There was a big celebration to welcome a long-time Chicago Cubs superfan to Sunday’s game.
Ronnie “Woo Woo” Wickers was mobbed by people and a some were holding signs. He had yet to attend a game so far this season.
Wickers is suffering from a lung disease and being treated at The Pearl of Evanston.
The facility arranged tickets to Sunday’s game and a suite for Wickers and and Pearl staff.
Wickers says he’s going back later in the season, as well, for the World Series.
Wickers is probably the Chicago Cubs’ No. 1 fan. In fact, he’s probably more recognizable than many players.
His chant is a little softer these days, but the trademark enthusiasm is still there.
Wickers has shared his famous chant with Cubs greats like Sammy Sosa and Ernie Banks. He’s been a Cubs fan since he was a little boy in the late 1950s.
Now 83, Wickers is just as enthusiastic about the Cubs as ever, even if he has to watch them on TV most days.
“I miss being out there, miss the fans, the people, the crack of the bat, the food,” Wickers told ABC7 last month.
His room at The Pearl of Evanston is fully decked out with Cubs paraphernalia: photos, logos, you name it.
He’s suffering from pulmonary fibrosis. He’s gotten hundreds of get-well cards from fans.
He only played baseball through little league. Wickers says he developed his famous chant in elementary school, when a teacher told him to make the loudest sound he could. And the rest is history.
“I just have fun. God’s been good to me,” Wickers said.
