CHICAGO _ It began with a covert coffee at Starbucks. It continued with a "shot and a beer" at the Cubby Bear. And for the last three Octobers, the drink of choice has been champagne.
Sure, you could measure the accomplishments of the Ricketts regime in a conventional way _ victory totals that surged into triple digits. Or postseason appearances.
But isn't it more fun to do it by beverages?
The transformation of the organization can be felt in intangible ways too. Fans once flocked to Wrigley Field simply to chug Old Styles and get a tan. Now they come to witness history.
For the longest time, ticket holders walked past a parking lot on their way to the entrance at Clark and Addison. Now they amble through a plaza that doubles as a venue for picnics, yoga and walk-up movies.
A discordant clubhouse with salsa music blaring from a boombox on one end and country twang at the other is now circular and harmonious _ with every player viewed equally.
Corked bats have been supplanted by dancing relievers.
This is the Golden Era of Cubs baseball. Not since 1906-08 have the Cubs gone this far, reaching three consecutive National League Championship Series _ and, of course, ending their infamous 107-year title drought in 2016.
And it all started, in many ways, with a fellow whose name you probably do not recall.
Noah Pinzur.
