Polish Heritage Night - Aug, 17 2010

The Polish American Association, Pepsi and the Chicago Cubs are teaming up to celebrate the first Polish Heritage Night at historic Wrigley Field.  The Cubs will host the San Diego Padres on Tuesday, August 17, at 7:05 p.m. CST.

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. 

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,” said Mathew Wszolek, director of promotions for the Chicago Cubs. 

“We’re proud to present this special heritage night at Wrigley Field,” added Wszolek. “With the help of the Polish American Association and Pepsi, we hope everyone will enjoy an entertaining night at the ballpark while supporting several community programs in the process.  We have some great musical and pregame surprises planned.”

Those attending Polish Heritage Night can receive a special commemorative Cubs 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.

Since 1922, the Polish American Association has been serving the needs of Chicago’s Polish community.  The Polish American Association provides a range of bilingual and cultural programs to the Chicago community in the areas of social services, education, employment, immigrant services, and advocacy.

Larry Flood, vice president of Chicagoland-Wisconsin Pepsi said. “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.”

It will also be a great evening to celebrate 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.


Polish Heritage Night at Wrigley Field will include the following: 

• The Sheffield Grill will feature Polish foods throughout the August 16-22 home stand.
• Levy Restaurants at Wrigley Field will offer special discounts on Polish sausages for
• 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.  Olczyk was inducted into the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame in 2004.
• Besides the special pregame ceremony, 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