A changing of the guard brought a sense of excitement and optimism to many of the fans gathered outside Wrigley Field on Tuesday morning, as Theo Epstein was officially introduced as the new president of baseball operations for the Chicago Cubs.
But those who spoke to NBC Chicago conceded that a turnaround for the team won't come overnight.
"I'm glad to hear the news about Theo coming over here. It's exciting. It's good for baseball. It's interesting -- to see if the guy can do it in two cities that haven't been able to do it in so long," said baseball fan Ed Schramm.
The Cubs haven't won a world series in more than a century. But as the youngest GM in Major League Baseball history, he restored one of the most storied franchises -- the Boston Red Sox -- to glory twice, in 2004 and in 2007, and lifting the Curse of the Bambino.
"It's going to take time, of course. You can't expect miracles. We just have to wait and see," said fan Patrick Hozjan.
Among the fans outside the Friendly Confines with hopes of meeting Epstein as he arrived for Tuesday's press conference was longtime Cubs fan and local celebrity Ronnie "Woo Woo" Wickers, who pierced the air with his signature song.
Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts said he hopes to host a fan forum, where fans can meet and share their thoughts with Epstein on changes that need to made to the organization.
| One-on-One With Epstein |
| Ronnie "Woo Woo" Wickers Welcomes Epstein |
