This was not the kind of culture change the Cubs say they’re looking for.

On the day they ousted manager Dale Sveum, the Cubs threw out several pieces of memorabilia from a storage area at Wrigley Field, including two large cards signed by hundreds of fans as a tribute to late Hall of Famer Ron Santo.

“It was a huge mistake,” said Cubs spokesman Julian Green, who added that attempts to retrieve the cards upon learning of the mistake were unsuccessful. Somebody else, presumably a fan, had taken them from the dumpster.

“It simply shouldn’t have happened,” Green said. “This is not how we behold in high regard one of the greatest Cub players to ever wear the uniform. We apologize to the family and any of the fans who were offended by this mistake.”

The cards were among many mementos from the club and fans intended for the Santo family after his death in December 2010 due to complications from bladder cancer. The family has received most of the tributes.

—Gordon Wittenmyer