CHICAGO -- A woman in a Chicago Cubs jersey climbed onto a man's shoulders to pose for -- what else? -- a selfie in front of the cherry-red marquee at Wrigley Field, the second-oldest ballpark in the major leagues.
Not far away, red carnations lay at the foot of Harry Caray's bronze statue and fans were sipping midday beers outside Murphy's Bleachers, where a sign outside the pub declared: "We've been preparing for today for 71 years. Cleveland's in trouble."
Not since Oct. 10, 1945, has a World Series game been played at Wrigley. The Cubs lost 9-3 to the Detroit Tigers that day 71 years ago, but that's ancient history to fans now as the Fall Classic makes its long-awaited return to the ballpark nestled in a North Side neighbourhood. As the Series shifts to Chicago this weekend knotted at a game apiece between the Cubs and Indians, it's worth remembering that Wrigley lore has been shaped by change -- and changes are plain to see again around here.
The bronze ball ready to fly from the grip of the Ron Santo statue is seemingly aimed at heavy equipment beating the earth for the foundation of a complex of luxury apartments and stores. On Waveland Avenue, where kids and adults chase home runs or foul balls that clear the left field bleachers, an office building rises behind fencing and "PARDON OUR DUST" signs. Nearby, workers are readying the site of a seven-story boutique hotel.
"There are three different construction projects going on as we speak," said 44th Ward Alderman Tom Tunney, who represents Wrigleyville. "It's a delicate path. How do you provide a major league experience in a congested, successful neighbourhood?"
The changes flowering in Wrigleyville, financed by the Cubs-owning Ricketts family and other developers, alarm some who cling to history like ivy on the walls of the friendly confines. Not Elizabeth Barnes, a 24-year-old nurse who exemplifies the young, urban future of the neighbourhood.
"It's exciting," she said while walking her dog. "It has been a little lengthy, but I'm very excited to see how everything turns out."
