Parents Name Baby "Wrigley Fields"

By Pamela Mortimer

Some say there is no one more devoted than a Cubs fan. Paul and Teri Fields of Michigan City, Indiana proved it with the birth of their son, who they promptly named "Wrigley". Yep – Wrigley Fields. Actually, the full name is Wrigley Alexander Fields but the parents have no intention of calling the child by his middle name.

Paul Fields realizes that little Wrigley could face teasing at school because of the unusual name and may give him the option of being called "Alexander" when he gets older. Teri wants to stick with Wrigley.

I just hope the kid learns how to fight or doesn’t take up the violin.

For those who aren’t familiar with the sport of baseball, the Cubs have called Wrigley Field their home since 1916.

The Fields family has been waiting for 15 years to use the name bestowed upon the boy born on September 12 at a LaPorte, Indiana hospital. Paul Fields is admittedly the biggest Cubs fan in the family, with wife Teri still learning the ropes. Paul is a lifelong Cubs fan; wife Teri is from San Diego but has been converted.

"Usually you’re only born a Cubs fan," said Paul, a native of Michigan City. "You don’t turn into one."
Paul goes on to say that he was the catalyst for his wife’s transformation. "She really got into sports because of me. She’s getting into the Bears now," he added.

When Paul suggested naming their unborn child after the legendary stadium, Teri wasn’t so sure. Teri has several Cubs team members who are favorites but acquiesced when her husband suggested the name Wrigley. After all, their last name is Fields. Both Paul’s and Teri’s families are supportive of the name choice.

"…I know what a fan he is," said Teri. "And it grows on you. At first people are: ‘What?’ After it sinks in, it’s a big hit."

Teri added, "I like Wrigley. We’ve heard stranger names out there."

Katelyn Thrall, a spokeswoman for the Cubs organization, stated that the name may be a first. There are no records of another child being named Wrigley but there are kids named Zambrano and Ryne, after coveted players Carlos Zambrano and Ryne Sandberg.

Despite the moniker, the Fieldses don’t have any grand aspirations to have their son play on the famed field.

"Wherever his life leads, we’ll be satisfied," said Teri.