The Chicago Cubs are set to unveil a grand monument honoring their three World Series championship teams, a move that has sparked both excitement and curiosity among fans. But here's where it gets controversial: the Cubs' plan to reduce the number of Spring Training broadcasts on Marquee Sports Network. Let's dive into the details and explore the implications of these decisions.
A Monument to Celebrate Cubs History
The Cubs' plan for a permanent monument at the Clark Street entrance of Gallagher Way is an ambitious one. President of Business Operations Crane Kenney shared that the organization aims to create an inclusive archway, rather than a singular statue, to honor all three World Series-winning teams. This decision reflects the Cubs' commitment to celebrating their entire history and ensuring that no part of their past is left untold.
"We could never get comfortable that there was a way, and especially because that team and Game 7, you think about Game 7 and the contributions were from everyone in the entire roster, so how in the world can we ever pay tribute to the roster and coaches?" Kenney explained. "So we went back and said, OK, let’s do something to honor all of them — a gate into Gallagher Way, where all the statues are where we celebrate our heroes."
The monument's location, near the Christmas tree at Wrigley Field, is symbolic and highly visible. This decision to create a public space dedicated to Cubs history is a bold move that will undoubtedly become a beloved destination for fans.
Spring Training Broadcasts: A Budgetary Decision?
While the World Series monument is an exciting development, the reduction in Spring Training broadcasts on Marquee Sports Network has raised some eyebrows. In the past, fans have enjoyed a robust schedule of exhibition games, with 17 of the Cubs' 29 games aired on Marquee last spring. However, Kenney hinted at a shift in focus, emphasizing the pre- and post-game shows and utilizing the same technology and talent for the best possible broadcasts.
"A really hard decision, but it seemed like it made the most sense to us in terms of, like any budget, where do you want to cut and what do you want to emphasize?" Kenney stated. "So we’re going to emphasize the pre, the post and the games with the same technology, same talent, to give our fans the very best games. And we made that decision on spring training, we’re going to do fewer."
The reduction in broadcasts may impact fans' access to Spring Training games, particularly those played at Sloan Park. While away games might be available on the opponent's TV channel, the Cubs' decision to prioritize budget allocation raises questions about the future of Spring Training coverage.
The Future of Marquee Sports Network
Kenney's comments also shed light on the Cubs' stance regarding a potential league-wide broadcasting package. The idea of MLB consolidating all 30 teams' local rights into a single package has been discussed, but the Cubs are cautious about this approach. They prefer to maintain control over their broadcasting rights and emphasize the importance of having a predominant role in Marquee's operations.
"If the league comes and says, ‘What if we put all 30 teams together?’ our bias typically is we like to do things ourselves, but we would listen," Kenney said. "But it’s hard for me to see a world where Marquee’s not predominant. It just allows us to do things, like, we want to spend more on (TV) talent, and if you’re in with the league and they’re like, ‘OK, here’s your budget for your on-air,’ we want the best on-air, and so it’s kind of like Jed (Hoyer) on a trade: We’re always listening, but I can’t see a world where we’re not doing it ourselves."
The Cubs' decision to create a World Series monument and their stance on broadcasting rights showcase their commitment to preserving history and maintaining control over their operations. As fans, we find ourselves at a crossroads, celebrating the past while questioning the future of our beloved team's broadcasting.
What do you think? Do you agree with the Cubs' decisions, or would you like to see a different approach? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
