Story thread · 2 reports / 2 sources

Mr. T delights Chicagoans at Cubs game, fan expo: 'I want to be there to uplift them'

suntimes.com · 2h · first reportShare

Before leading a rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” at the seventh-inning stretch of the Cubs game, Mr. T practiced in the press box with starstruck journalists and staffers. He wanted to nail the “root, root, root” cadence and put extra emphasis on the line, “I don’t care if I never get back!” He sported a Cubs uniform with No. 14, in honor of Ernie Banks, and matching blue Converse Chucks embroidered with yellow T’s. He wore an American flag bandana instead of his famous Mandinka-inspired hairstyle, and a single gold crucifix in place of his signature stacked neck chains. He’d thrown out the ceremonial first pitch at the start of the game, and would soon leave Wrigley Field to make an appearance at the Fan Expo Chicago convention in Rosemont. “Boy, it’s double pressure,” said the 74-year-old superstar and Chicago native. “First the pitch, now the singing. But that’s all right. I’m the man for it. I can do it.” Mr. T and Clark the Cub dance during a baseball game between Chic