As Avelino Cortez III took the mound at Wrigley Field Tuesday night all he could think about was throwing a pitch over the plate, he said.

With nine family members and 2,000 Northwestern students cheering him on, the Education senior hurled the first pitch at NU Day at Wrigley Field to kick off the Chicago Cubs game against the San Francisco Giants.

Cortez earned the opportunity to throw the first pitch by guzzling beer and impersonating legendary broadcaster Harry Caray at a Norris University Center bar night earlier this month.

Cortez said he had his picture taken with Hall of Fame pitcher Fergie Jenkins and Cubs Manager Dusty Baker before taking the mound.

“Just being down there on the field was great,” said Cortez, an Education senior. “It was the best seat in the house.”

Purple sweatshirts dotted the crowd as NU Cubs fans endured windy Chicago weather to watch the game. The 2,000 tickets reserved for NU students sold out in just two days, said Jim Schuchart, president of sponsor Northwestern Class Alliance.

“We were surprised they sold out so fast,” said Schuchart, a Weinberg junior. “We knew it would be a success, especially with the Cubs’ popularity last year, but I don’t think anyone anticipated selling a thousand in a day.”

NU fans shouted enthusiastically as the organist played the NU fight song. They also cheered on Cortez and Melodious Thunk, who sang the national anthem.

“It’s great to see that even though everyone is from all over the country, we can come together to support one team,” said lifelong Cubs fan Kate Pannella, a Weinberg sophomore.

Cortez said his experience strengthened his love for the Cubs.

“During the first pitch, it made me enjoy Wrigley that much more,” he said. “I didn’t think I could be a bigger Cubs fan than I was before, but it certainly adds to being a fan.”