A female reporter was greeted by an unwelcoming sign in the Cubs’ press box before the team’s home opener Monday, drawing rage from perplexed onlookers and a curious explanation from the ball club.
“No Women Admitted,” the poster dated from 1945 read, as captured by Chicago Sun Times reporter Madeline Kenney.
Following outrage over social media, the Cubs removed the sign and replaced it with a photo commemorating “Pink Out” night, a celebration for breast cancer survivors. That was later subbed out for an image showcasing Cubs fans celebrating the team’s 2016 World Series victory.
Cubs president Crane Kenney — no relation to the reporter — dodged the reporter’s request for comment, saying he couldn’t read the sign’s distasteful prose because he didn’t have his glasses handy.
A team spokesman said the sign was meant to pay homage to society’s progression over the past 73 years, as part of a project to recognize Wrigley Field’s deep history.
“No question, they would be viewed as offensive without context to understand the history,” Julian Green told the outlet. “And you can’t celebrate and acknowledge history at the expense of being insensitive.
“It goes without saying that this has probably been one of the most challenging offseasons that we’ve experienced,” Green said after a few months that included Addison Russell’s 40-game suspension over domestic violence allegations made by the shortstop’s ex-wife and the uncovering of “racially insensitive” emails sent by franchise patriarch Joe Ricketts. “Certainly we have taken our fair share of criticism, and many times, I think, rightfully so. There’s no reason for us as an organization or franchise to take the focus off of baseball [and] the unifying aspects of sports.”
Many on Twitter were beside themselves over the sign.
“Gotta love that throwback sexism,” one user quipped on Twitter.
“Like I get nostalgic effect but this is what they chose to use? Really?” wrote another.