I'm still working on what I want to write to the Cub's new manager. In the meantime, he might enjoy reading the articles on these webpages...

The Chicagoist Guide to Chicago (PDF)
http://chicagoist.com/uploads/chicagoist_guide_to_chicago_072706.pdf

A British view of Chicago
(Describes the downtown area as having a "Tardis" quality about it.)
http://www.chicagoist.com/archives/2006/...

Both of these are from the website
http://www.chicagoist.com/

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Photos from Ryne Sandberg Day at Wrigley Field

Dear Lou Piniella,

Welcome to Chicago!

I'm looking forward to seeing what positive changes you'll make for the Chicago Cubs.

I do recommend looking at the successes that the 2006 Cubs did have, to find out what did work for them.

For instance, they had an amazing record vs. the 2006 World Champion St. Louis Cardinals when playing them at Wrigley Field. Ask around and find out why. Did the entire team listen to the talking book Three Nights in August while traveling or what?

On the flipside, another book to consider reading is Take me out the the Cubs Game - 35 Former Ballplayers speak of losing at Wrigley.

Consider sending out an email to all available past and present Cubs and ask them for their advice, opinions and observations regarding playing at Wrigley. You might find some answers via that route that haven't been explored yet.

Please take note that even though the Cubs and White Sox are Illinois teams, there is a growing number of Cardinal fans in downstate Illinois. Part of this is due to the Cardinals winning the World Series, and part is due to the neglect of the Cubs organization in offering special events for their downstate fans. You'll note that the Cardinals off-season caravan even travels to Central Illinois, but the Cubs don't make it past Bloomington.

There are two state fairs here in Illinois, one in Springfield (the state capitol) and another in Duquoin.
Consider offering Cubs related events there for the fans. You could have retired Cubs host free batting cages and autograph sessions and hand out / sell Cubs logo merchandise, bumperstickers, schedules, etc.

Remember, the more Cubs fans you have, the more budget you're likely to get for players, facility upgrades, etc.

Fanfairs are an inexpensive way to build up your team's fan base.

Perhaps a downstate spring training exhibition game could be scheduled just before the season starts in Carbondale?
It can be 10 degrees warmer downstate than in Chicago.

I'll probably write more later. I should probably post this before the windstorm knocks my internet connection offline.

Have a fantastic 2007.

Go Cubs !!!

Diana

PS: You're welcome to view my photos from Ryne Sandberg Day at Wrigley Field