I didn't have anything else of great interest to talk about today, so here is my opportunity.
We have new owners now...owners who appear to be real fans. Owners who appear to understand the traditions of the Cubs and of Wrigley Field.
But changing owners is a big deal...and it should give us all an opportunity to examine all aspects of the Cubs and their ballpark.
Wrigley Field isn't going anywhere, unfortunately. The Cubs will keep their tradition of holding spring training in Arizona (we think). Ronnie Woo Woo won't die.
So let's take this opportunity to change something that affects all of us.
Harry Carey died almost 12 years ago now. He has a statue outside of Wrigley Field. His likeness appears above the TV broadcast booth. That's is all we need to remember him.
I thought is was a cute when the Cubs decided to have guest conductors to lead the crowd in singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the seventh inning stretch to honor Harry.
Twelve years have past. It's not cute anymore. Actually, I'm sick of it. And it doesn't honor Harry anymore.
Now I'm not saying that the tradition of singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" should go away. I just want the guest conductors to go away.
Ozzie, go home!
Find someone else to replace Harry permanently. I honestly think there is a good list of people to do this including:
Ron Santo
Len Casper
Ernie Banks
Yosh Kawano
Ryan Dempster
Tom Ricketts
Ronnie Woo Woo
Mr. T
Me
You know, it doesn't have to just be one person either...maybe it could be a rotation of regulars.
What I don't want is an endless line of celebrities or local high school teams up there singing. The person who sings the song should be a Cubs fan...someone connected with the Cubs franchise.
No more Drew Barrymore singing off key. No more Mt. Carmel IHSA football champs. No more Kelly Pickler. No more Patrick Kane. No more cast of Jesus Christ Superstar. And dear God...NO MORE JIM BELUSHI!
WTF? You can't act. What gives you the right to sing?
This tradition has turned Wrigley Field into The Tonight Show where everyone is trying to promote something, is being interviewed for some great event, or is just there be a dumb ass.
And what is the point of continuing to do this anyway? Do people buy tickets for a game just to see a particular person sing in the middle of the seventh inning? Maybe for a few people...but the truth is, attendance won't drop if only Ron Santo sings.
Give that guy the mic!
It's bad enough Wrigley Field has become an over-sized beer garden. Stop the circus act of the guest conductor crap. Please?
