds.

It’s a supermoon, too, which is a more recent name. It’s called a super moon because the moon is closest to Earth in its orbit now. It does appear larger and brighter. You can read more about supermoons here and here.

But Monday afternoon got dark early, with ominous storm clouds approaching. Thunder, lightning, tornado watches all over the Chicago area.

A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for possible tornados. It means, pay attention and be prepared!

A tornado watch for the Chicago area was in effect until 11 P.M. Monday night.

Tornado warnings were issued for portions of Cook and du Page Counties.

A tornado warning means a funnel cloud is forming, or has been spotted. It means take shelter, now!

Tornado sirens went off in downtown Chicago. Sirens went off in Oak Park, too.

The thunder and lightning were relentless. The rain was torrential. The wind knocked down trees and caused power outages. A wind gust of 84 mph was reported at O’Hare.

At 8:52 PM, the tornado watch was cancelled.

June 14, 2022 Tuesday

After the storm, damage reports–downed trees and power lines, power outages. Meteorlogists were comparing the storm to the 2020 August 10 derecho that flattened corn crops in Iowa. Today, highs in the high 90’s with heat index over 100. I’m picking up fallen branches and sweeping mulberries, from the mulberry tree that caught the pine tree that was knocked down in the August 10 storm.

Cloudcover in the evening, and I couldn’t see the full moon.

June 15, 2022

More heat and humidity today. More thunderstorms in the forecast. I saw the full moon setting in the West in the early morning sky! Weather permitting, the just-past-full moon will be visible here after 10:22 P.M. tonight.

BY SANDRA GUY

Viruses occupy our daily thoughts now that COVID variants and monkeypox continue to spread.

But other viruses require our attention, too, and the World Hepatitis Alliance has designated July 28 as World Hepatitis Day to highlight the five main hepatitis viruses and how to guard against infection.

Hepatitis is a liver inflammation, usually caused by a viral infection. The types are called A, B, C, D, E and G.

The seriousness of each type varies. Hepatitis A causes people to be sick for a few weeks to a few months, but most people recover. The consequences of Hepatitis B and C are more serious. The D, E and G types are uncommon in the United States.

The CDC recommends that children between 12 months and 23 months old get a Hepatitis A vaccine, as well as any infant from six months to 11 months old who is traveling internationally.  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urges everyone from birth to age 60 to get the Hepatitis B vaccination.

A new concern now includes the number of American children affected by acute hepatitis for no known cause, the CDC says. That’s why the CDC encourages parents and caregivers to be aware of the symptoms of hepatitis — particularly jaundice, a yellowing of the skin or eyes — and to contact their child’s health care provider with any concern.

Many people with hepatitis have no symptoms. If symptoms occur with an acute infection, they can appear anytime from two weeks to six months after exposure. But symptoms of chronic viral hepatitis can take decades to develop. Symptoms of hepatitis can include: fever, fatigue, nausea, jaundice, joint pain, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, dark urine and light-colored stools.

Bond n’ Brunch Chicago brought to you by Fancy Girl Lifestyle and Mera Mera Design and Events, took place over the weekend in Schaumburg IL. Moms, Mother figures, and their mini’s from all over the Chicagoland area came out to partake in the first ever selfie brunch experience of its kind. 

During the event, guest had the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful boho seated brunch designed by Emera Richmond of Mera Mera Design & Events, Meet and Greet Chicago’s own mini influencers Columbia Skye and Meadow Reign known as The Heath Dolls, and take part in more than 10 selfie rooms curated by Fancy Girl Lifestyle for the perfect mommy/daughter photoshoot. Theme rooms included Travel, Glam, 50’s Diner and more! Check out some of the photos below and see what some of the bond and brunchers had to say.

Left to Right CEO of Fancy Girl Lifestyle Nellisa Heath and CEO of Mera Mera Design & Events Emera Richmond photoed with The Heath Dolls Sounds by DJ DezBrunch by Chef Carlos Pretty Pretty Plate Catering

“We had an amazing time at the Bond n Brunch Chicago Event hosted by @fancygirllifestyle and @merameraevents. Finally had a chance to meet @theheathdolls you must go follow them. Kylie G. and I can’t wait to hang out with them very soon” Thank you!

“Bond n Brunch event was a success” Brittey Star, Guest

“It was the bond n brunch for me” Everything was so nice, Im glad we came.” Ebony Washington, and Renee Poston, Guest

“Bond n Bruch was so beautiful from the moment we hit the door. I had a freaking ball” Oletha White, Guest

“Loved the Bond n Brunch Event”. Anitra Davis Fleming Guest

“Listen if you weren’t at Bond n Brunch Chicago with your mini me you missed out”Amisha Beeks Guest”

“We had such a great time at Bond n Brunch! We can’t wait until the be gone. Alisha Fiore, Guest

“My girls and I had an amazing time at Bond n Brunch! Great vibes all around!” Tanisha Orr, Guest

If you missed the first Bond n Brunch event don’t worry, additional dates will be announced soon. To stay in the know about Bond in Brunch and or to become a sponsor, email [email protected]

Finding a space to have your next work party can be tricky. Before you can even begin to hunt for the perfect spot, there are many factors to consider. How can you look at potential event spaces if you don’t know how many people you need the area to fit yet? 

Here are some things to consider before you book your next place.

1. Budget

First, you need to figure out what kind of budget you’re working with. It would be a shame if you found the perfect place to host your event and didn’t allot enough money to rent it. Knowing what your budget is first can save you a lot of trouble during the planning process. 

Consider all the charges and fees you will be responsible for providing for the party. Costs can quickly add up, so ensure you account for everything the event entails. Cleaning costs, insurance, wait staff, and parking fees are commonly forgotten about within event budgets. 

2. Location

There are a few things to consider when searching for a venue location. Regarding where the party will take place, you can search for available venues in your area. If you have a larger party, you should look for spaces that have a higher capacity. 

You should consider available parking as well if you’re expecting high attendance. If physical location matters the most to you, book somewhere close and decorate to cater to your party’s needs. If the vibes are more of an issue, book based on that and tailor your budget to assist employees with transportation or ride shares. 

3. Theme

If the venue you choose meets every expectation except how it’s decorated, consider having a themed party. With a themed party, the space’s interior doesn’t matter as much since you are going to deck it out. The options are endless with themed parties. The roaring 1920s or Hollywood themes are always a big hit at any gathering!

If your next work party is during the warmer months, consider moving it outdoors as long it isn’t too hot. You could host a picnic or pool party and let your employees soak up some sunshine. Creating a theme for your party can add flair and an added element of fun to what otherwise could amount to a lame office party. 

4. Amenities 

Ensure the space you’re booking has all the amenities your employees need. This is an instance where knowing who is coming to the party plays a role in the venue you choose. Some employees may require accessibility that your potential venue just doesn’t have. 

Does the venue have the equipment you need for the presentation or speech that’s being given at the party? Does the venue offer catering? If it does, are you required to use them if you rent their space or can you outsource and use other vendors?

5. Engagement

You must consider the engagement you’re going to plan for your employees while you’re finding your event space, so you know what to look for. Knowing the purpose of your event can help you decide what type of engagement to provide for your guests.  

If you’re planning on having speakers or engagement sponsors, you’ll want to ensure the venue has the proper equipment. Encouraging engagement at your event is essential because it gets people talking. Nothing is worse than being at a party filled with people not talking to each other. Plan something to engage your employees with a speaker or each other so that no one feels awkward. 

Checklist 

Make yourself a checklist so that you don’t forget anything while finding your space. Everything written down and organized can keep you on task and within budget. When planning an event, hidden fees and costs can accrue simply from something being forgotten. Make sure you include times and dates of deposits due when you choose and reserve your event space.

I am sure if we all look back, we can think of one teacher or person that influenced us in some way.  Most times we don’t have the opportunity to let them know how much they mean to us, and we appreciate them.

Demetrius Mathews found a way to celebrate a remarkable educator who changed the lives of over 36 students on Chicago’s West Side during the 1980’s in his documentary film, “Kling: A Teacher Who Defied The System.”

Chicago Public Schools in the 1980’s was considered one of the worst school systems in the country. Schools that serviced the Black and Brown communities didn’t have the resources needed to teach effectively. In most cases, students were classified as slow learners or were judged by the families they came from.  Demetrius Matthews was one of those students. When I spoke with him, he told me that from an early age he was classified as a slow learner but his mother, who was working her way through college while raising and supporting her family as a single mom, took time with him and told him that he was being tested on things he and his schoolmates had never been taught.

Demetrius explained, “Looking back, I would say it was like a twilight zone and not just for me but my other classmates. Is because here we were, we were ushered through school great after grade and we all had a sense of feeling rejected or feeling we are in the way. And not just the school system, just even from society or even some families where it’s just like, “Well, if she go with all them kids it’s wrong.” And the teachers are really quick to discipline without any type of empathy, I would say. And so, we all kind of felt the sense of rejection and/or we felt damaged.”

In the sixth grade all that changed for Demetrius and his classmates.  In the mid 80’s a new model was introduced to keep students with the same teacher for three years.  Demetrius was blessed to be in Mr. Thomas Kling’s class. A teacher who cared enough to get to know his students and introduce them to a new world of learning.  A teacher who saw them individually and not as a whole. A teacher who expected them to reach their potential.

Demetrius explains: “And then here we have this Mr. Kling. He came in and for everyone, we resonated with him because he showed us that he cared and we were looking at each other like, “Why is he caring so much about us?” And we really never felt that before and I think what that did, it ignited us to try to… Because he delivered a presence where he believed in every last one of his students. And so, when we had someone believing in us so much, we never really wanted to let him down. So, it pretty much made everybody come up with their A game and to really focus on what he was teaching us.”

Mr. Kling’s class soon caught the eye of the nation. Michelle Norris covered the class for several years which showed the excellence of the students under Mr. Kling’s teachings.

The documentary introduces us to Mr. Kling, who is now in his 70’s and some of his students.  We feel his passion and emotion in his belief in the students.  Some have kept in contact with him throughout the years.  We also feel his pain as a white teacher ashamed of how the affluent have mentally, financially, and emotionally suppressed people of color in order to make themselves feel entitled.

Demetrius describes his documentary as a love story between a teacher and his students. In watching it, I understand why he felt the need to make it.

Who did Demetrius Matthews grow up to be? He started his own IT Distribution and Consulting Firm and has become one of the largest IT distributors and resellers in his sector.

A great teacher can educate, empower and uplift. “Kling: A Teacher Who Defied The System” is a tribute to one such extraordinary educator. In the West Side of Chicago in the mid-80s, 33-year-old Thomas Kling vowed to transform the lives of dozens of students lost in the pressure cooker of drugs and racism. His profound and lasting impact now shines in a documentary created by the very lives he saved.

Kling: A Teacher Who Defied The System can be viewed on Amazon Prime.

Until next time, keep your EYE to the sky!

Guess what: I am almost ready to post this article, when boom! the internet goes down. I kind of hope it’s just due to the storm, because we had that happen to us already last week. Luckily, I have my draft saved that I can access over my phone’s data, so here it is.

Once again, punching through a lot of listings in very little time. There are likely many more Father’s Day events and brunches, and I’ll try to get them in as I learn more. This includes ticket sales for a charity golf outing for details are still being worked out.

Throwing in a tiny little bitch here: I get a lot of these events on the Facebook pages for various establishments where they say “Link in bio” for tickets. What link? The place’s regular web page? You can go there and still not find any mention of the event.

Father’s Day, June 19