Cubs' Szczur details epic Broadway marriage proposal

MESA, Ariz. -- Matt Szczur knew how much his girlfriend, Natalie, loved Broadway shows, and he made a trip to New York in November 2013 extra special by arranging for a backstage pass at the Ambassador Theater where they were to see "Chicago: The Musical." What Natalie didn't know was Szczur, a top prospect with the Cubs, had a surprise waiting.

"I proposed to her on the stage before the show with the cast members there," Szczur said. "I proposed before the show, and then we went back at intermission and took pictures with the cast members."

Yes, Szczur got down on one knee to ask Natalie to marry him. The couple had been together for years, but she was totally surprised.

"She had no idea," Szczur said, smiling.

Why pick that musical?

"It was her grandmother's favorite Broadway show," Szczur said. "We were in New York City at the time, so we did 'Chicago' -- I play for the Cubs, so it was good."

Natalie did say yes, and the two were married last November in Philadelphia. He's made a ritual of treating her to a special vacation prior to Spring Training, so the New York trip itself didn't give his plans away.

"I would usually do something for her before I left [for Spring Training] to make it easier for us -- one last hurrah," Szczur said. "We went to Wolfgang Puck [restaurant] for dinner that night and then hit the Broadway show."

And Szczur was the star.