It’s Cubs Game Day, and Sam Bernero Is on Duty to Turn the Pinko Reds—Blue
There’s a certain energy in Chicago when it’s Cubs game day. The air feels crisper, the city seems more alive, and at the heart of the action, standing like a loyal sentry near the players’ entrance at Wrigley Field, is none other than Sam Bernero.
For the uninitiated, Bernero isn’t a player, coach, or front office exec—he’s something even more iconic in his own right. A die-hard Cubs supporter, Sam has become a familiar face to the team, known for his unwavering presence, booming voice, and signature game-day greetings. And today, as the Chicago Cubs prepare to face off against their rivals from Cincinnati—affectionately dubbed the Pinko Reds by fans with a taste for old-school flair—Bernero is ready to do what he does best: turn those Reds a bright Cubs blue.
A One-Man Hype Machine
Sam Bernero’s pregame greetings are the stuff of legend. As players arrive, whether they’re weary from road trips or hyped from a winning streak, Sam is there—offering fist bumps, words of encouragement, and the kind of good-natured trash talk that turns up the competitive spirit. “Let’s paint this town blue today!” he bellows, as a couple of Reds players stroll by, offering smirks and shrugs in return.
It’s all part of the ritual.
“He’s like our unofficial mascot,” says one longtime Cubs fan who’s seen Bernero at nearly every home game for years. “He brings the passion. The players feel it, the fans feel it. He reminds us what this team and this city are all about.”
Cubs vs. Reds: More Than Just a Game
Today’s matchup is more than just another tick on the schedule. The Cubs are riding momentum and looking to solidify their dominance in the division. The Reds, meanwhile, come to Wrigley with something to prove—and Bernero isn’t having any of it.
“Pinko Reds don’t stand a chance today,” he declares, referring to Cincinnati’s familiar red uniforms with his signature spin. “We’re gonna turn ‘em blue by the 3rd inning!”
Bernero’s words might seem like bluster to some, but if there’s one thing Cubs fans know, it’s that passion and belief have always fueled this franchise. And Sam Bernero is a living embodiment of both.
Game Day Rituals, Chicago Style
As fans stream into the stadium, many stop to chat with Sam, take photos, and soak in his contagious energy. He’s part of the tapestry of Wrigleyville—like ivy on the outfield wall or the smell of grilled onions from a nearby stand.
Win or lose, Cubs culture runs deep. But on days like this—when old rivalries are renewed, when the bleachers are packed, and when a fan like Sam Bernero reminds us all why we show up in blue—there’s a little extra magic in the mix.
So here’s to game day, to turning Reds blue, and to the superfans who make baseball feel like home.
Go Cubs Go.