CHICAGO (670 The Score) -- Since the Wrigley Field bleachers were constructed at the intersection of Waveland and Sheffield in 1936, thousands of games have been held at the park and millions of fans have passed through the gates.
From businessmen leaving work early for a Friday matinee to bachelor parties enjoying sunshine and beer, the Friendly Confines have been a gracious host. But in 2020, emptiness was felt in the bleachers and beyond.
A year ago, the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a halt. Society was forced to shelter in place. Hospitals were flooded. Baseball season was put on hold, and the bleachers were but a dream.
It's why Thursday was such a special day. For the first time since late 2019, Wrigley Field was once again filled with fans -- including the bleachers, which were occupied by hundreds of heath care workers, many who have been on the front lines fighting COVID-19. In all, 10,343 fans filled the park, braving the cold temperatures in socially distanced seating pods.
It wasn't entirely normal, but it was a sign of progress after a year of fighting the virus. Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo took a moment at the top step of the dugout before the game. After a 2020 season played before empty seats and cardboard cutouts, there were loud cheers to greet him.
"It was definitely something I'll never forget, taking the field today," Rizzo said.
The Cubs put forth a disappointing performance in the opener, managing just two hits in a 5-3 loss to the Pirates. But the last year has reminded us to not take days like these for granted, even amid frigid temperatures and with a disheartening performance from the home team.
Wrigley Field's open gates Thursday reminded of that. Behind so many masks of those in attendance were smiles. It was an afternoon fans had been longing for during the darkest of days at the height of the pandemic. Though the virus remains ever present, health and happiness are beginning to prevail.
The ceremonial first pitches were thrown out by Dr. Allison Arwady and Dr. Ngozi Ezike -- leaders of the city and state's health departments, respectively -- and they were joined on the field by doctors, nurses and epidemiologists who have been on the front lines fighting the virus.
Fans greeted Cubs right-hander Jake Arrieta, who returned to the team on a one-year deal, with a raucous reception when his name was announced along with the rest of the 26-man roster. They shared loud boos for Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot when she was introduced. They joined together with franchise great Ryne Sandberg to sing in the seventh-inning stretch.
Though the local bars were limited in capacity and ballpark vendors were replaced by QR codes, the pastimes of baseball season returned to Wrigleyville. The hope is that with continued progress against COVID-19, the Friendly Confines will be filled to capacity once again.
For this first day back in Wrigley Field, a bit of normalcy prevailed. Days in the bleachers won't be taken for granted anymore.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.