Wrigley Field’s 100th birthday arrives Wednesday, April 23, as the Cubs host the Arizona Diamondbacks exactly a century after the Chicago Federals opened then-Weeghman Park against the Kansas City Packers April 23, 1914. Collectors will have a chance to score some of the game-worn and game-used memorabilia from the 100th anniversary game and other commemorative items are being offered by the club.
The first 30,000 fans will receive a replica 1914 Chicago Federals jersey as they enter the ballpark, mirroring the throwback Chi-Feds home uniforms the Cubs will wear on the field. The D-Backs will participate in the historic date as well by wearing Kansas City Federal League uniforms.
The game-worn throwback Chi-Feds uniforms donned by the current Cubs will be available via auction following the April 23 game with proceeds going to Cubs charities.
Framed, game-used bases with commemorative base jewels are being sold via pre-order and through the Cubs Authentics kiosk at Wrigley Field, pending availability. Baseballs used at Wrigley Field this season feature the park’s 100th birthday logo, while an additional “April 23, 2014” time stamp will be added to baseballs used on the centennial date that are made available for sale.
For more information, collectors can contact Cubs Authentics at 773-404-4753, www.cubs.com/authentics or by visiting the Cubs Authentics kiosk at Wrigley Field.
The sights and sounds at the ballpark that day will reflect the ballpark experience from a century ago, including music, graphics and even elements of the game broadcast.
Sue Quigg, grandniece of former Cubs owner Charles Weeghman, will throw the game’s ceremonial first pitch using the 100-year-old ball her grandmother Dessa Weeghman threw at a Chi-Feds game a century ago.
Leading up to the afternoon’s pregame ceremony, historic photos and video tributes to Wrigley Field will play on the right field video board. Greeters wearing clothing modeled from a century ago will welcome fans to the park while grounds crew members work on the field wearing Weeghman Park jackets from the same era. After both starting lineups are announced, members of the Northwestern University marching band will take the field as was customary for Opening Day and other special events during the ballpark’s first two decades.
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