Bill Holden to Appear at Chiefs game
Published on June 8, 2005 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Peoria Chiefs News Release
Peoria, IL â The Peoria Chiefs have announced that Bill Holden who is walking from Prescott Valley, Arizona to Wrigley Field to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation will appear at O'Brien Field on Saturday June 11th. The 56-year old, who was inspired by This Old Cub, a documentary on Cubs broadcaster and former star Ron Santo, will throw out a first pitch and hopes to raise money at O'Brien Field.
Holden's journey began January 11th in Arizona and will end at Wrigley Field on July 1st when he throws at a first pitch and sings the Seventh Inning Stretch as a guest of the Cubs and Santo who suffers from diabetes.
Holden's goal is to raise more than $250,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and he is sponsored by www.thisoldcub.com. The Chiefs will take donations at the game on Saturday to help Bill reach his goal.
Holden's trip and journey have been nationally chronicled over the last few weeks in the media, especially on ESPN and ESPN.com. His day by day journey and progress is logged at www.thisoldcub.com. Bill will be available for media interviews at O'Brien Field during the game and all specific requests will be handled by the Chiefs media department.
Bill Holden is a 56 year-old teacher from Elgin, IL who became a die-hard Cubs fan after going to his first game at Wrigley Field in 1957. Bill received his teaching degree from Southern Illinois and has worked in the public school system for the last 32 years. Since relocating to Arizona years ago, Bill has been instrumental in helping and teaching diabetic children on Indian Reservations.
The Chiefs have also made arrangements to show the documentary This Old Cub Saturday July 9th following a 6:30 PM game against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. The movie was made by Ron Santo's son Jeff and premiered to rave reviews in the winter of 2003. The July 9th game will be a celebration of the Chicago Cubs past and present as the future Cubs on the Chiefs will wear 1945 throwback Cubs jerseys in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the franchise's last World Series appearance. In addition the Blues Brothers, long associated with Chicago, will perform to entertain fans during the game. Following the game there will be a Jersey Auction, Fireworks show and then the showing of This Old Cub. The proceeds from the Jersey Auction will be donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
For more information about the Peoria Chiefs or O'Brien Field during the off-season, visit the team website at www.peoriachiefs.com
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