Walking Up at Wrigley

There are so many things wrong with the Cubs and their surroundings that it is time for me to ramble. The crux of my ramblings deal with this pathetic, jaded, misguided and, yes, abysmal attempt to make Wrigley more like other stadiums and include “walk-up” music for every hitter. I will get to this in due time, but for now, I have plenty more to get off my chest.

• I have no problem with the new Toyota sign. It is not obtrusive or distracting. It does not block any rooftop views nor is it gaudy. It brings in more money and does not detract from Wrigley’s ambiance.
• Now, I have no idea what this new “Noodle” advertisement is outside the park, but it is stupid. If you are not familiar with this, it is near the “Ernie” statue and it looks to be a Macaroni noodle on top of a support stand. And it reads, “You know you love it.”
• I know I love WHAT? WHAT IN THE HELL IS THIS THING?
• Seriously. I love WHAT? Macaroni and Cheese? Of course I love Macaroni and Cheese. Who doesn’t love Macaroni and Cheese? At $0.79 a box it is the most deliciously cheap dinner ever. And don’t bring Ramen noodles into this conversation. Comparing Macaroni and Cheese to Ramen noodles is like comparing Albert Pujols to Aramis Ramirez.
• Ooops, did I say that out loud?
• OH, we have Rudy Jaramillo. All of our problems are solved. We will hit like crazy. We won’t have any trouble scoring runs. Carlos Silva will be our biggest problem.
• I am an idiot. Three months ago I believed everything I just wrote.
• Aramis Ramirez just went 1-for-6 during a rehab assignment in Peoria. ONE FOR SIX IN SINGLE A! SINGLE FRIGGIN A! SINGLE FRIGGIN A! ONE FOR SIX. PEORIA! What in the #**&#%$^%!
• Sorry, I am a bit angry right now.
• Just because Marlon Byrd is playing great doesn’t make it a good signing. However, I am very happy we signed him because there is a little something that calms me down every now and again.
• 9 Days later – Standing ovation for Mr. Lilly. I was there that Sunday night and it was epic. I had goose bumps. It was great. Never seen anything quite like that in person. Even though it didn’t happen, it was fantastic to witness.
• Finally, I want to discuss the addition of Walk-Up music for every batter on the Cubs while playing at Wrigley. I know other stadiums/teams have been doing this for years, but Wrigley stayed true to baseball tradition and used an Organ. I know … quite a concept. Anyway, the addition of walk up music is as bad, if not worse, than the Cubs are at playing baseball. It is abysmal, atrocious and appalling. The music doesn’t fit. I am SURE the players didn’t pick their own songs because half of the music came out before two-thirds of the team was born.
• The walk-up music HAS to be a practical joke on all of us. KUDOS to whomever is behind it because it is hilarious. Well played, sir or madam.
• Wait? The music is for real. Oh, right. It is awful, and it is downright offensive to the tradition and honor of Wrigley Field. Give me three more Toyota signs any day instead of one more second of “Push It Real Good” while Theriot strolls to the plate.

However, after discussing this atrocity with this site’s fearless leader (music lover that he is), Neil came up with some more appropriate walk-up tunes and I wanted to share them with you. Also, as you can tell, this is sure to start a commenting trend below.

Here are Neil’s thoughts:
Proposed Walk-Up Music

• Ryan Theriot – “Patience” – Guns N’ Roses
• Tyler Colvin – “Youth Gone Wild” – Skid Row
• The Ricketts Family – “Something to Believe In” – Poison
• Lou Piniella – “Should I Stay or Should I Go” – The Clash
• Mike Fontenot – “Long Haired Country Boy” – Charlie Daniels
• Carlos Zambrano – “Mama Said Knock You Out” – LL Cool J
• Ted Lilly – “American Bad Ass” – Kid Rock
• Alfonso Soriano – “Won’t Get Fooled Again” – The Who
• Ryan Dempster – “Shiny Happy People” – R.E.M.
• Jim Hendry – “Livin’ on a Prayer” – Bon Jovi
• Carlos Silva – “Unbelievable” – EMF
• Geovany Soto – “Smokin’ in the Boys Room” – Motley Crue or “Cheeseburger in Paradise” – Jimmy Buffet
• Starlin Castro – “The Future’s So Bright (I Gotta Wear Shades) – Timbuk 3
• Aramis Ramirez – “Bad” – Michael Jackson
• Marlon Byrd – “The Hustle” – Van McCoy
• Kosuke Fukudome – “Cold as Ice” – Foreigner
• Randy Wells – “Rock and Roll All Nite” – Kiss
• Derrek Lee – “Cruel Summer” – Bananarama

Well, there you have it. From new advertisement to an “almost no-no” to the awful auditory ambiance, Wrigley is ever-changing. Change isn’t always a good thing.

Feel free to share your thoughts on more appropriate walk-up music or anything to do with the Cubs below and until next time …

Stay Classy Cubs Fans!!