Steve Bartman. Two words that wrap up the star-crossed history of the Chicago Cubs, but only the latest in a long line of misfortunes to befall the franchise.
Is it the curse of the goat? Or just ineptitude? Whatever the cause, the Cubs are baseball’s sorriest story. Just look at the standings. This year is not unique.
“Wait ‘Til Next Year: The Saga of the Chicago Cubs” (8 tonight, HBO) will tug at every baseball fan’s heart, a story of frustration that dates to 1908, the last year the Cubs won a World Series.
The HBO special, told from the point of view of long-suffering-yet-loyal fans, is about the joy of being at Wrigley Field, a pitchman like Harry Caray and the hope that lives eternal.
Bartman, for non-believers, is the Cubs fan who deflected a foul fly ball, a sure out that would have helped carry the Cubs to the 2003 World Series. Instead, they lost. Holy cow.
It was to be expected.
“Marie” lopped off
Fearing FCC penalties, KRMA-Channel 6 at the last minute pulled the two-hour “Marie Antoinette” from its schedule Monday night.
Pencil drawings of lovemaking and “a very specific” discussion of Louis XVI’s impotence led to the decision, said James Morgese, president and general manager of Rocky Mountain PBS.
He said the program will be shown on a still-undecided date after 10 p.m. “where you can do those things and not get into trouble.”
KYGO honored again
KYGO 98.5-FM was crowned the country music station of the year Sunday at the National Association of Broadcasters convention in Dallas.
The same day, KYGO also was named country station of the year at the Radio & Records Awards.
“To win both in five or six hours is pretty cool,” said Joel Burke, program director for KYGO. “One award (Marconi) is judging from people in the broadcast industry and the Radio & Records award is a people’s choice.”
KYGO won the Marconi in 2003 when as the top major-market station in the country.
Around the dial
Hunter Thompson is the subject of a documentary, “Buy the Ticket, Take the Ride,” airing on Starz Dec. 12. Nick Nolte narrates the story of the writer’s connection to Hollywood personalities. … From sports agent Peter Schaffer on Altitude’s “Summit”: “Maurice Clarett received the same deal from the Ohio State Penitentiary as he did from the Broncos – four years, no bonus.” … FSN Rocky Mountain announced Monday that it will televise 10 University of Denver basketball and lacrosse games. The network previously said it would cover 16 DU hockey games, beginning Oct. 20. … Quotable: “There are no done deals for the Cubs, just ‘we’ll see.”‘ Actor/
Cubs fan Jeff Garlin.
Dick Kreck’s column appears Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. He may be reached at 303-954-1456 or dkreck@denverpost.com.–
