The Chicago Cubs have not won a World Series in 102 years, but starting today their long-suffering fans have new reason to be excited about ballgames at historic Wrigley Field (and for once, it doesn’t have to do with a new pitcher or outfielder). This year, the team’s new owners have hired twenty Wrigley Field Ambassadors, tasked with making sure every fan at every game has the ultimate baseball experience. The Ambassadors have been added, in part, to keep people coming to the ball park, which is something many people cannot afford to do any longer, since a day at baseball’s “Friendly Confines,” for a family of four costs almost $330.
Think of the Wrigley Field Ambassador as the “fan’s agent,” says program coordinator Jahaan Blake. The Ambassadors will be available to answer fan questions, but will also act pro-actively to offer advice and directions to confused looking patrons. The Ambassadors will also be in charge of keeping restroom and concession lines under control by directing people to the men’s and women’s rooms that aren’t as crowded.
Over 700 people applied for only thirty Ambassador positions at the North Side Chicago stadium, which has been the site of some of the most memorable moments in American sports history, including Babe Ruth’s “called shot.” Even though the team is under new ownership this season, the franchise has been trying to please fans for decades. In fact, in 1916 the Cubs became the first Major League team to allow fans to keep the foul balls they caught in the stands. There is no word yet about whether or not fans in 2010 are allowed to keep anything manager Lou Pinella throws into the stands (famous for yelling at umpires and tossing whatever he can get his hands on, after being ejected by the umpire).