Ricketts Press Conference

• The Opening Statement: "After 3 long years, we're very happy to say, today, the Ricketts family owns the Chicago Cubs. Pete, Todd ,and Laura joined Tom on the stage. They are all brothers and sisters.
• All of the family members love the team, stadium and city.
• Tom thanked his parents, the league, the other baseball owners, Bud Selig, Crane Kenney, everyone who works for the Chicago Cubs, advisers that helped them, and most of all the Cubs fans.
• The family has 3 messages to their fans: 1. We're going to win the World Series. 2. The Cubs are going to do everything they can to improve Wrigley Field and keep Wrigley Field. 3. The family loves the city of Chicago, and they intend to give back to the city and surrounding areas.
• "There's a lot of work to do, but everyone needs to know we're here for the long term, and we're here to win."
• Tom thinks having a family owner helps because they have one goal: winning, and they intend to invest in the team, and they can make a long term commitment.
• In the short term, Tom will be looking at ways to improve a day at Wrigley. He mentioned improving restrooms and food. The bigger picture is to plan for the next year to save Wrigley. It's a big project that will be started soon.
• They are working on the triangle building.
• "Saying your going to win the World Series and winning the World Series are two different things. The only way you are going to do it is drafting and developing the right players to give the GM talent coming up every year to help put the best team on the field.
• Tom plans to have a team every year that will be in the postseason.
• The Cubs want to have world class Spring Training facilities. The Cubs are going to be open minded and look for the best solution. Wherever they can have the best situation, the Cubs will go. They've talked to Mesa and Naples.
• Nothing has been finalized, but slight increases on ticket prices and payroll are expected.
• The minor league system is the real key.
• August was painful on the field and in the deal. Watching the team on the field was disappointing and difficult for everyone. It is expected to be turned around in 2010.
• There has been no discussion on PSLs.
• The Ricketts are excited to get started in making decisions that will give us a winner.
• There are spots in the stadium where the Cubs can have a sponsor without effecting the fan experience. There will not be a dramatic increase in the amount of signs at Wrigley Field.
• Tom and his family will be seen around the stadium a lot. They are going to walk around, see folks, and be in the stands.
• He has not spent a lot of time with Lou, but they strongly believe he is the right guy.
• Criticism is part of the job.
• Tom encourages fans talking about the team as long as it doesn't get too personal.
• Renovation proposals that would force the team to leave Wrigley for a time have not been considered.
• They are looking for 1-2 more executives.
• The Ricketts have not considered changing the name of Wrigley Field. That will not be looked at closely.
• Tom thinks the Cubs have a team that can win the World Series next year.
• They intend to own the team for a generation.
• The family will let the manager and the GM do their jobs.
• Ryne Sandberg and Tom have not spoken yet.
• If Jim Hendry decides that the Cubs should eat some money on a certain player, then it would be considered seriously by the family.
• "It's not about how much we're spending, it's about what we're getting for those dollars."
• Pete says that they will make sure families can still afford to get into Wrigley Field.
• The previous owners have spent enough dollars to put the right team on the field.
• "There is not curse. There is no curse. There is no curse. We're not going to put up with that, let's get that behind us."
• There's a special feeling in the bleachers that is different according to Tom.

It should be an interesting winter!