The List, Episode 6: Matt Longo picks favorite athletes across all pro and college sports

QUINCY — Let’s start with an explanation of an omission.

Last week on “The List,” Travis Dinkheller joined me to break down a list of our top 10 Chicago Cubs players. We tried to make it clear we selected players we saw either in person or on television. That meant no Ernie Banks, no Bill White, no Fergie Jenkins.

It also meant no Rick Reuschel, the Camp Point native who pitched at Western Illinois University and spent 19 seasons pitching in the big leagues. Reuschel was drafted by the Cubs and pitched in Chicago through the 1984 season. To be honest and fair, I don’t remember watching him pitch as a Cub. I remember watching him pitch with the Pirates and Giants.

Without a strong recollection of him pitching, Reuschel didn’t make my list. Neither did his brother, Paul. It wasn’t done out of disrespect. My list came from my memories and the players who stood out, but there were plenty of readers and viewers who were quick to point out my omission.

What makes that significant for me is the passion our readers have for these topics. Our readers and listeners have sent me pictures of baseball cards of their favorite Cubs or St. Louis Cardinals the past two weeks. Keep those coming. Keep the emails coming, too. Reach out at mschuckman@muddyrivernews.com to share your thoughts on our lists or if you have a suggestion for a list we should tackle.

This week, Quincy soccer coaching icon Matt Longo, who played sports at Quincy Notre Dame and Quincy University, joins me to break down our favorite individual players across 10 professional and college sports. Take a listen and chime in with your thoughts.