Chicago Cubs superfan Ronnie 'Woo Woo' Wickers sidelined at The Pearl nursing home in Evanston amid pulmonary fibrosis battle
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — There was a big celebration to welcome a long-time Chicago Cubs superfan to Sunday’s game.

Ronnie “Woo Woo” Wickers was mobbed by people and a some were holding signs. He had yet to attend a game so far this season.

The video in the player above is from a previous report.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Wickers is suffering from a lung disease and being treated at The Pearl of Evanston.

The facility arranged tickets to Sunday’s game and a suite for Wickers and and Pearl staff.

Wickers says he’s going back later in the season, as well, for the World Series.

Wickers is probably the Chicago Cubs’ No. 1 fan. In fact, he’s probably more recognizable than many players.

His chant is a little softer these days, but the trademark enthusiasm is still there.

Wickers has shared his famous chant with Cubs greats like Sammy Sosa and Ernie Banks. He’s been a Cubs fan since he was a little boy in the late 1950s.

Now 83, Wickers is just as enthusiastic about the Cubs as ever, even if he has to watch them on TV most days.

“I miss being out there, miss the fans, the people, the crack of the bat, the food,” Wickers told ABC7 last month.

His room at The Pearl of Evanston is fully decked out with Cubs paraphernalia: photos, logos, you name it.

He’s suffering from pulmonary fibrosis. He’s gotten hundreds of get-well cards from fans.

He also gets lots of visitors. Wickers’ close friend, Janet Tabit, helped decorate the room.

“I want it to feel like home, a cheerful place where they’ll come back and visit him,” Tabit said.

SEE ALSO | Family, friends gather for funeral of Chicago Cubs Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg

“He’s an icon in Chicago. It’s been an amazing experience. The amount of mail he gets, the stories he tells us, it’s just been incredible,” The Pearl Administrator Mark Hocuk said.

He only played baseball through little league. Wickers says he developed his famous chant in elementary school, when a teacher told him to make the loudest sound he could. And the rest is history.

“I just have fun. God’s been good to me,” Wickers said.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Palm Coast man sentenced to 30 years for felony child sex charges, police say

Palm Coast Man Receives 30-Year Sentence for Felony Child Sex Offenses: A Case Overview

In Bunnell, Florida, a man named Gregory Smith has been handed a…
Dozens of missing children, as young as 1, saved from sex traffickers

Authorities Rescue Several Dozens of Missing Children, Including Toddlers, from Human Trafficking Operations

In a sweeping operation against sex trafficking, authorities in North Florida have…
Inside the Reiners' tragic last supper with famous friend

Heartbreaking Final Dinner: Reiners Share Emotional Evening with Iconic Friend

Just days before tragedy struck the household of director Rob Reiner and…
MORE Epstein files are out as details emerge from grand jury records

Unveiled: Shocking Revelations from Newly Released Epstein Grand Jury Files

Disturbing new revelations have surfaced concerning Jeffrey Epstein’s exploitation of young girls,…
Former Australian minister says ‘radical Islam pulled the trigger’ in nation's worst terror attack

Former Australian Minister Attributes Nation’s Worst Terror Attack to ‘Radical Islam’ Influence

EXCLUSIVE: A former Australian government official has voiced concerns over the factors…
TV anchor tells how she was pulled off screens after 27 years

Veteran TV Anchor Shares Her Experience of Unexpected Departure After 27 Years on Air

After nearly thirty years as the prominent figure of a California news…
Dave Chappelle stuns audience with Charlie Kirk comment in surprise Netflix comedy special

Dave Chappelle’s Netflix Special Shakes Up Audiences with Bold Charlie Kirk Remarks

Comedian Dave Chappelle has once again addressed the tragic assassination of conservative…
NFL news: Chicago Bears stun Green Bay Packers with improbable rally as Caleb Williams finds DJ Moore for winning score in OT

Chicago Bears’ Epic Comeback: Caleb Williams and DJ Moore Secure Overtime Victory Against Packers

In a thrilling display of resilience, the Chicago Bears secured a 22-16…