Last night was a night of firsts at Wrigley Field.

First, the Peoria Chiefs hosted the Kane County Cougars, which was considered the first minor league baseball game ever played at Wrigley Field.

Second, it was Ryne Sandberg’s (manager of the Peoria Chiefs) first time in uniform at Wrigley Field since September 21, 1997 – a game I also attended.

Third, the game drew 32,103 fans – shattering the previous record for a Midwest League game. The previous record was 14,492 at Kane County last year. Just 10 days ago, I attended a game at the Kane County’s Elfstrom Stadium in which almost 12,000 people attended.

Fourth, I saw my first suspended game (and what I believe is the first suspended game at Wrigley Field). As the game sat tied at 6-6 in the 9th inning, I wondered if the game would be played out until one team won. Then the rains came and the umpires were all too eager to suspend the game. The game will be completed tonight in Peoria before the regularly scheduled contest between the Cougars and Chiefs.

Fifth, Steve Bartman came running out of his 2003 NLCS Game 6 seat and was eaten by Clammy Sosa (a character from ZOOperstars! that the Peoria Chiefs use as entertainment during their games). Other ZOOperstars in attendance included Alex Frogriguez, Harry Canary, Mia Hammster, Nolan Ryno and Nomar Garciaparrot.

Sixth, Dutchie Caray, the late wife of Harry Caray, sang the “Take me out to the ballgame” with Harry Canary from the field rather than the press box.

Seventh, in the 322 Cubs games I have attended, I never sat as close to the field as I did yesterday. I bought my ticket early Tuesday afternoon from the box office. The best single they had was in section 27, row 7 – seven rows directly behind the on deck circle for the Kane County Cougars. Granted it was not a Cubs game, but it was a much better deal at $15 (rather than the $80 face value for the same seat at a Cubs game).

After the game, I met up with Nicole at the Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club at 3700 N. Halsted St. The Kit Kat Lounge won the best martini award from CitySearch.com in 2001 and has been nominated for other awards several times in the last few years. Tuesday night is half price martini night (regularly priced $10) – if you don’t mind the drag show that comes with those half priced martinis.