Wrigley Field is celebrating 100 years of baseball this season and it all starts with the Philadelphia Phillies taking on the Chicago Cubs this afternoon in a matinée game serving as the Cubs 2014 home opener. It is one of three home openers the Phils will play in this season. The first was a win in Texas and the third will take place Monday in Philadelphia, weather permitting.
Here's a little history about Wrigley for you from the game notes:
At a cost of $250,000, a new ballpark (Weeghman Park) was opened in Chicago on April 23, 1914, as the home of the Chicago Whales of the Federal League, a league that folded after two seasons ... The Cubs moved into the park in 1916, where it was called Cubs Park between 1920-26 before being renamed for then team owner and chewing gum magnate, William Wrigley Jr. ... The Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies have played 867 games at Wrigley Field (Phillies are 387-476-4).
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Phillies Manager and Cubs Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg was one of the players invited to throw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the game. Other Cubs legends included Ernie Banks, Fergie Jenkins, and Billy Williams.
.@Phillies Ryne Sandberg amongst the greatest to ever wear @Cubs uniform. Threw out the first pitch. pic.twitter.com/V22QPdyAuc
— Cindy Webster (@Cindy610) April 4, 2014
While Wrigley Field is one of the most amazing places to watch a ball game, it's not always the most pleasant. Temperatures at first pitch were 38 degrees with a windchill of 28.
Click on each photo below to enlarge:
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