Wrigley Field

2010 - Well, if you're going to go on an MLB Quest, THIS is the place to get it started! Chicago's legendary Wrigley Field is, for good reason, widely considered to be one of the most magnificent parks in the history of baseball.

My wife and I had the chance to watch the Cubs play under the lights on a hot Chicago night.  The atmosphere of this park is unforgettable.  The crowd consisted of devoted North Side lifers and energized tourists, so everybody was paying close attention to the action on the field.  The only down side was precisely that - the action on the field.  We had the unfortunate timing of watching the Cubs facing off against the Houston Astros - two teams circling the bowl of the National League standings. Manager "Sweet Lou" Piniella had to pull his struggling starter, Carlos Zambrano, after just 3 innings, and the bulk of the crowd left to catch their trains following the seventh inning stretch.

A lot can be said about the Cubs curse and the lack of quality ball in Chicago's North Side, but the park itself is a wonderful place to visit.  After getting off of the red line at Addison, the atmosphere of Wrigleyville hits you like a splash of cold water.  People are decked out in their Cubbies gear, a bronze stature of the late announcer Harry Caray greets you with a smile, and you immediately understand why this park means so much.  Not simply to the people of Chicago, but to baseball itself. 

Upon entering the park, the smells of baseball overwhelm you, and the first glimpse of the ivy in the outfield is magnificent.  There was also a pep band playing in our section consisting of five old men in full pinstripe uniforms playing glowing brass instruments and getting everyone up to dance.  There are so many intangibles about this park that are difficult to explain, but one thing is certain - I have to bring my son here one day!  The quest is on!