This is How Much We So Very Love the Cubs

Papa and ‘Papa’s Girl’

My father, a Cub fan for 60 years is what I would call a die-hard. He took me to my first baseball game when I was so little, I unfortunately can’t remember it. Every game he sits at the TV, with friends, family, or by himself watching diligently as his beloved Cubs play on and on. One day, about 8 years ago, I decided it was time for him to go see a game with his little girl.

At the time, I was about 26 years old, just starting my first real job. I saved up so I could make the day special for him. The brick pavers were just coming out and I got one especially for him. As soon as we got to the amazing Wrigley field, I brought him to where his paver was. He had tears in his eyes that his legacy, and love for the Cubs, will forever be remembered at the one and only Wrigley Field.

When they began their season this year, I gave him another special gift: his only granddaughter has her own Cubs jersey that says ‘Papa’s Girl’ on the back, and for his 60th birthday this year a matching one for him that says Papa. My 3-year-old watched the wild card game, and as the final pitches went off she looked at me and said, I hope Papa is finally happy. For her to know how much the Cubs means to my father is a testament to his unending love for his team. I could go on and on about memorable Cubs moments in our family. I tried to get him tickets to any of the playoff games, but sadly due to finances, he will be watching the playoffs from his couch, cheering on his beloved Cubs. Praying for a great ending to an amazing season. Go Cubs Go!

» Erin (Kirwin) VanDell

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Free Admission!

Here’s a picture (c.1914) of my father, Eddie Killean, on his porch at 3545 N. Wilton — one of Chicago’s earliest Cub fans before there were even Cubs! He and his friends would go to the park early and help clean up the stands in exchange for free admission. Imagine that!

» Rita Killean

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Setting Foot on Wrigley Field

My dear beloved father-in-law, Todd Schwaba, was a lifelong Cubs fan. His wife, Ann, once taught John McDonough (former head of marketing at Cubs now President of the Chicago Blackhawks) in school and maintained a connection in adult life. So we prevailed on John to let Todd on the field one day before a game. Todd never stopped talking about actually being on Wrigley Field and stepping on the batter’s box where so many of his heroes had once stood. Todd has long since passed but must be looking down with a smile frozen on his face now. Go Cubs Go!

» Dick Barton

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A Teary-Eyed Bleachers Moment

My wife Nancy and I were in the bleachers when the Yankees visited Wrigley about 10 yrs. ago. Robin Ventura hit a home run to straight-away right field. Everyone was chanting throw the ball back, nothing happened. Must have been caught by a Yankee fan. Then the bleachers are chanting throw any ball back. A young kid sitting behind us had brought a bag full of balls for autographs and didn’t get any. His dad nods and the boy takes a ball from the bag and throws it on the field. The bleachers cheer, but now the ushers are coming down to toss the boy. The bleacher fans push the ushers away until they give up. Sosa and Patterson are later warming up, and Sosa tosses the ball into the bleachers. A young man behind the kid, catches the ball and is thrilled. But the bleachers are chanting, “Give the ball to the kid.” Finally he does, everyone cheers. The dad pulls a pen out of the bag and everyone in the bleachers is signing the ball. The dad has tears running down his face.

» Joel Justice

Cubbie Dog

» Haley McCool

TELL US YOUR CHICAGO CUBS STORY

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