Love was the theme on Monday as the Chicago Cubs began their four-game showdown against the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field. This wasn’t about the connection between managers Craig Counsell and Pat Murphy or the admiration directed at Cubs player Pete Crow-Armstrong. Instead, it was the result of Cubs Productions, announcing the release of a TikTok series targeting Gen Z and millennials, titled ‘Nine Innings to Love.’

The Cubs describe the series as a fictional narrative of two young fans discovering love in the stands, told over 17 episodes spanning nine innings. Jen Martindale, Cubs executive VP of marketing and communications, shared that by mixing baseball with elements popular in BookTok and traditional romantic comedies, a unique story unfolds set in the Budweiser Bleachers at Wrigley Field.

Interestingly, while the series echoes the real-life romance of Chairman Tom Ricketts and his wife Cece meeting at Wrigley bleachers, a Cubs source noted that any resemblance is coincidental.

The series trailer launched on Monday before the Cubs faced the Brewers. Normally, the games would be the highlight of the day but the Brewers’ division lead of eight games takes precedence. The series is set to release on September 4. By then, the Cubs and Brewers will have faced each other 10 times, which will provide clarity on the division race.

Comparing the TikTok series to films is challenging, though it might be akin to the Jimmy Fallon-Drew Barrymore rom-com ‘Fever Pitch’ which spotlighted a Red Sox fan’s love story during the team’s historic championship season.

This TikTok series notably excludes Cubs players, a contrast to ‘Fever Pitch’ which featured player cameos. Given Crow-Armstrong’s familial ties to acting, his involvement could have been compelling.

The initiative aligns with a broader trend where sports teams incorporate romantic stories to enhance their brand, as evidenced by the Bears crafting a TV movie ‘Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story’ for Hallmark Channel.

This romantic theme seems to resonate with fans who appreciate seeing their teams featured in media. Classic films like ‘Brian’s Song’ and Chicago-based rom-coms such as ‘High Fidelity’ and ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’ vividly illustrate the enduring appeal of these stories.

The Cubs’ TikTok content captures the spirit of Wrigley Field, known for its bleacher antics and young fans chasing romance. One teaser highlights the notorious beer cup snake, emphasizing the game’s secondary role beneath the quest for connection.

Personally, I have a Cubs-themed TikTok rom-com project titled ‘You had me at Woo,’ centered on Chad and Windy, two fans connecting over rival brawl footage. Their story unfolds amid comedic elements involving a goose and a giant cup snake. The details are under wraps, as casting for Chad continues.

Best of luck to the Cubs with their romantic venture. Hopefully, it distracts fans from focusing on pitching challenges.