Cubs Convention

[dabears67]

Has anyone gone to the Cubs Convention before? how easy is to obtain autographs? what are the costs of autographs? I am thinking of purchasing the tickets, but want to know if I have to spend extra money getting autographs.

[djauwerda]

If you have passes for the convention, the autos are free, for the most part. Occasionally, someone will charge at one of the vendor booths, but ordinarily, the sigs are free. I have gone a few years. I usually can come home with between 10-20 sigs, but I'm sure I could get more if I operated differently.

On Friday night, there is a "treasure hunt" where players will be randomly placed around the convention hall for an hour and a half. The trick is, you don't know who will be there. It could be minor leaguers, current players, or retired players. For example, last year during this session I was able to get Ryan Dempster, Fergie Jenkins, Randy Hundley, and Milt Pappas. Then on Saturday and Sunday, there are set autograph schedules set up throughout the day. The other possibility is to catch guys after they do some of the Q & A sessions. I've never done this, but I've heard of others who have great luck with it.

There is also a lottery for lots of the big name players. They will only sign so many... expect players like Banks, Williams, Zambrano, Soriano, and probably Castro to be in the lottery.

Of course, many people will just wait in the lobbies and hawk players as they come in and out, but it's a mob scene. I've never had a lot of luck doing that, plus I think it's fairly rude.

Lots of the older guys are very gracious throughout the weekend, they'll sign anywhere, any time.

This year may be an interesting year. With Santo's passing and Ryno's switch to the Phillies organization, they're losing two MAJOR draws. Wonder if the Rickett's family can get Mark Grace home?

Usually the new signees are there (ie Byrd last year). I'd be cool to pick up Carlos Pena if they get him.

Drop me a line if you have other questions.