Da Cubbies Game

On July 24 we left the lake house at Lauderdale Lakes and drove to downtown Chicago, where we parked our rental at the garage in the basement of Jeff's office building. After a leisurely coffee in the building's Starbuck's, we then walked to the Chicago Transit Authority subway and caught the El Train for Wrigley Field, where we toured the neighborhood for an hour before meeting up with Jeff, Kelly, and the girls, Kit and Kat. Demetra did some comparison shopping and ended up buying a Cubs hat for $12. When we entered Wrigley Stadium, it was "Hat Night" and we all got free Cub's hats, including Demetra.

Jeff treated us to front row seats, right behind the visiting Florida Marlins dugout, and we purchased "Chicago Dogs" for the game, which didn't start until 7:00 PM. The stands were packed with a sell-out. Zambrano was the starting (and winning) pitcher for Chicago, and got a big hit during the game, which excited both him and the crowd. Ramirez came out of his post-All Star game slump, DeRosa made a big catch in right field, a base wsas stolen, and a few homeruns were hit. There were no errors, Chicago won going away, the "Win" flag was raised above the scoreboard, and almost everybody stayed after the game to sing "Go Cubs, Go!"

After saying goodbyes, we then returned to the rental car in downtown Chicago by way of the El Train, which was packed with happy Cub fans. Then we drove back to Helen's to pack for our return trip home.

Bob and Demetra at Wrigley Field.	Jeff and Kelly.	Jeff and Fukudome fan.	Kit n' Kat.	Cubbie fans Kat, Kit, Jeff, Kelly, Demetra, and Bob.
Lou Pinella and Cubbies dugout.	First baseman Lee and starting pitcher, Zambrano.	On deck.	First base coach Sinatro, with baserunner, Ranirez.	Baserunner and ump.
Front row tickets.	Wrigley scoreboard.	Cubbies 2008 Baseball Card.	Lights on after dark.	Go, Cubs, Go.