2024 09 30

Shōta Imanaga photographed for the cover of Chicago Magazine. Chicago, Illinois. June, 2024. © Clayton Hauck

Finally made it to a Cubs game this year. The last game of the season. During a lull (0-0 game into the 10th) I saw Shota Imanaga, their star pitcher from Japan, hanging out in the dugout and made a run for it, dodging the ever-present ushers.

I got down real close and shouted his name and his interpreter’s name, hoping they’d turn around and recognize me from our cover shoot a few months back. I wanted to ask if he liked the image!

They did not recognize me. Turns out I’m still just an obnoxious fan who the Wrigley ushers do not like.

See you next season.

-Clayton