Bears Chairman George McCaskey Umpires Savannah Bananas Games at Wrigley Field

George McCaskey, chairman of the Chicago Bears, had a unique experience at Wrigley Field recently, participating as an umpire in three exciting games played by the Savannah Bananas. This event took place over three days and saw McCaskey officiate sold-out matches against the Firefighters.

McCaskey, who routinely serves as an umpire and referee for youth and high school sports, enjoyed the lively atmosphere that the Bananas are known for. This high-energy baseball team is celebrated for its unconventional style, which rewards creative plays and even counts fan-caught balls as outs.

The event attracted notable appearances from Cubs legends Kerry Wood, David Ross, and Ben Zobrist, continuing the Bananas' tradition of featuring former MLB players in their games. Last season, the team had former White Sox players at a similar event at Rate Field. McCaskey even made a brief appearance on the Bananas’ broadcast during the games.

The team's mascot, Split, shared the spotlight with McCaskey, posing for pictures and humorously presenting him with a Bears-branded football, replacing his traditional yellow one.

Reflecting on the experience, McCaskey expressed his delight at the cheerful crowd, stating, “Everybody’s happy, everybody’s smiling, everybody’s having a good time. And I thought, ‘How lucky am I? I’m not cool enough for this.’” His participation encapsulates the fun and familial environment that the Savannah Bananas strived to create during their games.