January 17, 2017

ESPNChicago.com, Cubs revel in time with President Barack Obama at White House http://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/cubs/post/_/id/43240/cubs-revel-in-time-with-barack-obama-at-white-house

ESPNChicago.com, Obama welcomes World Series champion Chicago Cubs http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/18488717/president-obama-celebrates-world-series-champion-chicago-cubs

CSNChicago.com, Does Cubs President Theo Epstein Have A Future In Politics? http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-cubs/does-cubs-president-theo-epstein-have-future-politics

CSNChicago.com, Cubs Meet President Obama In Unforgettable, Symbolic White House Visit: ‘They Said This Day Would Never Come’ http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-cubs/cubs-meet-president-obama-unforgettable-symbolic-white-house-visit-they-said-day-would

Chicago Tribune, President Obama's words of unity inspire Cubs during White House celebration http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-obama-sports-cubs-white-house-spt-0117-20170116-story.html

Chicago Tribune, President Obama welcomes Cubs to the White House: 'It took you long enough' http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-cubs-white-house-visit-20170116-column.html

Chicago Sun-Times, Cubs enjoy ‘best sports ceremony ever’ at White House http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/cubs-enjoy-best-sports-ceremony-ever-at-white-house/

Chicago Sun-Times, Surprising appearance by first lady highlights visit for Cubs http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/surprising-appearance-by-first-lady-highlights-visit-for-cubs/

Chicago Sun-Times, Sweet: Cubs at the White House — a made-for-Chicago Obama finale http://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/sweet-cubs-at-the-white-house-a-made-for-chicago-obama-finale/

Chicago Sun-Times, Obama celebrates world-champ Cubs at White House http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/chicago-cubs-honored-by-obama-at-the-white-house-today-1205-ct/

Daily Herald, History, humor unite as Obama honors Chicago Cubs http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20170116/sports/170119153/

Cubs.com, Fly The WH! Cubs' epic White House visit http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/213617604/cubs-honored-by-president-obama-at-white-house/

-- ESPNChicago.com Cubs revel in time with President Barack Obama at White House By Jesse Rogers

WASHINGTON, D.C -- The feel-good Monday at the White House for the Chicago Cubs was simply a continuation of a nine-week celebration since the team won the World Series. Whether it's outgoing President Barack Obama -- who happens to be a White Sox fan -- or the thousands who attended the fan convention in Chicago the previous three days, no one can get enough of these Cubs. "It really was an amazing moment when the entire team gathered around waiting for a while, then the president and first lady bounded into the room with tremendous energy and gave heartfelt remarks," team president Theo Epstein recalled after the ceremony. "You could tell that this visit had a lot of personal meaning to them." That's especially true for first lady Michelle Obama, who grew up on the South Side as a Cubs fan. As with so many kids who followed the team, day baseball and her father's love for the Cubs set her on her path as a fan. The emotion the first lady felt when the team broke its 108-year drought was the same as a fan who's never stepped foot in the White House. The win brought people together from all walks of life. "It's worth remembering that throughout our history, sports has had this power to bring us together even when the country is divided," President Obama said. "Sports has changed attitudes and culture in ways that seem subtle but ultimately made us think differently about ourselves and who we are. ... Sports has a way of changing hearts in a way politics or business doesn't." Epstein and Obama were the only two to speak during the official ceremony, and you get the feeling that if they switched jobs, they'd both still be successful with a little studying. In fact, one of the most entertaining moments of the day came when Obama praised Epstein while offering him a job as head of the Democratic National Committee. "Good thing I signed a contract with Tom Ricketts," Epstein quipped. "He was kicking me, saying I can't leave. It was a kind offer, though." Epstein then downplayed Obama's claim that the Cubs president is the best executive in baseball history. "It was humbling and quite an honor," Epstein said. "I still have time to screw it up." The Cubs are officially done celebrating their championship, and President Obama is saying goodbye to his job of the past eight years. The confluence of the two events was striking. "It means so much more with his roots in Chicago and his final days in office," Epstein said. "I think everyone, no matter where you fall politically, can appreciate the dignity with which he served the country. He did an unbelievable job of handling the office and raising his family while here. Across the board, folks would agree he's very dignified and brought a lot of integrity to the office. It was a pleasure to thank him for that today." Epstein has a lot of Obama in him. He's smart and can articulate a vision as well as anyone. But a higher office isn't in his cards. "There are a lot of ways we can all impact our communities without running for office," Epstein said. There will likely never be such a long championship drought for the Cubs, and they might never visit the White House again with a Chicagoan holding office. So for at least one day, Obama was a Cubs fan and the Cubs felt the love from a native son. "He's so good on his feet and saying what's on his mind," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. "[The first lady] did the same thing. "You could feel the gravity and magnitude of being in the same room as the president, and his wife, of the United States." The Cubs' trip to the White House coincided with Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the last days of the nation's first African-American president, which only added to the magnitude of their visit.

Cubs owner Tom Ricketts had the first word when he began to rebuild the team five years ago, so he gets the last one Monday, moments after the speeches in the East Room concluded. "It was the best sports ceremony ever," Ricketts declared. -- ESPNChicago.com Obama welcomes World Series champion Chicago Cubs By Jesse Rogers WASHINGTON -- It wasn't lost on President Barack Obama or the Chicago Cubs that Monday's White House celebration of the team's World Series victory would be the last official event of his presidency. It also wasn't lost on team president Theo Epstein that the Cubs were being honored by a notoriously loyal Chicago White Sox fan. "We have taken the liberty of offering you a midnight pardon," Epstein joked to Obama during the afternoon ceremony. "We welcome you with open arms today to the Cubs family." Obama responded in kind. "Among Sox fans I'm the Cubs' No. 1 fan," he declared. Both Obama and Epstein spoke to a packed East Room of the White House filled with current and former players along with White House staff, many of whom are Cubs fans. "They said this day would never come," Obama began his remarks. "I will say to the Cubs, it took you long enough. I only have four days left. You're just making it under the wire. "Even I was not crazy enough to suggest that during these eight years we would see the Cubs win the Worlds Series. But I did say there has never been anything false about hope." Annual hope for the Cubs from their large fan base was finally rewarded in 2016 with a title, the first in 108 years for the organization. It's the second team Epstein has guided to a World Series win after a long drought, having taken the Boston Red Sox all the way in 2004 after 86 years without a title. It prompted a job offer from Obama -- and a few laughs from the crowd. "His job is to quench droughts," Obama said of Epstein. "He takes the reins of an organization that's wandering in the wilderness. He delivers them to the promised land. I've talked to him about being DNC chair, but he's decided wisely to stick to baseball." After the ceremony, first baseman Anthony Rizzo called the day the "icing on the cake" of their championship season. Current players were reunited with popular outfielder Dexter Fowler and catcher David Ross, along with Chris Coghlan and Trevor Cahill. None will be with the Cubs next season. "What an amazing experience we had today," Rizzo said. "Something we'll never forget. ... Michelle [Obama] showing up was pretty cool." President Obama claimed that among the 50 or so teams the White House has welcomed over his eight years as president, the first lady has never made an appearance until Monday. Before the official ceremony, the lifelong Cubs fan met with the team. Rizzo recalled the moment when she and her husband walked into the room. "It's a room that's all chatter, chatter, chatter, and then the president and first lady walk in and it's complete silence," he said. "You could hear a pin drop. You get chills running through your body."

Later, in its attempt to convert the president to a Cubs fan, Rizzo and the team presented him with a No. 44 Cubs jersey, a lifelong pass to Wrigley Field for him and his family, a "W" flag and the "44" panel from the center-field scoreboard. "That's some nice swag," Obama said. As impressed as the president was with his gifts -- and despite an urging from Hall of Fame pitcher Fergie Jenkins -- Obama wouldn't go so far as to put on the Cubs jersey. As for Cubs manager Joe Maddon, Obama called him "cool" for wearing a turtleneck and suede coat to the White House. Obama also remarked that he and Ross had something in common: The two of them have been on a "yearlong retirement tour." After acknowledgements of the team's success as well as a few more jokes, Obama took note of celebrating the Cubs' championship on Martin Luther King Day. "There is a direct line between Jackie Robinson and me standing here," he said. "It's worth remembering that throughout our history sports has had this power to bring us together even when the country is divided. Sports has changed attitudes and culture in ways that seem subtle but ultimately made us think differently about ourselves and who we are. ... Sports has a way of changing hearts in a way politics or business doesn't." After a tour of the White House, a talk with both the president and first lady and then the official ceremony, Maddon summed up the Cubs' day. "It's pretty magnificent to be invited to the White House," he said. "It's a powerful moment. It's a humbling moment." -- CSNChicago.com Does Cubs President Theo Epstein Have A Future In Politics? By Patrick Mooney WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama has a job for Theo Epstein whenever the Cubs executive gets bored or starts to feel restless and wants to think about life beyond baseball. After building up the Boston Red Sox and turning around the Cubs, how about Epstein using his leadership skills, analytical personality, sense of conviction and Ivy League education to save the Democratic Party? "His job is to quench droughts – 86 years in Boston, 108 in Chicago," Obama said during Monday's White House ceremony honoring the World Series champs. "He takes the reins of an organization that's wandering in the wilderness and delivers them to the promised land. I talked to him about being DNC chair." Epstein stood behind the president doing a cut-it gesture and that became one of many laugh lines during an entertaining Obama speech that lasted more than 20 minutes and took place against the backdrop of Donald Trump's looming administration. Epstein – who headlined a Lincoln Park fundraiser during the 2012 reelection campaign and attended the president's farewell address last week at McCormick Place – doesn't see his future in politics. At least "not as a candidate or an elected official," Epstein said during a media scrum afterward. "But I think there are a lot of ways that we can all impact our communities without necessarily running for office." Epstein – a private person who would never want to subject his young family to that kind of scrutiny – looked like official Washington in a navy blue suit and a striped silver-and-blue tie. He delivered his own speech in the East Room, beginning it by saying "what a tough act to follow."

"We know you may have certain allegiances to another team on the other side of town," Epstein said to the world's most famous White Sox fan. "But we know you're a very proud Chicagoan. And we know your better, wiser half – the first lady – has been a lifelong and very loyal Cub fan, which we appreciate very much. "Of course, we have great faith in your intelligence, your common sense, your pragmatism, your ability to recognize a good thing when you see one. "So Mr. President, with only a few days remaining in your tremendous presidency, we have taken the liberty here today of offering you a midnight pardon. "And so we welcome you with open arms." This formal ceremony sounded personal for Epstein, who led the presentation giving Obama white and gray No. 44 jerseys, a 44 Wrigley Field scoreboard panel, a lifetime pass to the iconic stadium and an autographed W flag to someday fly at his presidential library on the South Side. "Everyone – no matter where you fall politically – can appreciate the dignity with which he served the country," Epstein said. "He did an unbelievable job handling the office and raising his family while here. I think, across the board, folks would agree that he's very dignified and brought a lot of integrity to the office. It was our pleasure to thank him for that today." The DNC – or whatever Epstein does for his next act – will have to wait. Before that epic playoff run began, the Cubs locked up Epstein with a five-year deal believed to be worth in the neighborhood of $50 million, putting the future Hall of Fame executive in position to make another trip to the White House with a championship team. "Good thing I signed a contract with (chairman) Tom Ricketts," Epstein said. "He was kicking me, saying I can’t leave. It was a kind offer, though." -- CSNChicago.com Cubs Meet President Obama In Unforgettable, Symbolic White House Visit: ‘They Said This Day Would Never Come’ By Patrick Mooney WASHINGTON – A "Let's go, Cubbies!" chant started at 1:38 p.m. on Monday when the team walked into the East Room. One minute later, a voice from above announced: "Ladies and gentlemen, the President of the United States." "They said this day would never come," Barack Obama said once he got in front of the podium. "Welcome to the White House, the World Series champion Chicago Cubs." With those words that still sound weird more than two months later, Obama began his last official event at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., rolling through a speech that lasted almost 22 minutes and delivering a powerful message on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. "Sometimes people wonder: 'Well, why are you spending time on sports?'" Obama said. "Throughout our history, sports has had this power to bring us together, even when the country's divided. Sports has changed attitudes and culture in ways that seem subtle, but ultimately made us think differently about ourselves and who we were. "It is a game and it is a celebration. But there's a direct line between Jackie Robinson and me standing here. There’s a direct line between people loving Ernie Banks and the city being able to come together and work together."

As Washington prepares for Donald Trump's inauguration – with the neighborhood turning into a maze of risers, fences and barricades – this became a parting gift from the White Sox fan in chief to all the Obama staffers and alumni who love the Cubs and are now facing life after the White House. "Listen, I made a lot of promises in 2008," Obama said, "and we managed to fulfill a large number of them. But even I was not crazy enough to suggest that during these eight years we would see the Cubs win the World Series. "But I did say that there's never been anything false about hope." After a searing election, Obama stood front and center in between Cubs board members Laura Ricketts (a Hillary Clinton superdelegate) and Todd Ricketts (Trump's pick to be deputy commerce secretary). With a booming voice and some good speechwriting, Obama commanded a room filled with Hall of Famers (Billy Williams, Fergie Jenkins, Ryne Sandberg) and Illinois politicos (Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Sen. Dick Durbin, Rep. Mike Quigley, Attorney General Lisa Madigan, senior White House advisor Valerie Jarrett). Obama mentioned how his administration had hosted at least 50 championship teams in the Oval Office. Until the Cubs showed up, FLOTUS hadn't participated in any of those ceremonies, but she did make time for a private meeting with the group that ended the 108-year drought for her hometown team. "The last time the Cubs won the World Series, Teddy Roosevelt was president," Obama said. "Albert Einstein and Thomas Edison (were) still alive. The first Cubs radio broadcast wouldn't be for almost two decades. We've been through World Wars, the Cold War, a Depression, the space race and all manner of social and technological change. "So the first thing that made this championship so special for so many is the Cubs know what it's like to be loyal and to persevere and to hope and to suffer and then keep on hoping. "It’s a generational thing (that) Michelle is describing. People all across the city remember the first time their parents took them to Wrigley, their memories of climbing onto their mom and dad's lap to watch games on WGN. "That’s part of the reason, by the way, why Michelle wanted to make sure Jose Cardenal was here, because that was her favorite player. Back then, he had a big Afro and she would describe how she would try to wear her hat over her Afro the same way. "You could see (it in) the fans who traveled to their dads' gravesites (and) wore their moms' old jerseys to games (and) covered the brick walls of Wrigley with love notes in chalk to the departed fans whose lifelong faith was finally fulfilled." Obama gave shoutouts to David Ross – "we’ve both been on a yearlong retirement party" – and "my fellow 44, Anthony Rizzo." Obama congratulated newlyweds Kris and Jessica Bryant and described how chairman Tom Ricketts met his wife, Cecelia, in the Wrigley Field bleachers "about 30 years ago, which is about 30 years longer than most relationships that begin there last." Obama turned toward groovy manager Joe Maddon, who wore a black turtleneck and an olive coat, and said: "Let's face it, there are not a lot of coaches or managers who are as cool as this guy. Look how he looks right now." "He used costume parties and his shaggin' wagon," Obama said. "He's got a lot of tricks to motivate. But he's also a master of tactics and makes the right move at the right time, when to pinch-hit, when to pinch-run, when to make it rain." The no-shows included Jake Arrieta, Jon Lester and John Lackey, but 22 players stood behind Obama. Dexter Fowler – the first African-American Cub to play in the World Series and now a St. Louis Cardinal – brought Obama a personalized pair of Air Jordans. The group photo included guys from Puerto Rico (Javier Baez), Venezuela (Miguel Montero and Willson Contreras), Cuba (Aroldis Chapman) and the Dominican Republic (Pedro Strop) who will be remembered together forever.

Before Obama exited the stage and the Cubs went to visit the wounded warriors at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, the president delivered a final thought. "Sports has a way of sometimes changing hearts in a way that politics or business (can't)," Obama said. "Sometimes it's just a matter of us being able to stay relaxed from the realities of our days. But sometimes it also speaks to something better in us. "When you see this group of Cubs – different shades, different backgrounds, coming from different communities and different neighborhoods all across the country and then playing as one team and playing the right way and celebrating each other and being joyous in that – that tells us a little something about what America is. And what America can be." -- Chicago Tribune President Obama's words of unity inspire Cubs during White House celebration By Paul Sullivan The 2016 Cubs aren't likely to be remembered as agents of social change, but President Barack Obama on Monday used their championship season as an example of how a diverse group of individuals can work together for the common good. After making a few cutting one-liners about the Cubs' historic drought during the White House celebration, Obama got serious and spoke of the healing power of sports in a world that seems more divided than ever. Obama pointed to a "direct line between people loving Jackie Robinson and people loving Ernie Banks," two iconic players who were heroes to fans of all creeds and colors. "And to being able to come together and work together in one spirit … ," Obama said. "I was in my hometown of Chicago on Tuesday, and in my farewell address I said sometimes it's not enough just to change laws. You've got to change hearts. And sports has a way sometimes of changing hearts in a way that politics or business doesn't. "Sometimes it's just a matter of us being able to escape and relax from the difficulties of our day, but sometimes it also speaks to something better in us. And when you see this group of folks of different shades and different backgrounds, and coming from different communities and neighborhoods all across the country, and then playing as one team and playing the right way, and celebrating each other and being joyous in that, that tells us a little something about what America is and what America can be. "So it's entirely appropriate that we celebrate the Cubs today here in this White House on Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday because it helps direct us in terms of what this country has been, and what it can be in the future." Anthony Rizzo called Obama's inspiring statement on sports "the best part" of the afternoon. "The president talking about how sports brings people together," Rizzo said. "No matter what's going on in this country, in the world, three or four hours of one any particular game can rally so many people together. I was pretty moved." Cubs manager Joe Maddon also took note of Obama's notion that a sports team can bring people together like nothing else. The Cubs, he said, were Exhibit A. "It's absolutely true, the unifying power of sports," Maddon said. "Whether it's a city, state, fan base, or a nation — look at the Olympics — you can always rally around sports. I'm totally in agreement with that, and obviously we brought a high level of satisfaction to the city of Chicago and Cubs fans throughout the world, and we're very proud of that."

Obama's speechwriter, Northwestern alumnus Cody Keenan, sat in the front row wearing a Cubs jersey during the celebration. Former Obama adviser David Axelrod said the ceremony was three times longer than most championship celebrations at the White House and had added poignancy thanks to Keenan's deep love of the Cubs. The fact the ceremony took place on Martin Luther King Jr. Day made it even more memorable. "It was pretty magnificent, and to do it on Martin Luther King Day also, to be brought here is pretty special," Maddon said. "I've always been a big Jackie Robinson fan and have had a picture of him in my office where I worked. All those things combined, to be here today, is very special to all of us." Cubs President Theo Epstein agreed. While some had tried to get Epstein to enter politics, Epstein said, "There are a lot of ways we can all impact our communities without running for office." He praised Obama for bringing dignity to the White House in his two terms as president. "I think everyone, no matter where you fall politically, can appreciate the dignity with which he served the country," Epstein said. "He did an unbelievable job raising his family while here. Across the board folks would agree he's very dignified and brought a lot of integrity to the office. It was our pleasure to thank him for that today." -- Chicago Tribune President Obama welcomes Cubs to the White House: 'It took you long enough' By Paul Sullivan After being honored at the White House on Monday afternoon, the Cubs revealed the real reason why they desperately wanted to make the trip before President Barack Obama left office. Touring the White House and being celebrated for their first championship since 1908 was certainly fun for the team, but it wasn't nearly as important as converting the die-hard White Sox fan into a Cubs fan, a task more difficult than turning Hillary Clinton supporters into Donald Trump backers. Cubs President Theo Epstein said they offered Obama a "midnight pardon" to switch to the Cubs. When Obama stopped laughing, Epstein turned up the heat. The Cubs presented Obama with several gifts that Epstein said would "recognize this terrific conversion on this great day," including a No. 44 panel from Wrigley Field's manual center-field scoreboard, recognizing his status as the 44th president, a lifetime pass to Wrigley, a No. 44 jersey, and a "W" flag signed by Cubs players that Epstein said should be flown at his presidential library in Chicago. Sitting alongside Billy Williams, Ryne Sandberg and Jose Cardenal, Cubs great Fergie Jenkins shouted out to Obama to put the jersey on. The president politely declined. "It'd be hard for me, Fergie, to wear the jersey," he said. "I do know that among Sox fans, I am the Cubs' No. 1 fan." Obama said the gifts were the "best swag I've got since I've been president." The ceremony began with Obama poking fun at the Cubs' storied drought, saying, "They said this day would never come," and pointing out none of his predecessors "ever got a chance to say welcome to the White House, the World Series champion Cubs. … I will say to the Cubs, it took you long enough. I've only got four days left." Obama then took a page out of his 2008 playbook, comparing the Cubs' journey to his own unlikely rise to president of the United States.

"I made a lot of promises in 2008," he said. "But even I was not crazy enough to suggest that during these eight years we would see the Cubs win the World Series. But I did say that there's never been anything false about hope. The audacity of hope. Yes, we can." After Obama's remarks, Epstein then took over and began reminiscing about their World Series title, which he said "even saw some White Sox fans smiling." Finally, Epstein got to the plan. "Which, Mr. President, brings us to you," he said. "We know may have some allegiances to another team on another side of town, but we know you're a very proud Chicagoan, and we know your better half, the first lady, has been a lifetime and very loyal Cubs fan, which we appreciate very much. "And of course we have great faith in your intelligence, your common sense, your pragmatism and your ability to recognize a good thing when you see one. So, Mr. President, with only a few days remaining in your tremendous presidency, we've taken the liberty here today of offering you a midnight pardon. And so we welcome you with open arms today." Epstein later said he found out on the plane ride to Washington that he was supposed to make a speech. "Obviously we had to address the fact he's a White Sox fan, give him all the respect he's due," he said. "We figured we could pardon him since he's going to pardon so many in his final days." The Cubs-Sox byplay was one of manager Joe Maddon's favorite parts of the afternoon. "The slings and arrows at the White Sox are always entertaining," Maddon said. It capped a memorable day for the Cubs players, staff and their wives, who met with Obama and first lady Michelle Obama beforehand and toured the White House. Obama said Michelle had never attended any of the championship celebrations before but decided to attend this one to tell the team about her family's love for the Cubs "and why it meant so much to her." "I almost choked up listening to it," Obama said. "And it spoke to how people feel about this organization, and it's been passed on from generation to generation. And it's more than just sports." Obama mentioned several of the Cubs players' accomplishments, including David Ross, Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo and Addison Russell. He even referred to Maddon's "shaggin' wagon," the old Dodge van he drove onto the field in spring training. Obama said not many managers are "as cool as this guy," pointing to Maddon's casual attire, which included no tie. "That's pretty cool that the president calls you cool," Maddon said. "I knew that I had a pretty good chance, being the only one that didn't wear a tie today. ... It's a humbling experience to be here in the first place, and under the set of circumstances we're here, to be able to have the president recognize you like that is pretty awesome." Obama also poked fun at his own party, pointing to Epstein's success with two drought-stricken organizations, the Red Sox and Cubs. He said the teams were "wandering in the wilderness" before Epstein took them to "the promised land," making him a perfect candidate for chairman of the DNC. Epstein politely declined Obama's offer. "Good thing I signed a contract with (Chairman) Tom Ricketts, who was kicking me, saying I can't leave," Epstein said. "It was a kind offer, though." Several Cubs players who've left the team this winter flew in, including Dexter Fowler, Aroldis Chapman, Trevor Cahill and Chris Coghlan, while some of the current Cubs missed the trip, including Jon Lester, John Lackey and Jake Arrieta, who had family issues.

The Cubs celebration was the last public White House event of Obama's presidency. The audience in the East Room was filled with politicians like Sen. Dick Durbin, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Attorney General Lisa Madigan, along with former Obama adviser David Axelrod and singer Jimmy Buffett, a longtime Cubs fan. All in all, it was a fitting final chapter for the Cubs, and a nice last hurrah for Obama as well. "What an amazing experience, to get to enjoy today with the guys on this team," Rizzo said. "It's something we'll never forget. It's something you never take for granted. This is one of the best days I've ever had." -- Chicago Sun-Times Cubs enjoy ‘best sports ceremony ever’ at White House By Gordon Wittenmyer WASHINGTON — For all the Cubs did for generations of fans throughout a city, President Barack Obama held them up as an example of unifying power in a much larger context. “It is entirely appropriate that we celebrate the Cubs today, here in this White House, on Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday,” Obama said during the team’s White House visit on Monday, “because it helps direct us in terms of what this country has been and what it can be in the future.” Twenty-one players from last year’s World Series champion, the coaching staff, manager and key front-office members and ownership stood at Obama’s back as the president recounted their exploits, joked about his allegiance to the White Sox, compared David Ross’ “yearlong retirement party” to his own and then used the moment to make this young, likeable, diverse Cubs team a symbol for perseverance, hope and connection. “Sport has had this power to bring us together, even when the country’s divided,” he said. “Sports has changed attitudes and culture in ways that seem subtle but that ultimately made us think differently about ourselves and who we were. “It is a game and it is a celebration. But there’s a direct line between Jackie Robinson and me standing here. . . . Sports has a way sometimes of changing hearts in a way that politics or business doesn’t.” Said Cubs manager Joe Maddon afterward: “It’s a powerful moment. It’s a very humbling moment, to be part of this segment of Cubs history. . . . And to do it on Martin Luther King Day also, to be brought here is pretty special.” Known political divisions were on display: conservative members of the Ricketts ownership family — including Todd, Donald Trump’s selection for deputy commerce secretary — shared the stage with Obama and Clinton supporters Laura Ricketts and team president Theo Epstein. But this was a day of consensus. “That was the best sports ceremony ever,” chairman Tom Ricketts said. The president opened by joking: “I will say to the Cubs, it took you long enough. I mean, I’ve only got four days left.” He called Maddon one of the coolest managers or coaches he has hosted and called Epstein one of the greatest sports executives. “His job is to quench droughts,” Obama said. “He takes the reins of an organization that’s wandering in the wilderness; he delivers them to the promised land. “I’ve talked to him about being DNC chair. But he decided wisely to stick to baseball.”

Epstein, who pointed out he’s under contract for five more years, chided the errors of Obama’s years of supporting the White Sox and granted him a “midnight pardon for all your indiscretions as a baseball fan.” The Cubs then presented Obama with a No. 44 tile from the Wrigley Field scoreboard, a giant lifetime pass to Wrigley for his family, a “W” flag signed by the whole team and a No. 44 jersey. Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins shouted from the crowd that Obama should put on the jersey. At which point Obama shot him a look. And Epstein said to Obama, “It’s only one day.” He eventually relented for photos. “This day’s up there with the best days I’ve ever had,” Anthony Rizzo said. For the honor, team members said. For the laughter. And even for the weight of the timing. “I think the best part was the president talking about how sports brings people together,” Rizzo said. “No matter what’s going on in this country and the world, three or four hours of one particular game can just rally so many people. That was pretty moving.” Said Maddon: “It’s absolutely true about the unifying power of sports, whether it’s a city, a state, a fan base, a nation.” Epstein took the chance on the first day he met the president to say “thank you for the dignity and integrity with which you’ve served this country for the last eight years and for your tremendous service to Chicago and Illinois before that and hosting us here today.” And Obama took the chance to look at these Cubs players and talk about a different kind of foundation for sustained success: “When you see this group of folks, of different shades and different backgrounds, coming from different communities and neighborhoods all across the country and then playing as one team and playing the right way and celebrating each other and being joyous in that, that tells us a little something about what America is and what America can be.” -- Chicago Sun-Times Surprising appearance by first lady highlights visit for Cubs By Gordon Wittenmyer WASHINGTON – A day the Cubs expected to be about meeting the president and enjoying a victory lap at the White House unexpectedly became as much about their connection to first lady Michelle Obama’s family in Chicago. “Michelle showing up was pretty cool as well,” first baseman Anthony Rizzo said after the first lady met with the team in her only appearance among dozens of championship-team visits during her husband’s eight years in office. “Her never coming to any of these. Amazing.” President Obama’s allegiance to the White Sox is well known, but his wife’s bond with the Cubs might be more personal. In a private reception with the team before the public ceremony, Chicago native Michelle Obama met the players and told them about spending time after school with her father watching Cubs games on WGN and becoming a South Side Cubs fan.

“She came and shook hands and met every one of these members of the Cubs organization and told a story about what it meant for her to be able to see them win,” President Obama said, of the “bond and the family – the meaning that the Cubs had for her in terms of connecting with her father and why it meant so much to her. “I almost choked up listening to it,” he said. “And it spoke to I think how people feel about this organization and that it’s been passed on generation after generation, and it’s more than just sports.” Michelle Obama, who did not attend the public ceremony, was enough of a Cub fan that the president said she made sure here favorite player from those days, Jose Cardenal, would be on the trip. “Back then he had a big Afro, and she was describing how she would try to wear her had over her Afro the same way Jose did,” the president said. Naturally, “Jose Cardenal, who got the longest hug from the first lady we’ve ever seen – her favorite player of all time – you’re the MVP today.” ‘Uncomfortable’ subject Call the T-shirt printer. Joe Maddon might have his new theme for the 2017 repeat effort. “I’m really leaning on the phrase or the thought of being uncomfortable,” the manager said when asked Monday for his outlook on the upcoming season. “I think the moment you get into a comfort zone after having such a significant moment in your life like that, the threat is that you’re going to stop growing and not want to grow. “So I really want us to be uncomfortable and continue on the pattern of growth.” Peace and pasta? Maddon reunited with Chapman for the first time Monday since Chapman’s critical public remarks of the way he was used out of the bullpen during the World Series. Maddon’s retort? “I invited Aroldis out. Now that he’s a Yankee, he’s going to be in Tampa [for spring training],” said Maddon, who keeps a home and has an Italian restaurant there. “So he gets to come to Ava, our restaurant down in Tampa.” Notes: Among the attendees were three Cubs Hall of Famers: Billy Williams, Ryne Sandberg and Fergie Jenkins – who yelled from the crowd to persuade the president to actually wear the No. 44 jersey Rizzo and Epstein presented him. … Four current players who were on the World Series roster did not make the trip: Jake Arrieta, John Lackey, Jon Lester and Hector Rondon. … Three ex-players who were on the roster attended: David Ross, Chapman and Dexter Fowler. Two missed the trip: Jorge Soler and Travis Wood. -- Chicago Sun-Times Sweet: Cubs at the White House — a made-for-Chicago Obama finale By Lynn Sweet WASHINGTON — Now we know how the story ends. President Barack Obama’s last event at the White House was a rollicking good time, honoring the Chicago Cubs on Monday for winning the 2016 World Series. Obama’s team has spent months planning his final days, and then they were tossed this wonderful curveball. As soon as the Cubs beat the Indians in the 10th inning at 12:47 p.m. Eastern time on Nov. 3, Obama sent a tweet inviting them to the White House.

The Cubs organization and the White House scrambled to make sure the Chicago president applauded the Chicago Cubs on his watch. “Let’s Go Cubbies” everyone in the East Room chanted in that distinctive singsong as Obama entered, as if they were at Wrigley Field or a saloon. “They said this day would never come,” Obama said with relish, even though he roots for the White Sox. “Here is something none of my predecessors ever got a chance to say: Welcome to the White House the World Series Champion, Chicago Cubs! “I will say to the Cubs: It took you long enough. I mean, I’ve only got four days left. You’re just making it under the wire. “Now, listen, I made a lot of promises in 2008. We’ve managed to fulfill a large number of them. But even I was not crazy enough to suggest that during these eight years we would see the Cubs win the World Series. But I did say that there’s never been anything false about hope. Hope — the audacity of hope,” Obama said, invoking the title of his best-selling book. What a send-off, just days before Obama’s term ends at noon on Friday. He’s done tons of events in the East Room these past eight years, and now this was it. What a made-for-Chicago finale. The East Room was packed. Everyone there who wasn’t a player or connected to the Cubs had to be a somebody or have some clout to get in. By that I mean people who knew people at the Obama White House. Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Obama’s first chief of staff, was in a front row, sitting next to his younger brother, Ari, the Hollywood agent. The AP has reported that Ari and Obama have talked about things he might do in his post-presidency. Among those present from the elected world: Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, with daughter Rebecca; freshman Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., and his son, Vijay; Rep. Mike Quigley, D-Ill.; Rep. Randy Hultgren, R-Ill.; Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill.; former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood; former White House Senior Adviser David Axelrod, with his son, Ethan; State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, D-Chicago. Quigley and Feigenholtz feel a bit proprietary about the Cubs, because Wrigley Field is in their respective North Side districts. The mood was giddy, tinged with bittersweet — but not for everybody, because there were Republicans in the room. President-elect Donald Trump tapped Cubs board member Todd Ricketts to be his deputy Commerce secretary. Cubs board chair Tom is a fellow conservative. Their sister, Cubs board member Laura Ricketts, is a big-time Democratic donor and fundraiser who has been with Obama since he ran for the Senate, and a major Hillary Clinton supporter. Laura Ricketts is the lone Democrat in a powerful Republican family — brother Pete is the GOP governor of Nebraska and the Ricketts kids parents, Marlene and Joe Ricketts, are mega donors to GOP and conservative candidates and causes. “We’re just glad we were able to get this organized,” Laura Ricketts told me. “It’s hard to get all the players together.” After the “long, arduous, emotional season for them, they scattered to the winds to relax after the season was over. Glad with the president’s busy schedule and the tight time frame, we could work this out.”

Kim Grimshaw Bolton and her brother, Chris Grimshaw, were determined to be among those present. For many years, their folks, longtime civic activists Jacquelyne and Bill Grimshaw — Bill passed away in March — lived in the house next to the Obamas on South Greenwood. Michelle Obama’s chief of staff, Tina Tchen, is a longtime friend of Kim’s mom, and she got them in. Said Bolton, “This president was a close friend of my family and this team has been such a part of my growing up and my family. To be here and have this be his last official event is extraordinary.” -- Chicago Sun-Times Obama celebrates world-champ Cubs at White House By Gordon Wittenmyer and Lynn Sweet WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama, with just days left in office, honored the Cubs, the 2016 World Series champions, at the White House on Monday afternoon. “They said this day would never come,” Obama said as he started his remarks. As he walked into the East Room, the boisterous audience, consisting of the extremely well connected, chanted in the singsong Chicagoans well know, “Let’s Go, Cubbies!” Obama, relishing the moment, said he has a chance to say “Something none of my predessors ever had a chance to say, ‘Welcome to the White House, the World Series champion Chicago Cubs. “I will say that the Cubs took long enough. I’ve only got four days left,” said Obama. After the event, Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts said, “That was the best sports ceremony ever.” It’s routine for a championship team to be honored by a president. What’s unusual is that Obama sped up the timetable so he could salute the champs from his adopted hometown on his watch. Obama has been a vocal White Sox fan, but was gracious in hosting the Cubs. Cubs president Theo Epstein issued a “midnight pardon” to the president for being a White Sox fan. “Among Sox fans,” Obama said, “I’m the Cubs’ No. 1 fan.” Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo, who wears No. 44, presented Obama — the nation’s 44th president — with a No. 44 Cubs jersey with OBAMA on the back. When Cubs Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins suggested Obama wear the Cubs jersey, the president smiled and politely declined. In a more serious note, Epstein told the president: “Thank you for the dignity and integrity with which you served our country.” In the president’s last official event at the White House, the president explained why sports teams get honored by presidents. “Sports has a way of changing hearts in a way that politics and business doesn’t,” Obama said. The event, in the White House East Room, was crawling with Chicagoans, starting with Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Obama’s former chief of staff who brought with him his younger brother Ari, the Hollywood agent. Other elected officials included Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan; state Senate President John Cullerton D-Chicago; Sen. Dick Durbin D-Ill.; Democrats Rep. Mike Quigley and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi and GOP Rep. Randy Hultgren. Former Transportation Sec. Ray LaHood was also at the ceremony. State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, D-Chicago, said, “My love for the Cubs is not new, and it’s not a secret. I am just flat out lucky to have Wrigley Field in my district,” she told the Sun-Times.

“I am still floating on air about the Cubs winning the World Series. My admiration for the president is no secret either; seeing President Obama and the Cubs together — it’s a dream come true. I am just over the moon. Pinch me.” The Ricketts family, which owns the Cubs, is very political. Parents Joe and Marlene Ricketts are megadonors to Republican candidates and causes. Their four kids are on the Cubs board: Laura Ricketts is a major Democratic donor and fundraiser, active in Obama’s and Hillary Clinton’s campaigns. Todd Ricketts runs major GOP-allied political funds and is President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to be the deputy commerce secretary. Tom, the board chair, is a conservative, and Pete is the GOP governor of Nebraska. Laura, Todd and Tom flanked the president during the ceremony. Four current players who were on the World Series roster did not make the trip: reliever Hector Rondon and starting pitchers Jake Arrieta, Jon Lester and John Lackey. Arrieta said over the weekend he had family health issues to attend to. Among former players attending were Aroldis Chapman, Dexter Fowler, David Ross and Chris Coghlan. Two former players from the World Series missed the trip: outfielder Jorge Soler and pitcher Travis Wood. Epstein, Maddon and Rizzo all described how impressive the moment was when the president and first lady entered the room as the team was gathered and chatting before the public event. “You could hear a pin drop,” Rizzo said. “It really was an amazing moment when the entire organization was gathered around waiting for a while, and then the president and first lady bounded into the room with tremendous energy and gave really heartfelt remarks,” Epstein said. “You could tell this visit had a lot of personal meaning to them. the first lady talking about her days on the South Side as a Cub fan bonding with her father over their support of the Cubs. Clearly she was moved by the championship and it was a great moment for all of us.” -- Daily Herald History, humor unite as Obama honors Chicago Cubs By Bruce Miles WASHINGTON -- In the grand scheme of things, maybe sports don't mean all that much. But in a world that seems to grow weightier by the day, sports do lighten the load a little bit. And whether they want to or not, sports and sports figures can have a big impact on society. The Chicago Cubs mean a great deal to a lot of people, and their 2016 World Series victory uncorked celebrations from coast to coast. The official celebrations ended Monday in grand style, as most of the champions gathered at the White House to meet with President Obama. Mixing good humor with a sense of history, Obama -- a White Sox fan of some note -- feted the Cubs in a packed East Room ceremony that featured not only members of the Cubs family, but Illinois and Chicago political figures and media from across the country. "I will say this to the Cubs: It took you long enough; I've only got four days left," Obama said as he stood in front of the World Series winners, manager Joe Maddon, the coaching staff and front office. "I made a lot of promises in 2008. We've managed to fulfill a large number of them, but even I was not crazy enough to suggest that during

these eight years we would see the Cubs win the World Series. But I did say there has never been anything false about hope." The remarks from Obama that seemed to have the most impact came near the end of his speech, which lasted nearly 22 minutes before he turned things over to Cubs team president Theo Epstein. Obama, the first black president of the United States, noted that Monday was the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. "Throughout our history, sports has had this power to bring us together even when the country is divided," Obama said. "Sports has changed attitudes and culture in ways that seem subtle but that ultimately made us think differently about ourselves and who we are. "It is a game and a celebration, but there is a direct line between Jackie Robinson and me standing here. There is a direct line between people loving Ernie Banks and the city being able to come together and work together in one spirit." Those remarks struck a chord with the Cubs. "I think the best part was the president talking about how sports brings people together," said first baseman Anthony Rizzo. "No matter what's going on in this country and the world, three of hours of any particular game can just rally so many people together. That was pretty moving for me." Speaking along with Rizzo and Epstein outside of the White House after the ceremony, Maddon echoed those sentiments. "It's true," Maddon said. "It's absolutely true about the unifying power of sports, whether it's a city, a state, a fan base, a nation. You could always rally around it. You look at the Olympics as the perfect example of a nation rallying around sports. I'm totally in agreement with that. Obviously, we brought a high level of satisfaction to the city of Chicago as well as all the Cub fans throughout the world, and we're very proud of that." The day wasn't all seriousness. The Cubs came to the White House bearing gifts. The World Series trophy was front and center of the ceremony. Rizzo presented Obama with home and road Cubs jerseys with the No. 44 on the back, signifying Obama being the 44th president. Obama referred to Rizzo as, "My fellow 44." The Cubs also presented Obama with a "44" tile from the manually operated scoreboard in center field along with a "W" flag, like the one that flies atop the scoreboard after the Cubs win a game. Obama also received a lifetime pass to Wrigley Field for him and his family. Epstein took note of Obama being a White Sox fan. "So, Mr. President, with only a few days remaining in your tremendous presidency, we have taken the liberty here today of offering you the midnight pardon," Epstein said. "So we welcome you with open arms today." Obama gave as well has he got. He noted that Epstein had quenched championship droughts with the Boston Red Sox and the Cubs and wondered whether Epstein might not consider being head of the Democratic National Committee. "No, good thing I signed a contract with (Cubs chairman) Tom Ricketts," Epstein said afterward. "He was kicking me, saying I can't leave. It was a kind offer, though." On the day as a whole, Epstein was effusive about the day as a whole. "Oh, it was great," he said. "It was a thrill and an honor for all of us. It means so much more with his roots in Chicago and his final days in office. It couldn't have worked out any better. It's something we'll all remember for all our lives."

-- Cubs.com Fly The WH! Cubs' epic White House visit By Carrie Muskat WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama was briefly a Cubs fan on Monday, and he helped celebrate the team's first World Series championship in 108 years. It helped the Cubs that first lady Michelle Obama was in their corner. The Cubs were feted at the White House by the president, who is a noted White Sox fan, but he knows the impact the North Siders' championship has had on people, including his wife. Michelle Obama had never attended one of the White House celebrations for a sports team until Monday. "She remembers coming home from school and her dad would be watching the Cubs game, and the bond in the family and the meaning that the Cubs had for her in terms of a connection with her father and why it meant to much to her," Obama said. "I almost choked up listening to her. It spoke to how people feel about this organization." The first lady's favorite Cubs player? Jose Cardenal. He was part of the Cubs' traveling party, and he received a huge hug from Michelle Obama. Generations of Cubs fans can relate to her feelings. "It really was an amazing moment when the entire organization was waiting for a while, and the president and first lady bounded into the room with tremendous energy and gave really heartfelt remarks," Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said. "You could tell this visit had a lot of personal meaning to them. "She was really moved by the championship, and it was a great moment for all of us," Epstein said. With Obama about to leave office, Epstein offered him a midnight pardon. "We welcome you with open arms today," Epstein said as the Cubs presented Obama with a home and road jersey, a No. 44 from the Wrigley Field scoreboard and a lifetime pass to Wrigley Field. Cubs board member Laura Ricketts gave the pass to the president, who said the gifts were some of the best swag he's ever gotten. The Cubs also presented Obama with a "W" flag autographed by the team, and Epstein said they hoped he would install that at his new library. "Mr. President, thank you for the dignity and integrity as you've served this country for the last eight years," Epstein said, "and for your service to Chicago and Illinois before that, and for hosting us here today. And we look forward to seeing you at Wrigley Field." Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins was in the crowd and yelled out that Obama should wear a full Cubs uniform, but the team didn't want to push it. "Even though it will be hard for me, Fergie, to wear a jersey, do know that among Sox fans, I am the Cubs' No. 1 fan," Obama said. In his remarks, Obama noted that he and catcher David Ross have a lot in common in that they've both been on a year-long retirement party. The president called Joe Maddon "cool," which the manager appreciated, and he also singled out "my fellow 44, Anthony Rizzo." Obama did get a couple zingers in, saying to the Cubs, "It took you long enough." "I've made a lot of promises," Obama said. "Even I was not crazy enough to suggest that during these eight years we'd see the Cubs win a World Series."

Obama has hosted several Chicago sports teams during his two terms, including the Stanley Cup-champion Blackhawks and the Jackie Robinson West Little League team. He presented Mr. Cub, Ernie Banks, with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013, and he hosted the 1985 Super Bowl-champion Bears, who never had the chance to go after their win. Being a White Sox fan, Obama also has hosted his favorite baseball team, who presented him with a jersey in 2009. Besides Jenkins, Hall of Famers Ryne Sandberg and Billy Williams also were part of the Cubs' contingent, along with Dexter Fowler and Aroldis Chapman, who have signed with the Cardinals and Yankees, respectively. The Cubs' party included nearly everyone, from the athletic trainers to the clubhouse crew. "It's a powerful moment, a very humbling moment," Maddon said of the ceremony. "I think the best part was the president talking about how sports brings people together," Rizzo said. "No matter what's going on in this country and the world, three or four hours of one game can rally so many people together. That was pretty meaningful." "This was a thrill for all of us," Epstein said. --