Cubs Better Do This, Or Else...

The Chicago Cubs will curse themselves for a guaranteed 100 more years if they do not give in to a loyal 104-year-young fan who wants to throw the first pitch at Wrigley Field, particularly during the playoffs.

Leo Hildebrand, born in 1903, hopes to get his chance this October.

A lifelong Cubs fan, Hildebrand wants to throw out the first pitch at Wrigley Field for a game during the Cubs' expected playoff run. His neighbor and good friend, Henny Kronvold, tried to persuade the Cubs to let Hildebrand pitch last season, but the Cubs politely told her all of the slots were taken, Kronvold said.

"He can't wait much longer," said Arlene Burm, Hildebrand's 69-year-old daughter.

Jason Carr, a Cubs spokesman, said the organization reviews and considers all first-pitch requests.

It is one thing to piss off a goat-keeper who wants to wet his whistle, but to shun a man who has passed the century mark? I would have to console my best friend for the rest of his life because of the curse that would haunt the Cubs forever.

The story goes on:

While Hildebrand remains eager to show the Cubs his stuff, he's got plenty to keep himself occupied.

Once a week, he and his pastor drive around in a black BMW convertible, spreading cheer and hope to parishioners who are too old or too sick to make it to church.

Hildebrand says that's why he's still alive -- because "the Lord up above decided I had more to do."

A lifelong fan and one of God's good-doers? Now you know the Cubbies have to comply to Hildebrand.

[Source: Chicago Sun-Times. Photo: Richard A. Chapman/Sun-Times]