Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts not sure baseball will be played this season: report

According to a story published by The Athletic, Ricketts said the effects of the coronavirus pandemic and the continuing negotiations between the owners and players could combine to prevent the start of the season.

By Sun-Times staff

Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts, shown during a COVID-19 relief event at Wrigley Field, said he is not sure baseball will be played this year, according to a report.

Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts told season-ticket holders he is not sure baseball will be played this year.

According to a story published by The Athletic, Ricketts said the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, conflicts over the best time to reopen businesses, and continuing negotiations between the owners and players could combine to prevent the start of the season.

“I don’t think anyone can answer that question just yet,” Ricketts said during a virtual forum with season-ticket holders Thursday. “The current thinking and the current discussions (among owners) have been all around trying to get back into our home ballparks for this season. Obviously, without fans. Now that creates three specific problems that we have to address.”

The team has been consulting with health professionals on the best way to make Wrigley Field safe, according to a recording of Cubs president Crane Kenney obtained by The Athletic.

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