I Would Walk 500 Miles

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Jun 8, 2005 7:10PM

Chicagoist has never accused Cubs fans of being of sound mind, but this clearly shows the level of delusion Cubs fans possess. Elgin-native Bill Holden is currently walking to Wrigley Field -- from Arizona! Now Chicagoist is all for a nice stroll over to Wrigley, when you live 10 blocks away like we do. But 2,100 miles?

But Bill's walk isn't because he cannot afford both the over-prices scalper tickets and a flight to Chicago -- although for that reason he did bike from Az. for a 2000 Cubs-Sox game. No, this time he's doing this because, inspired by Ron Santo's story in the movie "This Old Cub," he decided to help raise money for juvenile diabetes research by walking the 2,100 miles from his present home to Chicago. As most Chicagoans know, the Cubs legend and broadcaster has fought a lifelong battle with juvenile diabetes and has lost both legs to the disease.

Having started his journey January 11th in Camp Verde, AZ he expects to finish on July 1st at Wrigley. Averaging 12 miles a day, he recently made it to Illinois. So if you want to meet Holden check the itinerary.

So far, 1,800 miles into the trip Holden's taken only one mulligan -- he decided against walking the rough streets of East St. Louis, but doubled back near Granite City to make up the mileage.

With only 3 weeks and about 300 miles to go, Chicagoist wishes Bill Holden a safe and successful journey. And somebody better buy him a few beers when he gets to Wrigley!