Cubs' McDonough recruits Daley to rev up staff

ST. LOUIS -- How's this for culture change in Cubdom?

Team president John McDonough revealed Friday that the city of Chicago's No. 1 White Sox fan, Mayor Richard M. Daley, visited Wrigley Field in June for an inspirational visit with the Cubs' front office.

It's all part of McDonough's stated plan to infuse a winning attitude throughout the Cubs organization. And there was more than just the mayor.

"I want to have our front office be around people that have been successful and talk about how they've been successful," said McDonough, who made the trip to Busch Stadium for the weekend series against the Cardinals. "So far this year, we've had Commissioner (Bud) Selig speak to the front office. We've had the governor (Rod Blagojevich). We've had the mayor.

"It's important for our front office to understand how important this franchise is, not only to the city of Chicago, not only baseball, not only to the state of Illinois. So I think we tried to add another dimension of pride. In order for people to be proud to come to work every day, it's all about winning."

Along those lines, McDonough expressed happiness that the Cubs were in first place this late in the season. He also voiced his confidence in field manager Lou Piniella and general manager Jim Hendry.

"The dimension that Lou has added to our franchise, to our fan base, it's hard to even calculate," McDonough said. "I'm really proud of Lou. I'm really proud of Jim. I'm really proud of our players. I'm really thrilled that young players are getting a chance to play.

"I think the feeling is that we're going in the right direction. It's not a direction just based on spending money.

McDonough caught reporters off guard with talk about the mayor's visit. Daley, a South Sider by birth and a White Sox fan through and through, would seem to be the last guy to feel at home at Wrigley.

"The mayor was nice enough to wear a Cubs jersey and take photos with every person," McDonough said. "He was great. I'm a big Mayor Daley fan for the great things that he's done for the city of Chicago. When I asked him if he would do it, he was honored to do it. We know he's a White Sox fan, and we respect the fact that he's a White Sox fan."