Cubs series drive fits businessmen to a T
As Cubs' fans thirst for a trip to the World Series, three die-hards have created slogans and T-shirts to keep the momentum going.
Hopeful fans Daryl Horwitz and Steve Karb teamed up years ago to come up with a "Century Peat" concept. Back in the 1990s when the Bulls accomplished their three-peat, the men started dreaming up their idea.
"We decided that if the Cubs didn't win before 2008, we would go ahead with the idea for the 100-year anniversary of the Cubs winning the World Series," Karb said.
Not wanting to get ahead of themselves, the words, "It's Time" are part of the slogan.
"It's a rally cry for Cubs fans," said Karb, a resident of Arlington Heights. "We were tired of all the negatives out there. We wanted to make this a positive image," he said.
The men devised a throwback look to go along with the theme. Using old-style writing and natural-colored fabric makes the shirt look like a jersey from 100 years ago.
Fans full of hope from 46 states have ordered the shirts, said Horwitz, who sells BMWs for a living. The slogan has also been placed on everything from baseball hats to baby clothes.
The T-shirt ($16) and the other themed merchandise is available online at centurypeat.com.
"Cubs fans are so hungry for this," said Horwitz, 52, who first introduced the century concept at the Cubs Convention last spring. "So far it looks like what we dreamed up is coming to fruition," he said.
Meanwhile, Mike Piscitelli, 29, of Glendale Heights has also been a Cubs fan since he was a little boy. He is selling T-shirts and posters with "Miracle on Addison St." on the front.
Piscitelli coined the phrase from the popular Christmas movie "Miracle on 34th Street." While selling the shirts at Wrigley Field recently, he had a friend dress up as Santa to complete the image.
The Glendale Heights man agrees that he may be a little ahead of the game.
"It depends on the playoffs as to how far we go," said the enthusiastic and optimistic fan. "When they win it all, they'll need a slogan," Piscitelli said. Check out more at miracleonaddisonstreet.com.