Cubs to host Brewers and Braves on April 26 through May 1

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

by Press Release - Fri Apr 22 15:43:41 GMT-04:00 2016

CHICAGO – The Chicago Cubs will look to continue their hot start to the season as they host the Milwaukee Brewers April 26-28 and Atlanta Braves April 29-May 1. The club’s 12-4 record through its first 16 games of the season equals the team’s best start in more than 100 years, as the Cubs also went 12?4 to begin the season in 1908, 1913 and 1970.

As fans enter Wrigley Field this homestand, they will notice a new outfield sign for Nuveen Investments located in left field between the foul pole and video board. Nuveen, a leading global provider of investment services to institutions and individual investors, has been a partner of the Cubs since 2005. Their Legacy Partnership includes naming rights to the Nuveen Investments Suite Level at Wrigley Field, plus other in-park signage and special events.

Prior to the first game of the homestand Tuesday, April 26, Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta will be recognized pregame for his second career no-hitter, achieved Thursday night during a 16-0 victory over the Reds in Cincinnati.

Former Cubs pitcher and 17-year MLB veteran Milt Pappas, who passed away Tuesday, will be honored with a moment of silence before Tuesday’s game as well.

Several Cubs players will receive their 2015 Esurance MLB Awards prior to the game Thursday, April 28. Jake Arrieta was named Best Starting Pitcher and Best Breakout Player; Kris Bryant was named Best Rookie; and Joe Maddon was named Best Manager.

Tickets remain available at www.cubs.com or 800-THE-CUBS (800-843-2827). Highlights of the homestand follow.

Promotional Items:

On Friday, April 29, up to the first 10,000 early arriving fans will receive a Cubs "Minors to Majors" T-Shirt presented by Tennessee Smoky Mountains.

The following day, April 30, up to the first 10,000 fans will receive a Ron Santo Replica Statue presented by TransUnion.

Guests and Entertainment:

This homestand features noteworthy entertainment guests, with both the National Football League (NFL) Draft and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Payback event in town.

On Tuesday, April 26, former NFL players and current NFL Network personalities Kurt Warner and Mike Mayock will throw ceremonial first pitches, while Rich Eisen, Steve Mariucci and Melissa Stark will lead the 7th inning stretch.

Former players and current NFL Network personalities Maurice Jones-Drew and Ike Taylor will throw first pitches and lead the stretch Wednesday, April 27.

Music artist and producer Warren G will throw a first pitch and lead the stretch Friday, April 29.

WWE Superstar and Chicago native Danielle Moinet, aka “Summer Rae,” will throw a first pitch Saturday, April 30.

On Sunday, May 1, WWE 16-time World Champion Ric Flair will throw a ceremonial first pitch with his daughter, Charlotte, who is the current WWE Women’s Champion.

Food Specials:

Hot Doug’s continues its rotating offerings each homestand at Platform 14, located behind the center field scoreboard in the Budweiser Bleachers. The Dave Rosello is an Argentinian pork and bacon sausage topped with chimichurri and smoked Swiss cheese. The Steve Trachsel is a tequila and black bean chicken sausage topped with jalapeño mustard and pico de gallo. These new offerings join the Champ Summers, which is a Vienna Beef spicy polish sausage with Goose Island beer mustard and crispy fried onions.

“Let’s Give” Cubs Charities Events:

The annual Bricks and Ivy Ball, which is Cubs Charities’ primary fundraising event, takes place after Thursday’s game, April 28. This year’s sold-out gala will feature a fun island theme at Navy Pier’s Grand Ballroom. Chicago Cubs players, coaches, alumni, owners and management will be in attendance for an evening of musical entertainment, cocktails and dinner. Guests will have the opportunity to bid on unique live and silent auction items. Net proceeds benefit Cubs Charities. For more information, visit www.cubs.com/bricksandivy.

Manager Joe Maddon is once again supporting Chicago nonprofit organizations through his “Respect Community” charity T-shirt initiative. After every Friday home game, Maddon represents a different Chicago nonprofit by wearing the organization’s T-shirt during his post-game press conference. On Friday, April 29, Maddon will represent Action for Healthy Kids, who fights childhood obesity, undernourishment and physical inactivity by helping schools become healthier places so kids can live healthier lives.

Homestand Recap, April 26-May 1 :

Tuesday, April 26, Chicago Cubs vs. Milwaukee Brewers, 7:05 p.m.

· Pregame: Jake Arrieta no-hitter recognition

· Pregame: Moment of silence for former Cubs pitcher Milt Pappas

· First pitches: NFL Network personalities Kurt Warner and Mike Mayock

· 7th inning stretch: NFL Network personalities Rich Eisen, Steve Mariucci and Melissa Stark

· Broadcast: CSN, 670 The Score, Cubs.com

Wednesday, April 27, Chicago Cubs vs. Milwaukee Brewers, 7:05 p.m.

· First pitch and 7th inning stretch: NFL Network personalities Maurice Jones-Drew and Ike Taylor

· Broadcast: WGN-TV, 670 The Score, Cubs.com

Thursday, April 28, Chicago Cubs vs. Milwaukee Brewers, 1:20 p.m.

· Pregame: Presentation of 2015 Esurance MLB Awards