The Chicago Cubs Convention: A Nostalgic Gathering with a Glimpse into the Future
The annual Chicago Cubs Convention is a celebration of the team's past, present, and future, and this year's event at the Sheraton Grand Chicago was no exception. The 2016 Cubs team, which won the World Series, gathered for a 10-year reunion, and the current players, manager Craig Counsell, and coaches were on hand to kick off the 2026 campaign. The weekend festivities began on Thursday night at Wrigley Field, where the 2016 team and other personnel gathered to reminisce and celebrate.
Ian Happ, a first-round draft pick in 2015 and one of the remaining links to the Joe Maddon era, was thrilled to celebrate the World Series win with his teammates. The convention also marked the announcement of three new members of the Cubs Hall of Fame: Jon Lester, Jody Davis, and announcer Vince Lloyd. The event was a fun night for all, with every player but Kris Bryant, Jake Arrieta, Hector Rondon, Jorge Soler, and Tommy La Stella in attendance.
However, the convention also highlighted the team's recent changes. Former Cubs manager David Ross, who was fired after the 2023 season, was not present at Wrigley since the firing. Ross expressed his disappointment with the decision, but he returned for the reunion and was welcomed back warmly. The Cubs also made a significant move by signing free agent Alex Bregman, but the team's success is threatened by the Los Angeles Dodgers' recent signing of Kyle Tucker, who received a four-year, $240 million deal.
Despite the controversy, the Cubs Convention was a nostalgic gathering that provided a glimpse into the team's future. With the addition of Bregman and the potential for more celebrations during the season, the Cubs are poised to emulate the success of the Maddon-led teams that broke the mold in 2015 and won it all in '16. The team's love for the game and each other was evident, and the convention was a testament to the Cubs' rich history and bright future.
