Chicago Traditions: Baseball

The smell of freshly roasted peanuts; the sound of people opening up their packs of Cracker Jack; and the sizzle of flash fried funnel cake crispy from the fryer, this is the place where Chicago traditions were born, this is Wrigley Field home of the Chicago Cubs. Right off the Addison Red Line stop, Wrigley Field is the main attraction as the second oldest baseball stadium (1914) still in use after Fenway Park in Boston (1912). Many visitors often wonder, what is it about the Cubs that make the team that makes them iconic Chicago?

1. The Chicago Cubs have not won the World Series since 1908 which was: the Collapse of the Ottoman Empire, Henry Ford manufactures the First Model T off his assembly line, etc. (There are rumors on campus that the only time the Cubs will win again is if Dumbach Hall is torn down, since it too was build in 1908, the oldest building on campus).
2. Despite their losing streak, Cubs fans remain dedicated and hopeful that the team will win. Each season, more and more fans show up to give their support and loyalty, as many see it as a time for family and friends to bond over America’s favorite pastime. It is fair to say that Cubs fans bleed blue.
3. Harry Carey, a renowned sports caster, was known for “bringing” the tradition of singing the song “Take Me Out to the Ball Game”, during the 7th inning, to the Chicago Cubs. This is what most fans look forward to during the game, bringing the fans together during their last hurrah.
4. The stadium is classic Americana. Like many buildings in Chicago, Wrigley Field has both age and character, with ivy verdant on all sides of the stadium. Many visitors take a picture of the signature firetruck red marquee sign that welcomes people into the stadium and one of the last hand-turned scoreboards in the nation (similar to Fenway).
5. Lastly, a big draw for many fans, myself included, is the traditional Chicago cuisine. Hot dogs and bratwursts are a staple, each lathered in mustard and/or sauerkraut (not ketchup). While between innings you can snack on nuts and/or Cracker Jack (a snack with: sticky, caramel coated popcorn, crunchy peanuts, and a small prize). If you are hoping to satisfy a sweet tooth, the stadium has options from flash fried funnel cake to cloud-like cotton candy.

Other events popular in the stadium include the annual crosstown classic, where the Northside Cubs go to bat with the Southside White Sox. This event draws the most die-hard of fans and people all together in this American classic. Additionally, during the summer months, concerts are held. Just this past year, the stadium has had guest artists like: Billy Joel, Luke Bryan, Pearl Jam, and so much more!

Cubs Win!