Just in time for the Cubs Division Series drive comes word that three Wrigley suger-free gums have been endorsed by the American Dental Association. It's the first time the ADA has allowed its "seal of approval" to appear on gum since 1930.
Now what, you wonder, does the Cubs have to do with Wrigley gum? Obviously, you're no Cubs fan. P.K. "Phil" Wrigley owned the Cubs before the team was sold to The Tribune Co. Wrigley bought the team, it was surmised at the time, in order to pedal Wrigley chewing gum --- Double Mint, Spearmint and, everyone's favorite, Juicy Fruit --- at the ballpark which bears the family name and have the healthy sport of baseball equate with gum.
He also introduced "Ladies Day" which was Tuesday's when women were given free seats, mainly to have some in the stands in the '50s and early '60s. The Hound has been told that's one reason so many women in the Chicago area are Cubs fans. Their grandmothers and mothers would take them to games and they became hooked, especially in later years on the hunky players, such as Rhino Sandberg. Or so The Hound has been told.
Wrigley also had the distinction of hiring Leo Durocher as the manager, trading away Lou Brock and introducing the "College of Coaches". The coaches would become managers in some rotation marked by the moon, stars and planets aligned in certain formations. Not really, but The Hound was told there was not rhyme or reason to who was leading the teams on certain days.
So, with Wrigley winning ADA acceptance for Orbit, Extra and Eclipse, perhaps some of the old Wrigley magic has disappeared which portends a sweet and shiny short-term future for the Cubs. In fact, the ADA says that the trio of chewing gums has shown in studies they prevent cavities, reduce plaque acid and strengthen teeth. Oh, and you have to chew on them for 20 minutes three times a day.
Does it matter that the studies were partially funded by Wrigley? Not to Cubs fans.
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