Chicago Cubs to introduce new mascot during visit to Advocate Illinois Masonic

The Chicago Cubs will introduce the first official team mascot in modern history this evening during a visit with children at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center's Pediatric Developmental Center. Clark, a young, friendly Cub, will make his rookie debut in the community alongside more than a dozen Cubs prospects enrolled in the Cubs Rookie Development Program. Together, they will help reinforce positive activities being taught to children with autism and other developmental challenges.

"The Cubs are thrilled to welcome Clark as the team's official mascot," said Cubs Senior Director of Marketing Alison Miller. "Clark is a young, friendly Cub who can't wait to interact with our other young Cubs fans. He'll be a welcoming presence for families at Wrigley Field and an excellent ambassador for the team in the community."

After consistently hearing through survey feedback and fan interviews that the Cubs and Wrigley Field needed more family-friendly entertainment, the team surveyed fans and held focus groups with fans of different ages to determine the interest and benefits of introducing an official mascot. The appetite for more family-friendly initiatives became clear, and the concept of a mascot who interacts in the community, engages with young fans and is respectful of the game was widely supported.

Clark will serve that very role as a champion for Cubs Charities' mission of targeting improvements in health and wellness, fitness and education for children and families at risk. Young fans will see him at schools during Cubs Caravan or Cubs on the Move Fitness Program visits; hospital appearances like his debut visit to Advocate Illinois Masonic; and a number of family-focused Cubs events such as Cubs Convention or Catch in the Confines.

Before and during games, Clark will greet fans as they enter Wrigley Field and stop by the Wrigley Field First Timers Booth to welcome new guests. On Family Sundays, he will help kids run the bases following the game. Most of the time, Clark will welcome fans to Clark's Clubhouse at Wrigley Field, where families can make a special visit as they please.

Fans will be able to interact with Clark on Twitter and Facebook as well, though he is still learning how to post on social media with his paws.

Clark's Clubhouse:
Following tonight's appearance at Advocate Illinois Masonic, Clark will prepare his temporary Clubhouse at Sheraton Chicago for this weekend's Cubs Convention. There, he'll interact with young Cubs fans throughout the weekend while hosting traditional kids-related Convention activities.

Clark's Clubhouse will permanently reside at Wrigley Field, where he'll spend most of his time during Cubs home games. Young fans may see Clark on the field when it's time for them to run the bases after games on Sundays, but you won't find this bear shooting T-shirt guns, riding an ATV around the warning track or disrupting fans' views of the field during the game. Families and children are encouraged to visit Clark in his new home next time they visit Wrigley Field.

Clark's Backstory:
Clark was born loving the Cubs. His great-grandbear Joa was the team's original live bear mascot back in 1916. When Joa retired to the Lincoln Park Zoo, he delighted the young bears with amazing Cubs stories and Clark was hooked! One day, Clark heard the roar of the crowd coming all the way from Wrigleyville, so he followed the sound to Wrigley Field-just in time to see the Cubs raise the 'W' flag.

Inspired by Clark's enthusiasm and love of all things Cubs, the team invited him to continue the family tradition and become their official mascot! Soon, he'll receive his very own Clubhouse. Clark's favorite thing to do is hang out around the ballpark, keeping spirits high and kids excited.

For more information about Clark, please visit www.cubs.com/clark.