Help a Mishawaka man become the Ultimate Cubs Fan

Save

Posted: 12:11 AM Aug 4, 2008
Last Updated: 7:51 AM Aug 4, 2008
Reporter: Angelo Di Carlo
Email Address: angelo.dicarlo@wndu.com

48 comments

A | A | A

Mishawaka's Sam Mook loves the Cubs.

And he shows it.

Mook's cubicle at Press Ganey in South Bend is a shrine to the team he idolizes, with Cubbies gear and memorabilia covering every inch.

It's why Mook is now a semifinalist to become the Ultimate Cubs Fan as part of the "Babe Ruth Ultimate 7th inning stretch Competition."

The field started with more than 1,000 applicants and is now down to just 50.

The winner gets to sing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" on Labor Day at Wrigley Field.

"It would mean the word, everything to me," Mook explained.

"To lead 41,000 people on at Wrigley Field, all cheering for the same team---it would be magical."

And you can help Mook get there by voting for him at cubs.com. Voting begins and ends on Monday.

Mook's audition video of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" will be one of five featured on Monday. If he receives the most votes, he will make the final 10.

Here's a direct link to the voting website: Baby Ruth Ultimate 7th Inning Stretch Competition

Mook's favorite all-time player is Ron Santo. He looks up to Santo because of the way he has battled Type 1 Diabetes. Mook has Type 1 as well.

The 30-year-old admits he isn't the greatest singer in the world, but he doesn't have to be. He says he tries to channel the great Harry Caray.

Most importantly, he's hoping his passion for the Cubs will be enough to let him live the dream of singing during the 7th inning stretch at Wrigley Field.

Click the video link above to see what Mook's work cubicle looks like and to hear him sing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game."

Part of Cleveland Avenue closed in St. Joe

Man hospitalized after motorcycle accident

80-year-old Niles man shot, robbed at home; suspects arrested

Golfer Chris Smith and family still in shock over weekend accident

Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: JAIME on Aug 13, 2008 at 04:32 PM
GO MOOK!!U GOT MY VOTE, SAY HELLO TO SAMARDZIJA FOR ME!

Posted by: Blutnick on Aug 12, 2008 at 01:38 PM
I can't argue with your loyalty if it's what you feel, that's your right and I'm all for loyalty. Many of us loyal White Sox fans, like myself feel no ill will to your Cubbies nor their fans. The argument only started AFTER a couple jerks had to wax on about how Sox (no, "Sux") fans have "no class", "clown Ozzie", "moron Hawk"...well, you get the idea. I supported and voted for Mook. I don't, however, see the connection between the Cubs specifically and tradition, loyalty and love as that could be said for any team's true fans. Good luck to the Cubs and most of their fans, I hope they can do it soon.

Posted by: Sam M Location: Mishawaka on Aug 9, 2008 at 03:28 AM
I so enjoy all the passionate hatred here on the comments section of a story that involves not only a Cubs fan but a general baseball fan in general. Seriously people, if you want to argue about the Sox/Cubs rivalry it could go on forever. Trust me I would love a Cubs/Sox WS but what makes Cubs fans different from others is the fact that we havent been winners, we love our team win or lose, I would go to a Cubs game if they were in last place! IT's got to do with Tradition, Loyalty, and Love. To those who understand and feel me then not only do you grasp the essence of being a Cubbie fan but you also know the love of baseball.

Posted by: O yes Location: SBI on Aug 7, 2008 at 11:03 PM
Lets turn something so great into an argument. For once an SBI local is going to take center stage at one of the most well known spectacles in professional sports. Cubs fan or not, sports fan or not, something GREAT is happening in this town and you have no reason not to root, root root for a Cubbie, and if Sam don't win its a shame

Posted by: Blutnick on Aug 6, 2008 at 07:10 PM
RIF, you're a swaggering blabbering pile of bad karma for your Cubs and don't deserve the handle you've hung on yourself as the Irish fans I hang with show class. 20 years ago when you became this 'fan' I was already a 25 year veteran of being a baseball fan and had figured out a decade earlier the Cubs organization cared nothing about their idiotic fans or winning; hey hey the place sold out anyway. Sold out by who RIF? Corporate types, yuppies to the max, more bluetooths in one spot than at a Vegas cellular phone trade show; just ridiculous. I enjoyed Brickhouse as he always went out of his way to instruct kids in baseball fundamentals plus the Cubs were the only game on TV (hence, the national popularity), Carey was only tolerable, Santo is a blubbering fool behind a microphone. Let me tell you something people on this website have been thinking for a long time. Your profane insults and need to accuse folks with a differing opinion of being ignorant is sickening. Idea: grow up.

Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Aug 6, 2008 at 04:40 PM
Blutnick, no, I kiss your mother with it. Hawk is funny? You need to set the bar higher. He is a joke and don't compare him to Brickhouse, not even close. Brickhouse, Carry, Santo, they all speak up when the Cubs are playing poorly. Hawk whines and blames everyone else, except, the The Sux. Furthermore, I am not flipping off the Cell itself, just any moron inside and you might just fit that bill, so, here is one for you. Listen clown, I have been a Cub fan for over 20 years, so, I have a real big sense of humor, you need one to love the North Siders. Therapy??? Pass the number along to Ozzie, he needs it. Like I said before, Cub fans FILL Wrigley Field, every game. Sux fans, well, if you are any indication of the mental state of the majority, you probably can't find the Cell.

Posted by: Blutnick on Aug 5, 2008 at 05:17 PM
Wow, a bunch of bitter Cub fans out there. Hopefully they'll get over their anger in time to vote for Mook...and the mouth on that Rabid lady...do you kiss your Mom with that mouth? Hawk is the funniest announcer I've ever listened to just as Jack Brickhouse was the most informative in an understated professional way ever. Anyone who hates personalities like Ozzie and Hawk and is compelled to flip off a baseball park when driving by needs to develop a little of Brickhouse's class, and a sense of humor along with therapy.

Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Aug 5, 2008 at 01:18 PM
Hey, suxticketholder, all the while you piss about and spew how the Cubs are 2nd rate and our field sucks, look at the attendance between the two parks. We fill ours, what is your excuse. What a circus that ball club has become, hell, with that clown Ozzie running his mouth you all should sell the Cell out every game. Whats the matter sweetie? Are you upset that your club is fading fast? Don't worry you can wait another 88 years, right?? And please, I would take Harry Carey over that moron Hawk Harrelson you have, "He gone!" I wish he was. Hope you don't have to play the royals to many more times this season, they may kick your A**** right out of the wild card spot, if you are still hanging that close by then. I hate the Sox, every time I drive by the Cell I flip the bird to it and hope they never win another WS, they and thier fair weather fans do not deserve another one. Compete on the same leval as the rest... WHAT, we are 21 games over .500 what are you guys 9 or 10 keep up with us.

Posted by: Jim Location: South Bend on Aug 5, 2008 at 01:09 PM
N is right. I am a Cubs fan that used to root for the White Sox (unless they were playing the Cubs). With the Sox fan's arrogance (including Obama's), I hope they lose every game. By the way, soxticketholder, our most famous announcer was Jack Brickhouse, Harry Carry was also a Sox announcer and Ron Santo also played for the Sox. The only reason Reinsdork would send out limos to get fans, was the stadium was so empty. I walked up to the ticket booth and bought opening day tickets to a Sox game in the 80's.

Posted by: Sam M. Location: Mishawaka on Aug 5, 2008 at 12:29 AM
Just wanted to thank everyone that voted and commented (even the Sox fans)for their support! Nice to see comments from family and freinds from across the country! to those who just dis and dis I hope one day you'll find some happiness in your life at some point, it's what I have with the Cubs...win or lose.

Posted by: N on Aug 4, 2008 at 11:50 PM
I'm to the point anymore where, as a Cub fan, I'm finding it incredibly hard to even enjoy myself as a baseball fan. Why? Because anytime I so much as mention I'm a Cub fan, some loudmouth White Sox fan attacks me for no reason. And its not just me, its everywhere. You guys got your little championship, and it took you 88 years. Not once did I ever hear a Cub fan belittle the Sox about how long it took. Yet, for us, all it is is '100 YEAR, HAHA YOU SUCK'. Grow up you little babies. You only say what you say because you are jealous of how popular the Cubs are, no matter what their record is, and due to the fact that they are the best team in the NL and 2nd best in all of baseball and no one is paying attention to your pathetic little 'LOOK AT ME LOOK AT ME' team. Go get blown out by the Royals again and start a brawl to take the attention off of how much you SUCK and let us enjoy our team being 22 games over .500 and in 1st place, solidly.

Posted by: Mike B Location: Mishawaka, IN on Aug 4, 2008 at 11:11 PM
I like all the Sox fans pointing out the Cubs haven't won a World Series in 100 years. Let's analyze attendance in both ballparks in 2006, the year following the Sox latest World Series title, White Sox - 2,957,414 Cubs - 3,123,215. One word......PATHETIC! Go Sam, Go Cubs!

Posted by: Sox Fan Location: 35th & Shields on Aug 4, 2008 at 10:22 PM
All I want to say is good luck to Sam.

Posted by: Tonya Location: Mishawaka on Aug 4, 2008 at 09:30 PM
Good Luck Sam! You've got my vote! Loved the video... hope you get to sing at Wrigley.... GO CUBS GO!

Posted by: soxticketholder Location: Goshen on Aug 4, 2008 at 09:08 PM
The inferiority complex of Cub fans never ceases to amaze me. Your park is a dump. Your world series record is a dump. Your most famous announcer is known more for his beer drinking than his skill. Your current color announcer on the radio should be an ambassador, like Moose Skowron, not in the booth. Your "ownership" group should send limos out to the suburbs like Reinsdorf does and bring people who never get ANYTHING, to a game once in a while. Instead, your busy trying to rip Sox fans instead of celebating the dedication of one of your fans, even though your a second class organization in baseball, with the worst park. I hope for you sake someone like Mark Cuban buys the Cubs and at least lets your team compete on the same level as the rest of the league. Pick on the Sox all you want, I dont hate Cub fans. But your record and park and organization speaks for itself.

Posted by: laura Location: new york on Aug 4, 2008 at 08:32 PM
HEY THERE!!! CAN'T WAIT TO HEAR YOU SING!!! COUSIN LAURA

Posted by: linda Location: new york on Aug 4, 2008 at 08:26 PM
Hey there Sammy, You know I am rooting for you. Maybe soon you will make it to the big time at Shea Stadium!! To IVY in South Bend....trust me Sammy is soooooooooooooooo much better than William Hung!!!!! Love you Sam

Posted by: Mitch Location: Mishawaka on Aug 4, 2008 at 06:13 PM
Ah yes, professional sports. Lets obsessively root for people that work half a year and make more money then we could ever even think of in a short amount of time. Just like our love of gas, we love to waste billions of dollars in the name of a game.

Posted by: santo#1 Location: Chitown on Aug 4, 2008 at 05:58 PM
To Todd in South Bend: Sam obviously has a passion for life and shows it by being an avid fan of a team whether they are in first place or last place. A passion that comprises of following the Cubs, unlike you, who only has a dubious passion for sheep. Get 'r done Sam and GO CUBS.

Posted by: A Sox fan Location: Iowa on Aug 4, 2008 at 05:21 PM
Sam, I am a Sox/Brewers fan, and I will vote for you. Sam Mook believes in the Cubbies, who are doing awesome this yr(I want a Cubs vs Sox World Series), and more power to him. I still think Harry Caray was the ultimate Cubs fan(everybody, let me hear you), but he's not in the running. Go Sam Mook. Go Sox. Go Cubs. Go IRISH! I too hope he does not sound like william Hung....please no. By the way, for all the rabid sports fans in S.B/Mish, Nebraska fans have all teams(except the Yankees)beaten hands down for the most rabid, single minded sports fans in the country. They border on the scary, but they are the only thing to root for in a 300 mile radius.

Posted by: Judy Location: Vincennes In on Aug 4, 2008 at 05:05 PM
Good Luck Sam you got my vot plus all of the family down her plus a lot more of our friends love you Aunt Judy GO SAM

Posted by: drew Location: south bend on Aug 4, 2008 at 04:59 PM
I am voting for a hot chick instead

Posted by: Blutnick on Aug 4, 2008 at 02:29 PM
Frankie, now come on, 1/2 game out with nearly two months to play...not exactly off the board now are they? I agree with your math though, they should be there since the Twins record is 1/2 game better thru last night, but I'm not convinced the Twins are feeling any more comfortable than the Sox with that big 1/2 game lead. One thing you Cubs fans need to find is a little humility. Need I remind you of '69 when they lost 11 of 12 in August after being 30 games over .500 in July only to lose to the Mets (heels a-clickin)? In '84, '89, '03 & '07 (curse a-Bartman) they made the postseason yet it wasn't enough for you Cubs fans probably because you go spewing your superiority for months on end then must act so heart broken at the end (100 times over, eh eh). Bless you all Cubbie fans, esp Mook.

Posted by: IVY Location: South Bend, IN on Aug 4, 2008 at 01:15 PM
I hope he doesn't sound like William Hung.

Posted by: mommy 4 on Aug 4, 2008 at 01:01 PM
vote for sam

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Anonymous on Aug 4, 2008 at 12:47 PM
For Blutnick...White Sox fans made me that way....b/c they have NO CLASS to begin with!!! Period!!!

Posted by: Brooke aka BB Location: Mishawaka on Aug 4, 2008 at 12:17 PM
Sam's my hubby, and he really is the ultimate fan (it's actually getting ridiculous at my house... borderline obsession). Vote for him, please! Doesn't matter which team you root for on the regular. He's not going up against any Sox fans, Cards fans, or ANY other team's fans. Its about the love of the game and not what color jersey you wear! Vote for Sam! He's also an awesome guy, but, of course, I'm biased.

Posted by: South Bend Resident Location: South Bend on Aug 4, 2008 at 12:08 PM
I'm not a Cubs fan or any sports fan for that matter, but I work at the same company as Sam and he is a great guy. He has my vote for sure. You go Sam!

Posted by: Frank Location: Mi on Aug 4, 2008 at 11:20 AM
You can take the sox off the board, Yes! down to second. Where they should be

Posted by: mike h Location: south bend on Aug 4, 2008 at 10:55 AM
good wuck, mook

Posted by: Wrigley Location: Clark & Addison on Aug 4, 2008 at 10:28 AM
Doesn't surprise me that Sox fans would post comments like they do. Once a sox fan, always a sox fan - CLUELESS....Just remember who's in first and who's in second....Cubs FIRST PLACE, Sox SECOND PLACE. FYI....It's really funny to know how the White Sox fans keep reminding Cub Fans how the Cubs haven't won the World Series for 100 years, but do they have a clue it took their White Sox 88 years to win won also. GO CUBS GO!!! I hope the Cubs and Sox play in the World Series so the Cubs can beat their brains in.

Posted by: Todd Location: South Bend on Aug 4, 2008 at 10:08 AM
This poor guy needs a life.

Posted by: Lori Location: Mishawaka on Aug 4, 2008 at 10:03 AM
I voted for you Sam! It took less than a minute!

Posted by: Aaron Location: SB on Aug 4, 2008 at 09:53 AM
Cubs will blow it as always. The ChiSox will get it together and win their division. I just don't understand Cubs fans. Uniforms look ridiculous, Wrigley Field is old and junky. You guys are nuts.

Posted by: Blutnick on Aug 4, 2008 at 09:43 AM
For the record Anonymous; many anti-Cubs fans' teams are in first place; the Angels, Twins, Rays, etc surely have anti-Cubs fans. In spite of your negativity I've voted for Mook as I detect a more positive spirit in him and hope he wins, by the way Anon; it was like a little bit of heaven when the Sox won it all. Sooooooo Sweet, you can put it on the board!

Posted by: B Location: Granger on Aug 4, 2008 at 09:43 AM
Wow..they picked up the always injured 38 year old griffey who is batting .265 this year...impressive. Go back to the slums..aka southside

Posted by: Kelly Location: Elkhart on Aug 4, 2008 at 09:15 AM
Good Luck Sam!!! You got my vote! Go Cubs!! :)

Posted by: MF-a believer Location: SB on Aug 4, 2008 at 08:37 AM
One more vote on your tally Sam. All prayers and support to you.

Posted by: GoCubsGo! Location: Goshen on Aug 4, 2008 at 08:29 AM
Good luck Sam! I took a couple of minutes to vote--it didn't even take five minutes! Help this guy achieve his dream and represent Michiana!

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 4, 2008 at 08:17 AM
Anti-cubs fans beware. Your teams aren't in first. The Cubs are. GO MOOK!!!!

Posted by: Blutnick on Aug 4, 2008 at 07:17 AM
I'll vote for the Mookster even though I too am a Sox fan. (uh, J, the Sox play 2nd fiddle to noone; nice try with your petty litle dig though) I admire a guy with conviction, maybe the day will come when Mookie sees the light...on the southside of Chicago.

Posted by: john Location: South Bend on Aug 4, 2008 at 03:16 AM
All i have to say is this guy is really trying to do something that would mean the world to him. and all you guys want to do is diss on this guy?? come on! grow up. lets stop dissing and support this local and fulfill his dream of singing the 7th inning stretch. come on!!

Posted by: J Location: SB on Aug 4, 2008 at 01:44 AM
I need to preface this by saying I'm not a Cubs fan. All I know is it must really suck for the White Sox to play second fiddle to a team that hasn't won the World Series in 100 yrs.

Posted by: Sam M. Location: MIshawaka on Aug 3, 2008 at 09:09 PM
Thanks for the support Big O!!!...and ozzie voting only takes 2 min. Lets not forget where this tradition of "take me out to the ball game" begun...Comisky 1976?

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 3, 2008 at 08:33 PM
At least this is a positive thing--I'll vote for this guy. I'm glad he's not one of the thugs in the news.

Posted by: ozzie Location: southside on Aug 3, 2008 at 07:51 PM
Why would I take 5 minutes out of my day to vote for a cubs fan? 100 more years of losing. the ABC's of baseball. (Anyone But Cubs )

Posted by: AJ Location: SB on Aug 3, 2008 at 08:24 AM
The Sox picked up Griffey Jr ! Isn't that just AWESOME !!!!!!! They Might win *another* World Series in this decade :)

Posted by: Big O on Aug 3, 2008 at 07:48 AM
Come on people, lets help this guy out. Take 5 minutes of you day and vote for him. How great would it be for a local guy to win this honor... Hey just do it even if you don't like the cubbies, personally I am a Bosox fan, but this guy has my vote.... LETS MAKE THIS HAPPEN PEOPLE