Another year, another season of friendly Chicago baseball. Let’s see … Neal Cotts traded in his White Sox duds for Cubbie blue. Sox infielder Alex Cintron followed him and signed a Cubs contract last month.
Commentator Steve Stone is back in Chicago, this time with the White Sox. And there’s talk that the Cubs may need to play games at U.S. Cellular Field during reconstruction efforts in the future. Yeah, we know, there’s not much here to get excited about this year. Sort of like interleague play in general. Here’s the dirt about what’s new at both parks. Enjoy responsibly.
Ernie Banks: A statue of Mr. Cub will be unveiled at Wrigley Field on opening day (Monday). The statue, created by sculptor Lou Cella of Lindenhurst, will celebrate the life and legacy of Banks, who continues to work with the organization today. Cella first worked with the Cubs on the Harry Caray statue as well as a statue of Carlton Fisk for the Sox.
Seating: Thanks to a new drainage system at Wrigley, the Cubs will add 70 box seats along the third-base line in 2008 known as “The Bullpen Box Seats.” In addition, fans will notice new digital signage on the sides of the grandstands. Just in case you don’t know where you are or what you’re drinking this summer.
Apparel: Need some new digs? The MLB shop at MLB.com has you covered. Additions to the ever-growing list of items sporting the Cubs logo include car mats, plaid cotton flannel pajamas, desk clocks, a new line of women’s sweatshirts and an authentic replica Kosuke Fukudome jersey.
We believe: Filmmaker John Scheinfeld and his crew will follow the Cubbies around this season for a documentary that explores the relationship between the city of Chicago and the Cubs organization. The working title of the film, “We Believe,” will follow the Cubs 2008 season with interviews and insights from Derrek Lee, Kerry Wood, Carlos Zambrano and others players. Could the film have the same happy ending as “Fever Pitch” did for the Red Sox?

dailyherald.com


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