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Beloved Cubs fan James Anixter, the 'Pink Hat Guy,' dies at 81

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 3, 2026, 12:29 AM

Last updated Jul 3, 2026

Beloved Cubs fan James Anixter, the 'Pink Hat Guy,' dies at 81

Summary

James Anixter, known as the 'Pink Hat Guy' for his iconic pink hat, died Tuesday at the age of 81 from complications after surgery. A devoted Chicago Cubs fan, he was a familiar face at Wrigley Field for nearly six decades, attending games through both victories and hardships. Anixter's legacy includes a plaque at his seats and a tradition of giving away pink hats as a fundraiser for cancer charities. His last game was on May 6, when the Cubs faced the Cincinnati Reds. Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, with the family requesting donations to charity in lieu of flowers.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Anixter died on July 1 from surgery complications.
•He was a fixture at Wrigley Field since 1967.
•His pink hat became a symbol of Cubs fandom.
•The family asks for donations to cancer charities in his memory.
•Anixter's last game attendance was on May 6.

Latest Updates

12:29 AMYahoo Sports — Lifelong Chicago Cubs fan James Anixter, aka ‘Pink Hat Guy,’ dies at 81: ‘He loved to do some good with it’

What they're saying

"
For nearly six decades, Chicago Cubs fans at Wrigley Field or watching a game from their couches saw James Anixter sit diligently behind home plate. Through thick and thin, from the Cubs’ triple-digit-loss season of 2012 to their 2016 World Series championship, Anixter was there for it all. If fans don’t recognize his name, they’ll recognize his face. Or rather, his iconic pink hat. However, ...
— Yahoo Sports

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Chicago Cubs Cincinnati Reds MLB Baseball