Cubs chairman Ricketts wants team to be a global brand
MESA, Ariz. - Today the World Series. Tomorrow the world.
That's how Chicago Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts sees it for his championship organization.
Fresh off last November's World Series victory, Ricketts is looking for world-class status for the Cubs brand.
Ricketts addressed the media Saturday after talking to Cubs players and staff. Rain showers canceled the team's outdoor spring-training workouts.
"I say, 'Whatever you did last year, just keep doing it,'" Ricketts said when asked what he could say to a world-championship team. "From my standpoint, it was 'thanks.' It was really the first time we've ever gathered since the games. Everybody comes to the convention, but there's no real sit-down so it was a real nice chance for me to thank the players on behalf of the organization and on behalf of the family and on behalf of all the fans.
"I also said I think we have a unique opportunity to not only be considered one of the great sports teams in the U.S., but I just got back from Europe and I think our long-term goal should be one of the great sports organizations in the world."
Ricketts was in Monaco this past week because the Cubs were honored as Team of the Year at the Laureus World Sports Awards.
Asked what he considered the great sports organizations of the world, Ricketts cited a couple of world soccer powers as well as a rugby juggernaut.
"What separates a really good team from a truly great team is the consistency of results, he said. "We've won one World Series. Hopefully we'll be in the mix again for many years to come. That's what you associate success with. If you look at the Yankees of 15 years ago, the Patriots of today, they're just always right in the mix.
"On the global side, you look at teams like ManU (Manchester United) or Real Madrid (both soccer teams) or the All Blacks (New Zealand rugby). They set the standard for how people perform, and their team means something all over the world. I'd like to think that one day if we're consistent enough and we win, that Cubs logo will mean something to people around the world, not just a team that didn't win for a long time."
Fans of Manchester City or Barcelona may quibble with Ricketts' citing of Manchester United and Real Madrid, but the Cubs already have a huge national following in the U.S., so the world is the next stage to conquer.
On other subjects, Ricketts said the championship ring has been designed but that it would not be revealed until April 12, when players receive them in a pregame ceremony.
Ricketts also said that it is not inevitable that Wrigley Field will get an All-Star Game even though 2020 might be ideal because ballpark renovations will be done by then.
"I think that it would be great for the league, it would be great for the game and it would be great for Chicago to have it at Wrigley Field," he said. "Nothing's inevitable on that. There's a process we have to go through and inevitably at some point and hopefully at some point soon, the commissioner will give us the nod."
As for the championship trophy, Ricketts said the Cubs "would like to have it on display in the plaza during games this year so people have a chance to come take a photo with it."
The new plaza, part of the renovations, will be "coming online this year," Ricketts said.