As promised, Laura Ricketts has unveiled her thoughts on the Cubs' controversial trade for Daniel Murphy last week.
Ricketts — who is part of the Cubs ownership group with her three brothers — is openly gay and has a unique perspective on the arrival of Murphy to Chicago's North Side three years after his comments saying he disagrees with the gay "lifestyle."
Ricketts released a statement on Twitter regarding how the deal came to fruition and how the Cubs thought about the deal in the context of Murphy's three-year-old comments.
She confirmed she was consulted about the trade before it happened and was on board with the acquisition:
Since several people have asked...yes, I was consulted prior to the Daniel Murphy trade. There were several thoughtful conversations among Cubs executives, my brothers and me, as well as with Billy Bean, MLB’s Ambassador for Inclusion and the subject of Daniel’s 2015 comments.I know Billy and have immense respect for him and his work with the league. Billy, who has since developed a friendship with Daniel, was very positive and encouraging.
After these considered and thoughtful conversations, which took place precisely because of the Cubs’ sensitivities on the matter, I was on board with the trade.
Before his Wrigley Field Cubs debut Thursday evening, Murphy was asked about his comments and if his views have changed and he also pointed to his relationship with Bean.
MLB
"What I would say to that is that I've been able to foster a really positive relationship with Billy Bean since that time," Murphy said. "I'm really excited to continue to cultivate that relationship that we've built.
"Billy, his job I think is Ambassador for Inclusion with Major League Baseball is a vital role so that everyone feels included, not only in our industry in baseball, but in all aspects of life."
Sunday is the 18th annual "Out at Wrigley" Day at the "Friendly Confines" and Murphy is in the Cubs lineup, leading off once again.
When asked about the event and how he would address Cubs fans who are upset about his comments, Murphy said Thursday:
"Oh dear. I would hope that you would root for the Cubs."
Laura said she and her brother, Tom, will be in attendance at Wrigley for the event:
This is the Cubs's second LGBTQ event of the 2018 season. They also held Pride Day June 10 where they gave away rainbow hats to fans attending the game against the Pirates.