Yosh Kawano

Who is Yosh Kawano?

Yosh Kawano was the longtime clubhouse manager for the Chicago Cubs who retired in 2008 and was known for his trademark white fishing hat. Kawano's long service and dedication to the team have made him a part of Chicago Cubs team lore. Kawano is honored in the Cubs Walk of Fame, a series of banners hanging in the concourse of Wrigley Field.

Reportedly, the contract for the sale of the Cubs from the Wrigley family to the Chicago Tribune in 1981 included a clause to guarantee Kawano a job for life with the Cubs. Former Cubs player and enshrined member of the Baseball Hall of Fame Ryne Sandberg has suggested that if the Cubs were ever to change the name of Wrigley Field, that the ballpark should be named Yosh Kawano Field. Sandberg also thanked Kawano in his Hall of Fame induction speech.

On June 16, 2008, Kawano donated his trademark fishing hat to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.

On Thursday, June 26, 2008, it was announced that Yosh Kawano would be retiring at the conclusion of the 2008 season. Kawano joined Cubs' Hall of Famer Billy Williams as guest conductor for "Take Me Out To the Ballgame" during the 7th inning stretch of the Cubs-Orioles game on June 26, 2008, a game which the Cubs lost 11-4 to the Baltimore Orioles.