A Cubs update on a Cubs fansite? Go figure.
Farewell Stoney, you will be missed. And sorry for the reasons surrounding your departure, it's a shame the Cubs front office couldnt see past thier own inept blunderings, poor management and insanity circus they call public relations to realize what an asset you are/were to this club. I for one, and one of millions, will fondly remember your dead on color assesment of the games from the tv booth, be they critical or full of praise. You were, as far as I'm concerned, an honest fan of the team and the best critic they had when it really mattered. Too bad they saw that as a liability, but with the curse of the billygoat, comes the curse of the scapegoat.
Your departure simply adds a new layer of sadness to the tear-jerker chapter in a book known as perpetual next-year.
At least you are not alone in saying farewell to the friendly confines. No more will I be able to howl ALOUUUUU! with thousands of others as Moises takes the field. No longer will Mark Grudzalanek have his name butchered by Ronny Santo as "Grunz" alodic. And lastly, with you goes the smoke that was the fire that the Cubs had stoked the past couple years, only to let its fizzle and die like so many others before. Perhaps poking at the embers could rekindle it just a little, before Sosa whizzes all over it for good.
Here is Steve's letter of resignation.
Dear Cubs fans,
Since I put on a Cubs uniform in 1974, I've seen lots of Cub's history. There has been heartache and joy, agony and ecstasy, not to mention, 21 managers and 10 general managers.
Through all of these years and more than a few broadcast partners, I have always felt a strong connection to the greatest, most loyal fans in baseball, Cub fans. My love for the city of Chicago and the people who came to beautiful Wrigley Field has been a constant. Over 3 million of you Cub fans came to the ballpark in 2004 and the TV ratings showed you watched the Cub broadcasts in staggering numbers.
Unfortunately, the 2004 season did not end as we had hoped. It was devastating for all of us who invested our hearts, our time and in many cases our lives, in the hopes and dreams of the Cubs winning a world championship.
I am sure you have read many things about this past season and my involvement in one or two controversies. However, you have never heard my story or my perspective of the events that have brought us to this point in time. As has always been my personal policy, it is not my intention to divulge the content of private conversations I've had with others. Likewise, I do not want to be forced into sharing my side of the story. I came into Chicago on the high road with my credibility and integrity. Thirty years later, I choose to leave the same way.
The phrase I used that angered certain people was "I regret nothing." Well folks, I was wrong about that and want to set the record straight. I regret I won't be calling another Cubs game on WGN-TV for the greatest fans in baseball, the fans of the Chicago Cubs.
It's been a great ride. I will never forget you. Most importantly, I thank you all for every minute of happiness, you, the fans have given me.
Best regards,
Steve Stone
Class act, He will be missed.
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