Inside The Cubs
Jack Vita

Jack Vita

Joined: May 20, 2023

Jack Vita is a writer and contributor to Sports Illustrated's Inside the Cubs, and host of the Jack Vita Show, a popular sports podcast available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and wherever podcasts are found. Jack is a 2017 graduate of Valparaiso University, in northwest Indiana. Since completing his degree, Jack has created his own independent sports media outlet (JackVita.com) and podcast (the Jack Vita Show). He has featured prominent guests from the worlds of sports and entertainment including Brian Urlacher, Scot Pollard, Bob Nightengale, Dan O'Dowd, and Survivor icons Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick, Cirie Fields, Danni Boatwright and "the Dragon Slayer", Coach Benjamin Wade. While studying at Valparaiso, Jack was the school newspaper's beat writer for the Valpo Crusaders men's basketball team, which won three straight Horizon League championships from 2015-2017. Traveling to cover the team, Jack had a front row seat to one of the nation's best mid-major teams, headlined by future NBA Draft pick Alec Peters and coached by NCAA Tournament hero Bryce Drew. Jack hosted a weekly sports radio show and provided play-by-play and color commentary services for ESPN 3 and the university's student radio station, WVUR-FM, 95.1 The Source, covering Valparaiso men's soccer, women's basketball, softball and volleyball. Jack also covered these sports, in addition to men's and women's tennis, baseball and women's soccer for the school newspaper, The Torch. While he was in college, Jack interned for and co-hosted Jewell On Sports, a sports radio program on AM 1050 WLIP in Kenosha, Wisconsin. There, he interviewed various pro athletes such as Ahman Green, Javon Walker and Javier Arenas, in addition to talking sports with the late, great Brad Jewell. Jack also interned for 22nd Century Media, a now defunct newspaper corporation that provided news to the North Shore of Chicago. With 22nd Century Media, Jack wrote post-game recaps, feature stories about local athletes, reviews of local restaurants and compiled the newspaper's "Pet of the Week" and "Athlete of the Week" sections, while providing copy-editing services. Before attending Valparaiso, Jack enrolled at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where he studied for two years before transferring. He is a high school graduate of New Trier Township High School in Winnetka, Illinois. You can follow Jack on Twitter @JackVitaShow, subscribe to his podcast, the Jack Vita Show, wherever podcasts are found, and reach him via email at jack@jackvita.com.

Market for Cubs' Free Agent Bellinger Is Drying Up
News

Market for Cubs' Free Agent Bellinger Is Drying Up

With the San Francisco Giants, New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays filling their outfield needs elsewhere, the market for free agent Cody Bellinger may be drying up.

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MLB Insider Thinks Cubs are 'Happy' Stroman Opted Out of Contract
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MLB Insider Thinks Cubs are 'Happy' Stroman Opted Out of Contract

Last month, Marcus Stroman opted out of the final year of his three-year contract with the Chicago Cubs. One insider believes they aren't sad about his departure.

Jack Vita
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Re-Signing Cody Bellinger Should Be Cubs' Top Priority This Offseason
Opinions

Re-Signing Cody Bellinger Should Be Cubs' Top Priority This Offseason

Cody Bellinger enjoyed a resurgent season in 2023, slashing .307/.356/.881 for the Chicago Cubs. Bellinger is a now a free agent. Will the Cubs re-sign him?

Jack Vita
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What Will Chicago Cubs Do in Free Agency, if They Can't Land Ohtani?
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What Will Chicago Cubs Do in Free Agency, if They Can't Land Ohtani?

The Chicago Cubs have reportedly been pursuing two-time American League MVP Shohei Ohtani in free agency. What is their backup plan if they are unable to sign him?

Jack Vita
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MLB Insider Says It's a "Long Shot" Shohei Ohtani Signs with Cubs
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MLB Insider Says It's a "Long Shot" Shohei Ohtani Signs with Cubs

Rumors have linked free agent Shohei Ohtani to a handful of teams, including the Chicago Cubs. One MLB insider sees it as a "long shot" that Ohtani chooses to sign with Chicago.

Jack Vita
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Top Cubs Prospect Kevin Alcantara Hopes to One Day Compete in MLB Home Run Derby
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Top Cubs Prospect Kevin Alcantara Hopes to One Day Compete in MLB Home Run Derby

Chicago Cubs outfield prospect recently participated in the Arizona Fall League Home Run Derby and Fall Stars Game. We recently sat down with him for an exclusive interview.

Jack Vita
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Top Cubs Prospect Named Arizona Fall League Offensive Player of the Year
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Top Cubs Prospect Named Arizona Fall League Offensive Player of the Year

Saturday, infield prospect James Triantos became the first player in Chicago Cubs franchise history to win the Arizona Fall League Offensive Player of the Year Award.

Jack Vita
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Top Cubs Prospect James Triantos Could be the Second Coming of Dustin Pedroia
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Top Cubs Prospect James Triantos Could be the Second Coming of Dustin Pedroia

Chicago Cubs infield prospect James Triantos has been on a tear, playing in the Arizona Fall League. Could he be baseball's next Dustin Pedroia?

Jack Vita
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Why Craig Counsell is a Major Upgrade Over David Ross as Chicago Cubs Manager
Opinions

Why Craig Counsell is a Major Upgrade Over David Ross as Chicago Cubs Manager

The Chicago Cubs made a huge splash Monday, agreeing to a five-year, $40 million contract with new manager Craig Counsell. Subsequently, David Ross was fired by the club.

Jack Vita
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Top Cubs Prospect James Triantos Taking Inspiration From Former Franchise Legend
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Top Cubs Prospect James Triantos Taking Inspiration From Former Franchise Legend

Chicago Cubs infield and outfield prospect James Triantos has been dominating the Arizona Fall League. We recently sat down with him for an exclusive interview.

Jack Vita
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Top Prospect DJ Herz Was 'Surprised and Confused' When Cubs Traded Him
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Top Prospect DJ Herz Was 'Surprised and Confused' When Cubs Traded Him

Former Chicago Cubs and current Washington Nationals prospect DJ Herz has found success in the Arizona Fall League. We recently sat down with him for an exclusive interview.

Jack Vita
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Chicago Cubs Coach Emerging as Candidate for Guardians Manager Job
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Chicago Cubs Coach Emerging as Candidate for Guardians Manager Job

The Cleveland Guardians have yet to name a replacement for Terry Francona, since the longtime manager's retirement. Chicago Cubs bench coach Andy Green has interviewed for the job.

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