Complete Cubs Convention Schedule

by Al Yellon on Jan 9, 2012 8:00 PM CST

From the Cubs Convention page on the team website:

Friday, January 13
5:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.: Opening Ceremonies
6:00 p.m.-6:45 p.m.: Autograph Hunt Game
7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.: WGN Sports Night
7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.: Cubs BINGO

Saturday, January 14
9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.: Behind the Scenes with Theo Epstein
9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.: Chicago Cubs Photo Experience
10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.: Meet Cubs Baseball Management
10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: Player Development: From the DR to Mesa
11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: From the Field to the Booth
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: For Kids Only Press Conference
12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.: Ron Santo: Beyond the Game
1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.: Coaches' Den
1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.: Outside the Foul Lines
2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.: The Ricketts' Family Forum
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.: The Scouting Formula
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.: When Super Fans Unite
3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.: Meet Cubs Business Management
4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.: WGN Radio's Sports Central
8:00 p.m.-midnight: New LIVE Rock 'n' Roll Revue

Saturday, January 15
9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.: Down on the Farm
9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Chicago Cubs Photo Experience
10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: The Father-Son Connection

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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Comments

Can't wait

Excited to see Rizzo is going to make it.

by Rammy 4 MVP on Jan 9, 2012 8:19 PM CST reply actions

questions on convention

The wife and I are planning to come Saturday. Anyone out there been to this before? I would like to know if like getting Castro’s autograph should be easily available? Or a pipe dream? Same with many other players? We have big W flag we have spent few years acquiring autographs on.

by bleedinblue76 on Jan 9, 2012 8:24 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

Depends

There are many ways to you can get an autograph. There is a lottery for 6 of the top past and present players, which I feel Castro will be. In 2010 it was Ryno, Hawk, Lee, Zambrano, Banks, and Lou. Many of the less popular players will have autograph booths and photo sessions, but Castro won’t be one of those. Many of the players will sign before and after their individual session, but since I missed the convention last year I am not sure if Castro does or not. You will for sure be able to get a lot of autographs either way.

by Rammy 4 MVP on Jan 9, 2012 8:39 PM CST up reply actions

Here are a few Convention posts I did from 2007 & 2010. First timers might find them useful.

http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2010/1/5/1234593/what-does-the-cubs-convention-look

http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2010/1/15/1252641/cubs-convention-sidebar

http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2010/1/18/1256594/convention-sidebar-final-picture

There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion? (Now #8452 in the Cubs Season Ticket Wait List...)

by Zeke on Jan 10, 2012 11:16 AM CST up reply actions

Much appreciated.

Looks like this year won’t sell out again like last year. One thing I can say though is I was pretty happy with the crowds at the Blackhawks Convention just a few months ago, even when that was sold out.

by RyeNo13 on Jan 10, 2012 11:50 AM CST up reply actions

Last year Castro

was not a lottery. He was part of the general autograph sessions. I stood in line for 4 hours to get him since I knew that would probably be the only year that he was not a lottery. Crazy to stand in line that long…but I collect autographs so that is my thing.

Couple things to consider in regards to autographs. Don’t assume that if a high quality non-lottery player (i.e. Vitters, Jackson, etc) is signing at 2:00 that you can start getting in line at 1:50. Also, be polite to the workers. Unless they change the autograph process, it is really is organized chaos with people lining up early for certain players and they are trying their best. If you are nice to them, it usually works out in the end.

Convention Bingo is a must….

"All I want is food and creative love" - Rusted Root

by TheRiot Police on Jan 10, 2012 12:14 PM CST up reply actions

agreed

There are often lines within lines as people start lining up early for certain people.

as for the convention bingo, it’s chaotic. but fun. I’ve never won anything in it, but I’d still rather hang out in there than at the live radio show.

---AC 00 00 00 - Believe

by mjk83 on Jan 10, 2012 12:56 PM CST up reply actions

Depends

by Rammy 4 MVP on Jan 9, 2012 8:39 PM CST reply actions

Oops

Posted twice. Are you able to delete your own comments?

by Rammy 4 MVP on Jan 9, 2012 8:42 PM CST up reply actions

Super cool. We have had great luck in past at spring training. This convnetiin sounds amazing. Cameras are allowed right?

by bleedinblue76 on Jan 9, 2012 8:45 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

Yes, cameras are allowed.

They are a lot of fun. It’s a crazy 3 days that makes the next month seem like forever waiting for pitchers and catchers to report.

by Rammy 4 MVP on Jan 9, 2012 8:53 PM CST up reply actions

Another year not attending the convention

Maybe next year? (why does that sound familiar)

"You must try to generate happiness within yourself. If you aren't happy in one place, chances are you won't be happy anyplace."

by All The Way on Jan 9, 2012 10:55 PM CST reply actions

Skipping this year as well

Very little to look forward to in 2012, and if Wood and Garza are gone by the end of the week, there will be almost nothing. I don’t need to pay $60 to hear the official marketing spin on the situation.

"They sell every ticket to every game, win or lose!" - Tom Ricketts

by bluemagic9 on Jan 10, 2012 2:57 AM CST up reply actions

We've never gone to it.

Looking forward to seeing it!

The Stat Pack

by shoemile on Oct 21, 2011 10:10 PM CDT

by Madison Cub Fan on Jan 10, 2012 8:28 AM CST reply actions

Go straight from the Opening Ceremony to the Bingo room to get a table.

If you wait until 7pm to walk in, you’ll be sitting on the floor.

"They sell every ticket to every game, win or lose!" - Tom Ricketts

by bluemagic9 on Jan 10, 2012 10:59 AM CST up reply actions

I don't like Bingo

The Stat Pack

by shoemile on Oct 21, 2011 10:10 PM CDT

by Madison Cub Fan on Jan 10, 2012 11:15 AM CST up reply actions

But the prizes are awesome!

Flags flown over Wrigley, outings on the town, etc… Plus Wayne Messmer gets hammered and is hilarious.

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Jan 10, 2012 11:17 AM CST up reply actions

And you get to keep the red & blue clear tiddly winks

as souvenirs. So there’s that…

There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion? (Now #8452 in the Cubs Season Ticket Wait List...)

by Zeke on Jan 10, 2012 11:24 AM CST up reply actions

Yep, not your average Bingo session..

"They sell every ticket to every game, win or lose!" - Tom Ricketts

by bluemagic9 on Jan 10, 2012 11:30 AM CST up reply actions

Agreed.

I’m not a big fan of Bingo itself either. But it’s a fun event with good prizes and Wayne Messmer (who usually MC’s it) keeps it moving and entertaining.

Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation

by Al Yellon on Jan 10, 2012 11:36 AM CST up reply actions

I don't know what this says about me...

…but bingo may be my favorite part of the weekend.

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Jan 10, 2012 11:41 AM CST up reply actions

If you've ever volunteered or worked as an activity at a nursing home

& I have for 3 1/2 years you’d easily become anti-bingo. :)

Now if one of the prizes had to do with me being able to meet Theo I’d play

The Stat Pack

by shoemile on Oct 21, 2011 10:10 PM CDT

by Madison Cub Fan on Jan 10, 2012 2:18 PM CST up reply actions

Soriano is going to be there?!

I am shocked. For his sake I hope he stays away from Kitty O’Shea’s after 9pm.

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Jan 10, 2012 9:16 AM CST via mobile reply actions

Why? I heard he was buying the first round...

There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion? (Now #8452 in the Cubs Season Ticket Wait List...)

by Zeke on Jan 10, 2012 11:17 AM CST up reply actions

Like he has the money for that...

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Jan 10, 2012 11:25 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs

that's funny

The Stat Pack

by shoemile on Oct 21, 2011 10:10 PM CDT

by Madison Cub Fan on Jan 10, 2012 2:19 PM CST up reply actions

Shawon Dunston Sr and Jr are going to be there

That should be interesting. Junior was a small child when his dad left the Cubs.

by Josh Timmers on Jan 10, 2012 12:02 PM CST reply actions

I would guess Junior will also be tweeting from the event.

He’s quite the tweeter.

"[The Cubs] have a very famous tradition in baseball, and it will be nice to be part of turning it around." ~ Jamie Quirk, Bench Coach

by daver on Jan 10, 2012 1:17 PM CST up reply actions

I'm more of a woofer myself...

There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion? (Now #8452 in the Cubs Season Ticket Wait List...)

by Zeke on Jan 10, 2012 4:37 PM CST up reply actions

That's how I know about it

Yes, he does love the twitter.

by Josh Timmers on Jan 10, 2012 7:04 PM CST up reply actions

Question for any of you autograph hounds:

We aren’t going to the convention, but will be at Randy Hundley’s camp in less than two weeks. We have never really been interested in autographs, but I’m sure we will have some unique chances to get some there. My husband put down catcher as the position he’d like to play. We thought it could be cool to get any catchers there to sign his mitt. Other than that though, the only other thing we thought was to maybe buy a bunch of baseballs to have signed. Do any of you have any creative suggestions or advice? I may be too shy to bother anyone anyway, but I hate to miss a great opportunity simply because I wasn’t prepared.

♪ He held me very tight under stars so bright and whispered darlin' "Who do you love tonight?" I told him "baseball, baseball...." ♫

by katie casey on Jan 10, 2012 12:15 PM CST reply actions

At previous conventions, I've seen a number of folks lugging around baseball bats in clear plastic tubes

and had players sign that. Kinda clunky to lug around. You could also fold up a Cubs jersey and have players sign it. A little easier to tote. Then there is always the group that lugs three ring binders filled with player baseball cards to get signed.

There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion? (Now #8452 in the Cubs Season Ticket Wait List...)

by Zeke on Jan 10, 2012 4:40 PM CST up reply actions

Thanks.

I wish I knew who was going to be there. I’d be on eBay right now hunting down baseball cards of all those players. Trying to decide if it’s worth the expense to me to buy a jersey just to have signed by everyone.

♪ He held me very tight under stars so bright and whispered darlin' "Who do you love tonight?" I told him "baseball, baseball...." ♫

by katie casey on Jan 10, 2012 5:14 PM CST up reply actions

I'd vote for the jersey.

There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion? (Now #8452 in the Cubs Season Ticket Wait List...)

by Zeke on Jan 11, 2012 4:36 AM CST up reply actions

I'm going to do a flag.

Same concept, much cheaper.

by RyeNo13 on Jan 11, 2012 10:59 AM CST up reply actions

That's different.

I especially like the cheaper part.

♪ He held me very tight under stars so bright and whispered darlin' "Who do you love tonight?" I told him "baseball, baseball...." ♫

by katie casey on Jan 11, 2012 11:49 AM CST up reply actions

I think there was a WGN special on his camp

Maybe a couple of years ago. I think you will be pleseantly surprised by how much access you (or at least your husband) has to Randy and the other coaches at the camp. I know they showed BBQs and an end of camp awards banquet. And autographs were definitely a part of the experience.

"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is an option." - Dale Sveum

by RiskyBusiness on Jan 11, 2012 10:43 AM CST up reply actions

Wish I saw that.

I’m reading a book about the 10th anniversary camp (this one will be the 30th anniversary) and it does sound like that. My husband surprised me by getting me a ticket to fly out for the last couple of days so I can see him play and go to the banquet. Can’t wait.

♪ He held me very tight under stars so bright and whispered darlin' "Who do you love tonight?" I told him "baseball, baseball...." ♫

by katie casey on Jan 11, 2012 11:41 AM CST up reply actions

Their web site is really old

But I found this

Bonuses and Benefits

Your participation in The Randy Hundley Fantasy Baseball Camp
Includes:

A seven-night stay at the Dobson Inn Ranch, the
spring training home of the Chicago Cubs.

Daily breakfast and lunch

All equipment, including an authentic personalized uniform
complete with your name and number of choice (excludes
glove, shoes, and supporter).

Daily instruction and coaching by former major-league players.

Daily video/"bull" sessions of your play.

Transportation to and from the ballpark.

Access to our professional trainer at all times.

Your own baseball cards capturing your best major-league pose.
You can trade ‘em with your friends!

An authentic Louisville Slugger bat engraved with your name.

A ball autographed by the pros.
(Maybe they’ll be asking for yours?)

A DVD of the "Big Game" vs. the former major leaguers
on Saturday.

Availability of photos of each days’s action by professional
photographers.

A Saturday Night Awards Banquet

"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is an option." - Dale Sveum

by RiskyBusiness on Jan 11, 2012 1:57 PM CST up reply actions

Yep. We signed him up through that site.

It was super exciting when his packet arrived with the “Congratulations, your name is on the roster….” letter. The medical forms and waivers brought us back down to earth. ;-)

♪ He held me very tight under stars so bright and whispered darlin' "Who do you love tonight?" I told him "baseball, baseball...." ♫

by katie casey on Jan 11, 2012 2:39 PM CST up reply actions

2010 Hundley camp attendee

Greatest week ever.. You have unlimited access to all the guys there. You had to get Jenkins when he was at Fitch park as he did not hang out at Dobson ranch, then he got the flu and left on Thursday afternoon. Otherwise, everyone else will sign anything you hand to them and they all hang out at Dobson ranch. Thursday night is the BBQ and it is a blast. All first time campers get a personalized bat with his/her name on it. I recommend you bring a couple of permanent markers so you can get autographs on it. in 2010, non rookies received a street sign with their name on it, that was cool as all hell. I hope it is something like that this year for my second go ’round.

I’m driving down Sunday morning so will be at Dobson about kickoff for the NFC game. Meet you in the bar, along with everyone else.

2012 is 30th anniversary of the camp. This SUNDAY it begins!!!!

Mike

Next week!!! The 2012 Randy Hundley Cubs Fantasy camp!

by VegasCubFan on Jan 15, 2012 2:42 PM CST up reply actions

Hey thanks!

Paul is getting excited too. I’m not getting there til Wednesday. I wasn’t expecting to go at all, but he surprised me by getting me a ticket to fly out to see him play. I got a special personalized Cubs t-shirt with his name and number I’d so I can be a proper “fan” of his. Can’t wait.

♪ He held me very tight under stars so bright and whispered darlin' "Who do you love tonight?" I told him "baseball, baseball...." ♫

by katie casey on Jan 15, 2012 4:04 PM CST up reply actions

I will keep an eye out for him

is this his first camp?

Next week!!! The 2012 Randy Hundley Cubs Fantasy camp!

by VegasCubFan on Jan 15, 2012 4:25 PM CST up reply actions

Yes.

♪ He held me very tight under stars so bright and whispered darlin' "Who do you love tonight?" I told him "baseball, baseball...." ♫

by katie casey on Jan 15, 2012 4:33 PM CST up reply actions

one week away

Next week!!! The 2012 Randy Hundley Cubs Fantasy camp!

by VegasCubFan on Jan 15, 2012 5:54 PM CST up reply actions

Yep!

Check out my new signature.

The best husband in the world is going to the 2012 Randy Hundley Cubs Fantasy camp!

by katie casey on Jan 15, 2012 6:08 PM CST up reply actions

my wife would like a word with you

she’ll be down Wednesday night as well.

Next week!!! The 2012 Randy Hundley Cubs Fantasy camp!

by VegasCubFan on Jan 15, 2012 6:24 PM CST up reply actions

He had to put up with me for 25 years.

Bet you can top that.

It will be nice to meet you both.

The best husband in the world is going to the 2012 Randy Hundley Cubs Fantasy camp!

by katie casey on Jan 15, 2012 6:31 PM CST up reply actions

cannot top the 25 years

I’ll let your husband be the best in the world, but I’m going to say my wife is the best. See you Wednesday, I will keep an eye out for Paul on Sunday.

Next week!!! The 2012 Randy Hundley Cubs Fantasy camp!

by VegasCubFan on Jan 15, 2012 11:30 PM CST up reply actions

I'll let your wife have the honor as well.

See you soon.

The best husband in the world is going to the 2012 Randy Hundley Cubs Fantasy camp!

by katie casey on Jan 16, 2012 7:57 AM CST up reply actions

I liked the clubhouse sale

I assume they are going to do it again, but going the the clubhouse sale was my favorite part – not merely picking up game-used stuff, but also chatting with the clubhouse guys who ran the thing.

I think I speak for everyone here when I say, "Wait, what the hell are you talking about?"

by Ross on Jan 10, 2012 7:59 PM CST reply actions

I'm looking forward to it...

I’m planning on getting there early on Friday so I can get the lay of the land so to speak…

THEEEEEOOOOOOO....

by Endrick on Jan 11, 2012 9:52 AM CST reply actions

Saturday Night dance

8:00 p.m.-midnight: New LIVE Rock ‘n’ Roll Revue – Will Three Homer Limit be playing?

"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is an option." - Dale Sveum

by RiskyBusiness on Jan 11, 2012 10:44 AM CST reply actions

I got a question for anyone whose stayed @ Palmer House

They told me they have shuttles. Any idea how often they run?

The Stat Pack

by shoemile on Oct 21, 2011 10:10 PM CDT

by Madison Cub Fan on Jan 11, 2012 11:12 AM CST reply actions

With shuttles, they usually: 'just left 3 minutes ago.'

There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion? (Now #8452 in the Cubs Season Ticket Wait List...)

by Zeke on Jan 11, 2012 11:19 AM CST up reply actions