Time Out, episode 133

This tape features a 1984 episode of "Time Out," a weekly sports program that is hosted by a number of Chicago area journalists and sportscasters. This week's commentators are award winning sports columnist John Schulian, WBMX Sportscaster and Assistant Coach for DePaul University's Men's Basketball team Kenny McReynolds, WIND reporter Fran Spielman, and former NBA star John Mengelt.

00:00Copy video clip URL This tape begins with a black screen, countdown, and promos.

00:56Copy video clip URL Opening sequence for the program.

01:20Copy video clip URL Dissolve into a shot of the four commentators in the back room on the “Time Out” television set. The narrator gives a brief overview of the program which includes: a commentary from Bill Veeck on the scramble for playoffs tickets in Chicago throughout the years, an interview with Chicago Cubs Pitching Coach Billy Connors, and a visit to a local Cubs merchandise store.

01:57Copy video clip URL The four commentators begin the show with a discussion on the Cubs’ impending playoff appearance. They talk about the need for the hometown fans to see the Cubs clinch their playoff spot. This eventually cuts into a compilation of interviews from the Cubs’ pitching staff on working with Pitching Coach Billy Connors.

04:37Copy video clip URL Cubs’ pitchers Rick Sutcliffe, Tim Stoddard, and Steve Trout comment on Connors’ easy going coaching style and pitching philosophy.

05:49Copy video clip URL Connors sits down with Bill Veeck at the bar. Veeck asks Connors how he gets pitchers to throw strikes. Connors emphasizes the need for pitchers to be aggressive and to take the time to get into the proper mindset when pitching. The two go on to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of playing at Wrigley Field and the playability of pitcher Steve Trout. They also briefly highlight the talent within the Cubs’ pitching staff.

11:00Copy video clip URL Cut to the “Time Out Sports Almanac” segment.

12:05Copy video clip URL Cut back to the four commentators who begin to talk about the Chicago Bears and their undefeated season up to that point. They also talk about recent college football happenings in the Big Ten League and the Cubs playoff ticket plans.

15:28Copy video clip URL Cubs Ticket Manager Frank Maloney goes over the logistics in the distribution of Cubs’ playoff tickets that year. Maloney states that there will only be about five to eight thousand tickets available for public distribution after season ticket holders, press, and sponsors are taken care of. Die hard Cubs fans chime in on the fact that many consistent Wrigley Field attendees are being looked over and disrespected despite their heavy support for the ball club. This cuts into a commentary from Bill Veeck on the scramble for playoff tickets in Chicago.

17:58Copy video clip URL Standing behind the bar, Bill Veeck recounts the atmosphere of past World Series he had been involved with and compares them to that of the modern day. “Unfortunately today there are so many season seats sold, and the Commissioner and his group, and the ball clubs and their friends take so many tickets that when you have a limited capacity like Wrigley Field there just isn’t much left. And that’s sad, because that means that the ballpark will be filled with friends of friends of friends you understand, who don’t know when to cheer, and that’s I guess what those scoreboards are made for when they say clap, and so many of the regulars will get shut out.” Veeck goes on to talk about the way the Cubs could solve this problem, but states that it would be quite a hassle. Veeck also states that many fans will be momentarily annoyed, but that team pride will ultimately take over.

21:21Copy video clip URL Cut back to the four commentators who continue to discuss the issue. This cuts into a segment on the rise in sales of Cubs merchandise.

22:32Copy video clip URL The “Time Out” crew visits a Chicago Cubs apparel store across the street from Wrigley Field. Employees talk about the good business they have been getting throughout the entire year. Fans are seen streaming into the store hoping to get their hands on a Cubs playoff t-shirt.

23:26Copy video clip URL Cut back to the four commentators who begin to talk about the Chicago Bulls and the new addition of Michael Jordan. They briefly talk about some of the other happenings in the NBA before cutting into an interview McReynolds had with Cubs legend Ernie Banks. In the interview, Banks expresses his joy over the thought of the Cubs going to the World Series and states that he wishes he could be playing with them. The four then go on to make their predictions for the week. The credits roll shortly afterwards and are followed by a promo.

29:42Copy video clip URL Tape ends.