Cubs Memories: Hitchhiking to the Game and Throwing Out the 1st Pitch at Wrigley Field

Last year, Patch asked Cubs fans for their favorite memories. As the North Siders make it to the World Series for the first time since 1945, we've again called on readers to share their wonderful anecdotes on what's already been an historic and magical season.

Here are few of those stories, and we'll share more as the week goes on.

Sandra J. Villano, 62, Glenview

"I am 62 years old still hurting from 1969 …

"I was a sophomore at Niles West High School in 1971 when my girlfriend and I would hitchhike up Lincoln Avenue to Wrigley Field where her family had seats right next to the Cubs dugout!

"Now I live in Glenview. When I was hitchhiking from Niles West, I lived in Morton Grove. Hitchhiking to the game didn't seem as dangerous then as it does now — or maybe it was immaturity? Nothing bad ever happened, thank God. I was usually picked up by someone's 'parental unit' who would tell me I shouldn't be hitching. (They felt by picking me up, I was safe)."

Lowey (Bundy) Sichol, Winnetka

"1999: Throwing out the first pitch. I played college softball, so it was really important that I threw a strike to the Cubs catcher. My husband and I practiced all morning, and when it was game time … yes, I threw a strike! After the pitch, the announcer yelled, 'Whoa! What an arm. Sign her up!' "

"1998: I worked with Ron Santo and Pat Hughes, getting them set up with the first real-time radio broadcasting internet connection.

"2016: National League Division Series vs. Giants. On the Jumbotron with my daughter, Carter, and my son, Tucker.

"Go CUBBIES!"

Bob Allen, 75, Highland Park and Skokie

"I have been 'hooked' on the Cubs since my dad took me to my first game in 1947 at the age of 6. The Cubs won that game beating Pittsburgh 23 to something.

"I remember an incredible inning where run after run crossed the plate and only ended when a player tripped going to second base and was playfully tagged out on the fanny by the Pirate second basemen. I remember rooting for 'stars' such as Hank Sauer, Andy Pafko, Phil Caveretta, Eddie Miksis, Frankie Baumholz, and even Handsome Ransom Joseph Jackson Junior. I am proud to be an original card-carrying member of the original 'Die Hard Cubs Fan Club.' I taught at Gage Park High School for 35 years, in the heart of Soxville, and took a lot of teasing for my loyalty and 'wait til next year' optimism.

"I know my dad and my brother, who just made it through the great 2003 season, have a 'bird's-eye' view of what's happening this year. Yes, I shed a tear after the pennant clincher and won't mind crying a river for all of the deceased fans who couldn't hang in there long enough to see history potentially made in a week."

YOUR TURN: Share your Cubs memories by sending them to cubsfans@patch.com. Include your full name, age, where you live and any photos you have.

Lowey Sichol throwing out the first pitch at Wrigley Field in 1999. (photo via Lowey Sichol)

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