100 Years of Wrigley Field

A must-watch for Chicago Cubs fans, this Major League Baseball-produced documentary on the famed Wrigley Field ballpark will also entertain general viewers. Initially opened in 1914 as Weeghman Park for the Chicago Whales—a Federal League baseball team—the venue became Cubs Park in 1920 before Cubs' owner and chewing gum mogul William Wrigley Jr. affixed his own surname to the stadium. The rich history of the stadium is celebrated here with film footage from the 1920s and rarely seen video of baseball games from the 1960s and 1970s. Of course, Ernie Banks' 500th home run in 1970 is celebrated as an emotional high point (Banks is credited with giving the ballpark its nickname of “The Friendly Confines”), while Harry Caray's exuberant rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” offers a loving theme song to the field. Baseball historians Ed Hartig and John Thorn offer cogent insight into the Cubs' tumultuous years, while high-profile Cubs fans Jim Belushi and Joe Mantegna provide their own brand of colorful commentary. DVD extras include segments on the dedication of the Ernie Banks statue, and the solemn ceremonies for the retirement of numbers belonging to Ron Santo, Ferguson Jenkins, and Greg Maddux. Well-researched and extremely entertaining, this is highly recommended. Aud: P. (P. Hall)