The Mayor’s Office asked me to pass along this press release to you:

With opening day closing in on Chicago, fans will not want to miss the opportunity to celebrate the season with special appearances from White Sox pitcher Bobby Jenks, center fielder Brian Anderson, and former player Harold Baines; the Cubs will be represented by former players Billy Williams, Bobby Dernier, Scott Sandersen and Bill Madlock! (Players are subject to change if weather mandates postponement of opening day at U.S. Cellular Field).  Join in the fun as the City of Chicago and National City Bank present Play Ball, Chicago! on Tuesday, April 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Daley Plaza (Washington and Dearborn Streets).

This celebration unites fans of the Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Kane County Cougars, Windy City Thunderbolts and Joliet Jackhammers and Schaumburg Flyers as they begin their seasons in Chicago.  Free activities include batting cages, speed pitch, fun giveaways and more. The Picasso statue will even get in the spirit with a baseball hat-sporting both the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox logos on its front.

One of the most popular baseball songs of all time, “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” celebrates its 100th  anniversary in 2008.  In commemoration, The Chicago Post Office will unveil for the first time a 32″x48″ image of the “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” commemorative stamp at Play Ball, Chicago! The stamp is scheduled to be released sometime in August.

Play Ball, Chicago! welcomes presenting sponsor National City Bank. National City is now Chicago’s fourth largest bank and sponsor of the Chicago Cubs, Schaumburg Flyers, Kane County Cougars, Windy City Thunderbolts and Joliet Jackhammers. National City operates 120 branches and 163 ATMs throughout Chicagoland and holds deposits of more than $10 billion.  This event also launches National City’s drive to collect new and used baseball gloves for area Little League teams and other nonprofit organizations. Glove donations will be accepted at the event and given to the Chicago Park District.  National City Bank will continue to accept donations at its branches throughout the summer. Joseph A. Gregoire, president of National City – Illinois Banking. “We hope everyone attending will join us in launching the National City Baseball Glove Drive by bringing new or gently used baseball gloves to the event.”  Visit www.nationalcity.com for more information.