CHICAGO — The 38th annual Cubs Convention kicks off Friday for a weekend of panel discussions, autograph opportunities and the appearance of one of the best all-time hitters, fan favorite Sammy Sosa.
Some fans who live and die Cubs began camping out at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk convention site early Thursday morning.
"It's unlike anything else that's out there. I mean, just fans from everywhere come for the common cause. It's just almost like a family of people you've never met before," one attendee said.
The team is taking fans down memory lane this year with the return of Sosa. He and the team had a rocky relationship for years after the slugger's connection to performance enhancing drugs. Sosa never admitted to using them but apologized for past mistakes. That apology was enough for the Ricketts Family, owners of the Cubs, to welcome Sosa back with open arms.
"It's great for the fans, and we're happy for Mr. Sosa that he's reconnecting with the organization and the fan base," Jen Martindale, the Cubs executive vice president of marketing, told WGN.
And that fan base appears to have no hard feelings.
"I’ve never had hard feelings with Sammy. He's a great guy. I've met him numerous times. Very, very great guy and it's good to have him back," a fan said.
Along with some retro players, the team unveiled new retro baby blue uniforms ahead of the convention. The uniforms replace the neighborhood series uniforms with 'Wrigleyville' on the front.
Weekend passes for the convention remain available for $125. Doors officially open at noon, with the opening ceremony slated to begin at 4:30.
The full weekend schedule and information for attendees is available on the Chicago Cubs Convention website.