Chicago Cubs: Don’t let people tell you winning doesn’t come with a price

After winning their first World Series in 108 years, the Chicago Cubs are baseball’s hottest commodities – and their fans will now pay the price.

The shroud of disappointment that had laid overtop Wrigley Field for over a century is finally lifted. There’s no more talk of curses, billy goats or black cats on the North Side. Instead, it’s about donating plasma and selling belongings – all for a chance to see the World Champion Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.

The days of dropping a 10-spot and taking in a game from the ‘cheap’ seats is clearly a thing of the past. The Cubs have wasted no time taking advantage of their winning ways, raising ticket prices across the board.

More from Cubbies Crib

• Cubs should keep close eye on non-tender candidate Cody Bellinger
• Cubs starting pitching has been thriving on the North Side
• Make no mistake: the Cubs are very much about power hitters
• Cubs are giving pitcher Javier Assad a deserved shot
• Cubs: It’s time to start thinking about potential September call-ups

TickPick, a ticket resale site, recently released its list of the most expensive ticket prices in Major League Baseball. And, to no surprise of those who love Wrigley Field, the Cubs top the list.

The average ticket cost to see the Cubs comes in at a whopping $150.63 – with the New York Yankees coming in second at $106.05.

And it doesn’t stop there. Of course it doesn’t. Sure, the tickets cost you an arm and a leg, but what about souvenirs? Food? Beer?

All of these items are also priced at levels that simply make it impossible for families to regularly enjoy the Friendly Confines.

For four people (at that average ticket price) to go to a game, have two beers and a hotdog apiece, you’re looking at a grand total of $684.52. Of course, this doesn’t take into account any souvenirs or even parking, which can easily run you $40 alone if you don’t get a city spot.

The lovable winners – at a price

Remember the days where you complained about the Tribune Company running the team into the ground? And how we went on and on about the poor business practices? Yeah, those days are long-gone.

The difference between previous owners of the Cubs and the Ricketts family is simple. They’re willing to put their money where their mouth is and build a winner. But – this is a business as much as anything. As much money as they spend, they’ll also need to increase revenue streams across-the-board.

This includes the video boards that now sit behind the left and right-field seats. The new plaza that sits outside Wrigley Field – as well as the rooftops, the new Hotel Zachary and other Wrigleyville development projects the team is undertaking.

And, to be fair, look where it’s gotten us?

Back-to-back NLCS appearances, a 2015 Manager of the Year and Cy Young winner, 2016 National League MVP and, most importantly, a World Series championship.

Next: Cubs are the favorite target of naysayers this spring

Wrigley Field offers more today than it ever has. Wrigleyville, as a whole, is experiencing a top-to-bottom overhaul. The Chicago Cubs are the best team in Major League Baseball. All of this is thanks to the countless new revenue streams and intense business acumen of the Cubs’ business team.

Sure, maybe I only go to one or two games a year. But to be able to call my Chicago Cubs World Series champions? Well, honestly, I don’t think you can put a price on that.