, was the same flag for the last seven weeks.I thought it was. So I asked Mike Bojanowski to go to Wrigley and see what he thought. Based on his observations, it seems I was probably wrong. Here's his report, along with some photos he took of the project Friday morning.There is progress incrementally on all fronts, though the really spectacular stuff at the moment is apparent only in overhead views, in which the gutting and rebuilding of the lower bowl can be seen. Nothing from the outside gives the slightest indication work of that scope is being done within.
Much of what is visible is a repeat of last year's work, now being done along the south facade. Many of the horizontal beams have been removed, and the old verticals are being sheathed in new steel. The unloved concrete facing from the early '50s is gone everywhere except the southeast corner, which is doomed during next year's offseason. Maligned as it has long been, that concrete is now one of the oldest structural features surviving at Wrigley.
At Al's request, I will offer my opinion regarding the "W" banner flying over the old scoreboard. In one of the tempests in a teapot that anything Cubbish is likely to inspire, there is apparently a hot argument whether a single flag has flown the entire time since the WS victory, or whether multiple specimens have been used. I don't "know" if there have been one or many, but i will venture an educated guess. I have collected WF banners in the past, and have some familiarity with the ordinary wear they suffer over time.
My little handheld camera does not have a long enough zoom feature, so I brought a pair of high-powered field binoculars and gave the "W" a critical scrutiny. As often as I've seen it since the Series victory, I've never looked at it with an attitude 'til now. The flag that I saw Friday morning was immaculate, bright white, no wear or discoloration, all hems and seams intact and fresh. I doubt it has flown continuously for seven weeks, including three decent snowstorms with high winds. As to access, all one has to do is enter the bleachers to access the board and change the flag. Even if you assume all ramps and gates to be off-limits, a simple ladder against the vines would give you all the access needed. BTW, the teams and umpires from Game 5 are still up.
If there have been multiple flags, they'll make one heck of an auction item.So -- I'll admit to being wrong about this. It's still great to see that flag up there, and as Mike mentioned, if indeed there have been multiple flags, I hope they wind up auctioning them for Cubs Charities.
The Cubs sent out an email Friday noting that work on the project would cease on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and resume Monday, December 26.