Second Thoughts

Spiffy board gives Wrigley wow with ow

Chicago Tribune columnist David Haugh on the Cubs' season-opening loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday night at Wrigley Field:

"To the loudest applause during introductions Sunday night, Cubs Manager Joe Maddon seemingly jogged out of the dugout and onto the gigantic left-field video board at revamped Wrigley Field," Haugh wrote.

"Even those who expected Maddon to cast a larger-than-life presence over Wrigleyville probably never imagined this: Giant Joe. There mighty Maddon appeared in his No. 70 jersey on a 95-foot-by-42-foot screen that gave Clark and Addison the feel of a Chicago drive-in theater for 35,095 people parked in their seats. As much as it dominated the periphery, it blended in like something you are used to seeing at baseball games. The word seamless comes to mind. So does spectacular.

"Give kudos to the Cubs for getting a 101-year-old ballpark under construction to sparkle for such a grand party and aesthetically melding the past with the present in a way that served both masters. Seeing Wrigley without fans in the bleachers admittedly felt like going to church with empty pews, but chances are those who came got what they wanted out of their Sunday experience anyway -- aside from the Cubs' lousy play in a 3-0 loss to the Cardinals.

"Early skeptics [of the new video board] need not apologize. Cubs President Theo Epstein once counted himself among them and compared the installation to hanging a flat-screen television in his bedroom as his wife swore the TV was too big.

"When I saw the mock-ups, I was mildly concerned, [and] when I saw the photos in Arizona, I was extremely concerned," Epstein said. "Then I got here and it was perfect. It was ideal. So far, so great."

"The Cubs played like it was an extended spring-training game, showing no signs of the fundamentals Maddon swore they had practiced at Sloan Park. Jon Lester ended his disappointing debut after 89 pitches trailing 3-0. The defense was sloppy and the offense missed a certain home-run hitter exiled to Iowa. The sun will rise Monday."

He said it

A New Orleans Saints player is selling his 2009 Super Bowl ring, with an asking price of $45,000.

The player posted an advertisement on Craigslist, but does not identify himself. The same Craiglist user was also selling a helmet with No. 29 on the back. According to the New Orleans Times-Picayune, four different players wore No. 29 in 2009: Chris McAlister, Marcus McCauley, Herana-Daze Jones and Glenn Sharpe.

"Attention New Orleans Saints fans!!! An opportunity has opened for one lucky fan to be the proud owner of a genuine, authentic 2009 New Orleans Saints Super Bowl ring," the post said. "The ring is currently owned by a former Saints player. It is in perfect condition boasting 103 round, brilliant cut diamonds weighing 2.20 carats total weight, H color, VS clarity range.

"The fleur-de-lis team logo is fully encompassed and surrounded with diamonds. The remainder of the ring is 14K gold.

"The ring features the logos Super Bowl XLIV and Saints 31 Colts 17, 02-07-10 Miami, FL.

"Asking price is negotiable. Serious inquiries only."

Former Baltimore Ravens running back Jamal Lewis recently sold his Super Bowl ring for more than $50,000.

"At 45,000, this ring is a relative bargain," wrote Michael David Smith at Pro Football Talk.

SPORTS QUIZ

What year were lights installed at Wrigley Field?

ANSWER

1988.

Sports on 04/07/2015

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