Illinois man, 100, heads to Wrigley for Cubs opener

A central Illinois man will be among those helping Wrigley Field kick off its 100th anniversary celebration.

One-hundred-year-old Louis Reinhart was asked to participate in Friday's festivities during the Cubs home opener.

The (Peoria) Journal Star reports the invitation came after his daughter sent the team a note asking for a ball to mark his 100th birthday in March.

She says the Cubs responded with a letter from President Tom Ricketts and later an invitation to deliver the ceremonial first ball to the mound.

The Metamora man played baseball in high school and later became a farmer and carpenter.

The centenarian tells The (Champaign) News-Gazette he hopes this is the year the team ends its famously long World Series drought, saying: "They better hurry up. I've waited long enough."