Editor Note: Highly visible Cubs fan Jim Anixter returned to Wrigley Field's behind home plate seats Monday night for his first game of the season. Below is a story WBBM originally published last year.
CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - The Cubs home opener is tomorrow but one very familiar face won't be behind home plate.
Since 1967 Jim Anixter, better known as "the pink hat guy", has sat right behind home plate for almost every Cubs home opener.
Anixter started wearing his signature outfit in the 1990s as a joke prompted by his wife asking him if he was really going to games.
“I wore a green shirt and a pink hat, or a green sweatshirt so my wife can see, 'I'm not cheating ya, I'm at the ballpark. You can always find me,’” said Anixter.
The pink hat evolved into a way to help raise awareness about cancer. Anixter often gives them away and only asks that a donation to a cancer charity be made in return.
“I'm trying in my own way to make a cure for cancer.” Anixter said.
The absence of the beloved season ticket holder after COVID-19 restrictions were eased at Wrigley, even prompted rumors of his death.
“I’m a diehard Cub fan. I’m like the ivy on the wall at Wrigley Field, I’m part of the franchise,” Anixter said.
Yes, Jim is alive and well, but the 78-year-old said he won't be at Wrigley for Opening Day.
“My kids said I should not come back in the crummy weather in April. They're looking out for my health… I'll be back in May. I'm going to be at Contreras' first game back at Wrigley Field,” said Anixter.
Until then, he'll be watching from his Florida home, and cheering for his favorite team. But that doesn't mean you won't see his familiar pink hat at the park.
“ Sometimes I have stunt doubles, i.e. my grandsons, and people will be sitting there wearing pink hats,” Anixter said.
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