About her
Rooney, 84, a fan since 1929, is retired and lives in Rogers Park.
Why I fell in love with the Cubs
My grandfather played a little minor-league ball, and he got me interested, mainly. When I was little, every Friday was ladies’ day. I think that’s why you see so many women fans at Wrigley Field — they got the women of Chicago interested in it. My grandfather thought [the Cubs] were the greatest whether they won or lost. I took my girls out there all the time and their girlfriends and the little boys. I always had a crowd going to the bleachers. I still like the bleachers better than any other part of the park. It’s the vine-covered walls in those centerfield bleachers. That’s really beautiful. It’s a good place to go to forget your troubles.
Favorite Cubs moment
In August of 1936, the Cubs were in the pennant race. They had won the pennant the year before in ’35. There was a doubleheader on a Sunday with the [New York] Giants. My dad was supposed to get tickets and he forgot. We got down to the ballpark, and it was standing room only. We stood and knelt in right field for a doubleheader. The sad part of it is that the Cubs ended up losing the doubleheader. But I remember we all got a terrific sunburn. I’ll never forgot that day. The World Series games in 1945 were good ballgames, but the Cubs lost in seven. I remember [the first Series game at Wrigley Field] was cold, damp and rainy. It kind of took the edge off of it. It has been difficult since then, but all good things come to those who wait.
What I’ll be wearing during the Series
I might be wearing a snowsuit. You never know in Chicago.
– – –
IN THE WEB EDITION
Watch a video of Cele Rooney telling her story
at chicagotribune.com/mycubs
———-
As told to Tribune staff reporter Emma Fitzsimmons.
