CrackerJacks Kick Off Season with Appearance by “Mr. Cub”

Baseball fans can come out and meet the 2012 Will County CrackerJacks and “Mr. Cub” himself during a meet-and-greet event next week.

General Manager Jamie Toole said the team will host its First Pitch Party from 6 to 9 p.m. at ’s LaSalle Hall, One University Parkway in Romeoville.

The wood-bat collegiate team, , will play its home games at Lewis’ Brennan Field this year.

Guests are invited to come out May 31 and meet this year’s players, along with Chicago Cubs legend Ernie Banks.

“This year, we thought we’d do it in the evening to give more people the chance to come,” Toole said.

Banks isn’t the team’s only connection with the Cubs; this spring, former Cubs centerfielder came on board as the new associate head coach.

Getting Banks to appear was a stroke of luck, he said.

“Through mutual friends, I was able to get in touch with him,” Toole explained. “He’ll probably speak a little bit and just interact with fans.”

Tickets are $60 each and available by calling 815-704-BALL or visiting the CrackerJacks’ website.

A limit of 200 tickets will be sold.

“It’s a little more pricey because we’re limited on space,” Toole said. “We’d certainly like to see it sell out.”

Because of field maintenance at Lewis University, the CrackerJacks’ first home game is scheduled for June 15. Their season officially starts June 1.

For a complete schedule and tickets visit the team’s website.