The Company And Story Behind The Iconic Chicago Cubs 'W' Flag
CHICAGO (CBS) – The Chicago Cubs iconic 'W' flag has been gaining a lot of attention this season, with flags flying almost everywhere.
As the Cubs push to the pennant, much of Wrigley Field's charm over the years stemmed from the iconic center field scoreboard, but now it is what is about the scoreboard that is receiving attention.
In a banner year for the Cubs, this company is helping everyone fly the 'W' flag, CBS 2's Vince Gerasole reports.
"We've made over 3,000 [flags] in a lot of different sizes," said Michael Olson, Advertising Flag.
The Advertising Flag company has been commissioned by the team to silk screen, and dry, stitch and sew the winning banners, seen displayed across the city. Some flags fly as large as 26 by 48 feet.
The proportion of the letters, and the signature Cubbie blue has to be mixed up just right.
"They don't want the 'W' to be too fat," Olson said. "They don't want the blue to be too off shade."
When did the action of flying the 'W' begin?
During CBS 2's Vince Gerasole's Facebook Live chat Thursday, that question was answered. It all began in1937, when a 'W' flag was flown above the scoreboard to mark a win, so 'El' passengers riding by would know the result of the game.
Paul Quaglia, from Westmont, shared with CBS that he is flying his 'W' banner in front of his home. Lisa Topel from Antioch is doing the same.
Susan Romano sent CBS her 'W' banner photos. Romano carries a little 'W' flag with her, that she then takes pictures of it at iconic landmarks around Chicago. One photo she sent, she took a picture of her flag in front of the Picasso.
Olson is proud when he drives past one of the flags his company produced.
"From printing to sewing," Olson said. "When that product is out the door we feel pride here."
