Who Owns the Cubbies? A Deep Dive into the Ricketts Family
So, you wanna know who's calling the shots for the Chicago Cubs, huh? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to dive into the murky waters of baseball ownership.
The Wrigley Era: A Chewy History
Let's start with the OG Cubs owner: William Wrigley Jr., the gum-chewing genius who decided to buy a baseball team because, well, why not? He owned the Cubs for a whopping 55 years, turning Wrigley Field into a baseball shrine and cementing the team's place in Chicago's heart. But alas, even the best of gum-slingers have to retire, and in 1981, the Wrigley family said sayonara to their beloved Cubs.
The Tribune Takes Over: A Paper Cut for Cubs Fans
Next up, we have the Tribune Company. You know, those folks who brought you the Chicago Tribune and the Daily News. Fun fact: They bought the Cubs for a mere $20.5 million. Can you imagine buying a baseball team for the price of a decent house today? Mind blown. Anyway, the Tribune's ownership was marked by... well, let's just say it wasn't the golden age of Cubs baseball. But hey, at least they kept the lights on at Wrigley Field.
The Ricketts Family: New Sheriffs in Town
And then came the Ricketts family, led by the ever-charming Tom Ricketts. In 2009, they shelled out a cool $845 million for the Cubs, Wrigley Field, and a piece of Comcast SportsNet. Yikes! But hey, they've certainly made some waves since then. New stadium renovations, a winning team (most of the time), and a whole lot of controversy.
The Ricketts Kids: Not Your Average Baseball Heirs Tom's kids, Laura, Todd, and Pete, are also involved in the Cubs' operations. Laura, for example, is a force to be reckoned with. She's the CEO of the Cubs and is often credited with bringing a fresh perspective to the team. Todd, on the other hand, is more of a behind-the-scenes guy, handling the business side of things. And Pete? Well, he's just trying to stay out of trouble. Kidding! Or am I?
So, Are They Good Owners?
That's a question for the ages. Some fans love 'em, some hate 'em. But one thing's for sure: they've certainly made their mark on the Cubs. Whether that's a good or bad thing is up to you to decide.
How To... Cubs Ownership Edition
- How to become a Cubs owner: Win the lottery, discover a lost treasure, or marry into the right family. Your call.
- How to impress a Cubs fan: Learn the words to "Go Cubs Go" and have a solid opinion on the ivy.
- How to survive a Cubs game: Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a bottomless supply of beer.
- How to deal with a Cubs loss: Blame the manager, the umpires, or the weather. Just don't blame the hot dogs.
- How to enjoy a Cubs win: Celebrate like there's no tomorrow. Because for Cubs fans, there often isn't.
So there you have it, folks. The complicated, messy, and sometimes hilarious history of Cubs ownership. Now go forth and impress your friends with your newfound knowledge!