Cubs, Selig break ground on Wrigley Field project

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs have officially launched their Wrigley Field renovation project with a groundbreaking ceremony that included Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig.

From a podium in the infield, Selig recalled his first visit to the century-old ballpark, in May 1944, just shy of his 10th birthday. He said Wrigley Field took hold of a special place in his heart “right then and there.”

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel also attended Saturday’s ceremony.

The first phase of the privately funded $575 million project will add new bleachers and seven outfield signs.

Work actually started in September after the season ended, despite a legal feud between the team and owners of rooftop clubs, who fear their views into the stadium will be blocked.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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