Chicago, 30 minutes ago – In a surprising and emotional announcement, Chicago Cubs chairman Thomas S. Ricketts revealed plans for a once-in-a-lifetime event that aims to celebrate the rich history of one of Major League Baseball’s most iconic franchises. Standing at Wrigley Field surrounded by media and fans, Ricketts declared that the Cubs will host a grand event that will bring back living legends who once wore the team’s pinstripes—and especially those who were part of the unforgettable 2016 World Series team.

“This franchise is more than just baseball—it’s a part of American history,” Ricketts said. “And the people who built this legacy—the legends who gave their hearts to this city and our fans—deserve to be honored in a way that reflects the greatness of the Cubs.”

 

 

A Dream Event for Generations of Fans

Titled “Legends of Wrigley: A Century of Cubs Greatness,” the event will take place later this summer at Wrigley Field. It promises to be the largest gathering of Cubs alumni in history, bringing together players from across generations—including Hall of Famers, MVPs, and fan favorites.

Among those expected to appear are Fergie Jenkins, Ryne Sandberg, Andre Dawson, Billy Williams, and Lee Smith—Cubs icons who are enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. In addition, Ricketts confirmed that many members of the 2016 World Series championship team will be returning for the celebration.

“Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, Javier Báez, Jon Lester, David Ross, Jake Arrieta—they’ll all be there,” he announced to roaring applause. “We’re reuniting the team that ended 108 years of waiting.”

The Cubs’ 2016 World Series win was one of the most emotional and historic moments in modern sports, and Ricketts acknowledged that the event would pay special tribute to that magical season.

 

 

A Night to Remember

The evening will feature on-field ceremonies, video retrospectives, and a special performance by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, followed by a fireworks display over Wrigleyville. Legendary broadcaster Pat Hughes is set to serve as host, and several surprise guest speakers—rumored to include celebrities and former presidents—are expected.

There will also be a “Parade of Legends” where former players will walk the basepaths one more time to the cheers of tens of thousands of fans.

Fan Reactions and Ticket Demand

Fan response has been immediate and explosive. Within minutes of the announcement, “#CubsLegends” was trending nationwide on social media. Ticket resale sites are already seeing record demand for what is expected to be a sold-out event.

“I’m in tears,” said lifelong fan Miguel Hernandez, 47. “To see my childhood heroes and the 2016 team together at Wrigley—it’s more than I ever imagined.”

Younger fans are equally excited. “I wasn’t alive to see Ryne Sandberg play,” said 19-year-old Emma Liu, “but my dad always talked about him. Now we’ll get to watch these legends together.”

 

 

Honoring the Legacy

Ricketts was clear that this event is more than a celebration—it’s a statement of gratitude and a reminder of the team’s roots.

“This is for every player who fought through tough seasons, every manager who believed in the team, and every fan who never gave up,” he said. “It’s a celebration of resilience, tradition, and love for the game.”

He also hinted that this could become a recurring event. “We hope to make ‘Legends of Wrigley’ something we bring back every five or ten years. Our history is alive, and it deserves to be relived.”

 

 

Final Thoughts

As anticipation builds across the city and the baseball world, one thing is clear: the Cubs are not just honoring the past—they are connecting generations. With Wrigley Field as the perfect backdrop, “Legends of Wrigley” promises to be one of the most meaningful nights in Cubs history.

Tickets are expected to go on sale next week, and the team urges fans to stay tuned for further announcements regarding participants, timing, and official merchandise.

In the words of Thomas Ricketts, “This is not just for the history books—it’s for every Cubs fan who ever dared to believe.”