The Chicago Cubs are opening up their postseason on Friday night when they take on the San Francisco Giants at Wrigley Field, and they’re bringing out the big guns for several key roles in the gameday festivities at the Friendly Confines.
According to the Cubs, the first pitch of the game will be thrown out by Hall of Fame outfielder Billy Williams. The slugger clubbed 392 home runs and drove in 1353 RBI during his 16 years with the Cubs, forming one of the most legendary tandems in baseball history along with Ernie Banks during the 1960’s.
Williams will not be the only Chicago legend playing a role before the Cubs game. Instead of having a child yell out the iconic words “play ball,” the Cubs have tapped a much more vocal presence, as legendary coach Mike Ditka will fire up the crowd and get the game underway.
When the seventh-inning stretch rolls around, two former Cubs pitchers will handle “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” duties, as Kerry Wood and Ryan Dempster will take to the microphones at the Friendly Confines. It’s unclear if Dempster will do his Harry Caray impression from the booth, but at least fans will get a kick out of two of the key members of the last Cubs’ NL Central division winning team in 2008.
The game, which will also feature a rendition of the National Anthem by the legendary Wayne Messmer, is scheduled to begin at 8:15 p.m., and will be televised on FS1.
