August 18th and 20th in Pearl Jam and Chicago Cubs History

A look back in anticipation of the Away Shows

Tomorrow and Monday, Pearl Jam return to the ivy-clad landmark that is Wrigley Field — for the first time since the Chicago Cubs won the world series in an epic seven game battle during the fall of 2016. The rich history of both Pearl Jam and the Cubs is one of many similar values. Their base paths and stages alike are built off passion, endurance and fortitude — resulting in equally as devoted and adoring fans.

The 2018 Away Shows call for games four and five of the Wrigley-Pearl Jam pairing. The city is buzzing like a Kerry Wood fastball. Players are warming up in the bullpen and taking batting practice. Guitars are being tuned and setlists drawn up. Center field is turning into center stage. Picture this here as a program being distributed outside of Murphy’s Bleachers where we a look back at August 18th and August 20th in both Cubs and Pearl Jam history. Their L paths continue to occasionally parallel ultimately heading towards Addison and leaving a few pages blank to be filled with new legendary moments.

2018 Pearl Jam Wrigley Posters. Art by: Steve Thomas & Andrew Fairclough

August 18th in Cubs/Pearl Jam History:

1915
Wilbur Good becomes first Cubs player to steal all bases in an inning.

1961
Dick Ellsworth pitches 11 innings and earns the victory as Cubs defeat
Pirates. Ernie Banks RBI double is the walk-off hit.

1992
Pearl Jam performs the Walnut Creek Amphitheatre in Raleigh, NC during the Lollapalooza tour.

1993
Pearl Jam performs at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) Stadium in Toronto. “Go”, “Animal”, “Daughter” and “Rearviewmirror” are performed prior to the release of Vs.

1995
The Cubs score 26 runs at Coors Field, their single game scoring record, and route the Rockies 26–7.

1998
Pearl Jam performs at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, MI on the Yield tour. The band’s only show at this Michigan State University venue.

2000
Pearl Jam performs at the Deer Creek Music Center in Noblesville, IN on the Binaural tour.

2009
Pearl Jam performs at the O2 arena in London, UK on the Backspacer tour. “Ben” by Michael Jackson is teased as intro to “Rats” for the first and only time. “Supersonic” is performed live for the first time.

2016
Kris Bryant goes 5 for 5 with 2 home runs and 5 RBI as the Cubs defeat the Brewers 9–6 at Wrigley Field.

August 20th in Cubs/Pearl Jam History:

1961
A great pitcher’s duel at Wrigley Field ends 1–0 on Billy William’s 11th inning walk-off RBI single. Cubs pitcher Don Cardwell pitches all 11 innings, giving up just 6 hits.

1971
Fergie Jenkins earns his 20th win of the season. Jenkins gives up two first inning runs to the Astros, but scatters only nine singles for the rest of game. Cubs defeat the Astros 3–2. Johnny Callison’s 2nd inning, 3-run home run accounts for all 3 Cubs runs.

1992
Pearl Jam rocks the Lakewood Amphitheatre in Atlanta, GA during the Lollapalooza tour. An early version of “Hard To Imagine” is performed.

1998
Pearl Jam performs at the Molson Centre (now Bell Centre) in Montreal, Canada on the Yield tour. This is the bands first show at the home of the Montreal Canadiens hockey team, they have played their four additional times since.

2000
Pearl Jam performs at the Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati, OH on the Binaural tour. A cover of “The Kids are Alright” opens encore one.

2004
Cubs hit 6 home runs, 2 by Mark Grudzielanek,
1 each by Moises Alou, Sammy Sosa, Nomar Garciaparra and Corey Patterson
in a 9–2 Cubs win over the Astros at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

2016
Pearl Jam performs at Wrigley Field. The second show at the ballpark in the band’s history and night 1 of Let’s Play Two. “Light Years” is dedicated to Gord Downie, Steve Gleason introduces “Inside Job”.