Welcome to 2015!

Welcome to 2015, which is sure to be a milestone year for the Cubs.  There was much excitement at the 30th Annual Cubs Convention, which was held last weekend (January 16-18) at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers.  

Current and past Cubs players on stage during the Opening Ceremonies of the Cubs Convention (photo by Karen Burchell)

This was my 7th Convention and the mood during the weekend was noticeably different than in previous years.  Cubs fans were pumped, energized and seemed to have a renewed outlook on a team that's ready to compete, rather than "re-build." 

For the first time in years, Convention passes and hotel rooms sold out before the Convention started, which I think is a sign of things to come!  All of the panels were packed and had people standing in the back of the ballrooms and flowing into the hallway.

Fans were the most excited to see Joe Maddon, the new Cubs manager, Jon Lester, the new Cubs starting pitcher, Anthony Rizzo, Starlin Castro and top prospect Kris Bryant.  

New Cubs Manager Joe Maddon shakes hands with Cubs Alumni during the Opening Ceremonies of the Cubs Convention (photo by Karen Burchell)

Cubs Shortstop and All-Star Starlin Castro walks out during the Opening Ceremonies of the Cubs Convention (photo by Karen Burchell)

Top prospect Kris Bryant on stage during the Opening Ceremonies of the Cubs Convention (photo by Karen Burchell)

Another highlight of the weekend:
I, along with approximately 550 other guests, had the great opportunity to attend Kerry Wood and the Wood Family Foundation's (WFF) 4th Annual Woody's Winter Warm-Up on Friday, January 16th.

The event had a new venue this year, which was Harry Caray's 7th Inning Stretch Restaurant and Chicago Sports Museum located in Water Tower Place on the 7th Floor.  The Plain White T's performed while guests mingled with Cubs players and local celebrities, who also took turns guest bartending to earn tips to benefit the WFF.

I got a chance to get a photo with former Cubs Pitcher (and the event host) Kerry Wood

The night raised over $100,000 for the Wood Family Foundation's "Pitch In" program.  This is always an event I look forward to each year, because not only is it a lot of fun, it's a wonderful feeling to also know that my support ends up helping children through the Wood Family Foundation's programs.

Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo gets ready to guest bartend during Woody's Winter Warm-Up (photo by Karen Burchell)

Now that the Cubs Convention is over and there are just 28 days until pitchers and catchers report to spring training, I am thoroughly looking forward to this season.  As Chairman Tom Ricketts mentioned at the Opening Ceremonies, "Let's Go!"