The Late Show with Stephen Colbert took a trip to the baseball diamond recently, and it was a home run of an episode. Host Stephen Colbert visited Wrigley Field, home of the famous Chicago Cubs, for a day of fun and interviews with some of the team’s players.
Colbert kicked off the show with his signature energy, expressing his excitement for being in Chicago, “the greatest city in the world.” He highlighted the city’s rich history, including being the birthplace of the Republican party and the home of President Abraham Lincoln. Colbert also mentioned how, in a time of division and crisis, Chicago has the opportunity to give the nation another great leader.
But it wasn’t just politics that Colbert was interested in that day. He also had the chance to enjoy America’s favorite pastime at Wrigley Field. Taking in a ball game, Colbert chatted with Cubs players and asked the hard-hitting questions, like who has the better pizza, Chicago or New York. The players diplomatically praised both cities but admitted that New York may have the upper hand in that department.
Colbert’s interactions with the players didn’t stop there. He also found himself rubbing shoulders with outfielder Nico Hoerner and even cracking his back. And wouldn’t you know it, shortly after the chiropractic adjustment, Hoerner hit a massive home run. Coincidence? We think not.
The Late Show host didn’t forget about the fans either. He handed out signed baseball cards and even a signed ball, albeit signed by actor Walton Goggins rather than the players themselves. But hey, it’s the thought that counts, right?
Colbert also got an inside look at Wrigley Field‘s famous manual scoreboard. He met Daryl, who has been operating the scoreboard since 1991. Daryl shared some interesting tidbits, like how the technology has evolved from ticker tape to computers. And, of course, Colbert took the opportunity to climb inside the scoreboard and get a real feel for what it’s like to work there.
The highlight of Colbert’s day at Wrigley Field came during the seventh inning stretch, where he had the honor of leading the crowd in the beloved song “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” He received some tips from the incredible Jennifer Hudson, a Chicago native, who stressed the importance of delivering the lyrics with real passion. And deliver he did, giving an enthusiastic rendition that had the crowd singing along.
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert‘s visit to Wrigley Field was a home run in every sense. From the fun interviews with the players to the behind-the-scenes look at the manual scoreboard, it was an entertaining and lively episode that showcased the amazing atmosphere of both the talk show and one of baseball’s greatest stadiums.
