Ken Williams on job with Cubs: ‘That would be a betrayal’

Or as statesman turned Cardinal, John Charles de Gall, once said…“In baseball it is necessary either to betray one’s team or the fans. I prefer to betray the fans.”

Asked Wednesday about the different environments that surround the teams, Williams pulled no punches.

‘‘It is so different,’’ Williams said. ‘‘You might as well build a border, a Great Wall of China on Madison, because we are so different. We might as well be in two different cities. ‘‘The unfortunate thing for me is it’s a shame that a certain segment of Chicago refused to enjoy a baseball championship being brought to their city. The only thing I can say is, ‘Happy anniversary.’‘’

Williams was referring, of course, to the 2005 World Series trophy prominently displayed at 333 W. 35th St., and the Cubs’ 100 years of futility across town.

He wasn’t done there. Early in his career as GM, talks of budget constraints would creep up. So hours before the Sox played the Pittsburgh Pirates, Williams was asked—if the opportunity presented itself—if he could imagine ever being GM of the deep-pocketed, throw-money-at-every-hole Cubs.

‘‘That would be a betrayal,’’ Williams said before a long pause. ‘‘God, I would really, really have to need the job. Oh, wow, really need the job.’‘