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Chicago Cubs to continue celebrating 100 Years of Wrigley Field during 1930s-Themed Homestand May 16-21

Cubs and Benjamin Moore to return iconic Marquee to its green origins with gold trim from the mid-1930s

CHICAGO - Wrigley Field will mirror the sights and sounds of the 1930s as the Cubs host a decade-inspired homestand vs. the Milwaukee Brewers and New York Yankees to continue celebrating the ballpark's 100th birthday. One familiar Chicago landmark will stand out in particular, as the famed Wrigley Field Marquee will return to its green origins with gold trim from the mid-1930s thanks to the team's new partnership with Benjamin Moore Paints. After the homestand, the Marquee will return to its modern red background with white trim.

On Wednesday morning, May 14, the Cubs and Benjamin Moore will begin painting the Marquee to match its mid-1930s color scheme following its installation in 1934. The team worked with Harboe Architects and Wiss, Janney, Elsnter Associates, Inc. to research the Marquee's color scheme from the era, which included removing layers of paint and primer to expose the first layer of enamel. Samples were then color-matched by Benjamin Moore to determine the Mallard Green and French Quarter Gold paints that will be used this week. Benjamin Moore will provide limited-edition Cubs/Benjamin Moore T-shirts for up to 1,000 fans who wish to view the painting event Wednesday morning, and guests also are invited to contribute to painting a large-scale baseball bat-themed mural on-site.

In addition to the retro Marquee, the team's throwback uniform, promotional giveaways, specialty food and beverage offerings and entertainment will mirror the sights and sounds of the 1930s at Wrigley Field.

When the Cubs welcome the Yankees to Wrigley Field Tuesday, May 20, the team will honor retiring captain Derek Jeter before the game for his exceptional career and impact on the game of baseball.

Tickets for both the Brewers and Yankees series remain available at www.cubs.com or 800-THE-CUBS (800-843-2827). Highlights of the upcoming homestand include:

Throwback Uniforms:

On Sunday, May 18, the Cubs will wear a throwback uniform from 1937, the year during which Wrigley Field's iconic scoreboard was installed and the ivy was planted on the newly-constructed bleacher wall. The 1937 jersey features a zip-up front and the uniform marks the first year the team switched from a navy blue to a royal blue color on its uniforms.

The visiting Milwaukee Brewers will wear a 1937-inspired retro uniform as well.

Promotional Giveaways:

The 1930s Bobblehead Friday showcases one of the most debated moments in baseball and Wrigley Field history - Babe Ruth's "called shot" off Charlie Root in the 1932 World Series. The first 10,000 fans in the gate will receive the bobblehead Friday, May 16.

The following day, 10,000 fans will receive a Cubs Umbrella presented by Morton Salt, who is celebrating the 100th birthday of its signature Morton Salt Girl.

On Throwback Sunday, May 18, the first 5,000 kids 13-and-under receive a Cubs Viewmaster®, while the first 1,000 kids can run the bases post-game (weather permitting).

Special Event:

In addition to Wrigley Field's 100th-themed promotions, the Cubs host a variety of Special Events at the ballpark that offer fans a chance to attend a game with others who share the same special interests. These Special Events include an exclusive promotional item and/or fan experience. Special Event tickets must be purchased at www.cubs.com/specialevents in order to participate.

On Sunday, May 18, Youth Baseball and Softball Appreciation Day features specially-priced Terrace Reserved Outfield tickets with the opportunity for uniformed players ages 13-and-under to run the bases post-game (weather permitting). For group sales of 15 guests or more, $3 per each ticket sold will be donated back to the participating league. Each child that attends will receive an exclusive Cubs youth sports band.

Specialty Food Offerings:

Levy Restaurants continues its decade-inspired menu at the Decade Diner, located inside Gate D near section 142. The 1930s homestand features a Kraft Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich with thinly-sliced seasoned beef cooked with onions and mixed with Kraft American and White American cheeses, served on a toasted torpedo roll. The other homestand special is a favorite from mom's kitchen. A hearty Meatloaf with Gravy dish features meatloaf glazed with honey ketchup, served with mashed potatoes, peas and carrots.

The Decade Dogs stand near section 123 is serving a Cheese Steak Dog to represent the 1930s, featuring a Vienna Beef hot dog, shaved ribeye steak, grilled onions, peppers and provolone cheese.

Adults 21-and-over can enjoy a 1930s Called Shot cocktail - a Manhattan made with fans' choice of Bulleit Bourbon, Bulleit Rye, Crown Royal or Bushmills Irish Whiskey. The Called Shot is served in limited-edition souvenir glasses May 16-21 on the main concourse at section 109 and the bleacher patio in left field.

Guests & Entertainment:

On the same day Babe Ruth's "called shot" is honored with a bobblehead, his 97-year-old daughter Julia Ruth Stevens will deliver a ceremonial first pitch and lead the 7th inning stretch with her son Tom Stevens. Musical group Haim will throw a ceremonial first pitch Friday as well.

On Armed Forces Day, May 17, members of the military will be on field for a ceremonial first pitch. The Morton Salt Girl also will throw a ceremonial first pitch to commemorate her 100th birthday, while professional wrestler and Chicago native CM Punk will sing the stretch to commemorate the heavyweight wrestling title match at Wrigley Field in 1934.

Northwestern University Men's Basketball Coach Chris Collins will throw a first pitch and lead the stretch Sunday, May 18.

Three-time IndyCar Champion Scott Dixon will throw a ceremonial first pitch Tuesday, May 20, before racing in the 2014 Indianapolis 500 that Sunday.

Jim Miller from Holabird & Root, the architectural firm that designed Wrigley Field's bleachers and hand-operated scoreboard, will throw a first pitch May 21.

Historic Moments:

Some of Wrigley Field's most noteworthy baseball moments occurred in the 1930s, and the ballpark's most beloved landmarks came into existence during the decade as well.

On Oct. 1, 1932, in Game 3 of the World Series, Babe Ruth hit his highly-debated and much-celebrated "called shot" off Charlie Root. Moments before the home run, Ruth made a series of gestures - but was he calling his shot or responding to the bench-jockeying from the Cubs dugout?

On Sept. 28, 1938, moments after umpires declared the game would end at the completion of the ninth inning due to darkness, Gabby Hartnett hit his famous "Homer in the Gloamin'" to give the Cubs a two-out, walk-off win and vault them into first place. They would clinch the National League pennant three days later.

In terms of ballpark additions, the iconic Wrigley Field Marquee was added at the corner of Clark and Addison in 1934. The Marquee was originally green with gold trim and welcomed fans to Wrigley Field, Home of "The Cubs."

A few years later in 1937, the Wrigley Field bleachers and scoreboard were constructed when the outfield area was renovated to provide improved and expanded seating. The Friendly Confines' famous ivy was planted with 350 Japanese Bittersweet plants and 200 Boston Ivy plants taking root at the base of the new brick outfield walls.

To learn more about these historic moments and others, such as Hack Wilson's record-setting RBI total, visit www.wrigleyfield100.com.

1930s Homestand Recap, May 16-21:

Friday, May 16, Chicago Cubs vs. Milwaukee Brewers, 1:20 p.m.

  • Promotion: Babe Ruth's "Called Shot" Bobblehead, first 10,000 fans
  • First pitches: Babe Ruth's daughter Julia Ruth Stevens, musical group Haim
  • 7th inning stretch: Julia Ruth Stevens and her son Tom Stevens
  • Broadcast: WGN-TV, WGN 720-AM Radio, Cubs.com
  • Postgame Event: Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation's Cook-Off for Cancer

Saturday, May 17, Chicago Cubs vs. Milwaukee Brewers, 1:20 p.m.

  • Promotion: Cubs Umbrella presented by Morton Salt, 10,000 fans
  • First pitches: Morton Salt Girl, members of the U.S. Military
  • 7th inning stretch: Professional wrestler CM Punk
  • Broadcast: Comcast SportsNet, WGN 720-AM Radio, Cubs.com

Sunday, May 18, Chicago Cubs vs. Milwaukee Brewers, 1:20 p.m.

  • Throwback uniforms: Retro 1937 Cubs and Brewers uniforms
  • Promotion: Cubs Viewmaster®, first 5,000 kids 13-and-under
  • Special Event: Youth Baseball and Softball Appreciation Day
  • First pitch and 7th inning stretch: Northwestern University Men's Basketball Coach Chris Collins 
  • Broadcast: WGN-TV, WGN 720-AM Radio, Cubs.com

Tuesday, May 20, Chicago Cubs vs. New York Yankees, 7:05 p.m.

  • First pitch: Three-time IndyCar Champion Scott Dixon
    7th inning stretch: TBD 
  • Broadcast: WGN-TV, WGN 720-AM Radio, Cubs.com

Wednesday, May 21, Chicago Cubs vs. New York Yankees, 1:20 p.m.

  • First pitch: Jim Miller, Holabird & Root (architectural firm that designed Wrigley Field's bleachers and hand-operated scoreboard)
  • 7th inning stretch: TBD
  • Broadcast: MLB Network, Comcast SportsNet, WGN 720-AM Radio, Cubs.com

For more information on Wrigley Field's 100th birthday celebration, please visit www.wrigleyfield100.com

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