Illinois Approves Some Wrigley Night Baseball

Gov. James R. Thompson of Illinois signed legislation designed to clear the way for night baseball at Wrigley Field, but just for World Series, National League championship and All-Star games.

However, the measure signed by the governor apparently doesn’t take precedence over an existing city ordinance that still bans all night games at the only major league ballpark without lights, said Alton Miller, a spokesman for Mayor Harold Washington.

And it doesn’t satisfy the Cubs’ demand for permission to play regular-season night games.

The Cubs have argued that postseason games alone aren’t enough to justify an estimated $5-million investment in lights, and has sought permission to play 18 regular-season games at night, over intense neighborhood opposition.

“The bill does not change our position on installing lights at Wrigley Field,” Cub Vice President Don Grenesko said in a statement.

There is no chance for postseason play this year because the Cubs are in last place in the NL East.