Chicago families have long found community in the stands of Wrigley Field, and the Meagher household exemplifies that tradition. As the Cubs mark their 150th anniversary as a National League franchise, the story of Jerry Goldstick, his daughter Diane Meagher, and grandson Michael highlights how a love of baseball can span generations.
From a Young Fan to a Season‑Ticket Veteran
Jerry Goldstick was born in Chicago in 1924. He began attending Cubs games as a child, buying two season tickets in the mid‑1940s after serving in the Army Air Corps during World War II and earning a law degree. His mother even sold her wedding ring so he could enroll at Northwestern University, underscoring the family’s commitment to education and hard work.
Jerry’s devotion to the ballpark was more than a pastime; it was a way of life. Even when health issues arose later in life, he scheduled treatment around game days, insisting that the Cubs were a part of his identity. “He wasn’t a Cub fan, he was a Cub person,” his daughter Diane recalled.
Family Moments on the Mound
On September 2, 1972, after Milt Pappas threw a no‑hitter, Jerry and Diane stepped onto the mound with the players, a memory Diane still describes vividly: “We were the only two people on the mound jumping up and down with the team.” The image of Diane in a yellow raincoat and Jerry in a blue jacket has become a family legend, repeated at every rain delay thereafter.
The family’s connection continued through the lean years of the 1940s and 1950s, when the Cubs struggled on the field. Whether it was Jerry and his wife Myrna, or Jerry with one of his daughters, the seats were always filled. Their apartment building owners also used game days to bring neighbors together, sharing snacks like “Smokie Links” from a stand above their building’s ramp.
From Fans to Franchise Employees
Michael Meagher, the third‑generation Cubs enthusiast, grew up updating the major‑league standings on a corkboard in the family’s apartment and collecting baseball cards. After meeting Cubs owner Tom Ricketts as a boy, Michael began emailing his thoughts on team decisions, even critiquing a 2011 trade that sent left‑handed reliever Sean Marshall to Cincinnati.
Michael attended Northwestern like his grandfather, interned with the Cubs in 2022, and was hired as an amateur scouting assistant in July 2024. This year he was promoted to coordinator of amateur scouts, a role he describes as a personal calling rather than a forced career path.
Celebrating Milestones Together
When the Cubs finally broke the 108‑year championship drought in 2016, Diane, her husband Tom, and Michael traveled to Cleveland for the final moments of the World Series. Jerry, then 92, stayed home to watch with Myrna, a testament to his lifelong devotion.
Jerry passed away on September 3, 2024, at age 99, buried with American and Chicago flags. Michael spoke at the service, reflecting on his grandfather’s unwavering passion for the team and the values that united their family.
Why This Story Matters
In an era when many families seek anchors of tradition, the Meagher family’s multi‑generational bond with the Cubs illustrates how faith, family and community can thrive through shared experiences. Their story reminds Chicagoans that local institutions like Wrigley Field are more than entertainment—they are places where values are passed down, friendships are forged, and a sense of belonging is cultivated.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
