Cubs All-Stars Carlos Zambrano and Geovany Soto at Humboldt Park for Ballpark Groundbreaking

By the Chicago Cubs
Posted Monday, August 18, 2008

CHICAGO – The Chicago Cubs today announce a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the beginning of construction on the brand new Little Cubs Field at Humboldt Park . The ceremony will take place Wednesday, August 20, at noon at Humboldt Park ’s Field Six.

“Little Cubs Field at Humboldt Park is another example of the enduring partnership between the Cubs and the Chicago Park District,” said Cubs Chairman Crane Kenney. “It is a World Class ballpark built in and for a community whose passion for baseball is second to none.”

“Little Cubs Field will not only be a wonderful asset to Humboldt Park , it will also support opportunities for neighborhood children to learn and grow through baseball.” said Chicago Park District Superintendent Timothy Mitchell. “This project is one of many examples of the Chicago Cubs’ longstanding commitment to support our parks and contribute to the quality of life in communities across the city.”

Cubs All-Stars Carlos Zambrano and Geovany Soto will join Alderman Billy Ocasio, Chicago Park District Superintendent Tim Mitchell, the youth baseball players of Humboldt Park and others at the groundbreaking. The Cubs teamed with the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago and Alderman Ocasio to raise $2 million to make this dream a reality. The field is built in cooperation with the Chicago Park District and the Parkways Foundation.

“This project has been a great team effort and we’re all proud to be part of the team to put it together,” said Ald. Ocasio. “We’re excited to bring this great new Stadium for the people of Humboldt Park .”

LosCubs.com, the team’s Spanish language Web site, launched in April 2007 and is currently the most visited Spanish language site among MLB teams. Loscubs.com provides Spanish-speaking fans with up-to-date news, team information, game recaps and exclusive player profiles and stories all in Spanish.

Little Cubs Field’s design highlights some of the well-known elements of Wrigley Field. The scoreboard will be reminiscent of the famed Wrigley Field marquee, while the pitchers will be able to warm up in bullpens along the first and third base sidelines just like the pros. The seating will feature 480 covered grandstand seats, as well as 280 outfield bleacher seats, similar to the highly sought-after bleacher areas at the Friendly Confines.

Use of Little Cubs Field will be controlled by the Chicago Park District. In addition to 350 Humboldt Park children who currently use the fields, the Park District will work with the community to bring more youth out to the diamond as Little Cubs Field’s aim is to encourage continued participation in baseball and softball for generations to come.

Weiss Architects designed Little Cubs Field, while DeMarsh Construction will take the designs from the paper to the ground.