By Candace Jordan | Candid Candace
More than 200 excited sports fans and supporters enjoyed a Dinner & Fireside Chat With Chicago Cubs Manager Joe Maddon on Jan. 15 at the Union League Club. Presented by the Union League Boys & Girls Clubs (ULBGC) and the Respect 90 Foundation, the event included a VIP reception, dinner and an hourlong conversation with Maddon conducted by Jim Deshaies, TV color analyst for the Chicago Cubs.
During the VIP reception, Craig Labus, ULBGC board president, said, “Partnering with Respect 90 and having the inspiring Joe Maddon celebrate our 100th anniversary is a dream come true. Both nonprofits believe in empowering our next generation of leaders, no matter what it takes. It’s a winning team effort.” Maddon signed memorabilia and posed for photos with fans.
Following dinner, the conversation began in the Lincoln Ballroom, a grand space with soaring 28-foot ceilings and walls covered in artwork. Deshaies shared questions from the audience with Maddon who talked about his early years as a scout and player; his current reading material (“Managing Millennials for Dummies”); which Cubs are in a good position to take a “big step forward” (Willson Contreras, Albert Almora and Kyle Schwarber); his passion for RV-ing (he and his wife, Jaye, drive a 45-foot Winnebago); and his favorite red wine (Brunello di Montalcino). Maddon also touched on his toughest moments as a coach — having to release players back to the Minor League. “That will make you cry,” he said.
The Cubs coach shared his go-to advice, “You have to get uncomfortable to meet your goals,” and defended the team’s 2018 season saying, “All of these wonderful players that are being criticized are responsible for the most wins in baseball over the last four years.”
Maddon’s Respect 90 Foundation supports at-risk children and families in Chicago, Tampa-St. Petersburg, Fla., and his hometown of Hazelton, Penn. The ULBGC serves vulnerable young people in some of Chicago’s most challenging neighborhoods, including Pilsen, West Town, Humboldt Park, Bucktown, South Lawndale and Englewood.
Freelance writer Candace Jordan is involved in many local organizations, including some whose events she covers.
More coverage: Find more photos and events at www.chicagotribune.com/candidcandace. Visit Candid Candace’s website at www.candidcandace.com, or follow her on Twitter @CandidCandace.
Twitter @CandidCandace
