CHICAGO— The promotion came about quickly but the evening will explode with color, music, dancing and baseball. Furthermore, expect lots of energy, as the Chicago Cubs and Pepsi team up to celebrate the first Polish Heritage Night at historic Wrigley Field.
Courtesy of www.ALIZMA.com
The Cubs will host the San Diego Padres on Tuesday, August 17, at 7:05 p.m. CST. Also, it will all benefit the Chicago based Polish American Association.
The bright stars (swiecace gwiazda will be on the field before the game also. ALIZMA, comprised of Polish triplets Aleksandra, Izabela and Monika, will perform their unique violin pieces before the game. The trio will perform three of their signature pieces.
Born in Poland, the trio rose to stardom at age 16, performing on Polish national television then touring across Europe. Eventually they moved to the United States and made their first big national splash on the TV show, “America’s Got Talent.” Since then, ALIZMA has toured throughout the United States and internationally.
Also scheduled to perform is accomplished jazz vocalist, composer and lyricist Agnieszka Iwanska, who will sing the Polish national anthem. Iwanska graduated from the University of Katowice, Poland’s only accredited jazz program.
“We’re proud to present this as one of our special premium nights at Wrigley Field,” said Matthew Wszolek, Director of Special Events for the Chicago Cubs. “With the help of the Pepsi, we hope everyone will enjoy an entertaining night at the ballpark while supporting several community programs in the process.”
When the Ricketts family bought the Cubs, they had a mission statement of getting more involved with the community. “This is our first heritage night and I expect we will expand the program,” added Wszolek. “The music selections will be impressive.”
Those attending Polish Heritage Night can receive a special commemorative Cub’s cap embroidered with the Polish flag on its side. The cap will be given to each game attendee who contributes $5 to Chicago Cubs Charities when purchasing their ticket.
Chicago Cubs Charities will donate 100% of the cap sales to support the Polish-American Association programs. Folks that have already purchased a game ticket for August 17, may purchase their cap by making a donation at a specially-marked booth at Gate F inside Wrigley Field. Multiple hats may be purchased at the $5 price while supplies last.
Larry Flood, Vice President of Chicagoland-Wisconsin Pepsi said. “Pepsi has a great tradition of aligning with the community. We’re happy to partner for such a positive event. This heritage night should welcome many new fans to Wrigley Field and Chicago Cubs baseball.” Pepsi is supplying the embroidered Cub’s hats.
Gary Kenzer, Executive Director of the PAA said, “This will be a big help for our advocacy programs. Also, it might introduce some new folks to the fun of Wrigley Field. It is a destination activity. We also hope to introduce some new baseball fans.” The Polish American Association has been in operation since 1922 helping Chicago’s Polish community. The PAA provides a range of bilingual and cultural programs in the areas of social services, employment, education, and immigration services.
It will also be a celebration of all the Polish-Americans that excelled in Major League Baseball. Included is Cub’s coach Allan Trammell. He was inducted into the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame in 1998. The NPASHF Museum is in Troy, Michigan. Stan Musial was the first inductee in 1973.
Former Cubs Coach, Moe Drabowsky (1994), is one of four MLB players that were born in Poland (Ozanna) and was a ‘bonus-baby’ for the Cubs. Signing for $75,000 he pitched for the Cubs from 1956-1960. Drabowsky was inducted into the NPASHF in 1999.
Chicago Black Hawk broadcaster, Ed Olczyk will sing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” during the popular Cub’s tradition at the 7th inning stretch. Olczyk was a NPASHF inductee in 2004.
The Detroit Tigers had the first Polish Night 40 years ago. It is has grown to be a traditional sellout. Currently, the Chicago White Sox and Pittsburg Pirates have Polish-American nights and now another Major League Baseball team is celebrating Polish culture and sports with a designated game.
Expect the poprawiny (Polish for party after the party) to continue around Wrigley Field after the game.
Polish Heritage Night at Wrigley Field will include the following:
– The Sheffield Grill will feature Polish foods.
– Levy Restaurants at Wrigley Field will offer special discounts on Polish sausages
– The American national anthem will be followed by the Polish national anthem.
– Chicago Blackhawks television analyst, Eddie Olczyk will sing during the traditional seventh inning stretch.
– Besides the special pregame festivities, other attractions including Polka music, will take place throughout the evening.
For information on the programs of the Polish American Association, www.polish.org Groups of 20 or more can contact the Chicago Cubs Group Sales Office at 773-404-4242 or http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com
(Raymond Rolak is a Michigan Based Sports Broadcaster)