CHICAGO (Feb. 21, 2022) – Marquee Sports Network today announced a new series of Icons of the Ivy episodes, centered around previously recorded interviews from 2010 and 2011 hosted by Bob Sirott with Cubs icons, including Ernie Banks, Glenn Beckert, Randy Hundley and Ron Santo. Presented by Miller Lite, episode one premieres this Sunday, February 27 at 7 p.m. CT with part one of Sirott’s interview with “Mr. Cub” Ernie Banks.

Sirott, now the host of WGN Radio’s morning drive, recorded these in-depth feature interviews in partnership with the Cubs in 2010 and 2011, but the conversations have not aired publicly until now.

“We commissioned these interviews as a way to ensure the legacies and stories of these iconic Cubs greats were preserved for Cubs fans who grew up cheering them on as well as for future generations of Cubs fans,” said Cubs President of Business Operations Crane Kenney. “Bob Sirott was a perfect choice to conduct these interviews, and we’re excited to finally have the opportunity to share them on Marquee.”

“I was honored to be approached by Crane Kenney a number of years ago to lead a series of conversations with these Cubs icons, truly some of the greatest and most memorable players in franchise history,” said Sirott. “For me, baseball is all about stories, and linking generations, so having the opportunity to conduct these interviews with so many of my favorite players growing up was one of the greatest thrills of my professional career. Thank you to Crane for giving me this opportunity and to Marquee Sports Network for now sharing these stories with Cubs fans.”

The first five episodes have been scheduled beginning this upcoming Sunday, featuring conversations with Ernie Banks, Glenn Beckert, Randy Hundley and Ron Santo (schedule below). An additional series of never-before-seen interviews with Cubs icons will be announced at a later date.

“We’re looking forward to sharing these incredible conversations with Cubs fans, allowing them to reconnect with some of their favorite Cubs players of all-time,” said Marquee Sports Network General Manager, Mike McCarthy. “We’re sure that Cubs fans will enjoy these previously unaired stories and we’re honored to have this opportunity in partnership with the Cubs organization.”

Icons of the Ivy Air Dates

• Ernie Banks (part one) – Premiere date: February 27, 7 p.m. CT
  “Mr. Cub” Ernie Banks discusses the impact of his parents on his positive attitude, his conversations with Jackie Robinson, first impressions of Wrigley Field, the origin of his phrase “Let’s Play Two” and his overall zest for life
• Ernie Banks (part two) – Premiere date: March 6, 7 p.m. CT
  A continuation of Sirott’s interview with Banks, Mr. Cub talks about his relationship with Cubs fans, his induction into the Hall of Fame, and playing alongside other stars of the day
• Glenn Beckert – Premiere date: March 13, 7 p.m. CT
  Bob Sirott sits down with four-time All-Star Glenn Beckert to talk about his journey to the big leagues, rooming with Ron Santo and his relationship with Cubs fans
• Randy Hundley – Premiere date: March 20, 6 p.m. CT
  Gold Glove catcher and 1969 N.L. All-Star Randy Hundley joins Sirott to discuss his unique catching style, relationship with former manager Leo Durocher and reflections on the memorable 1969 campaign
• Ron Santo – Premiere date: March 27, 7 p.m. CT
  A nine-time All-Star and one of the greatest Cubs of all-time, Ron Santo shares how diabetes reshaped his outlook on life, his great relationship with his roommate Glenn Beckert and his unending love for the Chicago Cubs

ABOUT ICONS OF THE IVY: Icons of the Ivy premiered in 2021 as a series of roundtable discussions and interviews with Cubs legends. Previous iterations of the series include a three-part Hall of Fame discussion with Cubs legends Andre Dawson, Fergie Jenkins, Ryne Sandberg, Lee Smith and Billy Williams, and a two-part series looking back at the popular 2007-08 Cubs teams with Ryan Dempster, Derrek Lee, Kerry Wood and Aramis Ramirez. Previous episodes of Icons of the Ivy can be watched on demand on the Marquee Sports Network app.

ABOUT BOB SIROTT: A lifelong Chicagoan, Bob Sirott started as a morning radio show personality in 1971. His acclaimed broadcasting career has spanned nearly five decades and has included stints at WMAQ, WBBM-FM, WLS, WGN and various television stations. In 2015, Sirott was recognized for his achievements in the media industry and inducted into the Silver Circle by the Chicago/Midwest chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. He currently is the host of the morning drive on WGN Radio, weekdays from 6-10 a.m.

ABOUT MARQUEE SPORTS NETWORK: In partnership with the Chicago Cubs and Sinclair Broadcast Group (Nasdaq: SBGI), Marquee Sports Network brings together one of the most iconic sports franchises in the country with one of the largest television broadcasting companies to deliver unparalleled Cubs coverage, as well as additional local live sporting events and original programming. Marquee Sports Network is available within the Cubs home television territory in portions of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Wisconsin, and is carried on more than 50 cable providers, as well as streaming platforms DIRECTV STREAM (formerly AT&T TV) and fuboTV. For more information, visit marqueesportsnetwork.com/about.

###