The Twins will play their first series in Chicago against the Cubs since 2001 when the two teams meet at Wrigley Field on June 12-14. The last time in Chicago the Cubs swept the three game Interleague series. The overall record between the two franchises is 7-5 Cubs.
Always of interest at Wrigley is who will lead fans in the singing of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” during the seventh inning stretch. At one of the games in 2001 former Twin and Cub Gary Gaetti took the microphone.
The tradition of a celebrity leading the fans in the singing started about 10 years ago after the death of legendary Cubs broadcaster Harry Caray. It was fun-loving Harry who at each home game whipped up the crowd with “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” Since then the likes of Ozzy Osbourne, Mr. T and Bret Bielema have led the way.
No word on who is on deck for the Twins-Cubs series but how about Mark Prior at one of the games? The Twins, drafting No. 1 in 2001 chose Joe Mauer, leaving Prior for the Cubs at No. 2. He’s been a bust and parted ways with the Cubs in 2007. Nah, the Cubs wouldn’t see the fun in that one.
If you’re going to the Cubs-Twins games next week, here are a few tips based on my experience at Wrigley last week when I watched Chicago beat the Dodgers on a cold Friday afternoon:
Coming from downtown Chicago, you can’t beat the convenience of taking the commuter train, arriving at Wrigley about one block from the stadium.
Be sure to see the Harry Caray statue outside the ballpark. Toast the grand old broadcaster who was also famous for calling St. Louis Cardinals games. He would like that.
Don’t completely anticipate the weather based on predicted temps and blue skies. A nasty wind off Lake Michigan can make a day with temps in the 60s feel like an outdoor November football game.
The Polish sausage with onions is recommended.