In almost any other circumstance, the Cubs’ home game at Wrigley Field against the red-hot Braves would’ve been a run-of-the-mill June affair. But this Chicago and Atlanta (-1.5) matchup took on a special meaning with an honored guest in attendance in the famed Wrigley bleachers.
I’m talking, of course, about Theo Epstein — the Cubs’ president of baseball ops who helped construct the drought-breaking 2016 World Series team.
Epstein hasn’t been seen around the Friendly Confines much since November 2020, when he stepped down from his executive role. Friday’s matchup marked the return of inarguably one of the most essential people in franchise history.
And let me tell you: With no responsibilities on hand, Theo definitely lived it up as a bleacher bum:
Former Chicago Cubs president Theo Epstein chilling at the Cubs game today.
(Picture via @BleacherJeff) pic.twitter.com/7TjpWLFy5p
— Daniel Greenberg (@ChiSportUpdates) June 17, 2022
Cubs end 10-game losing streak and snap Atlanta’s 14-game winning streak all while Mayor Theo Epstein himself is at the game, in the bleachers, making a LazBoy out of the out field basket.
Coincidence? I think not. 📸: @cubsfanscentral pic.twitter.com/EhJSJFFLLX
— OBVIOUS SHIRTS® (@obvious_shirts) June 17, 2022
Man, look at that smile! That’s the smile of a happy guy with zero cares in the world.
Ummm I’m sitting in front of Theo Epstein and his buddy just gave me a beer pic.twitter.com/p69ok8YqFT
— Ronny Gonzales (@lordofthebeats) June 17, 2022
Theo Epstein and beers at a sunny Wrigley Field: What a combo. You just know there’s no way any vendor let this living legend pay for a frosty one.
If Epstein’s casual return weren’t enough, the Cubs won, 1-0, ending a 10-game losing streak and snapping Atlanta’s 14-game winning streak. The Power of Theo strikes again.
