CINCINNATI — The 95th home opener at Wrigley Field on Monday will be a little different for both the Cubs’ players and their fans.
Renovations to the bathrooms, the concourse and the ballpark concessions will be on display, while the players will get to see their new lounge, new weight room and other upgrades in and around the clubhouse.
Several Cubs players gathered around Sean Marshall’s laptop Sunday morning, watching a video of the Wrigley Field renovations.
“Same old batting cage,” cracked one player, referring to the small net that’s lowered from the clubhouse ceiling for players during games.
But that’s a small quibble, considering what the Rickettses have done to make the cramped Cubs clubhouse as relaxing as possible.
“Over the next few years, I’m sure it will get ever better and better,” pitcher Ryan Dempster said. “They seem pretty determined to keep Wrigley Field exactly the same but make the guts of it a lot nicer. It’s awesome. It’s great for the guys.”
Most of the changes are the idea of the new owners, who added a team nutritionist and a team psychiatrist to the mix.
Can these changes help the Cubs succeed?
“It makes it a little more comfortable for the players,” Cubs manager Lou Piniella said. “They’ve done some really nice things for the fans too. But you win on the field. The dietician doesn’t get any base hits. It might help the players get base hits.”
How about the psychiatrist?
“I haven’t seen him hit a two-run homer yet,” Piniella said with a laugh. “But he can help players hit home runs. … All those other things might prepare you a little better to play on the field. Still, when the umpire says play ball, you’ve got to play.”
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