Chicago Cubs: There’s some great baseball to be had at Sloan Park

Chicago Cubs: Young celebrities at Sloan Park

Almost immediately as the game progressed, foul balls started dropping in the seats near us. My kids had a blast racing through the empty rows of Cubs-labeled seats, collecting “game” balls.

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There was a contingent of 30 young males, dressed in blue workout gear sitting in the seats directly behind home plate. I quickly discerned that this must be the “other” Cubs team taking in the game between workouts.

One of the Mesa-baseball locals (they drop by for a few innings) pointed out the Cubs’ first round draft pick, shortstop Nico Hoerner and second round pick, outfielder Brennen Davis were among those blue shirts sitting in the stands that night.

We were thrilled!

Like little kids in a candy store, we approached both players to sign our Sloan Park foul balls we had just collected. Both players were gracious and as a result, smiled and shook our hands. They signed our balls while asking us how we were enjoying the game. I remember what Hoerner told Carrie Muskat in an interview when he was drafted.

"“There’s Cubs fans everywhere, man. They love the Cubs and they’re knowledgeable about the game and to be a part of an organization with that kind of fan base is really special.”"