What a storm we had around 6:00 am. The lightning was visible even through the black out drapes in the room and the thunder was loud enough to roll one out of bed. Hard to get back to sleep after that.
Today was our first ball game - a trip to Wrigley Field. On the coach at 9:45 for Wheels Rolling at 10. (That must be the new mantra of tour directors). We arrived at Wrigley about 10:40. Tour directors Jim, Konnie, and Jill handed out ponchos as we left the coach with the observation that the weather forecasts said that it was not expected to rain. Would I love to be a forecaster! The iconic signed welcomed us to the 2nd oldest ball park in the nation.
One of the great experiences of ball park collecting is seeing the statues of former team members whom management and fans have deemed worthy of such remembrance. So we set off to track down the Cubs’ statues. No sooner had we arrived at the entrance to Gallagher Way, a fun zone outside the park, did the rains come down. I had brought an umbrella with me just in case, but Earle quickly donned the poncho. So pictures in the rain as we walked the circumference of the park to find Ernie Banks, Harry Caray, Ron Santo, and Billy Williams.
It was still about 25 minutes before the park actually opened so we hunkered down in a Cubs store across the street. It was quite hard to be in the midst of so many fans and apparel all bearing the big C.
Once the gates opened we walked around the main concourse. There wasn’t much that appeared any different from most other stadiums. And so we headed up to our seats in section 326. Yay, under cover! And a sight on the field so familiar this year, a tarp covering. After a half hour delay the game finally got underway. Was able to watch part of the Pirates game on my phone will waiting. It was a good effort by Agrazal in his 3rd start.
Although much has changed since I last visited Wrigley in the 60s (lights, additional seats, etc) the old green manually operated score board remained the same.
PNC park should take notice of how nice restroom facilities could be.
It was a great game between the Padres and Cubs with the Padres pulling it out 5-1 in late innings. Excellent pitching, a home run, and some great defensive efforts, especially a ball fielded by San Diego 2nd baseman Urias in fielding a ball that split him and shortstop Tatis. It looked like a collision coming, but it was averted and resulted in a dazzling play.
After the game and a brisk walk to the coach, we headed into downtown Chicago where we got some great views of the city, river, and the wheel at Navy Pier.
Dinner was at the original Harry Caray’s. Can you tell that he is sort of special here. It was a buffet of Caesar salad, baked penne pasta, green beans, chicken with a wine/cream sauce, and Italian sausage and peppers. Cookies and brownies for dessert.
Back to the hotel by 8 to get organized for leaving Chicago tomorrow. Blog written and now bed.
Oh, BTW, Pirates bitten by the home run bug again in the 11th and lose to the lowly Phillies 2-1. What an opportunity they missed since the Cubs lost.
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