Illinois Gov. Wants Cubs To Remain At Wrigley Field

Illinois Gov. Says He Will Do Everything In His Power To Keep Cubs At Wrigley Field

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich Thursday said that he will "do all he can to keep the team playing at Wrigley Field," according to Deanna Bellandi of the AP. Blagojevich: "I believe the Cubs ought to play baseball at Wrigley Field, and the Cubs ought to play baseball at Wrigley Field forever and that if there's anything that I can do in the role of governor to try to guarantee and assure that the Cubs stay at Wrigley Field -- as long as we don't use taxpayer dollars to make that happen -- then that's good for the people of Illinois." Illinois Sports Facilities Authority Chair Jim Thompson is "said to be expected to make a formal offer" to Tribune Co. Owner Sam Zell soon to "acquire and renovate the park." Blagojevich said his group is "looking at 'creative ways' for a Wrigley deal that doesn't use taxpayer dollars," and compared it to the refurbishment of Fenway Park. Blagojevich: "My position's very simple: Cubs play at Wrigley Field, new owner has to keep the Cubs at Wrigley Field, no taxpayer dollars" (AP, 3/27).

KEEP IT WRIGLEY: In Chicago, Kara Spak writes, "Hundreds of outraged Cubs fans are snatching up" Illinois-based Festa T-Shirt's "Keep It Wrigley" shirts to wear to Monday's Opening Day Brewers-Cubs game. Festa T-shirt Owner Chris Festa is making the shirts, and five years ago launched the company with the shirt, "In Dusty We Trusty," in reference to former Cubs manager Dusty Baker, and also designed the "(773) For-Ever/I'll Never Move to Naperville" and "South Side/You Wouldn't Last A Day Down Here" shirts. Festa said that "Keep It Wrigley" is his best-selling shirt since "In Dusty We Trusty," as he has shipped shirts to Cubs fans in North Carolina, Arkansas and Florida. Festa: "If they change the name to Rod Blagojevich BallField, it's not going to be the same. They'd be meddling with primeval forces." All Festa's shirts are available online at Shopfesta.com (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 3/28).