16. Here’s to You, Men in Blue – J. Ritz & A. Petrowski (with 1984 Cubs team
members)
“Here’s to You, Men in Blue” was written by James Ritz and Allen Petrowski
during the 1984 Cubs baseball season while the Cubs were on the road in Los
Angeles. Jim’s house became the gathering spot for Cubs players to relax and
unwind after the game. One night Al and Jim brought out their guitars and began
performing everyone’s favorite songs. This led to the inspiration for Jim Ritz
to write the lyrics and Al Petrowski to write the music for “Here’s to You, Men
in Blue.” What makes this song unforgettable is that players from the 1984 Cubs
actually appear on the track. Keith Moreland signed onto the project early and
encouraged teammates Rick Sutcliffe, Leon Durham, Ryne Sandberg, Gary Woods and
Jody Davis to participate as well.