World Series 2016 Game 4: Indians @ Cubs

Surprisingly enough Wrigley Field is not the oldest active Major League Ball Park. That would be Fenway which I’ve been to a few times and is remarkable for its physical smallness besides (old) Yankee Stadium (a creaky vast minepit) and Shea (a modernist version of the same with long skinny escalators that never failed to kill 1 or 2 people a season).

Fenway opened 2 years before Wrigley (1912 to 1914) and has always been home to the Red Sox, but Wrigley belonged to the Federal League Whales who went belly up the year after it opened becoming host to the Cubs only in 1916, 8 years after their last World series title.

It’s called Wrigley after William Wrigley Jr. who was kind of the Steinbrenner of the Cubs between 1921 and 1932. Yeah, he’s the gum guy and originally gave it away as a bonus for buying his scouring powder (yum) and baking soda. He also was one of the prime developers of Catalina Island in California.

What Wrigley is know for today is the ivy covered brick outfield wall and the frequently asked question is- so what happens if they lose a ball in there? Well, truth is that it’s only about a couple of inches deep so it’s quite unlikely and also it’s a Ground Rule Double just like any quirky hit that touches the field of play before exiting the boundaries of the park.

It is in fact nick-named “The Friendly Confines” though that’s kind of a generic term like Kleenex or Xerox today for any team’s Home Field. The phrase was popularized by Ernie Banks, “Mr. Cub”, who was the Cubs first Black player and also played with the Negro League Monarchs and the Harlem Globetrotters Basketball team.

Most of the other throwback goodness of Wrigley has fallen to modernization. It was the last Major League Ball Park to install artificial lighting for night games in 1988 (the Regular Season schedule is still weighted to day games). It was also the last to install a mechanical scoreboard though the old hand operated one is operated in parallel out of tradition and sentiment.

One of the more interesting community traditions is that many of the 3 and 4 story Brownstones in the neighborhood (which is called Wrigleyville) have Bleacher Seats installed on the roof by the owners and because of nostalgia and quaintness they are some of the most sought after. This year they are a sold out bargain averaging about $3000 for all three games as opposed to the same just for Standing Room at the Park.

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  1. Vent Hole

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 20:09

    Another balmy, breezy night in Chicago. It’s 61 F with wind from the North at 3 gusting to 7. Chance of rain after the game ends

  2. First Pitch Ball

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 20:10

    Top of the 1st: John Lackey pitching for the Cubs

  3. We start with a Ground Out

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 20:11

    Rajal Divis grounded out to rd baseman

  4. Swinging. 2

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 20:12

    Kipnis struck out. 2 outs

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 20:15

    Lindor struck out to end the top of the 1st

  5. KO. Bottom 1st

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 20:16

    Bottom of the 1st: Corey Kluber pitching for Cleveland

  6. First Pitch Strike

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 20:20

    Dexter Fowler lead off double

  7. A Leadoff Double. Good Start!

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 20:22

    Kris Bryant flies out to left field

  8. Fly. 1

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 20:24

    Anthony Rizzo RBI single

    Cubs 1 – Cleveland 0

  9. RBI Single. Cubs 1 – 0.

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 20:25

    Ben Zobrist flies out to left center 2 out

  10. Long Fly. 2

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 20:29

    Rizzo steals 2nd

  11. Steal

  12. KO. Top 2nd

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 20:31

    Willson Contreras struck out to end the 1st inning.

    Cubs 1 – Cleveland 0

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 20:35

    Carlos Santana lead of home run.

    Cubs 1 – Cleveland 1

  13. Leadoff Solo Shot. Tied at 1. Shit.

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 20:35

    Jose Ramirez grounds out

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 20:37

    Lonnie Chisenhall singles with 1 out

  14. Ground Out for 1

  15. Error. Runner at 1st

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 20:42

    Roberto Perez grounded out. 2 outs

  16. Sacrifice. Runner to 2nd

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 20:43

    Tyler Naquin intentionally walked

  17. Intentional Pass

  18. Throwing Error. RBI. Indians 2 – 1. Shit again.

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 20:47

    Corey Kluber RBI single.. Chisenhall scores; Naquin to 3rd

    Cleveland 2 – Cubs 1

  19. Runners at Corners

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 20:48

    Rajal Davis grounds out to end the top of the 2nd

    Cleveland 2 – Cubs 1

  20. Bottom 2nd

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 20:50

    Bottom of the 2nd: Corey Kluber pitching for Cleveland

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 20:52

    Addison Russell lines out to right.

  21. Fly Out. 1

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 20:54

    Jason Heyward singles on a ground ball

  22. 1 On 1 Out

  23. Fielder’s Choice

  24. Nope. Double Play. Top 3rd

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 20:57

    Jason Baez grounds into a forced out. Heyward out at 2nd to end the 2nd inning.

    Cleveland 2 – Cubs 1

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 20:58

    Top of the 3rd: John Lackey pitching for the Cubs

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 21:00

    Kipnis lead off double

  25. Leadoff Standup Double

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 21:04

    Lindor RBI single.

    Cleveland 3 – Cubs 1

  26. RBI Single. Indians 3 – 1

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 21:05

    Time for a pitching change

  27. Shit

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 21:07

    Santana struck out

  28. KO finally

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 21:10

    Ramirez grounds into a double play to end the top half of the 3rd inning

    Cleveland 3 – Cubs 0

  29. Double Play. Bottom 3rd

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 21:11

    Bottom of the 3rd: Corey Kluber pitching for Cleveland

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 21:14

    John Lackey struck out.

  30. Leadoff K.

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 21:15

    Fowler grounds out to 1st. 2 out

  31. Out at 1st. 2

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 21:18

    Bryant walked on a full count

  32. A Walk Finally

    • BobbyK on October 29, 2016 at 21:19

    Rizzo

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 21:20

    Rizzo hit by a pitch. Bryant to 2nd. 2 outs

  33. HBP. 2 On 2 Out

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 21:27

    Zobrist struck out to end the 3rd inning

    Cleveland 3 – Cubs 0

  34. 9 Pitch KO. Top 4th

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 21:30

    Top of the 4th: John Lackey pitchng for the Cubs

  35. Fly Out 1.

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 21:30

    Chisenhall flied out

  36. Bunt Out 2.

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 21:31

    Perez out on a bunt. 2 outs

  37. KO. Bottom 4th

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 21:33

    Naquin struck to end the top of the 4th

    Cleveland 3 – Cubs 1

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 21:34

    Bottom of the 4th: Corey Kluber pitching for Cleveland

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 21:36

    Contreras struck out

  38. Ugh. KO

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 21:38

    Russell flies out to center. 2 out

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 21:40

    Heyward singles om a ground ball. 2 outs

  39. Fly Out to Center. 2

  40. Shouldn’t have been Single

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 21:42

    Baez struck out to end the 4th inning

    Cleveland 4 – Cubs 1

  41. KO. Top 5th

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 21:43

    Top of the 5th: John Lackey pitching for the Cubs

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 21:46

    Kluber struck out

  42. K #5. 1 Done

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 21:47

    Davis grounds out. 2 out

  43. 2 Out

  44. Bottom 5th

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 21:48

    Kipnis grounds out to end the top of the 5th inning

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 21:49

    Bottom of the 5th: Corey Kluber pitching for Cleveland

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 21:52

    Chris Coghlan, hitting for Lackey, flies out to left field

  45. Center Fly. 1 Done.

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 21:53

    Fowler flies out to right. 2 out

  46. Fly Right 2.

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 21:54

    Bryant grounds out to end the 5th innig

    Cleveland 3 – Cubs 1

  47. Top 6th

    • BobbyK on October 29, 2016 at 21:54

    So much for home field.

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 21:55

    Top of the 6th: Mike Montgomery pitching for the Cubs, in for Lackey

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 22:01

    Lindor lead off walk

  48. Shit. Leadoff Walk

  49. Error. 2 On

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 22:04

    Santana singles on a line drive. Lindor to 2nd

  50. Force at 2nd. Corners

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 22:05

    Ramirez singles. Santana out at 2nd. Lindor to 3rd

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 22:07

    Chisenhall sac fly to center. Lindor scores

    Cleveland 4 – Cubs 1

  51. Sacrifice Fly. Indians 4 – 1

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 22:10

    Perez walked. 2 on; 2 out

  52. Another Walk. 2 On 2 Out. New Arm

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 22:11

    Cubs pitching change: Justin Grimm in for Montgomery

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 22:15

    Justin Gruyer, hitting for Naquin, struck out to end the top of the 6th inning

  53. KO. Bottom 6th

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 22:17

    Bottom of the 6th: Corey Kluber pitching for Cleveland

    • BobbyK on October 29, 2016 at 22:17

    Well at least they beat the dodgers

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 22:19

    Rizzo lead off double

  54. Leadoff Double Off the Ivy

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 22:22

    Zobrist flies out to left. Rizzo holds at 2nd

  55. Fly. No Advance

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 22:23

    Contreras struck out. 2 out

  56. Ugh. KO? #6

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 22:26

    Russell grounds out to end the th inning

    Cleveland 4 – Cubs 1

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 22:27

    Top of the 7th: Justin Grimm pitching for the Cubs

  57. Top 7th

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 22:32

    Coco Crisp, hitting for Kluber, lead of double

  58. Double. Arg.

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 22:33

    Crisp to 3rd on a wild pitch

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 22:33

    Davis hit by a pitch

  59. Wild Pitch. Runner Advances

  60. HBP. Corners

  61. Next Arm

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 22:35

    Cubs pitching change: Travis Wood in for Grimm

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 22:39

    Kipnis 3 run home run

    Cleveland 7 – Cubs 1

  62. 3 RBI HR. Indians 7 – 1

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 22:40

    Lindor grounds out

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 22:41

    Santana singles. Lindor to 2nd

  63. And another Single

    1. Oh, there was a Ground Out before that

    • BobbyK on October 29, 2016 at 22:43

    Ugh.

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 22:43

    Ramirez struck out

  64. And a KO for 2

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 22:46

    Chisenhall struck out to end the top of the 7th

    Cleveland 7 – Cubs 1

  65. KO. Bottom 7th

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 22:47

    Bottom of the 7th: Andrew Miller pitching for Cleveland

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 22:49

    Heyward grounds out

  66. 2nd to 1st. Out

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 22:52

    Baez out on a line drive to end the 7th inning

    Cleveland 7 – Cubs 1

  67. Pop Out

  68. Top 8th

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 22:54

    Baez popped out. 2 out

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 22:56

    Alamora, hitting for Wood, lined out to end the 7th inning

    Cleveland 7 – Cubs 1

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 22:56

    Top of the 8th: Hector Rondon pitching for the Cubs

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 22:57

    Perez struck out

  69. Bottom 8th

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 22:58

    Guyer grounds out. 2 out

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 22:59

    Napooli flies out to center to end the top of the 8th inning

    Cleveland 7 – Cubs 1

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 22:59

    Bottom of the 8th: Andrew Miller pitching for Cleveland

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 23:03

    Fowler lead off home run

    Cleveland 7 – Cubs 2

  70. Leadoff Solo Shot. Indians 7 – 2

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 23:04

    Bryant grounds out

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 23:06

    Rizzo strikes out. 2 out

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 23:08

    Zobrist struck out to end the 8th inning.

    Cleveand 7 – Cubs 2

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 23:09

    Top of the 9th: Hector Rondon pitching for the Cubs

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 23:12

    Davis lines out

  71. Fly to Left. 1 Down

  72. 1 Out 1 On

  73. 1 Out 2 On

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 23:14

    Kipnis line drive single

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 23:14

    Lindor line drive single, Kipnis to 2nd

  74. KO. 2 Down

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 23:15

    Michael Martinez, hitting for Miller, strikes out

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 23:16

    Ramirez flies out to center to retire the side

  75. Bottom 9th

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 23:20

    Bottom of the 9th: Dan Otero pitching for Cleveland

  76. 1 Down

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 23:21

    Contreras grounds out

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 23:23

    Russell single with 1 out

  77. Single

  78. 2 Down

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 23:24

    Heyward flied out. Russell hods at 2nd 2 out

    • TMC on October 29, 2016 at 23:26

    Baez grounds out to end the game

    Cleveland 7 – Cubs 2

  79. Indians 7 – 2 Final.

    • BobbyK on October 29, 2016 at 23:27

    Rally cap completely ineffective.

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