Hello, every year for my birthday me and my wife DeeDee go to the Cubs Convention at the Chicago Hilton on Michigan Ave. This was our third year going to the convention and we see many of the same people every year who are just as much diehard fans as us. This year we decided, we would go late on Thursday night so we would miss the crazy check in. When DeeDee got out of class on Thursday, we took a taxi to the hotel and checked into our room at about midnight. The hotel was already crazy!!! There were people everywhere in the hallway trying to get autographs from players checking into their rooms. It was funny because as I was checking us into our room one of the rookies was checking into his room and all these people where standing around trying to get his autograph.
On Friday morning me and DeeDee went and checked in for the Cubs Convention so we could get our 3 day pass. We then went to Grand Ballroom which is upstairs were opening ceremonies were to take place. We got there at about 2:30 and there was people already lining up in the room so they would be in the room for opening ceremonies. So we decide to wait. DeeDee read her book while I watched a movie on her Ipod. Opening ceremony started at 5:30. It was cool because they introduced all the players past and present and the place went crazy whenever someone new was introduced. Then they sang Take Me Out To The Ballpark and showed a video of last year highlights.
Then me and DeeDee ran to the photo station 2 were Andre Dawson was taking pictures with fans. The line was long but not to long because most fans wanted to get their picture taken with Sorino which I total didn’t get. So I and DeeDee got our picture taken and I was so excited. I remember watching the “Hawk” Dawson play. It was so cool.
Then on Saturday morning, I got up early because I wanted to get my picture taken with Lou Pinella. The line was long when we got there but since we got their early we got our picture. Lou was so cool and fun to talk to and down to earth. He was friendly with everyone. I kept thinking of the “My Lou Pinella” song the whole time we where in line. But now I see why the players respect and like him so much.
After that we tried to get our picture taken with Ryan Sandburg but he got their late and we missed getting our picture taken with him by like 20 people. If he had been there the entire 45 minutes like he was supposed to we would totally would have made it. Another year where I miss meeting Ryno. Maybe I will get to meet him next year.
Then we went to a “show” called Story Telling with Cubs Legends and heard stories from Ernie Banks, Ron Santo, Lee Smith, and Rick Sutcliffe. It was very interesting and I learned a lot. First Ron Santo told a story about and egg timer. He said that someone wrapped up an egg time and put it his locker. He goes and picks it up and hears it ticking. So he takes it outside and throws it over the bleachers wall and comes running back into the locker room where the rest of his teammates are laughing as the trainer comes back and asks the players where his timer is.
I learned a lot about Mr. Cubs Ernie Bank. I didn’t know that he had twins and the reason he came up with “Lets play Two” was he didn’t want to have to go home. Ernie Banks and Ron Santo teased each other and joked with each other the entire time. It was funny to watch the two interact with each other. Mr. Cub is an amazing man and seems to always look at everything positively which is awesome. I hope I am as positive as him when I get to be his age. He is in his 70's but you can't even tell by the way he acts.
Also I learned an interesting story about Lee Smith. He used to make Greg Maddox run out and get him sandwiches before games. It was funny hearing about a Future Hall of Fame Pitcher going out and doing stuff like that. But it was very funny to hear. Ron Santo talked a lot but I love listening to his stories. They are always so funny.
Then on Sunday, I got my picture taken with Darrel Ward.
While I was geting my picture taken with Darrel Ward my wife DeeDee went and got her picture taken with Ted Lilly.
Then we got some autographs from some rookies. I then went and bought a signed Ernie Banks bat. We went back to our rooms and packed up to go home. I wished that the Cubs Convention was longer then two days. I think it should be longer. I already can’t wait to go back next year. GO CUBS!!!!!!!!!!
Also at the cubs Convention I learned about a minature sized Wrigley Field they are building in Freeport IL. It is going to be for peewee baseball and kickball put it is going to look just like Wrigley Field but smaller.
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