Chicago Cubs News: Team takes over City of Chicago for off-day fun

On an irregular off-day yesterday, Chicago Cubs players were spotted all over the City of Chicago interacting with fans of all ages.

After winning in walk-off fashion Monday night against the Dodgers, the Chicago Cubs enjoyed an untraditional day off yesterday.

Kris Bryant took batting practice downtown, driving balls into the Chicago River. Kyle Schwarber posed as a mannequin at Macy’s and Javier Baez got a street named after him in Humboldt Park.

Not a bad way to spend a day off.

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• Cubs starting pitching has been thriving on the North Side
• Make no mistake: the Cubs are very much about power hitters
• Cubs are giving pitcher Javier Assad a deserved shot
• Cubs: It’s time to start thinking about potential September call-ups

This continues the Cubs’ ongoing effort to really become a part of the city, rather than just be a sports franchise. It aligns with the Ricketts’ family goals stated nearly a decade ago when they took over the team.

With a World Series title already checked off the list and the Wrigley Field renovations in full-swing, things are proceeding as planned for the club.

As for the renovations, fans continue to voice displeasure. Not all fans, rather the traditionalists who want the game to stay the same forever. While that’s a noble line of thought, it’s also naively unrealistic. Baseball is changing – and the Cubs (along with other teams) must learn to adapt.

On the diamond, the Cubs continue the series against Los Angeles Wednesday night. In a battle of veterans, John Lackey squares off against Brandon McCarthy at Wrigley.

Here’s more from a very busy off-day.

News from Monday …

Cubs’ Baez gets street named after him in Chicago – Cubbies Crib

Improvements to Wrigley don’t harm the game in any way – Cubbies Crib

Rings will bring celebration full-circle for Cubs – MLB.com

Jay helped set up Cubs’ walk-off win Monday – Cubbies Crib

Cubs take over Chicago on day off – Bleacher Nation

Next: Despite heating up, Bryant has struggled in the clutch