4/1 Taking the “Q” train

How did Cubs manager Mike Quade get to work Friday morning? He took the “L” just like other Chicago commuters. Quade is staying downtown, so he hopped on the Red Line, train No. 903, around 7:55 a.m. CT. Nobody recognized him.

“I can’t help but try to get the flavor of the ballpark and the neighborhood, especially on a day like this,” Quade said. “This day will come and go and I’ll still ride trains and do what I do.”

When he got  to the ballpark, he called about 15 people to say thanks, beginning with his parents, who are in town for the game. There were coaches and farm directors to call, too.

“I can’t call everybody because if I did, I’d miss the game and maybe tomorrow’s because that’s how much help I’ve gotten,” Quade said. “I have a lot of people to thank.”

When will Quade take a moment? It’ll be during the national anthem.

“That’s the one time I’ll have a chance to let everything go and think about that moment, so I’ve got 2 1/2 minutes to think about all the stuff I’ve talked about so let’s get that out of the way and move on,” he said.

– Carrie Muskat