The Chicago Cubs will kick off their next homestand while celebrating the Fourth of July as the Cincinnati Reds visit July 4-6 and the Atlanta Braves return July 7 for a makeup of the April 30 postponement due to inclement weather. Both the Cubs and Reds will wear Stars and Stripes uniforms July 4 to celebrate the patriotic holiday.
The team will celebrate a Century of the Cubs at Wrigley Field (which originally hosted the Federal League's Chi-Feds and Whales from 1914-15) Wednesday, July 6, as both the Cubs and visiting Reds will wear 1916 throwback uniforms for the game. The two teams matched up April 20, 1916, to mark the Cubs' first game at the ballpark, then named Weeghman Park. Up to the first 30,000 fans will receive a 1916 Chicago Cubs Replica Throwback Jersey presented by Ideal Industries, Inc., which is celebrating its 100th anniversary as well. Cubs Hall of Famers Fergie Jenkins, Ryne Sandberg and Billy Williams will lead the 7th inning stretch. The game's scorecard, in-game videoboard graphics and entertainment will highlight the team's 100 years of history at Wrigley Field.
The Cubs have worn a commemorative patch featuring a version of the team's 1916 logo on home uniforms throughout the season, and the logo has been featured on base jewels and as a stamp on baseballs used during 2016 home games. Bases used July 6 will be adorned with custom base jewels featuring the Cubs' and Reds' 1916 logos. Game-used jerseys, hats and helmets will be authenticated, collected and auctioned by Cubs Authentics at www.cubs.com/authentics, while bases and baseballs will be available for preorder or purchase at the Cubs Authentics kiosk during the game. Net proceeds benefit Cubs Charities. Fans can purchase licensed merchandise and collectibles with the celebratory logo at team stores throughout this season.
Each game this homestand features a promotional giveaway for fans. Ticket availability is limited. Fans can purchase tickets at www.cubs.com or 800-THE-CUBS (800-843-2827). Highlights of the homestand follow.
Promotions:
Up to the first 10,000 fans celebrating the Fourth of July at Wrigley Field will receive a Cubs Camo Apron presented by Magellan Corporation.
The following day, July 5, up to the first 10,000 fans will receive an Anthony Rizzo "Tarp Catch" Bobblehead presented by Reynolds Wrap.
Ideal Industries, Inc. celebrates its 100th anniversary along with a Century of Cubs at Wrigley Field by presenting a 1916 Chicago Cubs Replica Throwback Jersey for up to the first 30,000 fans Wednesday, July 6.
On Thursday, July 7, up to the first 10,000 fans will receive the Ron Santo Replica Statue presented by TransUnion that was originally scheduled for April 30.
Guests and Entertainment:
The Fourth of July pregame ceremony will feature a large American flag displayed by Cubs Season Ticket Holders and members of the USO of Illinois during the national anthem, followed by a Military Take the Field experience presented by Magellan Corporation. Comedian, actor and Chicago native Jeff Garlin will lead the 7th inning stretch.
Ryan Bondy, who plays Elder Price in the Broadway hit "Book of Mormon," will throw a ceremonial first pitch and sing the national anthem Tuesday, July 5.
Cubs Hall of Famers Fergie Jenkins, Ryne Sandberg and Billy Williams will lead the 7th inning stretch Wednesday, July 6, to headline the Century of Cubs at Wrigley Field celebration. The game's uniforms, bases, baseballs, scorecard, in-game videoboard graphics and entertainment will highlight the team's 100 years of history at Wrigley Field.
On Thursday, July 7, indie-pop band AJR will perform the national anthem, while former Cubs third baseman Bill Madlock will lead the 7th inning stretch.
Food Specials:
Hot Doug's will continue its rotating sausage selections at Platform 14 in the Budweiser Bleachers. The Turk Wendell is a gyro sausage topped with tzatziki, feta cheese and chopped tomatoes. The Rick Wrona features a smoked Hungarian sausage topped with smoked paprika mustard and smoked Gouda cheese. The Carmen Fanzone is a spicy Vienna Polish sausage served with spicy brown mustard and caramelized onions.
Wrigley Field's Decade Diner features a rotating selection of homestand specials. This homestand, fans can order a Footlong Chili Cheese Dog, which is a footlong Vienna Beef hot dog served with traditional Cincinnati chili, diced onions, cheddar cheese and yellow mustard with a side of french fries. The Grilled High Plains Bison Burger is available as well, topped with bacon, cheddar and American cheese, lettuce, sliced tomatoes, onions and Louis dressing on a sesame bun with a side of french fries.
"Let's Give" Cubs Charities Events:
Following the game Wednesday, July 6, Cubs pitcher Jon Lester and his wife Farah will be joined by teammates and coaches for a night of live country music, carnival games, great food and more at the NVRQT Goes Country fundraiser at Joe's Bar on Weed Street. Net proceeds from the sold-out event will benefit Lester's NVRQT campaign, run by the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF), which helps raise awareness and money for pediatric cancer research. Fans can learn more about the event at www.cubs.com/nvrqt.
Following the homestand on Sunday, July 10, the Wood Family Foundation will join Cubs Charities to host the second annual Kerry Wood and Friends Battle of the Bats Charity Home Run Derby at Wrigley Field. This date is a make-up from the original May 25 event, which was postponed due to inclement weather. Kerry Wood and other Cubs alumni will coach participants to swing for the fences while competing for the ultimate title of Home Run Derby Champion. Individuals will fundraise a minimum of $3,500, which will benefit underserved youth in Chicago through Cubs Charities and the Wood Family Foundation. For more information or to participate, visit www.cubs.com/derby.
Homestand Recap, July 4-7:
Monday, July 4, Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds, 1:20 p.m.
· Promotion: Cubs Camo Apron presented by Magellan Corporation, up to the first 10,000 fans
· Pregame: Large flag display and Military Take the Field
· 7th inning stretch: Comedian, actor and Chicago native Jeff Garlin
· Broadcast: WGN, 670 The Score, Cubs.com
Tuesday, July 5, Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds, 1:20 p.m.
· Promotion: Anthony Rizzo "Tarp Catch" Bobblehead presented by Reynolds Wrap, up to the first 10,000 fans
· First pitch and National Anthem: Actor Ryan Bondy from the Broadway hit "Book of Mormon"
· Broadcast: CSN, 670 The Score, Cubs.com
Wednesday, July 6, Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds, 1:20 p.m.
· Century of Cubs at Wrigley Field Celebration
· Promotion: 1916 Chicago Cubs Replica Throwback Jersey presented by Ideal Industries, Inc., up to the first 30,000 fans
· 7th inning stretch: Cubs Hall of Famers Fergie Jenkins, Ryne Sandberg and Billy Williams
· Broadcast: CSN, 670 The Score, Cubs.com
Thursday, July 7, Chicago Cubs vs. Atlanta Braves, 7:05 p.m.
· Promotion: Ron Santo Replica Statue presented by TransUnion, up to the first 10,000 fans
· National anthem: Indie-pop band AJR
· 7th inning stretch: Former Cubs third baseman Bill Madlock
· Broadcast: ABC 7, 670 The Score, Cubs.com
About the Century of Cubs at Wrigley Field Celebration:
The Chicago Cubs franchise - originally chartered as the Chicago White Stockings, then called the Colts and Orphans before officially adopting the Cubs moniker in 1907 - played in five different ballparks between 1876 through 1915 before moving in 1916 to the team's current home at the corner of Clark and Addison streets. Originally named Weeghman Park after Chicago Federals owner Charles Weeghman, the ballpark was first home to the Chi-Feds (later the Chicago Whales) of the Federal League. The park hosted its first game April 23, 1914, with the Chi-Feds defeating the Kansas City Packers 9-1, and hosted the Federal League-champion Chicago Whales in 1915. After the Federal League folded in December of 1915, Weeghman assembled a group of ten investors including William Wrigley Jr. to purchase the Chicago Cubs and move them to Weeghman Park for the 1916 season. The Cubs played their first home game at Weeghman Park vs. the Cincinnati Reds April 20, 1916, emerging victorious by a 7-6 score in 11 innings. By 1919, Wrigley Jr. gained controlling interest in the club and the park was renamed Cubs Park - eventually becoming Wrigley Field after the 1926 season. The team celebrated 100 Years of Wrigley Field with a yearlong campaign during the 2014 season.