A violent incident just outside Wrigley Field has sent shockwaves through the Cubs organization, with manager Craig Counsell speaking out against the growing safety concerns in the area. At approximately 6:56 p.m. Thursday evening, a 26-year-old man was shot in the arm just steps away from the ballpark at the corner of Sheffield and Waveland avenues, across from the northeast corner of Wrigley Field and near the iconic Murphy’s Bleachers bar.
The shooting occurred on a typically calm evening, with no Cubs game scheduled. But the timing of the incident—just hours before the Cubs are set to face their cross-town rivals, the White Sox—has amplified concerns about safety surrounding Wrigleyville, one of the most famous baseball neighborhoods in the world.
Chicago police quickly responded to the scene, recovering a firearm and apprehending a person of interest near the Wilson CTA Red Line station in Uptown, two stops north of Wrigley Field. Despite the rapid response, the incident has raised alarms, not only for public safety but for the well-being of Cubs players and fans alike.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell didn’t hold back when addressing the shooting in a late-night press conference, his frustration palpable as he spoke about the incident.
“We talk about protecting pitchers on the mound, but what about protecting people just trying to walk outside a ballpark?” Counsell said, his voice stern. “This shouldn’t happen here. Not where our guys train, not where our fans bring their families. This is a community we’ve worked so hard to build, and now it’s under threat.”
Counsell expressed concern not just for the safety of the public, but for his players, many of whom live in the Wrigleyville area and frequent the neighborhood. The shooting took place mere feet from a popular Cubs fan spot, Murphy’s Bleachers, a bar known for hosting diehard supporters before and after games.
“We’ve got young players here—guys who are just settling into the city, starting families, enjoying their lives. And now there’s a guy shot across the street from where they’re grabbing coffee?” Counsell continued. “It’s ridiculous. That’s not a city or a ballpark any of us should have to live in.”
Counsell was particularly vocal about the growing sense of “soft complacency” in handling public safety around sports venues. He questioned why incidents like this continue to occur near one of the most iconic ballparks in the world.
“It’s not just about security inside the gates. Wrigley is a baseball shrine, but it’s surrounded by real streets, real lives, and now real danger. We can’t just keep pretending it’s all ivy and nostalgia.”
Impact on Fans and the Upcoming Series:
While the Cubs’ front office has yet to announce any immediate changes to the team’s security plans for the Crosstown Classic set to kick off Friday afternoon, Counsell’s comments have sparked a broader conversation about fan and player safety, especially with tens of thousands of fans expected at the ballpark for the highly anticipated game.
The Cubs have long been seen as a staple of the Wrigleyville community, with fans packing the bars, restaurants, and streets surrounding the ballpark on game days. The area has grown into one of the most recognizable sports districts in North America, attracting tourists and local fans alike.
But incidents like Thursday’s shooting challenge the narrative of a safe, celebratory environment. Fans and families traveling to the game on Friday are now left to wonder if this violence will become a regular concern in one of Chicago’s most famous neighborhoods.
The Cubs’ Reaction and Ongoing Investigation:
The Cubs organization is reportedly in contact with local authorities, and while it remains unclear whether the shooting was directly connected to the baseball community, the proximity to the ballpark has led to immediate concerns. Local detectives from the Belmont Area have taken the lead in investigating the shooting, which remains an active case. The suspect, a person of interest in the case, was apprehended near the Wilson CTA station, about two subway stops away from Wrigley Field.
Despite the shock of the incident, Cubs fans are determined not to let the event overshadow the excitement around their team. The Cubs’ offense, ranked among the top five in Major League Baseball, has led them to a solid start this season, and the upcoming series against the White Sox is poised to draw a full house.
Conclusion:
For now, the Cubs organization is focused on preparing for the next game—but the shooting has raised serious questions about the broader issue of safety in public spaces surrounding high-traffic sports venues. Cubs fans and players alike are left hoping that city leaders, team management, and law enforcement will work together to ensure that incidents like this do not become a regular part of the Wrigley Field experience.
Counsell’s pointed remarks underscore the gravity of the situation as the Cubs look to balance the excitement of the game with the growing concerns about safety just outside their home turf.