IS THE PARTY OVER? In Chicago, Jay Mariotti examined
the extra security measures taken at Wrigley Field and
wrote, "In a sense, Tribune Co. executives have no one to
blame but themselves. After all, they are the marketing
mavens who cultivated the Wrigleyville party scene, who
offered us Harry Caray as the Cub Fan/Bud Man. ... But give
them credit for sending the proper message after that
alarming homestand two weeks ago" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 5/15).
Also in Chicago, Bob Verdi wrote that the Cubs "are within
their rights" to try virtually any disciplinary measure, but
added, "If and when Wrigley Field loses its image as a
bucolic retreat, all sorts of strange things could happen.
Cubs fans aren't likely to transfer their passion to
Comiskey Park, but they might get used to staying away,
period" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 5/16). Littering and rude
behavior were "noticeably absent" in the bleachers during
Friday's game. The Cubs are designing a marketing campaign
with posters and PSAs from players reminding fans to respect
Wrigley Field and are working with area tavern owners "to
help keep decorum in the area" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 5/15).
MORE NOTES: In Charlotte, Lauren Markoe wrote that City
Planners believe the city should also "think about building
a baseball stadium" in forming plans for a new basketball
arena (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 5/15)....MLB Commissioner Bud
Selig said that he will assist Marlins Owner John Henry "in
every way" to build a baseball-only stadium in South FL.
Selig: "They need a new stadium. That's frankly one of my
priorities" (Ft. Lauderdale SUN-SENTINEL, 5/17).
