MESA, Ariz. -- One thing everyone can agree on about the Ricketts family is they're nothing like the past two owners of the Cubs, the Wrigleys and Tribune Co.
New chairman Tom Ricketts has been seen drinking beers and signing autographs in the stands at HoHoKam Park, looking more like a celebrity Cubs fan than an owner.
"Obviously, there are times when you get conflicting emotions out of it," Ricketts said. "Because you think like a fan, but you have to act like an owner."
The fan in Ricketts led to the idea of a Billy Williams' statue. The owner in Ricketts led to the controversial decision to erect a Toyota sign in the left-field bleachers, and to get Naples, Fla., and Mesa, Ariz., to offer financial incentives for the opportunity to be the site of their new spring-training complex.
In an interview with Chicago media members Thursday, Ricketts addressed spring training, the Toyota sign, Lou Piniella and other topics:
On spring training
Ricketts said he doesn't have a new site picked out yet, but he's "confident" the proposed Arizona deal eventually will go through. Commissioner Bud Selig has said the ticket surcharge, also known as the "Cubs tax" is dead. Do the Cubs need the surcharge to get their new complex built?
"It's not determined what kind of financing package will be the final package," Ricketts replied. "You'd have to ask the legislators. I don't know all the stuff."
On the Toyota sign
The Cubs still are working with the city to get the proper permits for the building of a Toyota ad in left field that will bring in an estimated $2.5 million. Ricketts said, "I would hope it would be by Opening Day. We'll do our best."
On Lou Piniella's future
Ricketts said general manager Jim Hendry ultimately will make that decision. "If you insert yourself into that discussion, you're not adding value, for one thing, and you want accountability," he said. "It's Jim's responsibility, and he knows it."
On how hands-on he'll be
Does Ricketts want to be in on every decision?
"Sometimes," he said.
Ricketts added that "if it's something on the bigger side, Jim will typically run it past us, so we know."
On payroll flexibility this summer
Ricketts said "we'll keep an eye on that," but didn't elaborate.
On the future of Hendry and others in management
Ricketts said "the most pleasant surprise" he has had is how good the front office and business side is and how well the organization is run.
"With respect to this season being any more important than any other season in their careers, I don't think so. It's a matter of everyone knows they have to perform at a high level every year.
"We really do want a high level performance out of everyone in the organization and we want to make them accountable. (There's) nothing about this year that's any different than years past in terms of how important it is. It will be really enlightening for us -- we'll learn a lot about everybody this year. But so far, so good."
On his honeymoon period
How long will Cubs fans love the Ricketts? As long as they're winning.
"It'd be nice to get off to a good start and keep this positive energy flowing," he said. "But I think we've got the right team."
On the prolonged sale process
Ricketts called the process "a completely unpleasant surprise."
"That was difficult," he said. "I told my wife, 'It's the closest I'll ever get to childbirth.' She said, 'How do you know? You were at Starbucks.' No, that was a drag. But I kept reminding myself, we're kind of amortizing that aggravation over 50 years. So it was like, just get through it."
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Seat licensing is a crime. Fans already have to put up with scalping companies and now this. Let’s face it, the past 10 to 15 years have not been reality when it comes to business. Excessive leveraging, fans aimlessly purchasing tickets with their credit cards... The Bubble has burst and Ricketts is now stuck between a rock and a hard place, however I’d rather be owner of a franchise like the Cubs and Wrigley Field than be where Michael Jordan is right now in Charlotte with a franchise that may not survive.
The truth is nobody can afford to go to these games out of pocket, and haven’t for a long time. I look at some of the old ticket stubs from going to the games at the Chicago Stadium before sports was taken over by corporate America. Ten dollars for nose bleeds, 35 sometimes for lower level:). Prior to the late 1990's owning a sports franchise was a poor investment. People purchased sports franchises for the celebrity and for the love of the game. There are times when one might have a chance to sell and make a profit, but for the most part this was rarely the case. For instance, Reinsdorf missed the opportunity to sell the Bulls on a high note; however I think he felt the tidal wave of momentum was going to continue, as we know now, that was not the case.
The days of 10 dollar hot dogs and 100 dollar parking passes are over. Nobody in their right mind would pay thousands of dollars OUT OF POCKET to sit in one of these old seats. Then again I wouldn't pay that much for any seat at any stadium no matter how luxurious it is.
Ricketts would be better off just enjoying his life, sitting in the bleachers with the fans, drinking cheap beer and just enjoy the experience. It's not like this guy needs the money, he needs learn how to enjoy it.
This Arizona Cubs plan is going down like the Titanic, even with the Commish and the wacky mayor making comments about it. Now is NOT the time for public financing of these type of projects. The Cubs reallly were about to pull the trigger on Florida, and the private money involved, except Ricketts bowed to the Commish' wishes because his beloved Brewers would have been so affected by the Cubs' departure. Sorry Mr. Selig. This Arizona plan's timing is not good- let them go to Florida Mr. Selig, let Mr. Ricketts and the Cubs do what they really did want to do, and what makes most sense/cents. Let them get the privately funded deal- do NOT ask us to vote on this in November- you WILL go down like the Titanic on this one Mr. Selig. If you are reading Mr. Ricketts, do what you should- do not listen to the Commish anymore...
Cry, moan, grumble. Unless you've been in a coma since 1987, it should come as no surprise to you that seeing professional sports games in person costs a lot. And if you have been in a coma since 1987, welcome to the 21st Century!
And once again, the media love affair continues with this jerk. Nevermind the questions about raising ticket prices over 20% (tax on top of the ticket price, when it was always included in the past), making it increasingly difficult for families and the true fans from enjoying a game in-person.
You in the media need to grow a spine instead of lobbing softballs at this guy. He's shown his true colors and the season hasn't even started yet. He doesn't care about baseball, he's all about grabbing as much money as possible while pricing the everyday fan out.
Newsflash: there are plenty of people who already hate this guy and what he's doing to the club.