(UPDATE: photos, sights and sounds from being at the ballpark today)
Wrigley Field’s 100th birthday arrives April 23rd when the Cubs host the Arizona Diamondbacks exactly one century after the Chicago Federals opened then Weeghman Park against the Kansas City Packers April 23, 1914.
The first 30,000 fans at the game will receive a replica 1914 Chicago Federals jersey as they enter the ballpark, mirroring the throwback Chicago Federals home uniforms the Cubs will wear on the field that day.
Let’s have a look at what the Chicago Federals uniforms will look like.
The D-Backs will participate as well by wearing Kansas City Federal League uniforms. Wrigley Field will make it a throwback day that afternoon with music, graphics and even elements of the game broadcast reflecting Major League Baseball circa 1914. Stadium workers will be dressed in period garb. Members of the Northwestern University marching band will take the field pregame as was customary for Opening Day and other special events during the ballpark’s first two decades. Game-worn throwback Chicago Federals uniforms will be available via auction following the game.
Here’s the jersey that the team will give away to the first 30,000 fans:
Credit: Piece Chicago. Follow them on Twitter @piecechicago
There will also be 1910s era concessions during the homestand including:
-classic Reuben Sandwich with pastrami, sauerkraut, house-made Louie dressing and Swiss Cheese on a marble rye; (Jerry Seinfeld approves!)
-Breaded Pork Chop Sandwich, slow-cooked onions and spicy mustard on toasted roll.
-1910s Reuben Dog featuring a Vienna Beef hot dog, sliced corn beef, sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing and Swiss cheese.
-1910s Weeghman Park Old Fashioned comprised of Bulleit Rye and Finest Call Old Fashioned Mix, served with an orange slice and cherry, in souvenir glasses.
Paul M. Banks owns The Sports Bank.net, an affiliate of Fox Sports. He’s also a frequent guest on national talk radio. Banks is a former contributor to NBC Chicago and the Washington Times, who’s been featured on the History Channel. President Obama follows him on Twitter (@paulmbanks)