The Chicago Cubs gave their fans a memorable regular-season farewell Monday night as random fans received autographed balls thrown to them by players before Chris Denorfia hit a walk-off home run.
“What a night,” Denorfia said. “Hopefully we didn’t hurt too many people with one of those real baseballs (thrown) way too far into the stands.”
Denorfia and his teammates were appreciative for the support, as the Cubs received a spike of 307,699 that brought their 2015 home attendance total to 2,959,812 despite the left field bleachers not opening until mid-May and the right field bleachers finally opening a few weeks later.
In addition, the lone elevator didn’t work until the final homestand — albeit for a limited use.
“I think (the fans) were a little skeptical at first, but when they started believing after the first month when we were in it, it’s just growing now.”
The Cubs drew 40,552 fans in Monday’s finale, and their support wasn’t lost on Executive Chairman Tom Ricketts.
“I think the people that deserve credit away from the guys on the field and the guys on the baseball side are all the fans,” Ricketts said. “It’s been incredible. I don’t think many teams could have done what we just did, in terms of asking everyone to be patient and believe in us.
“I have to say we have the best fans in baseball.”
“Every day is a happening,” manager Joe Maddon added. “It’s every day. If you are tired at all, the fans will provide some energy for you. They’re fabulous.”
It took about five months, but Ricketts and the rest of the fans joined the players in the rhythmic clapping of Starlin Castro’s walk-up song, “Ando En La Versace” by Omega.
“Who doesn’t like clapping?” Denorfia quipped.
