9 Questions with Chicago Cubs Owner Tom Ricketts
March 21, 2014
Michael Osacky
World-class Sports Memorabilia Appraiser
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Sitting in the most important office in the Chicago Cubs’ organization, I couldn’t help but notice how unpretentious everything looked. I expected something lavish. This is not the case at Wrigley Field. But when I mentioned the low-key surroundings to Tom Ricketts, chairman and owner of the Chicago Cubs, he said, “Michael, we have hundreds of better ways to spend money. I don’t need a fancy office.”
This year, some of that saved money is going towards celebration. April 23rd 2014 marks the 100th anniversary of Wrigley Field. There are ten home stands during the 2014 season specially designated to commemorate the ballpark’s rich 100 year history. Players will be wearing historic uniforms, fans can eat specialty food offerings, and retro toys will be given away to those lucky fans attending the games.
Mr. Ricketts was kind enough to answer some questions about Wrigley and the Cubs for Parade.
What are the best decisions you’ve made?
Keeping Crane [Kenney, the Cubs' President of Business Operations] and hiring Theo [Epstein, President of Baseball Operations, who won two World Series rings as general manager of the Boston Red Sox].
What was your proudest moment as owner of the Cubs?
The investment in our spring training facility. We have the best spring training park in baseball.
How does the Cubs organization work with social media?
We are continually obtaining feedback from fans in all aspects of the operation. We are very active in social media and always enjoy the real-time feedback. Much of the feedback is obtained in-game.
You are consistently engaging with your fans inside Wrigley. Why have you chosen to be a hands-on owner?
I walk around with 12 baseballs every game. Each baseball is uniquely stamped with the date of the ballgame. I don’t want to be trapped as an executive. I need to be engaging with fans and see what they are talking about. Additionally, the crowd lifts me up. They are very supportive.
Fans are always asking if the famous trough urinals in the men’s room will survive the renovation. What’s the verdict?
They are staying. They’re part of the history and allure of Wrigley Field. However, we do understand that we need shorter lines.
Why haven’t you sold the naming rights to Wrigley Field?
I don’t want to fix something that is not broken. I want to be respectful of the park.
How do you measure if the club is moving in the right direction?
According to numerous credible sources, the Cubs farm system is the second best in baseball.
How closely do you follow the minor league standings?
I read every minor league box score and the baseball prospectus every morning.
It is borderline unaffordable for a family to attend major league baseball games. How do you intend to keep ticket prices down?
We have tiered pricing and special packages throughout the year. Also, bleacher prices are down in 2014. There are also a fixed number of $19.14 tickets that we will be selling to commemorate the 100-year anniversary.
Many thanks to Mr. Ricketts, and best of luck to the Cubs in 2014! To find out more about Wrigley, check out 11 fun facts here, courtesy of Cubs historian Brian Bernardoni.