
The Wrigley Field has been around for over a century, and it’s no wonder why many ghostly figures are staying at the home of the Chicago Cubs.
Behind that cheers every game night, there are multiple hauntings in this location every time the seats are empty and the lights are out. But before we dive into the apparitions that inhabit this old baseball stadium, let us all discuss its history first in this Halloween Special of OKBet.
History of Wrigley Field
Built in 1914, the Chicago Whales were the first occupants of Wrigley Field. The stadium was under Charles Weeghman, who originally named the field “Weeghman Park” and adopted the Whales who were a part of the Federal League. However, the club only lasted a season in the league, as it closed in 1915.
Regardless, the stadium’s owner was not done with baseball. He partnered with William Wrigley Jr., and together, they bought the Chicago Cubs in 1916. They made them occupy Weeghman Park.
Wrigley then bought a controlling interest in the Cubs in 1918. He also changed the stadium’s name to Cubs Park until it became Wrigley Field in 1926.
The Wrigley Field Ghosts
This may not sound creepy but rather heart-warming since ghosts tend to linger in a place where they had the most memories back when they were still breathing. Three home-stay ghosts have shared Wrigley Field with the Cubs, and these are:
Grimm Stayed
There was once a man who had no plan on leaving Wrigley Field, whose name was Charlie Grimm. He was a Cubs’ first baseman, later becoming the club’s manager in 1932.
He had twenty years of experience as a professional player, putting up an average of .290 and 2,299 hits. Being the Cubs manager, Grimm posted a 946-782 record and a .547 winning percentage.
He also had three pennants under his managerial title, with an appearance in the 1932 World Series, where they faced the New York Yankees. Unfortunately, they lost the series, having been swept by the Yankees.
The humiliating loss might be why Grimm had no heart to leave Wrigley Field. He wanted to give the Cubs a Series win.
His spirit remained in the stadium after passing at 85 due to cancer. As per the reports of graveyard shift security, the bullpen phones ring randomly. Grimm was believed to be trying to make calls from the Afterlife to pitch changes in the rotation, strategy, etc. He was also sighted pacing the halls and was heard whispering names.
Goodman Enjoys Ball
A well-known folk music singer/songwriter by the name of Steve Goodman requested that his ashes be scattered across the Wrigley Field when he passes. So when he did pass from leukemia in 1984, his last wish was fulfilled.
In writing, he said: “Let my ashes blow in a beautiful snow/From the prevailing 30 miles an hour southwest wind/When my last remains go flying over the left-field wall.”
That is what the Cubs did, granting his wish. Now, his spirit sits in the seats behind the home plate, watching ballgames for the rest of eternity.
Caray Remains
Harry Caray was a beloved sportscaster, beginning his career with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1945 and working there until 1970. He had a successful career, having spent some time in Oakland and on the south side of Chicago.
He finished his career with the Cubs, reporting their ups and downs for sixteen years. He was so well-received by the fans at Wrigley Field that he was even immortalized with a statue.
However, he did not leave Wrigley Field even after passing away in 1998. Workers and fans shared their encounters with Caray’s ghost, seeing him in the press box and the nearby bleachers. There are also instances where an unexplainable mist would come to the stadium, believed to be his doing.
In conclusion, it is not just the curse of Billy the Goat that haunted Wrigley Field; there are spirits as well. But if you are terrified enough, why not chill and enjoy a game of online slots at OKBet? The platform has many unique and well-designed games that would erase your scares.