11/21 Football at Wrigley – Part II

Hundreds of football and Cubs fans were able to punt, pass and kick on the football field at Wrigley Field Sunday, and all for a good cause. Those who took part in the charitable event Sunday raised $50,000 for Cubs Care. Fans were allowed on the field for one hour sessions. Many brought footballs to toss around and try to kick through the goal posts. Some brought baseball and gloves.

“You can’t be on Wrigley Field and not play baseball,” one man said as he played catch.
 
Cheri Leeds and Kim Fortner also ran around on the football field, which was built for Saturday’s Illinois-Northwestern game. They are both teachers in Chicago and attend about half of the Cubs’ home games. This was Fortner’s second time on Wrigley’s playing surface, but she’s never been on the field for baseball. She also took part in a public skate after Wrigley hosted an NHL game between the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings on New Year’s Day.

“I’m a diehard Cubs fan,” Fortner said.

On Monday, the grounds crew will get to work prepping the field for baseball and remove all of the sod, install a new infield and rebuild the pitcher’s mound. Opening Day is April 1.

– Carrie Muskat