“Take me out to the ball game,
Take me out with the crowd;
Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack,
I don’t care if I never get back….”
The day started with rain, thunder and lightening and yet again St Merdad, patron saint against bad weather, worked his magic for us and brought out the sun over Wrigley Field for the Chicago Cubs vs the Pittsburgh Pirates. Jan, a die-hard Cubs fan, was excited to share with us the experience of a home game and we were just as excited to attend. Our excitement escalated when we walked into Casey Moran’s for pre-game lunch to find our good friend Brian waiting for us at the table. Brian, a die-hard St Louis Cardinals fan, had flown up from Missouri to see us. Thank you, Brian, for enduring a Cubs game for us and thank you Jan for conspiring with Brian to surprise us. Surprise us you did – very well played! ☺️
By the time we left Casey Moran’s the place was packed with Cubs fans. Walking to Wrigley Field we passed merchandise stalls as we moved through a sea of Cubs colours. Entering Wrigley Field is an experience in itself. Nicknamed the Friendly Confines, Wrigley Field has been home to the Chicago Cubs since 1916 and is the oldest park in the National League. With its iconic red marquee over the main entrance, ivy-covered outfield walls and hand-turned scoreboard, it was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1987.
Added to the beauty of the park was the building excitement of the home team’s fans as they started to pour into the ball park. Pre-game entertainment was provided by the Hampton University and Howard University Bands. Vendors deftly moved up and down the aisles as they sold hot dogs and beer. The game was dedicated to the paediatric cancer patients of Lurie Children’s Hospital and we watched and cheered as a group of kids made their way onto the field and a ceremonial pitch was tossed by one of them. The crowd stood for the national anthem. And then it was 3.05pm and play began.
The cheers of the home crowd were deafening as the Cubs scored home run after home run including a grand slam by Anthony Rizzo. It was truly a smashing experience to attend the game and absorb the pride and joy the fans hold for their team. Just over four hours after the game began, the Cubs brought home a 17-8 win over the Pirates. Flags bearing a huge blue W for Win were brandished by ecstatic fans as the crowd sang the Cubs’ victory song ‘Go Cubs Go’.
Thank you Jan and Brian, thank you Cubs and thank you Chicago for a brilliant day!
P&S
