Cubs’ Game 1 win hits harder thanks to Eddie Vedder's Ryne Sandberg salute

The Chicago Cubs pulled out all stops ahead of their Game 1 victory over the San Diego Padres on Tuesday. Jake Arrieta threw out the ceremonial first pitch, and the seventh-inning stretch was conducted by Eddie Vedder. Vedder has become a staple at Wrigley Field, and in his performance on Tuesday, the Pearl Jam lead singer paid tribute to the late Ryne Sandberg.

Throughout the years, there have been times when the seventh-inning stretch performances at Wrigley Field have jumped the shark. There have been many times where the Cubs have brought in B-list, or even C-list celebrities who were only in the city to promote something new for their career, and the stretch fell flat. Yes, we are still mad about the weird Alex Cooper charade earlier this season.

But when the Cubs get the decision right, it can create a special moment. Vedder has been embedded with the Cubs and Wrigley Field for a long time, and he understands how dear the seventh inning is to Cubs fans. Many Cubs fans are still reeling from the passing of Sandberg at the end of July.

Eddie Vedder's Ryne Sandberg moment makes Cubs' Game 1 win unforgettable

With fans in attendance for playoff baseball at Wrigley Field for the first time since 2018, Tuesday was a reminder of why October just hits different. When Seiya Suzuki and Carson Kelly hit back-to-back home runs in the fifth inning of Tuesday's win, the roar from the crowd rivaled what fans felt during the team's World Series run in 2016.

Of course, after Brad Keller sealed the game in the 9th inning, the Wrigley Field faithful singing "Go Cubs Go" capped what was an excellent start to the playoffs for the Cubs.

A win over the Padres on Wednesday ensures that there will be more October vibes at Wrigley Field, with a NLDS matchup against the Milwaukee Brewers looming.

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