WATCH: Cubs legend, Rage Against the Machine rocker throw out first pitches |
CHICAGO — The opener of the Crosstown Classic between the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago White Sox called for an important guest to throw out the first pitch at Wrigley Field on Tuesday. Instead, fans in attendance were treated to three special guests throwing out first pitches. Ahead of their Hall of Fame inductions next month, former Cubs closer Lee Smith and former White Sox right fielder Harold Baines were on hand to simultaneously toss out a first pitch apiece. Also, Tom Morello, the guitarist for the band Rage Against the Machine and a lifelong Cubs fan, threw a separate ceremonial toss.
Arguably the best closer in Cubs history, Smith pitched for the North Siders from 1980 to 1987 and made two All-Star appearances during that span. Smith also led the National League in saves in 1983. As for Baines, he suited up for the White Sox from 1980 to 1989 and was named to three All-Star teams while playing for the South Siders. In addition, Baines won a Silver Slugger Award in 1989. The Windy City baseball legends were elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame by the Today's Game Era Committee last December and will be inducted in July as part of the 2019 class. Baines and Smith each donned a jersey from their respective Chicago club and lobbed pitches from in front of the mound. Naturally, a Cubs player caught Smith's throw, and a White Sox player gloved the toss from Baines. Morello, on the other hand, fired a dart from the rubber and later sang "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" with his kids during the seventh-inning stretch, imploring his beloved Cubbies to get some runs. Just a month before their @baseballhall induction, Lee Smith and Harold Baines kick off #Crosstown with first pitches! pic.twitter.com/OqmjCnVeRb I also throw strikes. #SweetHomeChicago @Cubs #LeeSmithIsClapping! pic.twitter.com/Kcsoe4CNUU VIDEO: Rage Against The Machine guitarist and HUGE @Cubs fan @tmorello sings The Stretch at the #CrosstownClassic. @RATM @prophetsofrage #GoCubsGo pic.twitter.com/g4Dt5F2dB3
