It's not a ballgame-it's a happening
I went to a White Sox game this afternoon (I know, minus major BCB points for me-trust me I'll be cheering for the boys in blue tomorrow!). Anyway, a friend of mine commented on the noise and entertainment going on at the Cell and said, "This isn't just a ballgame, it's a happening. I definitely agree with what they said-you don't have any of the in between innings tshirt tosses, hula dances (yes, there was a hula dance), and loud rock and roll music. Please understand that I am not saying it is just the Cell, I am sure it is almost every ballpark. However, all you have at Wrigley is the organ music and the fans.
Which do you like better-the entertainment somewhat taking away from the game itself, or just the game without all the extra "stuff"? Keep in mind that at Wrigley you do not have as "nice" of stuff-your basic hot dog and beer (not the fancy stuff that modern parks have. There are pros and cons to both. However, I think that I like the Wrigley atmosphere-simply a ballgame. Another thought is that I noticed the fans were much more engaged in the game itself at Wrigley, where as people at the Cell were more distracted (by the extras maybe?). Anyway, I was just interested to see what BCBer's thoughts were.
Let's hope the Cubs turn it around this weekend at the Cell!
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.
53 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Don't get me wrong
I like the Cell. I like the food, and I love being able to watch the game while I’m getting food. I like walking around there, and being able to park is a definate plus.
But Wrigley, despite all its detractors saying its old, small, etc, feels like the way game experience should be. The game is the focus. And I will never, ever, ever say anything bad about the scoreboard. If they knock Wrigley down (heaven forbid) whatever goes up in its place, wheverever the Cubs play, need to keep that scoreboard.
Agreed.
But the difference between the Wrigley and the Cell is attendance. They need to have all those antics to get the fans/families in the ballpark.
by 10 14 23 26 on Jun 26, 2009 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions
Outside of Wrigley and Fenway
fans need to have non-stop entertainment. That’s just the way it is in ‘modern’ baseball.
The new parks have bells and whistles that are now …required. But once you start this, though, you cannot go back. The technology must stay current.
For example, Petco Park’s monochromatic RF wall scoreboard is already dated. Every new park has now updated color LED technology for secondary scoreboards. Thankfully, some who have — and want — the throwback look with hand-operated boards.
If a stadium’s video board isn’t in HD….it’d already dated.
I’ll take the simple look of Wrigley. The new smaller boards on the 1B and 3B grandstand facing give me enough stats. I’ll pay attention to the game. I don’t need video replays.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jun 25, 2009 8:14 PM CDT reply actions
Exactly.
The only place I differ with SDSJM is, that I’d like to have somewhat larger side scoreboards for more information. I wouldn’t have any real objection to a ribbon board at Wrigley.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I might object slightly
but only because they would undoubtedly be used for fancy motion graphics, with requisite swooshy sound fx, and they would sort of spoil the visual palette of Wrigley for me. It would feel like United Center creep, and I don’t think I’d like that.
"You have to have short-term memory, no matter who you are in this game. There's always tomorrow." ~Derrek Lee
I think that they could do it without the swooshy noises.
There’s got to be a middle ground between boards that don’t even indicate how many team errors there are, and the stuff you get at the Cell or Chase Field.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
from a "marketing" perspective, it'd be awful tough to have that whole ribbon board at your fingertips...
…and not use it to its fullest annoying advertising information overload let’s make some noise capabilities. So why even give them the opportunity?
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Yeah, you might be right.
How about boards just a LITTLE bit bigger so we can get more information on them?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Actually, I think that's what will end up happening
That seems to be the modus cuberandi at Wrigley when it comes to changes – start out small and unobtrusive and then build on that each year, little by little. So I could easily see them adding on another panel on either side of the existing side boards.
Which I guess, makes all of us (fans) a bunch of frogs sitting in a nice pot of water… ;-)
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Agree or disagree... or just discuss...
But, I’ve long wondered why one of the rooftops haven’t considered putting a jumbotron on top, instead of seats. I’ve never once read anything, anywhere about that topic. The one roof with the Miller Lite Billboard could generate a heck of a lot more revenue if it was a “digital billboard”, which is essentially what a jumbotron is. And, so many of the rooftops are empty in April and May… but there’s always money to made from advertising during the entire season.
When it comes down to all of the business licenses required to run the rooftop seating, the commission to the Cubs, and the overall cost of operation, you’d think that just the advertising revenue and operation and maintenance of the jumbotron would equal more profit. Heck, the biggest advertiser could be WGN or Comcast, who would have their namesake on it, and operate it from a truck feed.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
There may be zoning issues.
Plus, think about how heavy such a structure would be (would the building be able to support it?) and the cabling and electronics required. It might be cost-prohibitive.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Well... it would be a heavy structure
But, to that point… those heavy structures get built on top of things in ballparks everywhere. Why couldn’t a rooftop, which already supports a heavy seating structure, support the weight of a jumbo? The giant rooftop to the left of the scoreboard on Waveland built a massive steel beam seating structure last year.
The other stuff… well, heck, I’m no expert. Just opining.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
The Cubs would block it
They allowed the current advertising signs to be “grandfathered” in as they have been there even before the rooftops had seats
( though the advertisers have changed) some years ago one of the rooftops was going to sell advertising during the playoffs and the Cubs said if they did they would build an obstruction. Letting a few hundred people sit on the rooftops for which the Cubs get 17% of the revenue is one thing, mess with their advertising money and they will destroy you ( and rightly so).
"I daydream just like everybody else, I just do it with my body facing the field, so everybody thinks I'm paying attention."- Greg Maddux
by Doggie Stalker on Jun 26, 2009 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't think they can retro one of those
into the buildings which were all rebuilt the last several years. Wind sheer and loading on one bldg, even the Glenn Allen Hill rooftop maybe prohibitive. Then there’s the zoning. But this is Chicago and we certainly know who to navigate around those pesky rules & regulations.
Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.
FYI, the only 'detractors' of Wrigley
are some cubs fans who just want something new for the sake of something new. Without exception — those who live elsewhere, and are not Cubs fans (that I have talked with, anyway) have treated their visit to Wrigley as an experience to treasure.
Al, where else would you place such signage? There isn’t any location that I can think of…
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jun 25, 2009 8:20 PM CDT reply actions
I was there too today
I enjoy both experiences. Although I feel completely indifferent watching a Sox game, whereas I genuinely care at a Cubs game. I like baseball.
And both the ‘modern’ baseball experience and the Wrigley experience have their own appeals. I really couldn’t care less about the t-shirt guns or the dancing on top of the dugout stuff. It certainly isn’t anything that specifically appeals to me, but it also doesn’t really take anything away from the game itself.
But I really don’t enjoy the ‘Everybody clap your hands!’ garbage during the game, that stuff can get on my nerves. It just doesn’t feel right at a baseball game.
The fancier, and more edible, food on the south side is really nice, but I wouldn’t otherwise expect to have more than some hotdogs at a baseball game regardless of where I am.
This statment wont be very popular among Cubs fans
but i cant wait until the Cubs get a new stadium. Or at least Wrigley gets a major upgrade.
FIRE VDN
The Cell isn't a happening.
it’s a singles club.
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. When they play over their heads, and when they play under the gutter. When they win the division, and then get swept in the division series. When they get no-hitters and when they blow no-hitters. And some day, when they go all the way and get those rings. This is the kind of fan I am.
I was just...
At the Cell for the Tuesday game for the first time and by the 3rd inning, I said to my buddies, “Guys, how do you take this, it feels like we are at an arena football game??” Wrigley is a day and night away from the atmosphere of a big hunk of metal that blasts hip hop in front of 22,000 foul mouthed fans. Thank God for the North side of the city. But seriously besides the great food, the atmosphere just felt like an Arena Football game.
I may be crucified for saying this but...
Wrigley needs to get torn down. Keep the scoreboard, but rebuild Wrigley from the ground up. Put in all the player amenities missing, see if it’s possible to get a little more seating in the grandstand (I don’t know how) and install some kind of video highlight board somewhere around the scoreboard. It would be nice if they could acquire some property for a large parking lot some place close. I know this would be very expensive and a new owner would definitely have to want to spend a crapload of money to improve Wrigley but it would be a much better stadium. Same location, same architecture, almost the same Wrigley, but brand-spanking new. Would that really be that bad? Would that destroy the ambiance of Wrigleyville? I don’t think so. Play a season at the Cell or Wrigley North. They should start as soon as the new owner is in place.
Now, tell me why they shouldn’t.
You don't need more seating.
It’s been pretty well established that “more” seating isn’t the answer; most new parks that are built today have seating capacities about 42,000-44,000, just a little more than Wrigley has. It’s the premium seating that makes big money, the Cubs have done some of that and will likely do more.
The player amenities will come when they build the triangle building to the west of the park and have space for that.
I agree that the park needs renovations. They’ll do that when new ownership comes in, whenever that is.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
The player amenities are definitely atrocious.
I always thought, for that reason, if they ever rebuilt the park… they’d
1. keep the outfield wall and bleachers intact…
2. save the lights, poles, flags, and other “original” features,
3. re-build the grandstands from the foundation up… creating bigger space in the guts of the park for the team facilities and park staff.
The recent renovations of the bleachers and the playing surface were very well done, and the investment would go to waste if you tore it up. Not to mention, the sentiment… nostalgia… history… ambiance… etc.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
"Bigger space in the guts of the park".
… I doubt you’d have enough room on the existing footprint. The triangle building is where you are going to see those facilities.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Why can't they dig down?
Modern technology being what it is, I’m surprised they haven’t found a way to go further below the stadium.
by dr stabbingworth on Jun 26, 2009 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Once they move the team's offices
out of the ballpark, that opens up a whole set of opportunities. They won’t mess with the field surface w.r.t. ground level so then the main grandstand structure does not have to be altered. That way they can design and execute a 5-year plan for “Wrigley 2014 – A 100 Year Odyssey”.
Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.
The Cubs would be one team,
BoSox the other that could really benefit from the closer to 50k seating than 40k seating. If somehow Wrigley’s capacity could be brought up to over 45k, maybe even 48k (which it can’t in its current location for many, many reasons), they’d probably consider it.
But you’re totally right, PSL’s, skyboxes and the likes are why new facilities are built.
Anyone in disagreement needs to look no further beyond our fair city; Madison St to be specific. Chicago Stadium was/is/will never, ever be matched for its thunderous noise and excitement, especially for hockey. But it had ZERO skyboxes and no real way to even retrofit any in. Hence, the “New Chicago Stadium” or what we all know today as United Center. It’s general seating capacity is about the same 17,300 as the old barn but with 216 skyboxes – unmatched in the NHL and NBA – and more than most MLB even some NFL stadiums, it is the premier revenue generator for a [hockey] seating capacity of just 20,500.
Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.
We are facing the same thing here
In Albuquerque, in the University of New Mexicos basketball arena (the Pit). they are undertaking a huge remodel. Because due to the architecture of the place – an underground construction (37 feet below ground level. It currently has a suspended ceiling and roof, which made skyboxes impossible – as well as a hanging scoreboard. However, the new design will utilze cantilever construction to allow those amenities. the renovation It will not only increase the size of seating capacity, it will double restroom and concession areas, and workout and locker room facilities.
"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"
I wonder how high the water table is beneath Wrigley
Just a few miles north/west at Rosehill Cemetary (Western and Peterson) the water table is not too far beneath the stnd concrete vaults.
Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.
You'll get crucified by me for proposing a big parking lot anywhere close.
The neighborhood has a lot more going on than Wrigley, and a parking lot big enough to make a serious dent in Wrigley parking would be a complete dead zone in the neighborhood for the 284 days a year they’re not playing baseball. At any rate, the expensive and scarce parking that exists now around Wrigley represents an economic truth: land in Lakeview is just too damn valuable to put a parking lot on. Other ballparks that have big parking lots just aren’t located in neighborhoods like Lakeview. Even in the current neo-classical trend back towards building ballparks within the limits of major cities, they’re typically built on cheaper land where big plots for the stadium and parking lots are easier to get, often former industrial sites. The one I’m a little familiar with is AT&T park in San Francisco. It’s pretty close to downtown (much closer than Candlestick) and right by the Caltrain station, but the immediate surroundings are old docks.
I know that it's not feasible
But the remote parking lot for night games should be in place all the time. Why can’t they have a remote parking lot with more than one shuttle serving fans? The team makes enough money on the fans, how about putting a little of that money back to make it more convenient for fans from out of town?
last summer I went to
Wrigley, Fenway, Comiskey, Busch, and Miller.
Busch and Miller especially did a lot of the same things with the ribbon board. I don’t mind most of the stuff with ribbon boards, but I HATE the “MAKE SOME NOISE” messages and stuff like that.
Comiskey doesn’t do as much as Bush and Miller but they still do more than I think they need to.
Even though fenway has a video replay board, I don’t recall them using it for a lot of stupid stuff like newer parks do. being there makes me believe that Wrigley could do a video replay board. Where they put it I don’t know, but that’s not for me to figure out.
---AC 00 00 00 - Believe
I hear ya on the "MAKE SOME NOISE" messages
Living here in Atlanta most of my life, the audience here actually somewhat needs that message to make noise during most of the game. Times that the crowds at Wrigley and other “educated” ballparks get loud and into the game on their own.
I realize that
This debate may not have been heard by some of our newer members of the blog. But seriously, the whole Wrigley – should it stay or should it go, is a tired worn out debate. I appreciate the poster talking about clear entertainment differences between modern parks and places like Wrigley (and Fenway), but the discussion about Wrigley Field’s fate is lame.
Why you ask? Because first of all why would any business person tear down an asset that continues to bring in revenues, even though it is 50 years past its depreciable value? You’d be a fool to “tear it down” why take on the added burden of debt (in this economic climate), when as Al and others have suggested, you could make some serious renovations to the current structure, at a much lower cost. All the while, retaining one the things that brings in revenue – this historical significance of the place.
Now look, I’m not suggesting that I am into this syrupy love affair with “old places and things” but most Americans are. They eat that stuff for breakfast – whether its visiting Wrigley, or here in my home state, checking out the streets of Santa Fe (which are dusty, old, and dammit just old). This is mans facination with the past, so once again, any owner would be a fool to not let a little goldmine like Wrigley go to waste. I agree with the consensus on BCB, renovations are in order and will likely happen, advertising will likely increase, and people will flock to Wrigley – while the Nationals Park continues to hear crickets.
"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"
by StevenABQ on Jun 26, 2009 9:31 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
+1
I know while major renovations would go on at Wrigley that the Cubs would play most, if not all, of their home games at the Cell. I suppose there’s a slim possibility that a very limited number of Cubs home games would be played at Miller Park. The renovations could go on for a half season or a whole season, but that would be a small price to pay to keep Wrigley Field as a viable home for the rest of the 21st century.
"The big possums walk late." - Harry Caray
They won't do this IMO
They’ll carefully plan (like they did with the orig Mezz suites, lights, bleacher expansion and dugout & bullpen boxes) a 4 or 5 year renovation cycle so they don’t have to play anywhere else other than 1060 W. Addison.
Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.
This seems most likely
And it fits with the steady yet slow improvement time table that has been managements M.O.
Again, its all about the money, they could play at the Cell – which would be a novelty at first, but they also could risk potential revenue streams. eg; “Hey mom and dad, we going to see the Cubs this year?” “No, son/daughter, lets wait till next year when they are back playing at Wrigley.”
Although the touristy stuff might not be a huge dent, it would still be missed opportunity.
Not to mention the amended advertising contracts, which would shrink the revenue stream for the time away from the park. No – you nailed it. I see the cycle of improvements you suggest as the most likely scenario.
"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"
It's creeping into Wrigley Field
There’s a lot more stimulation going on in between innings at Wrigley Field than there was even five years ago. The music has been turned up and there’s constant chatter on the PA in between innings. It’s really unfortunate because it hampers the ability to communicate with the people around you, which for me decreases my enjoyment of the game.
Sign of the times
“constant chatter” = Advertising = Revenue
Mo’ Money Mo’ Problems.
"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"
I can see ribbon boards for statistical use and of course the advertising that would follow
It loses my endorsement the first time the play the “Which Hat Is the Ball In Game?”
I’m shamed by the human race EVERYTIME I go to a game at Busch (or elsewhere) and they play the lets move the object around in one of three items and have everyone follow it! game.
It cracks me up to hear/see 40,000 people all shout out 3!!!!! THREE!!!! THREE!!!!! and then cheer as if it was the best moment of their week when they get it right
Albert Pujols for Cubs Starting 1B in 2011
+1 !!
If you really want to get pulled into the craze that is the new stadium, try taking in a Diamondbacks game; yikes!
Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.
Yeah, Diamondback games are awful
But at least driving there is in light traffic and you can park for $5 in the building right next to the stadium.
by dr stabbingworth on Jun 26, 2009 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions
Well, when you are
mired in last place, it’s easy to get good seats and parking.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jun 27, 2009 12:46 AM CDT up reply actions
Please - how about a little compassion for our feathered friends to the SW. Maybe it WAS the best moment of their week...
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
sadly...
I saw them do that very thing (only with Blachawk hockey pucks) at Wrigley Field last Saturday
Oh Baby!
by cubswgnrocks on Jun 26, 2009 2:26 PM CDT up reply actions
And this is exactly the way I like it
I definitely agree with what they said-you don’t have any of the in between innings tshirt tosses, hula dances (yes, there was a hula dance), and loud rock and roll music.
It’s one reason why I like Wrigley so much: IT’S THE BALLGAME and that’s about it. If I want other entertainment, I can go in search of it; outside – far outside – the confines of the ballyard.
I like to call most stadiums and arenas today, the ADHD generation stadiums. If there isn’t something flashing in your face or blaring in your ears, you’re getting cheated.
Once again it’s time to envoke my favourite Jim Caple article on the old North Side ballyard:
http://espn.go.com/page2/s/ballparks/wrigley.html
It’s a couple years dated for a few of the sub-topics but like I’ve said countless times; Jim nails this dead-on.
Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.
by blackhawk24 on Jun 26, 2009 1:00 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
I wholeheartedly agree
I love Wrigley just how it is and it won’t be improved by a huge video screen or more circus tricks.
My only 3 "upgrades" for Wrigley Field, and a very optimistic future fourth:
1. Renovate the remaining Addison and Clark Street structures, including the seating, aisles, lower concourses, restrooms, outer building facade (but in keeping with the historical aspect of the building), and especially air conditioning/heating and/or providing adequate ventilation/fans in the lower concourse food concession areas where the workers toil in virtual “sweatshop” working conditions -especially on hot and humid days.
I expect this to be a “given” as top priority with new, dedicated local ownership, whenever, if ever that happens!
2. Add permanently visible modern statistical data displays, including cumulative pitch counts (for starting and long relief pitchers) for the duration of the entire game (not occasionally displayed at seemingly random times), plus cumulative walks, strikeouts, and runners LOB; etc.
Since the scoreboard cannot and should not accommodate this modern data, add this as electronic displays strategically around the ballpark as unobtrusively placed as possible. I despise the intrusion of “jumbotron” screens with replays, and distracting, trivial, and value-diminishing non-traditional aspects beyond the game itself!
As Ron Santo aptly characterized it, ‘Wrigley Field IS the REAL Baseball Hall of Fame’ where his #10 Flag is gloriously and deservedly enshrined forever in THE living legacy of baseball!
Cooperstown is a mere hollow dimly-lit shadow of a rural hamlet compared to the unparalleled historical grandeur and authenticity of “The Friendly Confines”! For me, watching a game or visiting at Wrigley Field for one day is more valuable than spending a lifetime in the Cooperstown anti-HOF!
And I continue to pledge to NEVER attend the “Coop” which claims to be a real HOF, UNTIL Ron’s election in his lifetime brings the soul and essence of his Wrigley Field HOF to that hollow building in upper state NY, whose voters have disgraced and dishonored one of the greatest third baseman in the history of baseball!
Ron Santo truly belongs in Wrigley Field – Baseball’s genuine HOF!
Baseball games at Wrigley Field emanate the soothing, pleasurable, traditional sounds of the game as it has been played in the time-honored days going back to the historical roots of the greatest sport ever devised!
(See exceptions and damaging intrusions to this traditional atmosphere in upgrade #3 below.)
3. Promote more extensive “policing” of rude, obnoxious, profanity-obsessed “attendees” who only spoil the enjoyment of the game and the rich tradition of Wrigley Field baseball as “The Friendly Confines”!
Notice I can at best refer to these people as “attendees”, because they do not come to Wrigley to enjoy or participate knowledgeably in the game, nor to support the Cubs or their opponent. They primarily engage in non-baseball related behavior – including getting or continuing to be intoxicated, engaging in loud obnoxious profanity-laden language, talking incessantly on cell phones, and “hanging out” at Wrigley to socialize and “be seen”.
The game to these immature, misplaced watering-hole residents is merely a distraction, and at best a social backdrop for their juvenile antics.
Many games that I attended at Wrigley in the last five years, I would have preferred to be at home watching on TV or listening to Pat and Ron on the radio, versus having to contend with this non-baseball “crowd” – who truly denigrate the game and Wrigley Field’s traditions.
The insensitive, irresponsible harm which young and older fans alike must contend with from these rude, self-centered troglodytes is a disgrace to those of us who are at the game to enjoy baseball, the Cubs, the opposing team, and “The Friendly Confines” of Mr. Cub’s legacy!
4.OK, I have to admit that a WS flag or two being added to the two existing flags would be a most welcome upgrade to the solitary “W” flags, that will only be truly remembered, rejoiced, revered, and relished permanently with the “S” added at Season’s end!
Someday…
by GeneticCubsFan on Jun 27, 2009 2:28 AM CDT reply actions 2 recs
This is a well-thought-out post...
… giving realistic ideas that would make Wrigley better and keep it a great place for baseball for the next 50-75 years. Highly rec’d.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Rec'd
For both substance and proper use of the term “troglodyte.” Well done, sir/madam.
"You have to have short-term memory, no matter who you are in this game. There's always tomorrow." ~Derrek Lee
Thank you both! And a final 5th upgrade
I find it deplorable as well as redundant to use the term “true Cubs Fan”.
Cubs Fans love and respect the game, their unique ballpark (not stadium!), and understand and appreciate that “Someday…” will appear – just uncertain of the exact date!
Something needs to be done by the new ownership to promote and market Wrigley Field and Cubs baseball as a rare, precious privilege to experience. As a professional psychologist, I understand how some “attendees” merely reflect our larger society.
Cait Murphy’s excellent book, Crazy ’08, documents how times really have not changed all that much regarding rowdy, obnoxious behaving people who “show up” at ball games. I feel “cheated” when I have to contact ushers and security personnel to deal with ugly, disruptive behavior by people who ruin the enjoyment of the game for fans who cherish the Cubs, baseball, and Wrigley Field.
As a side note, it is interesting to reflect on the fact that historically the only three consecutive appearances by the Cubs in the World Series included two key players, who abandoned their friendship to engage in on-field, in-game fighting and cursing each other, due to a rather “trivial” incident involving a “missed” cab ride.
Johnny Evers and Joe Tinker finally “buried the hatchet” many years later after their playing days had ended, when invited to appear together in the Cubs radio broadcast booth. Both later entered the HOF together as friends again.
There are many incidents of brawling teammates, managers and players who win championships, despite the altercations and their poor choices of angered behavior.
In Milton Bradley’s case, I find no excuses to defend his actions. I also cannot support management for selecting him as a “teammate” who could be counted on to contribute to his team’s success.
Just because some people in the stands behave poorly, as do some players, managers, coaches, and management personnel, there are still no excuses to condone less than respectful behavior at any sporting event.
In Wrigley Field’s bleachers there are signs posted: “Respect Wrigley Field”.
Perhaps future owners will help to educate players and the “attendees” who need to learn how to behave and appreciate the rare gift of being in Wrigley Field.
Hopefully Chicago Cubs fans will deservedly experience their unending joy when “Someday…” finally arrives for the Cubs for the first time (in the ballpark which originally was home to two consecutive Federal League Championships in 1914 &1915)!
What a disgrace it would be if “attendees” and disrespectful players were still present to spoil this time of cosmic fulfillment!
The 5th upgrade: Prominently display new “educational” signs throughout Wrigley Field:
“Respect Wrigley Field, the Game, and the Fans!”
Someday…
by GeneticCubsFan on Jun 28, 2009 2:35 AM CDT up reply actions
You're ideas for renovations
in #1 and #2 certainly seem to be in order, at least a good portion of them. It’ll be interesting to see how this unfolds once the team offices are moved out of the ballpark.
I won’t rant along with on Ronnie. You’re right on with it; nuff said.
- is a league-wide / sports-wide issue with the 4 majors. Wrigley has its own twist since many do view it as a 41,160 seat outdoor bar. There are many forms of “attendees”. The one’s there to be seen or do not know the game will never leave and can never be incriminated upon for being baseball-ignorant. The “bar-fly” types however can be controlled and to what extremes the team can go will be based solely on their tenacity.
#4, well we can all think of many ways how these will be displayed.
Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.

by 


















