Play Ball!
Today is one of my favorite days of the year....Opening Day at Wrigley Field!
The first year Jeff and I starting dating I scored opening day tickets from a friend at work and we took off to attend the game. IT WAS FREEZING! I distinctly recall wearing a winter coat, a hat, scarf, and gloves. I'm hoping the weather cooperates for opening day...and let's pray the wind is blowing out! {And late breaking news says the game might be called off due to rain...SO TYPICAL FOR CHICAGO WEATHER!!}
Isn't the field pretty? The first thing the players and broadcasters look at are the flags on top of the scoreboards. If they're flying towards the lake, like the are in this picture, it means the wind is blowing out of the field and the conditions are ripe for some home runs.
There's nothing like Wrigley Field. From the moment you enter the gates, you feel the energy. You smell the hot dogs and the beer. Vendors are selling their delicious roasted peanuts. The organist is playing the ballpark tunes. Adults and children alike are busy purchasing their programs and talking about the players. The kids get to the park early to watch batting practice, hoping to score a couple of autographs.
Silly me, how can I possible glaze over a mention of hot dogs? Honestly, Wrigley isn't the best place to experience a Chicago dog. But, it tastes like heaven on a hot summer day. The vendors give you those awful mustard packets and you inevitably end up getting mustard under your fingernails or on your shirt. But it's all part of the experience.
This is exactly what a plain, steamed vendor hot dog looks like at Wrigley.
And this is what a Chicago dog really looks like
NO KETCHUP!!
As you emerge from the tunnels or the ramps leading to your seat, the beautiful greenery and grounds of Wrigley greets you. The signature ivy, the "Welcome to the Friendly Confines" message painted on top of the Cubs' dugout, and the portrait of Harry Caray just below the broadcaster's booth...it's like being right at home.
The Cubs dugout.
There's Harry Caray. He reminds me of my childhood watching Cubs games with my family and my grandpa. There was nothing like hearing Harry scream, "There it is! It might be! It could be! It is!!!!! A HOME RUN!!!!! HO-LY COW!"
It's such a magical place, Wrigley Field. If you ever have the opportunity to attend a Cubs game while in Chicago, don't pass it up. It is like religion. It's an experience you won't forget. And it might change your life.
I'm getting misty eyed.
GO CUBBIES!!!!!!!
Kick that dirt, Lou!
~~~~~~
I couldn't post this without telling you about the infamous curses the Cubs have experienced over the years. Cubs fans are crazy fanatics, and here's why. First, there is the curse of the goat. {And breaking news this morning...a goat's head was found this morning outside Wrigley Field. Oh how I love our crazy fans trying to break the curse of the goat.}
While the Cubs have not won the World Series since 1908, the curse actually began in 1945, the last time the Cubs made the World Series. It was Game 4 of the World Series with the Cubs in the lead 2-1 over the Tigers. As legend has it, William "Billy Goat" Sianis, owner of the now famous Billy Goat Tavern and a lifelong Cubs fan, showed up to the ballpark with two tickets, one for himself - and one for his pet goat, Murphy.
After struggling his way into the park, Sianis and his goat took their place in the box seats he had purchased, only after causing a commotion by having the goat run onto the field. They were almost ejected before the game, but since Sianis had two tickets which said nothing about animals being banned, the two were reluctantly allowed to stay. However, later in the game, on the orders of Cubs owner P.K. Wrigley, Sianis and his goat were ejected, "Because the goat stinks." As the curse goes, an angry Sianis threw his arms in the air in disgust and proclaimed, "The Cubs ain't gonna win no more. The Cubs will never win a World Series so long as the goat is not allowed in Wrigley Field."
And so began the Cubs curse. The Cubs went on to lose that World Series in 7 games to the Tigers and they haven't even been back since. After that series collapse, Sianis sent a telegram to P.K. Wrigley that read "Who Stinks Now?"
Then there was 1984, the miracle season. The Cubbies managed to do what no other team in the history of baseball was ever to do. They were the first team in history to go into a five game play-off series, win the first two games, and then choke. Leon Durhan, pictured above, errored on a ground ball that rolled through his legs in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series. Once again the Cubs came thisclose to the World Series, but no cigar.
And then, there was Steve Bartman on October 14, 2003.
Poor Steve Bartman, the lifelong, 26 year-old Cubs fan who found himself in the crosshairs of a fly ball along the left field line. The ball was playable for Cubs' left outfielder Moises Alou near the guard rail but as he jumped up, Bartman interfered with the play, possibly thinking it was a foul ball souvenir. It was Game 6 with only five more outs before heading to the World Series and it looked like the curse was about to be lifted. Wrigleyville was ready to erupt in a euphoria that had not been seen before.
The fans and players went berserk after Bartman's fan interference and Alou's childish outburst when he realized what had just happened. Bartman had to be escorted out of the park by police, for fear of his life. The ball was later donated to charity and blown up at Harry Caray's restaurant. {And a little side note...it just so happens that I worked at the same company as Steve Bartman and let me tell you, the poor guy went into hiding for months. The company fully supported him by providing a telecommuting arrangement until he felt safe to leave his house. The whole situation was beyond ridiculous.}
Now that you have an overview of the curses the Cubs have faced over the years, maybe you'll understand why us Cubs fans are absolute fanatics and beyond passionate about our beloved team! They're not called the Lovable Losers for nuthin'.
William "Billy Goat" Sianis
While the Cubs have not won the World Series since 1908, the curse actually began in 1945, the last time the Cubs made the World Series. It was Game 4 of the World Series with the Cubs in the lead 2-1 over the Tigers. As legend has it, William "Billy Goat" Sianis, owner of the now famous Billy Goat Tavern and a lifelong Cubs fan, showed up to the ballpark with two tickets, one for himself - and one for his pet goat, Murphy.
After struggling his way into the park, Sianis and his goat took their place in the box seats he had purchased, only after causing a commotion by having the goat run onto the field. They were almost ejected before the game, but since Sianis had two tickets which said nothing about animals being banned, the two were reluctantly allowed to stay. However, later in the game, on the orders of Cubs owner P.K. Wrigley, Sianis and his goat were ejected, "Because the goat stinks." As the curse goes, an angry Sianis threw his arms in the air in disgust and proclaimed, "The Cubs ain't gonna win no more. The Cubs will never win a World Series so long as the goat is not allowed in Wrigley Field."
And so began the Cubs curse. The Cubs went on to lose that World Series in 7 games to the Tigers and they haven't even been back since. After that series collapse, Sianis sent a telegram to P.K. Wrigley that read "Who Stinks Now?"
Then in 1969 a black cat pranced in front of the Cubs dugout at Shea Stadium and the Mets went on to beat the Cubs in the National League East Division title and won the World Series.
Then there was 1984, the miracle season. The Cubbies managed to do what no other team in the history of baseball was ever to do. They were the first team in history to go into a five game play-off series, win the first two games, and then choke. Leon Durhan, pictured above, errored on a ground ball that rolled through his legs in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series. Once again the Cubs came thisclose to the World Series, but no cigar.
And then, there was Steve Bartman on October 14, 2003.
Poor Steve Bartman, the lifelong, 26 year-old Cubs fan who found himself in the crosshairs of a fly ball along the left field line. The ball was playable for Cubs' left outfielder Moises Alou near the guard rail but as he jumped up, Bartman interfered with the play, possibly thinking it was a foul ball souvenir. It was Game 6 with only five more outs before heading to the World Series and it looked like the curse was about to be lifted. Wrigleyville was ready to erupt in a euphoria that had not been seen before.
The fans and players went berserk after Bartman's fan interference and Alou's childish outburst when he realized what had just happened. Bartman had to be escorted out of the park by police, for fear of his life. The ball was later donated to charity and blown up at Harry Caray's restaurant. {And a little side note...it just so happens that I worked at the same company as Steve Bartman and let me tell you, the poor guy went into hiding for months. The company fully supported him by providing a telecommuting arrangement until he felt safe to leave his house. The whole situation was beyond ridiculous.}
Now that you have an overview of the curses the Cubs have faced over the years, maybe you'll understand why us Cubs fans are absolute fanatics and beyond passionate about our beloved team! They're not called the Lovable Losers for nuthin'.
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