When Theo Epstein came to town, he preached the need for a culture change with the Cubs here in Chicago. It's something CSN's David Kaplan has stressed for months.
But they meant within the Cubs' organization, not cultural dynamics that have been implemented for the fan's enjoyment.
Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune wrote Thursday night Theo and the Cubs may be nixing one of the traditions that make Wrigley Field and the Cubs so great.
Now, to be fair, Sullivan isn't advocating -- or even suggesting -- eliminating one of the traditions, but he is simply asking "what if Theo got rid of this?"
But some of the things he suggests could go is crazy. The "Go, Cubs, Go" song? No way. Day games? Can't do it. Seventh-inning stretch singers? Unless you can find somebody as iconic as Harry Caray to belt out the lyrics every game, you can't take away a big tradition like that. The organ music? Might as well tear down Wrigley Field and move it to the suburbs.
The only one I really agree with is the "L" flag. The "W" flag is a cult favorite, but the "L" flag does nothing but let the world know the Cubs lost that day and considering they've been doing a lot of losing lately, that flag has probably had to be replaced multiple times over the past two seasons.
Sullivan brings up other things such as the phrase "Cubbies" and how that may be on its way out.
MLB
I can't imagine any of these things really has an impact on anything. Maybe some fans find them annoying. No doubt most Sox fans find just about everything on this list annoying, especially Steve Goodman's classic song.
But when I think culture change, I think more like taking pitches to extend the at-bat, not accepting excuses for mistakes, avoiding mental miscues. Not getting rid of some of the things that make going to a Cubs game so rewarding.
If Albert Pujols hits a home run into the bleachers and I'm lucky enough to catch the ball, I want the whole stadium yelling at me to "Throw it back!"