If I can pretend that the 9th inning of Wednesday’s game didn’t happen – and, in a year or so, when I remember the game fondly (in a head shaking, can-you-believe-it kind of way), I will mostly do just that – I really had a nice time at the Cubs’ 100th Anniversary/Birthday Party for Wrigley Field. The Cubs went all out with old-timey fun, and the area was packed with fans some three hours before the game. For a chilly Wednesday day game in April, that ain’t too shabby.
For those who weren’t able to follow along on social media, here are some pictures and nice things from the day.
Diehards already in line 500 feet deep for the bleachers. Good on them. Want those cupcakes. pic.twitter.com/02hqVqkXgi
— Brett Taylor (@BleacherNation) April 23, 2014
The 500 feet may have been an exaggeration, but here’s the thing: that was just the first line I saw. It was easily the shortest one. Everyone wanted the cupcake (I did not get one) and the Chi-Feds jersey (pictured below, and pretty awesome).
Even the ambulances are old timey today. Maybe not the best day to get hit by a foul ball. pic.twitter.com/kcZ3MEpSgs
— Brett Taylor (@BleacherNation) April 23, 2014
The giant cake – wonder if Wrigley will blow out all the candles. And the wish? You could probably guess. pic.twitter.com/lpjm8f87pH
— Brett Taylor (@BleacherNation) April 23, 2014
There was a line to see the cake, and to get close like that for a picture. I completely jumped the line, but it was entirely unintentional – when I’m in “picture” mode, I’m kind of just walking quickly and snapping shots. I didn’t see there was a line until I’d already walked through a barrier and right up to the glass. Sorry! I’m very important!
Two hours before the game, and the entire area is packed. This is the way it should be.
— Brett Taylor (@BleacherNation) April 23, 2014
Northwestern band getting folks ready. pic.twitter.com/rkHstL4vKU
— Brett Taylor (@BleacherNation) April 23, 2014
Castro, Rizzo, and Barney head to the cage with Chi-Feds unis on. Look pretty awesome. pic.twitter.com/J8xWJoJ5Z5
— Brett Taylor (@BleacherNation) April 23, 2014
Past Cubs players being introduced. Dempster with the loudest cheer so far. pic.twitter.com/h4Lr29N6sc
— Brett Taylor (@BleacherNation) April 23, 2014
Ernie Banks was introduced soon thereafter, and he drew the loudest cheer.
Old timey plane flyover. Great touch. pic.twitter.com/TbDRN4rMoj
— Brett Taylor (@BleacherNation) April 23, 2014
Buddy Jim (@jkmumford) catches outfield warmup ball. Insists I take it to The Little Boy. Cool logo for today's game. pic.twitter.com/sPJUUFyP73
— Brett Taylor (@BleacherNation) April 23, 2014
(at which point everyone on Twitter reminded me that the logo is there on warmup and BP balls all year, not just that day)
Happy birthday to Wrigley Field – with more balloons than you've ever seen. pic.twitter.com/gFzOycwIuK
— Brett Taylor (@BleacherNation) April 23, 2014
And a bunch of additional pictures from the day:
Sincerely, it was a well-done event – that’s why you don’t really hear anybody crapping on it (just the aftermath).