As you all probably know, tonight Anthony Rizzo makes his Cubs debut.
As we all know, the future Hall-of-Famer's arrival has caused Cubs-nation to be giddy with excitement.
For those lucky few who are able to go to the game tonight, I have obtained the official timeline for the Rizzo debut celebration. Please read carefully so you know when and where to be so you don't miss any of the festivities marking this joyous occasion.
*****************
OFFICIAL RIZZO DAY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
3:00 pm: Beginning of the parade on Clark St. featuring the Jesse White tumbers, the Lakeview High School marching band, the VFW, Santa Clause, and concluding with Anthony Rizzo's escort into Wrigley Field.
4:00 pm: Statue unveiling at the corner of Sheffield and Addison. The Santo and William statues have been moved underneath the "L" track to make room for the 45 foot tall statue of the new first baseman.
4:30 pm: Mayor Rahm Emanuel officially declares today "Anthony Rizzo Day" in Chicago and unveils that Sheffield Ave. will be officially renamed "Rizzo Way".
5:00 pm: Anthony Rizzo gives a speech at the corner of Addison and Clark as his spot on the Wrigley Field Walk-of-Fame is unveiled.
At this point, all festivities are moved inside the park:
5:15 pm: Rawlings presents Rizzo with his first Gold Glove award.
5:30 pm: Ceremony in which Rizzo's number 44 is retired. His number will be flown on top of the center field scoreboard instead on one of the foul poles.
5:37 pm: Dick Ruthven is taken into custody as he runs on the field and tries to interrupt the retiring of "his" number.
6:00 pm: The ceremonial first batting practice for Anthony Rizzo, with President Barack Obama throwing the ceremonial first batting practice pitch.
6:15 pm: The official transfer of power as Byran LaHair hands over the first baseman's glove to Anthony Rizzo.
6:30 pm: A moment of silence for all the service men and women who have died in battle so Anthony Rizzo could play for the Cubs.
6:45 pm: Commissioner Bud Selig comes down on the field to announce that each year, June 26th will be celebrated throughout baseball as Anthony Rizzo Day, and all players on all teams will wear his number 44 in tribute.
6:55 pm: Anthony Rizzo throws out the ceremonial first pitch with Yogi Berra behind the plate to catch.
7:00 pm: Anthony Rizzo sings the national anthem, accompanied by Adele.
7:05 pm: First pitch.
**********************
Please plan your day accordingly.
