Cusack Sighting

I was at work for a couple of hours today with the rest of our division staff, to present a case, answer queries about my program and lead a campus tour for the seven candidates who were interviewing for a fellowship slot. No, I didn’t get to see John Cusack in campus but I did when I finally got home and turned on the TV, trying to catch what’s remaining of the Cubs game (they are playing at home and I’m still incensed about my luck of being unable to get opening day seats).

Opening Day was yesterday, which we won against arch nemesis Saint Louis Cardinals. I caught the top of the 7th inning and the redbirds were leading 2-0, Bob Howry (who we acquired from Cleveland during the off-season) successfully retiring batters. Cusack then sang the traditional “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the mid-7th break (Who was the kid with you John?) and stayed to chat with the Cubs sportscasters Bob Brenly and Len Casper. Inevitably, he was asked about the bad press he received for wanting to be at the White Sox World series game (he labeled the worst review he ever got). So I finally heard it from Cusack himself: he is rooting for both ballclubs, but was seeing more of the northsiders growing up. I like the way he began his reply to the question on whether he did go to the Sox game: “I hate to admit it....”

Bottom of the 7th: Michael Barrett came in to pinch-hit and hit a 2-run home-run (Matt Murton on base after a single) to tie the game (and you hear Cusack cheering). Derek Lee hit a homer in the 8th and made a diving catch on the top of the 9th, eventually paving the way for Ryan Dempster for the save.

Cubs win! We go for the series sweep tomorrow. And perhaps I should lurk around Wrigleyville and see if I’d have any luck catching a glimpse of Cusack.