Yes, Sports and Beanie Fans, it was in fact a Special Day on Sunday, May 18, 1997 at beautiful Wrigley Field! Not only did Sammy Sosa score 2 home runs in a 5 - 3 victory over the San Fransico Giants but 10,000 children under 13 years of age received a free Cubbie Beanie Baby!! GO CUBS!!! Several lucky fans also received autographs from several players and from Mr. Baseball, our hero, Ernie Banks. I would love to have one of those autographed Cubbies!! (0:

Fans started lining up as early as 5 AM outside of Wrigley Field. Mr John McDonough, the Cubs' Vice President of Marketing told the Chicago Tribune staff writer that he got the Beanie Baby idea when he discovered his daughter's collection and Cubbie was one of the Beanies she had. He then contacted The Ty Company, Inc. of Oakbrook, Illinois and Beanie History happened again!!! McDonough was quoted as saying, "I've never seen this volume come this early and this is one of the highest percentages of kids we've had in years, if not ever."

Thanks to Mr. Ty Warner and his creation to spur enthusiasm and drawing a season-high crowd of 37,958 to this game. Sammy Sosa also has launched a program that will provide 50 underprivileged kids with tickets to Sunday home games. I keep telling people across the country these Babies are magical!!!! Well, Cubs and Beanie Fans, if you missed this Beanie Baby Day promotion, another is scheduled for the September 6th game against New York! The Cubbie recipients also received a Cubs Baseball Certificate.

I heard Mark Grace's family members were trying to get their hands on Cubbie. Pitcher Bob Patterson "announced he was negotiating with the club" for a beloved Cubbie. Cubs Manager Jim Riggleman had the coaching staff and players autograph 50 minutes prior to the game. He said, "It's good for them to get out there and sign. These kids will remember this."

Oh yes, The Beanies were designed for small children. What a lovely day for both young and old! A Happy Beanie Day for all to enjoy!! The Cubs did have a magical day and a winner. On September 6, 1997 Chicago did experience magic once again for Cubbie Goes Back To School at Wrigley Field!!

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