BIG Z THROWS A NO-NO!

September 14, 2008
Cubs' All-Star, Carlos Zambrano, threw a no-hitter against Houston in Milwaukee. Hurricane Ike caused the relocation to a "neutral" site, which just happens to be called "Wrigley North". 23,ooo fans filled Miller Park and were rewarded with an almost perfect game: no hits, 1 walk, 1 hit batter. First baseman Derek Lee made a great catch of a line drive and DeRosa tracked down a ball in right. Other than that no great defensive plays - Big Z was that dominant.

First no-hitter ever in a neutral park and the first Cubs no-hitter since Milt Pappas in 1972. They want to put an asterisk on it because Cubfans filled the park. Houston complained about being the "home team". They hadn't played in 3 days and arrived in Milwaukee just a couple of hours before the game leaving behind devastation and their families. All very reasonable.

But Mother Nature is who she is. Even though the game was announced just 24 hours prior, 23,000 fans showed up. If they hadn't, it would have been empty. Big Z fed off the crowd, but he had to throw strikes and get 27 men out just like any other no-hitter. Asterisks are for Sammy Sosa, McGuire, Barry Bonds and most of all Roger Clemens. What man gives up his wife to try and save himself? That's a measure of a man - steroids or no steroids.

I had a video but it was removed from you tube. Pat & Ron were delirious. Replay on WGN Friday September 19th 9pm. Go Cubbies!

Cory's postgame podcast with Big Z