Chicago Cubs to continue celebrating 100 years of Wrigley Field during 1940s-themed homestand June 3-8

Wrigley Field will continue its 100^th birthday celebration June 3-8 as the Cubs host a 1940s decade-inspired homestand vs. the New York Mets and Miami Marlins. The team's throwback uniform, promotional giveaways, specialty food and beverage offerings and entertainment will mirror the sights and sounds of the 1940s at Wrigley Field.

The team is honored to welcome back former Cubs shortstop Lennie Merullo, who is the oldest living Cub at age 97 and the last surviving player from the 1945 World Series team. Merullo will throw a ceremonial first pitch Saturday, June 7, and he will lead the 7^th inning stretch along with members of his family.

Ten alumni from the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) will join the team Friday, June 6, to throw ceremonial first pitches and sing the 7^th inning stretch. The league, which was featured in the film "A League of Their Own," was created and financed by then-Cubs owner Philip K. Wrigley in 1943.

This June homestand will mark the beginning of a special month-long campaign by Kraft Cheese, which is celebrating 100 years of cheese-making this month. To commemorate the centennials of both Kraft Cheese and Wrigley Field, Kraft will donate $100 to Cubs Charities for every opposing batter a Cubs pitcher strikes out at Wrigley Field in the month of June. These funds will benefit Cubs Charities programs focused on health, fitness and education for at-risk youth and families. Kraft Cheese is presenting the Cubs Cooler Bag promotional item June 4 and also will distribute "K" cards to help celebrate each strikeout during that night's game against the Mets

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

Throwback Uniforms:

On Sunday, June 8, the Cubs will wear a throwback uniform from 1942 - the last year the team wore its uniform with a unique zipper vest and blue undershirt. This uniform also features a "Health" patch that was worn by teams that year to promote the "Hale America" fitness campaign.

The visiting Miami Marlins will wear a uniform inspired by the Miami Sun Sox, a minor league team in Florida during the late 1940s and 1950s.

Promotional Giveaways:

Fans coming to the ballpark this homestand have the chance to collect a number of unique promotional items, starting with the Cubs Cooler Bag presented by Kraft for the first 10,000 fans in the ballpark Wednesday, June 4. On Thursday, June 5, randomly-selected Lucky Seat winners will win jerseys worn by the Cubs that day during Majestic's Jersey Off Our Back Lucky Seat promotion.

Bobblehead Fridays and Throwback Sundays featuring retro kids toys continue this homestand. The All-American Girls Professional Baseball League will be honored June 6 with a bobblehead for the first 10,000 fans. On June 8, the first 5,000 kids 6-13 years of age receive an OYO® Mini Figure of Andy Pafko, a five-time All-Star and teammate of Lennie Merullo on the 1945 World Series team. The first 1,000 kids 13-and-under in the park can run the bases post-game.

Special Event:

In addition to Wrigley Field's 100^th-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, June 8, Little League 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 1940s homestand features a Kraft Monte Cristo Sandwich, which includes Ham and Kraft Aged Cheddar and Provolone Cheeses served on Texas toast dipped in egg batter. The other homestand special is Kraft's Loaded Homestyle Mac and Cheese with artichokes and pulled chicken.

The Decade Dogs stand near section 123 is serving Corn Dog Nibblers, which are deep-fried Vienna Beef mini corn dogs.

Adults 21-and-over can enjoy a 1940s Day Game cocktail - a variation of a Hurricane, made with Captain Morgan Rum, Meyers Dark Rum and Finest Call Hurricane Mix. The Day Game is served in limited-edition souvenir glasses June 3-8 on the main concourse at section 109 and the bleacher patio in left field.

Guests & Entertainment:

An exciting collection of historical figures and celebrities visits Wrigley Field for the 1940s-themed homestand. Actor Joe Mantegna kicks off the series by leading the 7^th inning stretch Tuesday, June 3.

Stan Hack Jr. and Dave Hack, sons of former Cubs third baseman Stan Hack, will throw ceremonial first pitches and lead the stretch Wednesday, June 4.

Actress Nicola Peltz and actor Jack Reynor, stars of "Transformers 4," will throw ceremonial first pitches Thursday, June 5.

On the same day the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League is honored with a bobblehead giveaway, 10 former players will lead the 7^th inning stretch June 6. Of that group, Betsy Jochum and Jeneane Lesko will throw ceremonial first pitches.

Lennie Merullo from the 1945 World Series team will return to the field for a ceremonial first pitch Saturday, June 7, and he'll be joined by members of his family for the 7^th inning stretch.

Andy Pafko's nephew, Mike Nedoba, will close out the homestand with a ceremonial first pitch and 7^th inning stretch on the same day his uncle is recognized with the Andy Pafko OYO® Mini Figure giveaway.

Historic Moments:

Many historic moments and firsts occurred inside the ballpark during the 1940s. On April 26, 1941, the Cubs became the first team to have an organ playing inside their ballpark. Later that year, the team nearly installed lights, however P.K. Wrigley donated 165 tons of steel intended for Wrigley Field's lights to the U.S. war effort a day after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

For two consecutive weekends in January of 1944, Clark and Addison was home to the Norge Ski Club's 38^th annual invitational ski jump tournament. A jump was assembled from scaffolding and covered in snow and ice. Skiers started their descent near today's broadcast booth and landed behind second base.

For five summer afternoons and evenings in June 1946, Wrigley Field became home to a rodeo and thrill circus that featured some of the best riders in the world. More than 900 cowboys, cowgirls, Hollywood daredevils and Sioux Indians rode bulls and broncos and performed rope tricks and stunts.

Wrigley Field hosted its largest paid regular-season crowd in history May 18, 1947, when 46,572 fans packed the park to watch Jackie Robinson make his Chicago debut for the visiting Dodgers. Later that year, Wrigley Field hosted its first All-Star game with Andy Pafko and Phil Cavarretta representing the Cubs.

To learn more about these historic moments and others visit www.wrigleyfield100.com.

Scheduling Note:

This homestand marks the beginning of the team's Friday 3:05 p.m. summer start times. The Cubs will host a 6:05 p.m. game Thursday, June 5, vs. the Mets and 3:05 p.m. game Saturday, June 7, vs. the Marlins, which vary from the usual game times on those days. Fans are advised to check the team's schedule at www.cubs.com to ensure they arrive in time for first pitch.

1940s Homestand Recap, June 3-8:

Tuesday, June 3, Chicago Cubs vs. New York Mets, 7:05 p.m.

• 7^th inning stretch: Actor Joe Mantegna

• Broadcast: Comcast SportsNet, WGN 720-AM Radio, WRTO 1200-AM Spanish Radio, Cubs.com

Wednesday, June 4, Chicago Cubs vs. New York Mets, 7:05 p.m.

• Promotion: Cubs Cooler Bag Presented by Kraft Cheese, first 10,000 fans
• First pitches and 7th inning stretch: Stan Hack's sons, Stan Hack Jr. and Dave Hack
• Broadcast: WGN-TV, WGN 720-AM Radio, Cubs.com

Thursday, June 5, Chicago Cubs vs. New York Mets, 6:05 p.m.

• Promotion: Jersey Off Our Back Presented by Majestic, Lucky Seat Winners
• First pitches: Actress Nicola Peltz and Actor Jack Reynor from "Transformers 4"
• 7^th inning stretch: TBD

Broadcast: Comcast SportsNet, WGN 720-AM Radio, Cubs.com

Friday, June 6, Chicago Cubs vs. Miami Marlins, 3:05 p.m.

• Promotion: All-American Girls Bobblehead, first 10,000 fans
• First pitches: Betsy Jochum and Jeneane Lesko of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League

• 7^th inning stretch: 10 former players from the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League - Terry Donahue, Ginger Gascon, Marilyn Jenkins, Betsy Jochum, Dolly Konwinski, Jeneane Lesko, Joyce McCoy, Toni Palermo, Ferne Price and Terry Uselman
  Broadcast: Comcast SportsNet, WGN 720-AM Radio, Cubs.com

Saturday, June 7, Chicago Cubs vs. Miami Marlins, 3:05 p.m.

• First pitch: Former Cub Lennie Merullo from 1945 World Series team
• 7^th inning stretch: Lennie Merullo and members of his family
• Broadcast: WGN-TV, WGN 720-AM Radio, Cubs.com

Sunday, June 8, Chicago Cubs vs. Miami Marlins, 1:20 p.m.

• Throwback uniforms: Retro 1942 Cubs uniform, 1940s-inspired Miami Sun Sox opponent uniform
• Promotion: Andy Pafko OYO® Mini Figure, first 5,000 kids 6-13 years of age. First 1,000 kids 13-and-under run the bases post-game (weather permitting).
• Special Event: Little League Appreciation Day
• First pitch and 7^th inning stretch: Andy Pafko's nephew, Mike Nedoba
• Comcast SportsNet, WGN 720-AM Radio, Cubs.com