Cubs Convention Jan 16-18

by Fukudometer on Jan 12, 2009 10:33 AM CST

Hey BCBers, only 4 days until the 24th Annual Cubs Convention. This is my first Cubs convention after being a season ticket holder for 5 years, and I really don't know what to expect. Maybe some of you convention veterans can offer some hints. Maybe even wear our BCB shirts that day?

(Using the search function, here is a thread with the schedule:)

Cubs Convention Schedule

Here are some ideas of topics to post on this thread:

1) What are some can't miss events/speakers at this year's convention?

2) What are some past years' memories of the convention? Have you ever won something cool at the raffle? Did you have a beer with Manny Trillo?

3) If you are going, who are you bringing? Are you going all 3 days, taking off work, staying 8 am - 9 pm or just stopping by for an hour?

4) What should you bring? Camera, autograph items, cash for souvenirs, etc?

and possibly most importantly:

5) Where are BCBers socializing afterwards (downtown watering holes, etc?)

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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My story from a coworker

A teacher at the school where I teach went to the convention and was drinking at the hotel bar with Jim Hendry afterwards. They exchanged numbers and she was able to score some Field Box season tickets in 2004 when they weren’t readily available.

Fukudometer: Created 3/31/08 Wrigley Debut 4/5/08 WGN and Japan TV Debut 4/6/08 Sun Times Debut: 4/20/08 Coffee Table Debut: 7/17/08 (http://www.wearecubsfans.com)

by Fukudometer on Jan 12, 2009 10:38 AM CST reply actions

I hope Jimbo's wife doesn't read this.

RIP Ron Asheton (1948-2009)

by daver on Jan 12, 2009 11:12 AM CST up reply actions

Too late. I vaguely remember reading that

he went through a divorce a couple of years ago….

"Who's Bob Brenly? The guy that used to be the manager for Arizona?" ~ Alfonso Guilleard Soriano

by JohnM on Jan 12, 2009 11:19 AM CST up reply actions

Possibly during the Juan Pierre off-season

Definitely when he had a broken leg.

Bad times all around.

"Who's Bob Brenly? The guy that used to be the manager for Arizona?" ~ Alfonso Guilleard Soriano

by JohnM on Jan 12, 2009 11:20 AM CST up reply actions

IIRC...

… Hendry’s divorce was sometime around 2004-2005.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jan 12, 2009 11:35 AM CST up reply actions

Good news

Good news is he is either remarried now or at least dating a very nice Park Ridge woman. (no not me :() but I have heard the divorce was not pleasant.

His kids are great kids though. My coworkers kids are the same ages and in school with them.

Barbara V. October 14, 1941 - December 19, 2008. A great lady who was a friend to all and like a second mom to her children's friends (she was my best friend's mom)

by puckishcubsfan on Jan 12, 2009 7:17 PM CST up reply actions

Ah, OK. I wasn't aware.

RIP Ron Asheton (1948-2009)

by daver on Jan 12, 2009 11:35 AM CST up reply actions

Make sure you go to...

… the session with Hendry & Piniella at 9 am on Saturday. Likely to be a bit contentious this year.

Also, the business management session at 9 am Sunday often gives useful info.

If you are staying in the hotel, you are likely to run into players/management/etc. all over the place. Have cameras & autograph items (and pens, if you are into autographs) handy!

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jan 12, 2009 11:03 AM CST reply actions

Favorite sessions

Team Management meeting on Sat
Not for Women Only Sat ( just stay in the same room)
Business management meeting Sunday
Down on the Farm Sunday

Autographs often mean long lines so unless you are big on that just wing it and see what you can get.

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry

by Doggie Stalker on Jan 12, 2009 11:26 AM CST reply actions

Seminars

I always went to the seminars got more autographs in the hallways as well as pictures.

My biggest score was the convention 2 years ago when the Bears were there before the NFC title game and I got a nice picture of Pinella and Lovie Smith when Lovie was walking in as Pinella was walking out and people got them to pose together.

I have a Cubs hat with the autographs of Devin Hester, Rex Grossman, Lovie Smith and Olin Kruetz.

I stil can’t believe I’m missing it this year. First one I’ve missed. Even went when I was 2 weeks from having my oldest.

If anyone wants to put together a get together I’d suggest avoiding the hotel and hailing some cabs to go to a local restaurant instead Saturday night between the final seminar and the dance party.

I joke that I only got married to have someone to dance with on Saturday night.

Barbara V. October 14, 1941 - December 19, 2008. A great lady who was a friend to all and like a second mom to her children's friends (she was my best friend's mom)

by puckishcubsfan on Jan 12, 2009 7:22 PM CST reply actions