A lifelong Cubs fan, octogenarian hopes to try out the pitching mound
When she was eight years old, Rosemary Libby fell in love with Chicago Cubs third baseman Stan Hack.
Now more than seven decades later, the 80-year-old Barrington resident has a chance to take to the same infield her childhood crush once patrolled.
Libby is one of 10 finalists in the Cubs' online "It's a Way of Life" contest searching out the most die-hard fans and selecting one to win four tickets and throw out the ceremonial first pitch at a game July 30.
Libby, who was introduced to the Cubs by her mother, says Hack remains her all-time favorite player because at one of the first games she attended, "he threw a ball at me and I caught it."
She still makes it out to Wrigley Field several times each year, attending four games last season and six in 2008.
Her current favorite is shortstop Ryan Theriot, saying he reminds her a little of Pete Rose.
"There's always hope," Libby said when asked about the Cubs' prospects this year. "If they catch fire, they will do well."
Dedication to the Cubs has been passed down through four generations of her family, something Libby wrote about in the essay that earned her a spot as a finalist.
"I have taken my six children to Wrigley, and now my grandchildren accompany me along with their parents and sometimes their friends," she wrote. "This is a legacy that shall continue for years to come."
Two of her daughters, Valeri Mantos and Julie Zamudio, said cheering on the Cubs is a family tradition.
"The Cubs and my mother have taught us to never 'throw in the towel' if things are not going our way, to never give up, to finish what we have started and that winning isn't everything," Mantos said. "Although I would love to see my mom win this contest and throw the first pitch."
"I can't remember not being a Cubs fan," Zamudio said. "My mom and I now take my kids to the games. They love to call their Nana to talk about the games. Rosemary has been through a lot in her life and the Cubs have always been the constant."
Libby has joked with her kids recently, telling them she's "getting her curveball ready" in case she wins the contest.
Among the other finalists are Ernie Wittrock of Elgin and Mike Penkava of Crystal Lake. Others come from as far away as Cordova, Tenn. and Elida, Ohio.
Voting for the contest will end June 2 and a winner will be announced June 6. For more information on the contest and to vote, visit the "It's a Way of Life" section of cubs.com.