Devoted Cub fan walking to Chicago's Wrigley Field

Bill Holden is headed to Wrigley Field in Chicago for a Cubs game on June 30th on foot. His 2,100 mile stroll began near Phoenix, Arizona in January. <br/><br/>On his way to Chicago, he's raising

Friday, April 15th 2005, 9:57 am

By: News On 6

Bill Holden is headed to Wrigley Field in Chicago for a Cubs game on June 30th on foot. His 2,100 mile stroll began near Phoenix, Arizona in January.

On his way to Chicago, he's raising money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. News on 6 reporter Rick Wells caught up with him Friday in Pryor. Bill Holden is walking north on US highway 69.

What I noticed right away, no support vehicle, just him, walking. â€œWe're doing this the old fashioned, honest way, no support vehicle." I asked if I could walk along for a while. He's already walked across the better part of four states. "Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Took two months to get across Texas." Rick Wells: "Big I guess." Bill Holden: "Very big.â€ This 2,100 mile walk is a fund raiser for diabetes research.

One of his inspirations is former cub third baseman now broadcaster Ron Santo. "Ron Santo was probably the best 3rd baseman in the history of the Chicago Cubs; he lost both legs to juvenile type one diabetes." He wasn't teaching school this year, so why not take a little walk and raise some money and people along the way have responded. â€œWhen people know you're legitimate, you're doin' this for a good cause."

So far he's raised about $70,000, the goal is a quarter of a million. Because he's out here on his own, he has to rely on the people he meets and he says they've been terrific. â€œThere is always somebody there to help me, there's always a kind word. I haven't been rousted around I haven't been hassled, it's been wonderful."

And he had some nice things to say about us. "Oklahoma sure is a nice place, wonderfully friendly people, it's beautiful. I've seen the best in the American people." 2,100 miles on foot to raise money for others, I may be walking along side one of the best of the American people.

If you'd like to follow along as Bill Holden heads for Chicago, or perhaps want to contribute to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, check out his 'This Old Cub' web site.