Thillens Stadium
Park Description
Little League baseballhas returned to Thillens Stadium this year, thanks to efforts to save the historic stadium by the Chicago Park District, and a donation by theChicago Cubs.Chicago Park District Superintendent Tim Mitchell, joined by John McDonough, Vice President of Marketing and Broadcasting, Chicago Cubs, hosted an Opening Day ceremony Saturday, June 18, at 10:30 a.m.,that kicked off an abbreviated summer schedule.
Thillens Stadium was at risk of being shut down this year when the Thillens family foundation, which has run the stadium for more than60 years, announced it was no longer able to fund the stadium. Last May, with the approval of its Board of Commissioners the Chicago Park District assumed the land lease, and accepteda donation commitment of$500,000 from the ChicagoCubs. To support a $2 million capital improvement program scheduled to begin following the2005 season, an aggressive fundraising campaign will continue.
History
For the last 67 years, Thillens Stadium has been host to Little League games for many Chicago youth, including the Chicago Park District's Inner City Little League.
The Chicago Cubs organization has been a long-time partner of the Chicago Park District. Through its Cubs Care foundation, the Chicago Cubs has contributed more than $3 million to the Chicago Park District since 1991.