Introduction to the Tribute
It’s sure to be an emotional weekend at The Friendly Confines, as the Cubs return to Wrigley Field for the first time since franchise icon and Baseball Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg died earlier this week at age 65 after battling cancer.
The Special Uniforms
The Cubs host the Baltimore Orioles in a three-game series, and for Saturday’s game, every Cubs player will be wearing the same jersey — a blue one without last names and the No. 23, Sandberg’s number, on the back.
The Cubs are also wearing a blue uniform patch featuring a red No. 23 and Sandberg’s signature in white lettering over the Cubs logo on their uniform sleeves.
Announcement by Cubs President
Cubs President Crane Kenney made the announcement in an interview Thursday morning during 670 The Score’s Cubs For A Cure Radiothon. "As a tribute to Ryne on Saturday, we’re going to wear blue jerseys," Kenney announced. "We don’t have pullovers anymore, so they do have buttons on them, but no names on the back. Every player will wear No. 23, and then we’ll auction those jerseys off to raise money for cancer research as part of the Cubs For A Cure."
Significance of the Tribute
Kenney said wearing the blue jerseys with no names on the back is a way "of reminding folks of the thing that meant the most to (Sandberg), the Cubs organization and playing for those great fans." First pitch for Saturday’s game is 1:20 p.m., and Kenney said the day will also include video tributes. "The whole day will be ‘Ryno’s’ day on Saturday," Kenney said.
Personal Tribute by Cubs President
Kenney, clearly fighting back tears, also shared details of his final visit and goodbye with Sandberg. You can listen to that HERE on The Score’s X feed.
Conclusion
The tribute to Ryne Sandberg is a heartfelt gesture by the Cubs organization to honor the memory of a baseball legend. The special uniforms and video tributes will make Saturday’s game a memorable occasion for fans and players alike. The auction of the jerseys will also help raise money for cancer research, a cause close to Sandberg’s heart.
FAQs
Q: What will the Cubs players wear on Saturday’s game?
A: The Cubs players will wear blue jerseys with No. 23 on the back and no names.
Q: Why are the Cubs wearing special uniforms?
A: The Cubs are wearing special uniforms as a tribute to Ryne Sandberg, who passed away earlier this week.
Q: What will happen to the special uniforms after the game?
A: The special uniforms will be auctioned off to raise money for cancer research.
Q: What time is the first pitch for Saturday’s game?
A: The first pitch for Saturday’s game is 1:20 p.m.
