Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Wrigley replica project brings Santo to region
YBN- FREEPORT -- Ron Santo lived a dream playing for the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.
Next month, he will contribute to a dream to build a Wrigley Field replica in Freeport.
The longtime Chicago third baseman who has been a Cubs broadcaster on WGN radio now for 17 years, will be in Freeport on May 15 for Ron Santo Day, sponsored by FHN, to raise funds for Little Cubs Field.
The fund-raiser will be at Freeport's Read Park, the future site of the scaled-down but highly accurate replica of Wrigley Field. Ron Santo Day will be a chance for the young -- and the young-at-heart -- to rub elbows with Santo. He will be on hand to visit with his fans, sign autographs -- and maybe even play a little catch -- with his northwest Illinois fans.
"I grew up loving baseball, and, like a lot of kids today, I dreamed of playing at Wrigley Field," Santo says. "The people building Little Cubs Field had that dream, too -- and I'm proud to help them make it happen right here in Freeport."
"We're happy to be able to help support this project for the Freeport area," says Mike Perry, M.D., president and CEO of FHN. "It will be a very positive attraction for visitors, and also a great place for local families to get out and have fun spending time together, which is an important element in staying healthy. It will also encourage exercise, which is key to wellness."
Little Cubs Field will be built to the exact scale of Wrigley Field, but smaller. The Chicago Cubs organization has provided a cutting of ivy from Wrigley Field to help establish ivy-covered brick outfield walls at Little Cubs Field, and everything from the traditional hand-operated scoreboard to the famous admission sign and the green doors onto the field will give Little Cubs Field an authentic Wrigley feel.
Little Cubs Field will be sized for adult and children's Wiffle ball, peewee baseball, minor league girls' softball and adult and children's kickball, and will be available for everything from league play to school and church group events to corporate outings. When it isn't reserved for a special occasion, the park will be open to the public so anyone can enjoy the "big-league" ambience. Read Park, the home of Little Cubs Field, also is the home of Freeport Little League.
Some of the planned events include a short speech from Santo, a silent auction for signed Ron Santo items and special opportunities to meet Ron Santo. Ron also will throw out the very first pitch from the spot of the pitchers mound at Little Cubs Field to one lucky youth.
All proceeds from Ron Santo Day will help to build Little Cubs Field.&nbs ¶ 5:28 PM
YBN- FREEPORT -- Ron Santo lived a dream playing for the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.
Next month, he will contribute to a dream to build a Wrigley Field replica in Freeport.
The longtime Chicago third baseman who has been a Cubs broadcaster on WGN radio now for 17 years, will be in Freeport on May 15 for Ron Santo Day, sponsored by FHN, to raise funds for Little Cubs Field.
The fund-raiser will be at Freeport's Read Park, the future site of the scaled-down but highly accurate replica of Wrigley Field. Ron Santo Day will be a chance for the young -- and the young-at-heart -- to rub elbows with Santo. He will be on hand to visit with his fans, sign autographs -- and maybe even play a little catch -- with his northwest Illinois fans.
"I grew up loving baseball, and, like a lot of kids today, I dreamed of playing at Wrigley Field," Santo says. "The people building Little Cubs Field had that dream, too -- and I'm proud to help them make it happen right here in Freeport."
"We're happy to be able to help support this project for the Freeport area," says Mike Perry, M.D., president and CEO of FHN. "It will be a very positive attraction for visitors, and also a great place for local families to get out and have fun spending time together, which is an important element in staying healthy. It will also encourage exercise, which is key to wellness."
Little Cubs Field will be built to the exact scale of Wrigley Field, but smaller. The Chicago Cubs organization has provided a cutting of ivy from Wrigley Field to help establish ivy-covered brick outfield walls at Little Cubs Field, and everything from the traditional hand-operated scoreboard to the famous admission sign and the green doors onto the field will give Little Cubs Field an authentic Wrigley feel.
Little Cubs Field will be sized for adult and children's Wiffle ball, peewee baseball, minor league girls' softball and adult and children's kickball, and will be available for everything from league play to school and church group events to corporate outings. When it isn't reserved for a special occasion, the park will be open to the public so anyone can enjoy the "big-league" ambience. Read Park, the home of Little Cubs Field, also is the home of Freeport Little League.
Some of the planned events include a short speech from Santo, a silent auction for signed Ron Santo items and special opportunities to meet Ron Santo. Ron also will throw out the very first pitch from the spot of the pitchers mound at Little Cubs Field to one lucky youth.
All proceeds from Ron Santo Day will help to build Little Cubs Field.&nbs ¶ 5:28 PM
