Former Cubs pitcher Rich Nye to visit Biggest Little Baseball Museum in Three Oaks

THREE OAKS, Mich. (WNDU) - Rich Nye, a member of the 1969 Chicago Cubs, is coming to the Biggest Little Baseball Museum on Saturday, Nov. 7, in Three Oaks.

The museum is sponsoring the free event, which starts at noon at Vickers Theater in downtown Three Oaks.

In a recorded message to Michiana baseball fans, Nye said he plans to talk about his two careers.

“Prior to my career as a veterinarian, I was a major league pitcher, including years with the Chicago Cubs,” Nye said. “I’m looking forward to sharing about both of my careers, including stories about me and my teammates of the fabled ’69 Cubs.”

Nye’s baseball career

Nye was the Cubs organization’s Rookie of the Year in 1968. He pitched for the Cubs, the Cardinals and the Expos.

Gary Lang of the Biggest Little Baseball Museum said he reached out to Nye because of the 1969 Cubs. Lang said the team played its games during the day because Wrigley Field did not have lights at the time.

Lang said the Cubs were a very good team in 1969 before they fell to the New York Mets in the fall. Lang said that during a close race in New York, a black cat ran across the base path during a game, which became known as the Curse of the Black Cat.

Career as a veterinarian

After his baseball career, Nye became a veterinarian who specialized in birds, including exotic birds, Lang said. Lang said Nye earned a mechanical engineering degree before going to veterinary school. Lang said Nye opened one of the first clinics in the country for exotic birds and exotic pets, just outside Chicago.

Lang said Nye is 82 and still practices a little.

Lang said players in that era had to have another career after playing a few years.

“He set himself up really well,” Lang said.

What to expect Saturday

Attendees can take part in a question-and-answer session with Nye. Nye will sign autographs at no charge, Lang said.

The first dozen boys and girls to arrive will receive a new Wilson baseball or softball. Lang said the giveaway is free for children accompanied by an adult.

Lang also showed memorabilia from the 1969 season. He said Jewel Food Stores offered player pictures free with grocery purchases that year and sold mugs for a couple of dollars. A mug Lang showed carried autographs from Fergie Jenkins and Nye.

“It’s nice to have someone come out and reminisce with this group, so we don’t forget that important history,” Lang said.

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