It’s always nice to make a good first impression.
And when you’ve just taken on the job of delivering success to the most snake-bitten team in American sports, it’s vital to win over the local media, many of whom are primed to document the latest cycle of ineptitude.
New Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon, whose recent record with the Tampa Bay Rays made him one of the most in-demand men in baseball, held his introductory press conference in a bar across the street from Cubs stadium Wrigley Field and brought proceedings to a close by telling the bartender to order a round of drinks for the assembled hacks.
What better way to end a press conference? “Barkeep! I’ve got first round. It’s on me, a shot and a beer.” Joe Maddon wins.
— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) November 3, 2014
After signing a $25million contract with the Cubs, it’s really the very least he could do.