Joe Ricketts tells it like it was
by tharr on Jun 4, 2011 3:09 AM CDT
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PrintI ran across this YouTube video with Joe Ricketts discussing the purchase of the Cubs. He is very open about the process and his involvement. However I found it very insightful into the character of his son Tom and the relationship between the two. Now I must be honest and tell you that I like Tom. But that is as a person, not as a leader charged with the future of the Cubs organization.
It seems that the elder Ricketts comments paint Tom as a party animal who wasn't very accountable to his father while he was in Chicago and going to college. He never told his parents he wasn't graduating on time and seemed very naive in negotiations with the Tribune. It apparently took him 10-15 years to make his business profitable. Is that a timeline we can expect for the Cubs? In the end I came away with the impression that TR was more suited to replace John McDonough than Jonh Henry.
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First I've heard of this
"He can compress the most words into the smallest idea of any man I know. " Abraham Lincoln
This is old news.
Why are you bringing this up again now?
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a lot of people didn't know about this, AL
and it’s very disturbing, you have to admit that?
I really don't care, honestly.
Far too much is made of this. And yes, it’s been all over the interwebz and this very site.
Let’s move on.
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Just because it may be old news to you
it wasn’t to me. Presumably it is new to others also. Is it on the prohibited list posted somewhere? What is old news? In the future would you like us to get approval from you that the fanpost is up to date and brand new news? Finally, would you like to be reminded when you post something that’s repetitive to us?
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
by tharr on Jun 4, 2011 6:48 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
also taking time
for a business to become profitable isnt a new thing – some people try and fail for just as long to get a business going…hopefully Tom has it figured out
I hope so too.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
Whatever.
This has been posted here and discussed multiple times.
Also note, if comments on this post turn political it will be deleted.
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No worries.
Even in the counterfactual case where I agreed with Ricketts’ politics, I still wouldn’t spend any money (or more importantly, time) seeing this team this year. When the sat feed came back last night I’d already lost interest, and was attending to other things even though it was still on in the background.
Word that his son was a ne’er-do-well party animal comes as very little surprise even without that. It happens far too often in such cases, because in the long run, those ne’er-do-well party animals are usually insulated from the consequences of their party-animal-ness.
TL;DR version: Not news, not important, politics not involved.
To be honest,
I think unless you read all the comments every day this would have been an easy one to miss. As far as I know this was only posted as a link in the comments section and not as a fanpost or fanshot. Seriously, there is so much information on this site that unless you can spend hours reading it’s impossible to check out every single article or video people link. If it was done as a fanpost or fanshot I stand corrected and I understand why you wouldn’t want to have duplicates. Those are much more obvious. No need to rehash.
Fasten those seat belts...
Where was the political involvement discussed here prior
to your injection? As i said before, I had not seen this before and, obviously a number of other people also have not seen it. Many of us live outside Chicago and aren’t tuned to all the local press coverage.
I ran a deep search for the numerous references to the You Tube video on BCB. It seems to have been mentioned one time by D98 on 11/16/2010. Are you still suggesting the subject has been discussed many times? Regardless, my take on the video discussed an entirely different angle.
The previous reference to the video was a rebuttal of your insistence that Joe Ricketts had nothing to do with the ownership of the Cubs. Now perhaps you can point me to a few of the many claimed references but it seems they are non existent. Additionally, there were only 103 comments in that fanshot which probably includes 25 different BCB members, not including me. So I heartily apologize for not being aware of the previously mentioned blog. Rest assured that in the future I will make every effort to read and retain every link so my grievous error isn’t repeated.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
by tharr on Jun 4, 2011 6:17 PM CDT up reply actions 5 recs
He got mad at me yesterday for doing the same thing
He said in the fanshot that still has no comments but ours,
Some people are interested in that. If you aren’t, pass this on by. This is, as you mention, a baseball site.
Do as I say not as i do i guess.
Well...
I read this site daily and I’ve never seen it. And, really, who gives a shit if it’s old news? What’s the harm?
What's the point?
It’s been dissected here at length. Why bring it up again?
Should I post a recap of a game from last year? That’s old news, too.
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No, you should post some from 2008
Last year sucked, too.
by Shanghai Badger on Jun 4, 2011 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions
Quite
frankly, none. I find myself passing over posts that have hundreds of comments. By the time I have seen it, i really do not feel like reviewing all of them. Therefore when it is a new post I see an opportunity to start fresh and absorb new information.
Cubs 2011 70-92
Is that wahat your survey showed?
Care to share some facts or is this another biased opinion of yours?
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
I'd agree with you
but when you make a statement and provide a number of 95% as fact, that’s an obvious fabrication.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
You're an incredibly angry person, aren't you?
Point is, this has been brought up in multiple posts. I don’t see a need to post it again with the tone taken when there are already 5 other Ricketts bashing posts on the right side bar.
If you want to bash the team, the ownership, etc, that’s fine. But does it really need to take over every single fanpost/shot on the site?
Au contraire
I consider my self an incredibly truthful person. I would never claim 95% of the people on here have seen a video unless I knew that for a fact. Obviously you don’t feel the necessity to verify your claims.
And if you consider my presentation of the video a form of bashing, you might consider that I’m part of an evil conspiracy to rid Chicago of the vile Ricketts. If, however, you feel the need to consider yourself the titular censor of BCB, you’ll be a busy man these summer months.
Most all people on here respect others opinions, even if they disagree with them. However, it’s in bad taste to clain their opinion is a verifiable fact.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
I'm fine with others opinions...
I just don’t need the same select few filling in every post with those opinions constantly throughout every day. We know how these people feel – reliving the same moment multiple times isn’t necessary or beneficial. Also, I don’t consider your post bashing, but it invites those who consistently do nothing but bash the front office for an easy opportunity to continue on with their routine.
As for the 95% – I assumed you would understand hyperbole. Obviously there is no way to know how many people clicked on a link or looked at it, but we have had multiple discussions on this exact same video, which is the point I was making.
I should end this with the fact that I myself am not impressed with Quade, Hendry of the last few years or the way Ricketts has come out and made some of these comments. I am, however, not one to carry a torch and pitchfork.
As my boss always tells me, “don’t ever come to me with a problem, come to me with a solution.” I’d suggest if we want to complain about the FO, come up with legitimate ways to fix it. Don’t come out and say, “FIRE EVERYBODY,” or “Hendry/Ricketts/Quadi IAFI.” It doesn’t add anything and just brings up a problem, which no one enjoys.
This isn't a business and this none of us are charged with fixing things
This is a blog that people come to in order to discuss the Cubs. You can rail all you want against people criticizing the front office, but you’re not going to stop it. And it’s naive to think that it would stop it.
by Shanghai Badger on Jun 5, 2011 2:14 PM CDT up reply actions
This is, however, something I have mentioned myself.
It’s real easy to say “FIREEVERYBODY”
NOT as easy to devise a solution.
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I understand that, and that wasn't entirely my point.
My point is we spend so much time focusing on problems and we spend very little time discussing viable solutions. Just something I wouldn’t mind seeing sometimes.
Thank you for your reasoned response.
I’ve learned over the years that there is often a middle ground. My blog wasn’t intended to advocate mob violence. That was the first time I had seen the video and it pointed to Tom’s distance from his father growing up. Hell, Joe had no idea his son was spending so much time at Wrigley and wasn’t even told Tom wasn’t graduating on time.
Now here comes TR asking his dad to buy the pony he always wanted as a kid. That doesn’t imply a thoughtful business approach. And if that kind of thinking is the one leading this organization, we’re in trouble. I want a leader who prioritizes the winning of championships and hires people who have a plan to accomplish that on a long term basis.
I want to see us reload rather than rebuild. That’s what quality organizations do.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
I think what you want to see is what we ALL want to see.
I just think that some people are underestimating how much TR wants to win. Obviously, I have no inside information, so I’m also just speculating – but I can’t imagine how someone could buy a sports team as a “fan” and not want to see them win.
I also know you weren’t trying to advocate a mob scene here, however that can tend to happen on the following subjects: Tom Ricketts, Joe Ricketts, Garza, Prospects, The Cubs… aw damn this blog is in trouble!
Of course Ricketts wants us to win
but he seems not to have prioritized a plan for accomplishing that goal. Yes, the urinals are fixed. But the pitching staff is a mess. Yes, he wants tax dollars to fix Wrigley but he won’t spend money to fix the bad contracts. He expends much energy in peripherals areas but I’ve not seen him excited about fixing wins and losses.
As I sad, he reminds me of McDonough. Great marketing person but not really attuned to the logistics of building a quality baseball organization. That’s why he admits Hendry is the baseball guy. Problem is, most of us are turned off by Jim. his opportunity has come and gone. And as long as TR continues to support Hendry, he will be criticized.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
Common
" Ricketts comments paint Tom as a party animal who wasn’t very accountable to his father" Very true of many college aged men. Anyhow, I will still not whine about Ricketts. I recall hearing an interview explaining this. I guess when he was in the negotiation process he did not want to focus on the management team. He said he would evaluate his management personal and not make changes. I have to believe that after this season, his evaluation should be complete.——I don’t have my glasses on and the font is very small. So excuse me if words are mis-spelled.
Cubs 2011 70-92
Where I work
I work for a company run by 2 brothers and overseen by their Dad.
Both were party animals in college. They’re very open about it.
But they are now in their 40s and run a very successful medium sized company that’s hiring and making profits in this economy.
My God if every college partier couldn’t be a success later in life we’d have no successful people!
Nothing happens unless it's first a dream
by puckishcubsfan on Jun 4, 2011 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions
The way he walks around the ball park and some of what he says does remind me of McDonough.....
but as the leader of this team……its not working
Funny thing
I watched the team run by McDonough win a Stanley Cup last year.
Nothing happens unless it's first a dream
by puckishcubsfan on Jun 4, 2011 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions
McD was on the business side of things.
He’s not a hockey guy.
"They sell every ticket to every game, win or lose!" - Tom Ricketts
Which is why...
…he hired the best hockey guy known to man in Scotty Bowman. Then, he listened to him and made some tough decisions; firing Savard and bringing in the right coach to lead a young talented team.
Ricketts should have done the same over a year ago.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Surprised at this point Ricketts is not walking around with security.
Oh wait – only the lemmings are at the ballpark these days.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
OK, this one gets me.
Just because I enjoy a day at the ballpark, love watching baseball and the Cubs and want to share that with my family, I must be a “lemming”? No, it’s called a “fan”. Once I stop supporting my team, I’m no longer a fan.
"The cheaper the hood, the gaudier the talk" - Philip Marlowe
by ForTheLoveOfBiitner on Jun 4, 2011 8:03 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Fitting that your username is a tool.
"They sell every ticket to every game, win or lose!" - Tom Ricketts
So if usernames are indicative of us as people...
You have me very intrigued.
So you're a band wagon type then?
Only showing up when they win?
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
No
I can be a fan and watch the games at home for free.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
But those of us who choose to buy a ticket and go to Wrigley are lemmings?
If that’s what you mean, it’s an incredibly ignorant thing to say.
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
For that I am sorry
I did not mean to lump everyone in that way.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
That's alright, it only hurt a little
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
"Hey Dad....
….they sell every ticket even when they’re bad, it’s a great investment"
His dad confirmed something for me, Tom Ricketts is a fan of the party that is otherwise known as Wrigley Field.
I am hoping (beyond hope)
and it is a stretch of the imagination that he only said that to sell his father on the deal. If he truly believes that he is in for a rude awakening.
Fasten those seat belts...
Yeah, let's all be judged by how we acted 20 years ago
by Shanghai Badger on Jun 4, 2011 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions
No I'm simply pointing to the fact as to why he was so enamored with the Cubs.
So far all I’ve gleaned from everything Ricketts has said about why he’s a fan of the Cubs centers around his enjoyment of Wrigley field. BTW, that quote about “selling every ticket whether the team is good or bad” was said to his dad about 4 or 5 years ago.
Yes it sounds as though that may have been a point used to sell his father on the idea of buying the team but if that was what he was expecting when he purchased the team (which I’m sure it was) he was sadly mistaken. Guess what Tom (Sorry Mr. Willie Nelson) “The Party’s Over”.
Well I'll just stop having fun then!
BTW – while you were posting this, I was on my way to Wrigley Field where I had a a great time with my family and friends. Sorry if I’m blowing the curve here.
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on Jun 6, 2011 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Sorry about above
Let’s talk about a game in 2001. How about the one hitter by Wood?
Nothing happens unless it's first a dream
It was the day after (or before?) Jon Lieber's one-hitter
And I think the Cubs may have stolen the NL Central that year if it wasn’t for Bill Mueller getting hurt.
I forgot about Lieber
I forgot Lieber. Also Kerry got hurt in August.
Nothing happens unless it's first a dream
by puckishcubsfan on Jun 4, 2011 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions
2001 hinged on Bil Mueller? I liked him as a player..
…but I don’t think his contributions would have resulted in a division.
I was thinking in terms of the roster being more solid
Who knows – maybe an offense with Mueller there for the whole year is productive enough that they trade for another starting pitcher instead of Fred McGriff. Still was an unexpected fun year.
Wow, I forgot about McGriff...what a joke that was having as a fanbase to beg...
…him to come play for the cubs.
Although it seems likely that some free agents and draftees demand a "Wrigley Premium" to play here...
…Crime Dog’s 2001 posturing was over the top, much like Gary Sheffield’s in ’04, and the long delay before McGriff signed-off on the deal may have cost the Cubs the division.
Ultimately, Fred’s dithering probably cost him membership in the 500 Home Run Club and the Hall of Fame.
"Elder White! Look at the talent on those Cubs!" Harry Caray, KMOX Radio, 4/22/62
"And you have to wonder – What's the matter with Broglio?" Harry, KMOX, 5/24/64
it should have been a no hitter.
Get the ball Orie!!!!!
#10 You will be missed.
by Bricks and Ivy on Jun 5, 2011 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions
I could swear Tom Ricketts has said he partied in the bleachers a lot....
…. matter of fact, he says it in just about every interview, and that he lived in Wrigleyville. So, for his Dad to say Tom partied his way through his 20’s, is, well, old news. I partied my way through my 20’s. So did many people here I’d bet, who are in their 30’s and beyond. Big deal.
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
I really don't care what Tom did when he was a fan
My only point is that I fear he still considers the team not as important as the experience. He’s team president now and his priority should consider be focused on winning rather than enjoying a trip to Wrigley
There are millions of Cub fans and only 35,000 in the stands. They could serve me flat beer and stale popcorn as long as they win a championship. All I ask is for TR to have the right priorities.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
Now that I've watched this, I don't get what the big deal is supposed to be
He partied in college? Big deal. That doesn’t prohibit him from achieving future success.
I just hope he has the insight/advisors to tip him off when it’s time to overhaul the front office and that he doesn’t stubbornly stick with his initial choices.
I don't really care that he partied in college.
No biggie.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
I'd be concerned if he didn't
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on Jun 6, 2011 1:04 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
WHY does this mean anything?
5 mins of my life gone reading this.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jun 4, 2011 12:42 PM CDT reply actions
Check my sig
Old, old news.
And frankly, while it’s fun for me to poke at Tom about it, it doesn’t mean much. They’re businessmen. They want to make money. Wow, shocking!
And who knows, he could have been using that line as nothing more than encouragement to get his dad to sign on since it’s clear he doesn’t give a rat’s ass about sports. Tom was in the Bleachers in the 80s. He knows every ticket to every game isn’t true. If anything, like Joe even said, Tom wanted his dream job. Well, he got it. Now, don’t screw it up, Tom!
"They sell every ticket to every game, win or lose!" - Tom Ricketts
Of course they want to make money
as well they should; but imagine how much revenue the Cubs would generate if they won a World Series.
I don’t care how much Tom partied in college; I did plenty myself. All I care about is what he does with the team here and now.
I read this sight often and don't remember seeing this (in his defense).
Not saying that it wasn’t posted. I just never saw it.
#10 You will be missed.
So what was Tom Ricketts doing while all this yapping was going on here?
On Friday and Saturday, Tom Ricketts was meeting and talking with season ticket holders and their families. The Cubs put on 4 great season ticket holder appreciation events and from what I hear, these were better than last year – free food and drink, more things to do/see. And these were not done before Ricketts bought the team.
So while youse been yapping about what daddy thinks of his son and those oh-so-important college days, Tom and his staff have been meeting with their season ticket holders to understand what we want as customers.
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
I can sum up what we all want in one word
WIN
I get your point though.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
Did you get a chance to talk to him?
I did. Nice guy. I wish I had some grandiose suggestions for him, but I really didn’t. The only thing that concerns me going forward are the ticket prices. If they want to keep prices this high, they have to start spending money, and wisely too. If they want to slash payroll to $100m, that’s fine too, I just fully expect ticket prices to be slashed as well. They cannot have their cake and eat it too.
I just wish I had seen the clown (Kenney) so I could have told him how much hatred I would have for a jumbotron.
"They sell every ticket to every game, win or lose!" - Tom Ricketts
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