Chicago Cubs: Optimism reigns supreme at this year’s Cubs Convention

As a frustration offseason draws to a close, the Chicago Cubs held their annual Cubs Convention over the weekend and the mood was overwhelmingly positive.

As just a second-time attendee to Cubs Convention, I understand that my knowledge related to the team’s annual gathering is quite limited. I never knew the event when Chicago Cubs fans flocked to the Hilton instead of its current home at the Grand Sheraton, nestled on the banks of the Chicago River and Michigan Ave. in downtown Chicago.

This means I’ve also never known a Cubs Convention not spearheaded by the Ricketts family, a group that drew harsh criticism on social media heading into the weekend. For the first time since purchasing the team, the Ricketts canceled their annual panel – one that would have allowed fans to ask ownership any question.

The face of the family when it comes to the team, Chicago Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts, has long been one of the most accessible owners in all of professional sports. On multiple occasions, at both games and concerts at Wrigley, I’ve run into him and he’s always willing to chat or at least take a photo with those who ask.