JUNE 2023 – Jack Gazdacka, Elmhurst, IL

Question

What is the BEST BASEBALL CITY in the world? Give us at least 3 good reasons, and explain why it deserves the title. …Good luck!

Winner

Our June Contest Winner is… Jack Gazdacka of Elmhurst, IL! 

Jack is a pitcher and utility player for Ottawa University Arizona, and enjoys hiking and reading when he’s not playing ball. Congratulations!

Winning Answer

The best baseball city in the world is Chicago. First, it is one of three cities in the world with two MLB teams, the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago White Sox. Another reason Chicago is such a great baseball city is the fans. The Cubs have stayed in Chicago for over 100 years, including a 108-year World Series drought, and a 93-year span without winning a postseason series. Despite these rough patches, Cubs fans stuck by their team through it all. Additionally, the Chicagoland area is home to a variety of minor league and independent league ball clubs including the Chicago Dogs, Schaumburg Boomers, and Kane County Cougars. In the past, Chicago was even home to the Chicago American Giants of the Negro leagues. The legendary Wrigley Field was even home to the tryout scene in “A League of Their Own.” Additionally, the history and atmosphere of Wrigley contribute to making Chicago a great baseball city. Speaking of history, the most famous baseball song of all time, Take Me Out to the Ballgame, was first sung at Wrigley by Cubs announcer Harry Caray. Also, the Cubs are one of the only teams to have a dedicated song for when they win. Speaking of cubs wins, the W flag was originally a method of letting fans taking the train home whether the cubs had won or lost a day game, back before games were televised. The Cubs market has allowed them to attract hall of fame players like Sammy Sosa and Ernie Banks. Finally, Chicago is home to the greatest pitching performance of all time, a 20 Strikeout, 1 hit gem from Kerry wood. For these reasons, and many more, Chicago is by far the greatest baseball city anywhere, anytime.