01 September, 2017
Tunney said in a statement he hopes the exemption "will further ensure a playoff berth for our Cubs". He told the Sun-Times, "In life, we try to help each other".
According to the Chicago Sun Times, however, a deal was struck between the Cubs and the City of Chicago due to the team's short turnaround time after a night game in Pittsburgh on that Thursday.
The Cubs are now limited to 47 night events each year, and the Mayor's Office still says that even with this gracious exception they are still under that number (which includes concerts). On October 7th, the Cubs beat the Giants 1-0 in Game 1 of the National League Division Series at the Friendly Confines. "And Friday and Saturday in many of our businesses are make-it-or-break-it days for their business to stay in business".
Emanuel and the Cubs have clashed in recent months over security in and around Wrigley Field.
"The real answer is at some point we'd love to not be handicapped, as no other team in baseball is by the number of night games you play".
World Series: Overall view of Chicago Cubs Kyle Hendricks (28) in action, pitching vs Cleveland Indians Carlos Santana (41) at Wrigley Field.
Manager Joe Maddon recently lobbied for Friday night games, saying the players needed time off in the day for things like laundry or just to sleep in.
"The Cubs winning ballgames is a victor for the city, too", the mayor said, praising the Cubs for "the professional and courteous manner in which they went about resolving this issue".
The mayor noted that, even after the one-time exception, the Cubs will remain below their annual limit.
CHICAGO - Traditionally on the North Side, the only baseball played on a Friday night comes only during the playoffs.
The Cubs complained about four last-minute tweaks that failed to appease Lake View residents. Up until then, it was the only team whose field didn't have lights for night games, and right up until the bitter end neighbors fought to keep the field dark.
Now the Cubs are pushing Maples as part of the first wave of September call-ups that will arrive in time for Friday's game against the Atlanta Braves, a stunning rise for a pitcher who began this season at advanced Class-A Myrtle Beach with a 5.33 career ERA and only 182.1 innings on his professional resume.
The Cubs weren't the only ones who walked away unhappy.
Night events have been controversial in Wrigleyville, since forever.
