2 min read Blog

An Opening Spring W

By Tim Sheridan
Photos by John Antonoff
February 26, 2023

Cubs back on the field again, happiness has arrived!  The Cubs 10-8 victory over the Giants at Sloan Park along with warm temperatures in the mid 70s and sunshine made for a fantastic day. Hearing “Go Cubs Go” after yesterday’s W, was some sweet icing on the cake.

Seiya Suzuki was scratched from the starting lineup with a sore oblique. Hopefully it’s more precautionary and the team is just being extra careful with him.

Here’s a little behind the scenes public address info that was a result of Seiya’s scratch. I had just announced the starting lineups to the Cubs faithful at Sloan, when I was handed the new lineup, sans Suzuki. A quick look at the new lineup and I realized most every position had changed outside of the top three spots. Along with Brennen Davis added, filling in for Suzuki.

We had a short break prior to the National Anthem and I was able to announce the new revamped lineup. Later, in the bottom of the first, I announced Cody Bellinger coming to bat. As soon as I did, I knew something was wrong. I had just announced Bellinger as number 35 because that was the number listed on the new lineup the Cubs had given me. Now I know Bellinger’s number is 24, but I instinctually read from the Cubs new updated lineup I was given. As a perfectionist I wasn’t happy. People in the stands will think I just F-d up, but there is usually more going on behind the scenes than meets the eye. Hey, it was the first game and everyone is entitled to a mistake, even the Cubs media relations team.

Late in the game, another scratch. This time a more pleasant behind the scenes public address moment. Prior to the 7th inning stretch the Mesa Hohokam’s who were expected to sing “Take Me Out To The Ball Game,” were given the hook for former Chicago Blackhawks and NHL legend Chris Chelios. Cheli knocked it out of the park and Sloan rocked it with him! No doubt Chelios was in town hanging with his bud Eddie Vedder, who is headlining the Innings Festival today at Tempe Beach Park.

It was a big crowd Chelios sang with – 16,152! A Sloan Park and Cactus League record no less. The Cubs are up in Glendale playing the Dodgers today. We are back at Sloan tomorrow as the Cubs play the Cleveland Guardians. Enjoy some of John Antonoff’s fine photos from yesterday. Go Cubs!

David Bote hits a three run home run
Roenis Elias got the win
Trey Mancini shatters a bat
Brailyn Marquez sits with teammates
Peete Crow-Armstrong breaks his bat
Marcus Stroman begins throwing in the bullpen
Marcus Stroman warms up
Dansby Swanson turns a double play with a throw from Nico Hoerner (not pictured)
Patrick Wisdom shows some hops, with this outstanding leaping catch
Chris Chelios sings “Take Me Out To The Ballgame”

 

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