There’s a new bleacher bum at Wrigley Field.
A Canada goose took up residence in a planter box in deep centerfield, forcing the Cubs to block off a section of bleacher seats Saturday to keep the peace.
The goose made a nest under the famed centerfield scoreboard’s right side. Its black and white head poked out over the evergreens in the concrete planter, surveying the 35,000 fans on hand.
Dozens of bleacher seats were cordoned off with stanchions, signs and ballpark operations staff assigned to keep guard.
The special section of empty seats could be seen from throughout the ballpark, a goose island of sorts that’s on brand with the Cubs’ beer offerings.
The goose apparently was in the nest for Friday’s home opener before the issue was identified. Its presence caused a stir, leading to the creation of the Geesekeeper Patrol and special section for Saturday’s game.
Fans took photos and had a laugh at the latest bleacher legend.
It’s not clear if the goose is protecting a nest of eggs. No one wanted to get close enough to investigate. This is nesting season for Canada geese, with females nesting on the eggs and males keeping guard nearby. Eggs typically hatch within a month. Friday was the first game of the season, so it’s not clear how long the goose has been there.
The Cubs won both Friday and Saturday, making the goose 2-0 and perhaps an essential mascot.
After Saturday’s game, the goose appeared pretty content, looking out over the ballpark as gulls swarmed the bleachers below, looking for edible bleacher debris.
Has a name been given?
“They were calling her Suzuki,” one guard said, a nod to Cubs slugger Seiya Suzuki.
