SouthtownStar editorial
January 18, 2012 9:44PM
Updated: January 19, 2012 2:08AM
The 21st century — ready or not — is coming to Wrigley Field. Oh, the horror of modern times.
As Chicago Cubs fans will learn soon, this business of change can be a real bear to understand and even testier to appreciate.
Initial public reaction has been mixed, though some fans already appear unsettled by the scope of proposed improvements to the ancient Field of Shattered Dreams. There is much talk about “tradition” and “values” being ignored, etc.
Of course, not all traditions are good. For example, the Cubs have a tradition of playing bad baseball over many decades. We suspect that should that tradition be jettisoned, other traditions will not seem so sacrosanct.
As revealed up to now, the new administration of the Cubs plans a 75-foot sort-of video screen and a “patio” for special groups, both above the right field bleachers. Eventually, the investment will run toward $100 million.
Pieces of this plan have been dangled in front of fans ever since the Ricketts family bought the team from Sam Zell, but now they appear serious about forging ahead.
The difference is that Theo Epstein now has the helm. If Cubs fans wondered whether the energetic Bostonian would bring a Fenway Park architectural sensibility to the old park, no need for doubt.
The answer to that is yes.
Indeed, almost every description of the Wrigley plan echoes what happened to Fenway, including closing off one abutting street for conversion into a Cubs mall.
Just so fans won’t be shocked by total immersion, the new 75-foot image screen won’t show videos, just still images of players, stats and promotions. And, of course, ads. The old scoreboard will remain. A real Jumbotron that showed video replays might send older Cubs fans into an emotional swoon.
On balance, we’re glad the Cubs are joining the 21st century. It’s a good century. One of these days, they might even install toilets.