Hire Jim Essian

As much as I like the Disqus commenting system we've been using, it is annoying and confusing having two logins on this site. I have reverted to the integrated WordPress commenting system, which means you will only need to have one login if you want to preserve your identity (you can still comment anonymously). Unfortunately, that means deactivating ... Read More

On March 9, 2007, thanks to the suggestion of T.J. Brown, Hire Jim Essian! was born. We're a year older, a year dumber, and a year more frustrated. Thanks to everyone who has been here since the beginning, and thanks to everyone who jumped on board along the way. Happy first birthday, HJE. ... Read More

You know, it occurred to me that I announced Mike D.'s joining of the HJE writing crew as part of another post, which some of you may have missed. Well, in case you haven't noticed, Mike D. has been bringing some serious heat on HJE for the past couple of weeks. What with Mike D. kicking ass, I've invited Tonker, ... Read More

On this date in 1969, the Philadelphia Phillies signed an 18-year-old kid as an amateur free agent. That kid was named Jim Essian. Essian went on to play twelve years in the Major Leagues, hitting .244/.327/.347 over that time, with 33 home runs and 207 RBIs. Essian's best season came in 1977 with the Chicago White Sox. ... Read More

I ran my record to 2-0 in Cubs games I've attended in 2007 as the Cubs took first place by percentage points on Wednesday night (thanks, Chuck!). That means the Cubs have reached first place before they were mathematically eliminated. Wow. Because he has outstanding timing, loyal reader Flem is coming to Chicago this weekend, so what better time ... Read More