Shortly after the World Series concludes, the Chicago Cubs will debut a new television program on the FOX Network called “Cubs Managerial Idol.” Fans can vote via toll free phone numbers for their favorite candidate to become the team’s next manager.
“We’ll start with 64 contestants. That doesn’t include the 40 or so we’ve interviewed so far,” GM Jed Hoyer said in a team press release. “God knows, we can’t figure it out on our own, so let’s take it to the fans.”
Four judges will grill contestants about their knowledge of baseball, in-game strategies and people skills. While the team didn’t reveal who will be included on the judges’ panel, reports say it will feature former Cub players Jose Cardenal and Dickie Noles, although Noles’ whereabouts are unknown. “We’ll scour every bar on Clark Street to find him,” said Hoyer.
Ex-Red Sox, Rangers and Mets skipper Bobby Valentine and former Cub manager Don “Popeye” Zimmer will also serve as judges. Ex-Cubs broadcaster Dave Otto and alleged actor-comedian Jim Belushi will serve as alternates.
“We might end up with some guy who’s coaching a team in Kazakhstan, or another from the Poughkeepsie Little League, but dammit, we’ll getter’ done,” Hoyer said.
