Hundreds Line Up For Chance At Free Cubs Tickets
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Home runs were flying over the fences in Millennium Park as hundreds lined up at Wrigley Square for their chance at free Cubs tickets.
"We have hundreds of tickets that we are giving away so people should be pretty happy with their chances," said Alison Miller, senior director of marketing for the Chicago Cubs.
Each participant had three chances to hit a Wiffle ball over the fence. Suneet Ladd hit a home run on his second try.
"I waited in line for about an hour," he said. "It was a bit nerve wracking because everybody was watching. I struck out the first time but hit the homer on the next swing. It's exciting."
Ladd won tickets for a Saturday home game in May.
"I grew up playing baseball. I was a pitcher they didn't let me hit much in high school but I picked up a few skills from my old teammates so I figured I could get it down today," said Kevin Schwartz. "45 minutes well worth it. I get to go to a Cubs game and they're going to be awesome this year so why not."
Miller says they announced the last minute pop up home run derby on social media.
"Obviously a lot of our fans follow us on social media and found out what we were doing today and made sure they were first in line to be here," she said.
Miller says the event, held during the lunch hour, is an exciting way to kick off the upcoming season.
"Coming off of 2015, we're all excited for baseball to start again," she said. "Days like today when our players are out in Arizona getting ready for the season and then we see all of our fans here we know there are is a lot of exciting heading into 2016 and we can't wait."
The Cubs home opener at Wrigley Field is at April 11.