Wrigley Field, home to the Chicago Cubs, witnessed a unique weather combination during its long 112-year history. Rain, fog, and fireworks all occurred in one evening during a game against the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cubs experienced a 58-minute rain delay before eventually losing 3-0. Additionally, a 15-minute fog delay interrupted play before the seventh inning, culminating in a postgame fireworks display for the Fourth of July.
Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong expressed surprise at the unusual situation, comparing the experience to childhood sports games. A large thunderstorm passed over Wrigley Field, causing nearly an hour delay before the game began. Once the rain ceased, the national anthem played as an expansive American flag was displayed in the outfield. Fog gradually swept in, influencing the game’s progression.
The Cardinals’ first batter, JJ Wetherholt, hit a home run off Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga. The fog thickened as the Cardinals scored an additional run in the third inning. By the sixth inning, the low visibility affected the players, with Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn’s flyout to Crow-Armstrong illustrating the impact. Cardinals pitcher Kyle Leahy threw in dense fog during the sixth inning as visibility worsened.
‘It was playable, but later on, we experienced difficulty seeing,’ commented Cubs manager Craig Counsell. Cardinals third baseman José Fermín showed confusion by raising his hands, unable to see a foul ball during the sixth inning. Umpires halted the game briefly due to the fog, during which fans sang John Denver’s ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads,’ a song recently popularized in the World Cup.
On resumption, conditions improved, although the Cubs’ struggles in-game continued. Despite various scoring opportunities, the Cubs fell short. Imanaga, having faced many Cardinal batters, left the game after 4 2/3 innings, reflecting the challenges of a season plagued by injuries. Thirteen Cubs pitchers remained on the injured list, placing reliance on Imanaga, the only starter from the opening day yet to visit the IL.
Cubs manager Counsell praised the consistent presence of Imanaga amid injuries and emphasized the stable pitching contributed by both Imanaga and Colin Rea. Looking forward, the Cubs signed Jake Woodford to strengthen their roster. The signing led to Bryse Wilson being designated for assignment to accommodate Woodford. At 29, Woodford had a challenging start to the season but hopes for a revival with the Cubs.
Woodford held an ERA of 6.94 in 16 games with the Milwaukee Brewers before his designation. He later pitched for Triple-A Nashville and opted out of the Brewers’ minor-league system. His career best was in 2022 under the Cardinals, achieving a 2.23 ERA across 27 games. Cubs management aimed to secure availability and readiness for future games.
Regarding injuries, Matt Shaw, sidelined by a left hand sprain, awaited post-All-Star break return. Currently, he remains inactive in baseball activities, with evaluations scheduled. Right-hander Jameson Taillon, recovering from a left hamstring strain, was lined up for a High A South Bend rehab assignment.
Andy Martinez reported for the Chicago Tribune, supported by the Associated Press.