On Wednesday the Cubs and Ryne Sandberg made the difficult decision to part ways. Predictably, many fans were upset that a team icon from the ’80s and ’90s was allowed to walk out the door with no fanfare. Many of those sentimental fans also believe the widow of Harry Caray, another ’80s and ’90s staple should take over Cubs radio broadcasts.
“It would be so awesome if the Cubs had Dutchie [Caray] in the radio booth,” said Maria Litzsinger of Park Ridge. “If she could act like she’s completely tanked on Budweiser by the fourth inning, that would be even better.”
Litzsinger said it would also be great if she could start her day by watching the Bozo Show on WGN before Cubs game broadcasts that featured an ample supply of commercials for quirky businesses like Victory Auto Wreckers. Should the Cubs game that day be rained out, Litzsinger said she’d be very happy to watch reruns of “The Andy Griffith Show.”
Since none of those dreams seemed linked in any way to reality, many fans like Litzsinger said they’d be thrilled if Dutchie could join the Cubs’ radio crew, especially if Sandberg and maybe even Shawon Dunston were still somehow affiliated with the team.
Fans were quick to associate the voice of Harry Caray and Sandberg’s slick, error-free fielding with the “good ol’ days” of attending games at Wrigley more than 20 years ago.
“Letting Sandberg go was a shame,” said Lakeview’s David Ritchey. “They should bring him back along with Dutchie and let me sit on my grandpoppy’s lap while we watch Ron Cey ground into yet another inning-ending double play in front of 10,000 fans on a breezy Tuesday afternoon at Wrigley. That would be so cool.”
