When Queerty reader Rick heard about the nasty t-shirts being sold online (and in person) to Cubs anti-fans at Wrigley Field, he decided the folks who should know about this sort of thing are the Chicago Cubs themselves. So he wrote them. And they wrote back!
On Tuesday, Rick wrote the Cubs:
Hello, I walk past the park each day to get to work and I am confronted with a T-shirt that reads, “Green Gay Fudge Packers” I know that they are not official vendors for the Cubs but is there something you can do to make sure these shirts are not sold in or around the park? Below is a link to the story which is gaining national attention … https://www.queerty.com/anti-gay-sports-tees-just-a-hop-skip-away-from-chicago-fans-20090706/comment-page-1/#comment-190104 Best, Rick Heintz
On Monday, the Cubs wrote back:
Your message was forwarded to our attention for response. Thank you for taking the time to write to the Cubs. While we have not seen the shirt you describe in your email, it is our understanding from your message the shirt is being sold outside Wrigley Field by an independent vendor. If you know who manufactured the shirt it would be helpful in being able to pass your concerns along. As far as we know, the Cubs are not involved in the manufacture or distribution of this shirt. We will look into the matter further on our end, though, so we can respond appropriately if possible.
The Cubs received notice Ald. Tunney is holding a meeting to discuss street peddlers and performers and a recently proposed ordinance which would address many of the concerns you have raised with the Cubs. We wanted to make you aware of the meeting so you could attend to share your views. Please feel free to contact us if you have questions. Once again, thank you for your interest in this issue and for your support.
Well, Cubs, allow us to bring you up to speed: The firm marketing the t-shirts calls itself Chi City Tees. And they’re being sold outside your stadium by this guy:
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
Go find him.
edgyguy1426
First let me say I don’t like any of these t-shirts;they appeal to the lowest common denominator and I’m sure it’s the same for every team with huge rivalries. That being said, this guy is following the rules because it looks like he’s applied and received an official street vendor’s license, and even though his shirts (if they’re even his creations) are tacky and vulgar, I think he’s within his 1st amendment rights. The Cubs are probablt pressuring the Alderman to push these street vendors away from the park like they are at U.S. Cellular Field, because they don’t want the sales of these shirts cutting into the Cubs/MLB profit. It’s all about the money.
d. sanchez
I too am gay, live next to wrigley field & attend cubs game frequently. Its sad that these are even sold and even worse that the organization doesnt even recognize them being sold.
I wrote the cubs today as well- so at least if a few of us raise enough stink – hopefully something will happen.
CMYK
I hate these obnoxious t-shirts, but as EdgyGuy said, I don’t think the Cubs have any right to tell him to stop, since he’s not actually selling t-shirts at Wrigley Field, as the headline implies. He’s a street vendor, and so he’s regulated by the city of Chicago, not the Cubs organization.