CHICAGO -- Rick Sutcliffe, who started Game 1 of the 1984 National League Championship Series for the Cubs, unofficially opened Chicago's fifth trip to the NLCS with Saturday's ceremonial first pitch before Game 1 against the Dodgers at Wrigley Field.
Sutcliffe logged time with both of this year's NLCS participants, as he began his career with the Dodgers (1976-81) before spending eight seasons with the Cubs (1984-91). During his time in Chicago, Sutcliffe made three postseason appearances, all in the NLCS.
Before Sutcliffe walked out to the mound, Chicago crooner John Vincent performed the national anthem. Richard Dent, a former defensive end who spent the bulk of his NFL career with the Chicago Bears, delivered the "play ball" pronouncement.