Recapping a Cubs series win that also was a missed opportunity

Andre Dawson has one of the most unique — and significant — arrivals in Cubs history. The Hall of Fame outfielder stopped by the Cubs Weekly Podcast during Cubs Convention and recapped signing his famous “blank contract” with the Cubs. “The Hawk” joined host Andy Martínez to tell the backstory of that, why he left Montréal and why he felt Chicago was the place for him to be.Dawson recalls his 1987 MVP season and the role that fans played in spurring him on that season. He also shares stories of the 1989 team that made the playoffs and had fans optimistic about a World Series run. Dawson shares his memories of the 2016 World Series and what made him so superstitious during Game 7.The 21-year big leaguer also talked Ryne Sandberg, what it was like playing for Don Zimmer, the one major league game he had the chance to manage and much more.

6 Feb 26min

Kevin Alcántara was sitting in his room in Arizona in late September, waiting to go back home to the Dominican Republic when he got the call of a lifetime from assistant general manager Jared Banner telling him he was going to the big leagues. The Cubs top prospect recalled that special day and much more on a prospect-heavy podcast that features both him and infielder James Triantos. Alcántara joined host Andy Martínez at Cubs Convention to discuss that special day and what it was like to become a major leaguer. Then, Alcántara discussed the difficult adjustment of going to the United States for the first time and having to learn a new language, culture and the adjustments that come with that. He discusses the friendships he’s made with other top 100 prospects in the Cubs organization, including Matt Shaw, Triantos and Owen Caissie. Later in the podcast, another top-100 prospect Triantos discusses his time in the Cubs system and what it’s like to be a part of such a talent-laden group. He shares his thoughts on some of the most underrated and underlooked prospects the Cubs have, too. Alcántara and Triantos have both been in the organization long enough to have seen it rise from one of the game’s weakest to one of the best. They detail what it’s like having seen that and what the players down on the farm share in common as they strive to try and reach Wrigley Field.

4 Feb 24min

The Cubs have been busy in the latter stages of the MLB offseason, including recent moves to acquire veteran reliever Ryan Pressly and infielder Jon Berti.Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki analyze all the latest Cubs roster moves and explain how Pressly’s addition impacts the rest of the bullpen. Plus, the podcast duo assesses the Cubs offseason as a whole as Jed Hoyer and Carter Hawkins have worked to build a playoff team for 2025.In the second half of the episode, Cubs Hall of Famer Shawon Dunston joins the podcast. Dunston touches on a variety of topics from Ryne Sandberg to Sammy Sosa to Cubs fans and how they embraced him during his time in Chicago.

30 Jan 26min

In many ways, returning to Cubs Convention was just what Ryne Sandberg needed. As a guest on the Cubs Weekly Podcast, the Hall of Famer and Cubs legend shared what it was like to return to the annual fan fest and see the love and support from the fans.Sandberg joined host Andy Martínez, providing an update on his health after announcing late last year that the cancer he had fought in 2024 had returned. Then, the second baseman recalled his statue unveiling day last June, where he was forever immortalized at Wrigley Field.Later in the podcast, Sandberg recalled his playing days — sharing the impact that Larry Bowa had on his career, what it was like to be traded to Chicago and where in the world he was when he got the news.“Ryno” then remembered June 23, 1984 — the “Sandberg Game” that launched him into stardom. He recalled how excited he and the Cubs were to be named the “Game of the Week” an honor they originally weren’t going to have until a game on the East Coast was rained out. Sandberg’s 2-homer game propelled him to fame and was the highlight of his MVP campaign.

23 Jan 26min

Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki has whittled his teams down and the Cubs are reportedly not on it. Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki break down what it means for the Cubs and what comes next.Plus, the Cubs were busy late in December and early in January, adding the likes of Vidal Bruján, Colin Rea, Caleb Thielbar and Matt Festa to the team while parting ways with Matt Mervis, Miles Mastrobuoni and Michael Arias.The addition of Rea brings about several questions for the Cubs rotation while the bullpen is in a curious spot given the sheer number of players without minor-league options.Spring Training is still a month away but there are interesting roster decisions coming for this Cubs team.

16 Jan 26min

Former Cubs pitcher Steve Cishek was a special guest on the latest edition of the Cubs Weekly Podcast. Cishek joined Andy Martínez and talked about his time in Chicago, his career as a whole and what he’s up to now. Cishek shared what it was like to play for manager Joe Maddon in his tenure with the Cubs.Later in the pod, Cishek shares an epic story about reliever Pedro Strop during the 2018 playoff hunt and what the righty went through just to pitch. Cishek shared his own story of being available to pitch seemingly every night — he made 150 appearances for the Cubs in his two seasons. He also spoke about what it was like to represent team USA at the World Baseball Classic.

14 Jan 25min

Former Cubs catcher Michael Barrett was a special guest on the latest edition of the Cubs Weekly Podcast. Barrett joined Andy Martínez to discuss his post-playing career and what he’s up to now. He discussed his tenure with the Cubs, what it was like joining a team with playoff aspirations and what it was like to play for manager Dusty Baker.Later in the pod, Barrett discusses the infamous brawl with White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski, what led up to it and what their relationship is like now. Barrett also discussed the importance of pitcher-catcher relationships, the emphasis he put on working with them and what he sees out of backstops today.

9 Jan 26min

On final episode of the Cubs Weekly Podcast: Best of 2024, we revisit conversations with Cubs legends Bobby Dernier, Rick Sutcliffe and Jody Davis of the 1984 team who reached the NLCS 40 years ago.On the 40th anniversary of that epic season, the trio reflects back on what made that team so special and shared their best Ryne Sandberg stories.

2 Jan 47min