And Lo, There Were Cubs Tickets For Sale When Fans Walked Up To Wrigley

CHICAGO (CBS) – Cubs loyalist Jerry Pritikin – aka the "Bleacher Preacher" -- was shut out of Game 1 of the NLDS.

"The biggest disappointment is the aldermen got a chance a buy the tickets at face value," he tells CBS 2's Jim Williams. "I consider myself a citizen of Chicago. How about making that offer to me? I'll be happy to pay face value."

If only Jerry had walked a few yards east.

"I need a miracle," fan Dean Knapp said. "I need a big Cubs miracle, right here, right now, buddy."

Miracle delivered.

He was among the fans who made a leap of faith. They lined up at the box office, even though it was said the game was sold out. Late Friday morning, though, the Cubs released more tickets.

Beverly Johnson bought four tickets at face value – that's right, at face value.

"I just had ankle reconstruction," she said. "And I've been down here waiting in line just hoping. So I'm grateful."

Sometimes at the last minute, Cubs spokesman Julian Green says, tickets given to employees of the Cubs or their opponents are turned in.

Patty Sommerfeld's drive up from St. Louis was worth it. She got tickets, too.

"I knew this was a possibility," she said. "A friend of mine told me sometimes, once in a while, they release tickets."

Cubs officials said there's no guarantee the same thing will happen Saturday.