It took the Florida-based crocodile hunter little time to capture the Humboldt Park Lagoon alligator — and he’s quickly become the toast of the town.
In addition to throwing out the first pitch before the Cubs hosted the Reds at Wrigley Field Tuesday night, he’s been invited to flip the switch turning on Buckingham Fountain.
Frank Robb, owner of Crocodilian Specialist Services in St. Augustine, Florida, got to revel in his role as gator-grabbing hero by throwing out the ceremonial opening pitch at Wrigley after chatting with Cubs owner Tom Ricketts.
At 8 a.m. Wednesday, he will turn on Buckingham Fountain, city officials confirmed.
Robb, 39, used a 25-foot fishing rod cast to hook and reel in the popular reptile known on social media as “Chance the Snapper” on Tuesday morning after a week-long search. The animal, which measures over 5 feet and weighs 40 pounds, had become a folk hero of sorts in the local area as onlookers flocked to the park hoping to catch a glimpse.
“Everybody’s got different blessings. This is my blessing,” Robb said of his ability to catch gators after the one in Humboldt Park eluded local catcher “Alligator Bob.”
Thank you to alligator expert Frank Robb, who safely and humanely captured the Humboldt Park Lagoon alligator, for joining us tonight! pic.twitter.com/mXMFfKzdSU
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 16, 2019
