Convention returns with a loving spotlight on Cubs
Everybody loves a winner, and this weekend's 32nd annual Chicago Cubs convention should be a total love fest.
The convention begins Friday at 6 p.m. with the opening ceremony at the Sheraton Grand Chicago and runs through about midday Sunday.
A large contingent of the 2016 World Series-winning team will be there, including all the heavy hitters from the offense and pitching staff. Recently acquired players Jon Jay, Wade Davis and Brian Duensing also are on the list of attendees.
Newly retired catcher David "Grandpa" Ross is listed among the alumni to be in attendance, along with Hall of Famers Fergie Jenkins, Ryne Sandberg and Billy Williams.
It seems a lot of former Cubs want to soak up some world-championship vibes. Among those who played relatively recently for the Cubs and are scheduled to attend are Kerry Wood, John Baker, Sean Marshall, Ryan Dempster, Bobby Howry, Ted Lilly, Mike Remlinger, Glendon Rusch and Todd Walker.
Going back a little further in Cubs history, Lee Smith, Dwight Smith, Jim Bullinger and Brian McRae will return.
The highlight for most Cubs fans figures to be the opportunity to take photographs with the World Series Trophy in "the Cubs Trophy Room," as a team news release puts it.
Until the Cubs won their first World Series since 1908, the mood at the convention ran the gamut from hopeful to anxious to contentious. Even during the recent rebuilding process, restless fans asked why they should pay big bucks to watch losing teams.
A few years ago, a fan complained the Cubs had a manager who looks like he slept on a park bench. Current skipper Joe Maddon may choose to sleep in his van or RV, but winners get more slack.
Speaking of big bucks, the recent announcement of steep increases in ticket prices may draw some grumbling even as Wrigley Field figures to be sold out for all 81 games this upcoming season.
Team chairman Tom Ricketts also may get his annual question about why former slugger Sammy Sosa is still exiled from the organization.
Among sessions on the docket this weekend are "Baseball Operations," "Cubs Business Operations Update," "Joe Maddon & His Coaching Staff," "Kids Only Press Conference" and a panel featuring the Ricketts family.
Pitchers Jake Arrieta, Kyle Hendricks, Mike Montgomery and Wade Davis will discuss their 2016 seasons during the "On the Mound" panel. Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Addison Russell and Ben Zobrist will host an "All-Star Infield" discussion.