My latest Chicago Tribune column is on WBBM-AM 780 being true believers that Theo Epstein can get it done with the Cubs.
You also can access the column via my Twitter feed @Sherman_Report.
From the column:
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Next year actually won’t be the first time WBBM-AM 780 will be airing Cubs games. The station also carried the Cubs from 1929-40, along with several other outlets in town.
Talk about good timing. The Cubs were a powerhouse, winning four National League pennants during that span. Even though they lost each World Series, Rod Zimmerman, senior and Market Manager for CBS Radio Chicago, wouldn’t mind a similar run during WBBM’s upcoming association with the Cubs.
“We would like to air (World Series games),” Zimmerman said. “It would be nice to win a World Series too.”
Yes, Zimmerman showed he definitely is drinking the Theo Epstein-Jed Hoyer Kool-Aid during a press conference Thursday officially announcing the Cubs’ new seven-year contract with WBBM, beginning with the 2015 season. He and CBS are betting big money that the laborious rebuilding project will deliver big results during the length of the deal.
“We believe in the Cubs’ plan in building from the ground-up,” said Zimmerman, who stopped short of giving a detailed report of the Cubs’ top prospects.
This much is certain: WBBM is getting in on the ground floor–or lower—with the Cubs in terms in fan interest. However, the prospect of being the flagship station is enormous even if they only become a wildcard team. And if the Cubs ever should win the last game of the baseball season (gulp!), Zimmerman will feel as if he purchased Apple at $3 per share.
“The Cubs have a huge relationship with this marketplace,” Zimmerman said. “I lived through those years when they went to the playoffs. There’s a tremendous groundswell of support. If they ever get to the World Series, it will be the biggest story in sports.”
Pat Hughes, who along with Ron Coomer will make the move from WGN-AM 720 to WBBM, agrees the fans will return quickly for a good product.
“Even though some fans are dormant, I don’t think they have quit on the Cubs,” Hughes said. “There’s a lot of pent-up energy. They will return in huge numbers when we start winning again.”