Review of Cub Fans Dream Come True

[Jorge Leon Salazar]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Cub Fans Dream Come True" by David D Wilgus Jr..]

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4 out of 4 stars

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On June 10, 1965, while visiting his ailing grandfather, Matthew saw a legendary photo of the Chicago Cubs players who won the 1907 World Series. It was autographed by several of those who appeared in it, including the renowned Frank Chance. Immediately, Matthew asks his grandfather to tell him about his experiences at that time. As his grandfather recounts his remembrances, Matthew records them with his tape recorder. Cub Fans Dream Come True by David D. Wilgus Jr. features the story Lucas Kronk told his grandson Matthew. What Lucas narrates is not only about the performances of the Chicago Cubs of that time, since it comprises his experiences during his childhood. He was only six years old when the Cubs won the World Series again in 1908.

The book is appropriately divided into eleven chapters. The first eight focus on the major matches the Chicago Cubs faced in their way to victory in the 1908 World Series. The last three chapters recount moments after that remarkable event. Lucas Kronk's narrative ends in chapter 10 and covers until the World Series the Cubs played and lost in 1945. The last chapter presents an interesting chronology of relevant events that culminates with the last World Series won by the Cubs in 2016. The writing style is simple and direct and although the book mentions baseball jargon terms, I think it is understandable for most readers. However, sometimes the author includes specific details of plays from some relevant games in which Lucas and his father Herbert were present at the stadium. In addition, the book contains impressive photographs like that of the famous black cat that appeared in the stadium of the New York Mets in 1969. On that occasion, the Cubs were disputing the National League East pennant.

This brief book is a gem for Chicago Cubs fans, as it chronicles the Cubs' journey to win the 1908 World Series. Plus, it provides surprising anecdotes such as why the Cubs' stadium was named Wrigley Field, which still remains. It is noteworthy several baseball teams still retain the same name they had at the time, including the Cubs. Also, it struck me that several situations in baseball games of that time are similar to how they are nowadays. For example, when a player is hit by a ball thrown by the pitcher, the benches empty out.

The aspect that I liked the most was the approach of the book, which presented the perspective of a six-year-old boy regarding baseball. It mixes the fondness for baseball that his father transmitted to him with the admiration for some baseball players without leaving behind his childish concerns. For instance, he had an immense desire to own a penny-farthing bicycle. It was amazing Lucas remembered all these facts after so much time has passed, even more so considering that he was only six years old at the time.

But not everything is baseball in this story. Lucas's narrative is harmonized by family experiences with his father, mother, sister, and other relatives and friends. Even, the circumstantial way in which Lucas found love is described. The book has a slight religious orientation because Lucas's mother was a fervent Christian. Moreover, some positive occurrences that happened to the family were attributed to divine intervention. However, religion is not a strong point in this story. Therefore, I think it is suitable for readers of any faith.

Being a baseball fan, I enjoyed this work and found nothing to dislike. It was entertaining and moving, as it tells historical baseball anecdotes and exposes poignant family situations. The editing was adequate, as I only noticed a few minor typos that didn't distract me from the flow of the reading. For all the comments, I rate Cub Fans Dream Come True four out of four stars. I recommend it to baseball fans, especially those of the Chicago Cubs. Nonetheless, it could equally be suitable for those who like a short read that highlights family values.

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Cub Fans Dream Come True
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[Patty Allread]

But not everything is baseball in this story. Lucas's narrative is harmonized by family experiences with his father, mother, sister, and other relatives and friends. Even, the circumstantial way in which Lucas found love is described.

I'm generally a baseball fan, and I'm sure I will enjoy this book given the additional aspects you described. I will add this to my "Want to Read" list. Thanks for the review!

[Themmie10]

It will be amazing to read of baseball little history in this book. I’m not a fan of baseball but I don’t mind knowing few things about them. Great review!

[Umesh Bhatt]

The baseball enthusiasts will definitely like this book. The book seems to have covered a lot about the game and also the matches played during the mentioned time. Thanks for the detailed and well brought out review.

[Kehinde Hussein]

I've not known much about baseball but this seems interesting. Nice!

[TheGayOne12]

I don't know all that much about baseball, but I don't think it hurts to read about it. Great review!

[Aisha Yakub]

I'm not a baseball fan, but I think I'll enjoy reading this book. Great review.

[markodim721]

I like that the author presented baseball to readers from the perspective of a six-year-old boy. Thanks for the quality review.