Woody's Winter Warm-Up a success for 2nd consecutive year

Former Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood and his wife Sarah hosted the second Woody's Warm-Up event on Friday, January 18th 2013, which was also the opening night of the 2013 Cubs Convention. 

Cubs players, Bears players and local celebrities got behind the bar and served drinks to guests while competing for tips.  There was also a live and silent auction.  More than $96,000 was raised at Harry Caray's Tavern at Navy Pier that night to benefit the Wood Family Foundation.

I had the pleasure of attending the fundraiser for the second year and it was a night to remember.  It was so special to see everyone come together to support such an amazing foundation.  Even though Kerry Wood retired last spring, many members of the current Cubs roster still came out to support the former Cub.  Some of the Cubs' top prospects also helped out behind the bar and mingled with guests.

Trey McNutt, Darwin Barney and Marcus Hatley (photo by Karen Burchell)

Cubs manager Dale Sveum, along with President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein, Senior Vice President of Scouting and Player Development Jason McLeod, Director of Pro Scouting Joe Bohringer, as well as Tom, Todd and Pete Ricketts were also in attendance.

Some of the players in attendance that I had a chance to talk to included Anthony Rizzo, Darwin Barney, Tony Campana, Matt Garza, Jeff Samardzija, Steve Clevenger, Ian Stewart, Dave Sappelt, James Russell, Brooks Raley, Travis Wood, David DeJesus, former Cubs Jody Davis, Kerry Wood and Scott Sanderson.  In addition, prospects Dallas Beeler, Marcus Hatley, Zac Rosscup and other Cubs minor leaguers were there to support the Wood Family Foundation.

Hanging out with the host of the evening, Kerry Wood (photo by Karen Burchell)

This is one of my favorite Cubs fundraisers because of the more relaxed and casual atmosphere.  It's also a great opportunity to meet and talk to your favorite Cubs players and staff.  Everyone is friendly and accessible, minus the chaos of the convention.  I hope that Kerry and Sarah will continue to host this event, which is also a perfect kickoff to Cubs Convention weekend.

Cubs to offer 6 and 9-game packs to go on sale 1/23 at 10am CST

The Cubs will offer 6-game packs and 9-game packs which will go on sale Wednesday, January 23rd at 10am CST and no online service fees will be charged.  Both 6 and 9-game packs will be sold online only at www.cubs.com/packs

Cubs 6-Game Pack
The Cubs 6-Game Pack provides a choice of six different pre-selected, six-game plans, with each option tailored to different fan interests.  Options include the “Bobblehead Pack,” featuring four game dates that include bobblehead giveaways; the “Topps Baseball Card Pack,” featuring promotional dates with the opportunity to secure a complete 82-card set of specially-created Cubs Topps Baseball Cards; the “Early Weekend Pack,” featuring six Friday afternoon games with several promotional dates included; the “Prime Pack,” featuring Interleague Play and rivalry match-ups with several promotional dates included; and two “Sunday Family Pack” options, featuring Sunday game dates with several promotional dates and the opportunity for kids 13-and-under to run the bases post-game.
The Cubs 6-Game Pack is available in both the Budweiser Bleachers and the reserved seating bowl of Wrigley Field.  Fans must order the same number of tickets for each of the six games in their package.  Prices start at just $116 before City and County Amusement taxes for a “Topps Baseball Card Pack” in the Upper Deck Reserved Outfield section, with other prices varying based on plan and location.  No service fees will be charged for the Cubs 6-Game Pack.

Cubs 9-Game Pack
The Cubs 9-Game Pack provides fans with a guaranteed opportunity to attend some of the highest-profile games of the 2013 season.  Fans can customize their nine-game pack when advancing through the order process on www.cubs.com/packs, including two selectable Marquee games and a choice of seven other games throughout the season.  Overall, fans can select from more than 50 games when purchasing the Cubs 9-Game Pack.

The Cubs 9-Game Pack is available in both the Budweiser Bleachers and the reserved seating bowl of Wrigley Field.  Fans must order the same number of tickets for each of the nine games in their package.  Prices start at just $129 before City and County Amusement taxes for a Cubs 9-Game Pack in the Upper Deck Reserved Outfield section, with other prices varying based on game selection and location.  No service fees will be charged for the Cubs 9-Game Pack.

“The Cubs 6-Game Pack and Cubs 9-Game Pack give our fans a chance to purchase their must-have dates for the 2013 season before single game tickets go on sale March 8,” said Colin Faulkner, Vice President of Ticket sales and service.  “These ticket packs feature a selection of our most popular opponents, dates and promotions, resulting in a ticket plan that can be tailored for every fan.”

Now, who's going to Opening Day on April 8th?

List of Attendees announced for 28th Annual Cubs Convention

The 2013 Cubs Convention list of attendees has been officially announced by the team!  There will be over 75 special guests including current Cubs players and coaches, alumni and Minor League players in attendance for the 28th annual Cubs Convention. 

The festivities will take place this Friday, January 18th through Sunday, January 20th at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers at 301 East North Water Street in downtown Chicago, which is a new location this year.

According to the Cubs, there are still a limited amount of passes available for $60 each plus service fees at www.cubs.com/convention or by calling 1-800-THE-CUBS.

Scheduled to attend are:

Current players
Scott Baker, Darwin Barney, Michael Bowden, Shawn Camp, Tony Campana, Welington Castillo, Starlin Castro, Steve Clevenger, David DeJesus, Scott Feldman, Matt Garza, Brett Jackson, Edwin Jackson, Carlos Marmol, Dioner Navarro, Brooks Raley, Anthony Rizzo, Chris Rusin, James Russell, Jeff Samardzija, Dave Sappelt, Nate Schierholtz, Alfonso Soriano, Ian Stewart, Josh Vitters and Travis Wood.

Minor League players
Javier Baez, Dallas Beeler, Jae-Hoon Ha, Marcus Hatley, Barret Loux, Trey McNutt, Hector Rondon, Zach Rosscup, Nick Struck, Matt Szczur, Logan Watkins, Robert Whitenack and Tony Zych.

Cubs alumni
Ernie Banks, Glenn Beckert, Jose Cardenal, Jody Davis, Bobby Dernier, Jeff Fassero, Randy Hundley, Fergie Jenkins, Jay Johnstone, Jon Lieber, Gary Matthews, Keith Moreland, Dave Otto, Milt Pappas, Scott Sanderson, Lee Smith, Tim Stoddard, Rick Sutcliffe, Steve Trout, Todd Walker, Billy Williams and Kerry Wood.

For more information on the Cubs Convention schedule of events, please see this link for my previous blog post.

Hope to see some of you at the Sheraton this weekend.  Let me know in a comment if you're planning on attending!

Cubs announce schedule of events for 28th Annual Cubs Convention January 18-20th, 2013

 
The 2013 Cubs Convention schedule has been officially announced by the team!  There will be over 75 special guests including current Cubs players and coaches, alumni and Minor League players in attendance for the 28th annual Cubs Convention.  The festivities will take place Friday, January 18th through Sunday, January 20th at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers at 301 East North Water Street in downtown Chicago, which is a new location this year.

According to the Cubs, there are still a limited amount of passes available for $60 each at www.cubs.com/convention or by calling 1-800-THE-CUBS.

The Opening Ceremony is on Friday, January 18th at 5pm and will feature player and alumni introductions on a red carpet runway that will provide special VIP access to children 16-and-under. Following the Opening Ceremony, guests can find some of their favorite Cubs throughout the hotel for the Autograph Hunt Game.  The evening will conclude with Cubs Bingo led by Wayne Messmer, as well as live radio broadcasts of WGN Sports Night.

Saturday’s program will include the return of Cubs Jeopardy, which will pit alumni pitchers Milt Pappas, Scott Sanderson, Lee Smith and Rick Sutcliffe against alumni position players Jose Cardenal, Jody Davis, Randy Hundley and Todd Walker.  Cubs Family Feud will make its Cubs Convention debut Saturday afternoon, as Cubs alumni Bobby Dernier, Jon Lieber, Gary Matthews and Billy Williams take on current Cubs Michael Bowden, Shawn Camp, Brett Jackson and Ian Stewart.

Fans can meet many of the club’s offseason acquisitions at a “Meet the New Cubs” session featuring pitchers Scott Baker, Scott Feldman, Edwin Jackson, catcher Dioner Navarro and outfielder Nate Schierholtz, hosted by new television analyst Jim Deshaies and play-by-play broadcaster Len Kasper.

Additional Saturday sessions include:

• “Ricketts Family Forum,” featuring Tom, Laura, Pete and Todd Ricketts speaking with Len Kasper and fans about their experience as team owners over the past three years.
• “Meet Cubs Baseball Management,” featuring President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein, Executive Vice President/General Manager Jed Hoyer, Assistant General Manager Randy Bush, Assistant General Manager Shiraz Rehman and Manager Dale Sveum speaking about the club’s recent moves and what lies ahead for the 2013 season.
• “From Draft Day to the Big Leagues,” featuring Cubs Minor League prospects Dallas Beeler, Matt Szczur, Robert Whitenack and Tony Zych discussing what it’s like to get drafted by the Chicago Cubs and advance through the Minor Leagues.
• “Dale Sveum and the Coaching Staff,” featuring the Cubs Manager, Bench Coach Jamie Quirk, Hitting Coach James Rowson, Assistant Hitting Coach Rob Deer, Bullpen Coach Lester Strode, First Base Coach Dave McKay and Third Base Coach David Bell speaking with Len Kasper and Jim Deshaies about what’s in store during the staff’s second year.
• “For Kids Only Press Conference, presented by Advocate Health Care,” featuring a unique Q-and-A session where only kids can ask the questions to Darwin Barney, David DeJesus, Brooks Raley, Anthony Rizzo and Chris Rusin.
• “Renew Wrigley Field,” featuring Cubs executives discussing ideas to preserve and renew iconic Wrigley Field based on input from Cubs fans, Season Ticket Holders and the community.
• “Not for Women Only,” making its return to the Convention, featuring Scott Baker, Scott Feldman, Matt Garza, James Russell and Travis Wood discussing their personal sides and lives off the field.
• “WGN Radio’s Sports Central,” a live broadcast with WGN Radio’s Jim Memolo and Glen Kozlowski featuring segments with David DeJesus and Matt Garza; Darwin Barney and Jeff Samardzija; Tony Campana and Starlin Castro; and Brett Jackson, Edwin Jackson and Anthony Rizzo.

Sunday’s program features two panel sessions to close out the Convention:

• “Down on the Farm,” featuring Senior Vice President of Scouting and Player Development Jason McLeod, Director of Pro Scouting Joe Bohringer and Director of Player Development Brandon Hyde joined by Chris Rusin and Josh Vitters giving a breakdown of the Cubs Minor League teams from Iowa down to Mesa.
• “Stat Sundays,” with broadcasters Jim Deshaies, Len Kasper and WGN’s Bob Vorwald offering insight into the statistics they analyze and feature during Stats Sundays throughout the season.

In addition to the sessions highlighted above, the Convention includes many new and returning activities throughout the weekend for fans:

• Rookie of the Year Movie Night, presented by Cubs Kids Club, makes its Cubs Convention program debut, allowing fans to eat popcorn and relax with family and friends Saturday evening while watching the popular film, Rookie of the Year.
• Chicago Cubs Sock Hop is a Saturday fan favorite that keeps attendees dancing until midnight.
• Walgreens Field is a new miniature turf diamond that gives kids a fun place to practice batting, play pick-up wiffle ball games or participate in professional instructional clinics as part of the Baseball Interactive Zone. Cubs players and coaches will pair up with Illinois Baseball Academy instructors to conduct a series of training opportunities for fans of all ages throughout the weekend.
• Comcast SportsNet Chicago is giving fans the chance to test their play-by-play broadcasting skills in a custom-built Fantasy Broadcasting Booth. Guests will call a pre-recorded play in the booth, then download a recorded copy of their work for keeps.
• MLB Network’s Strike Zone allows fans to test their arm speed and win prizes at an inflatable speed pitch.
• MLB.com’s "Bucks on the Pond" trivia game combines contestants’ knowledge with Major League Baseball game play to determine who will win some big league bucks.
•The Sony PlayStation Gaming Zone gives attendees a chance to take a break from the action to play MLB 12 The Show at one of several Sony PS3 kiosks.
• LEGOLAND® Discovery Center returns with an area dedicated for families to exercise their creativity with the small building blocks.
• The Blue Bunny Bucket Toss gives kids a chance to win ice cream prizes in a fun bucket toss game.
• American Girl’s Activity Area features activities inspired by American Girl dolls and the chance to win a new doll and book.
• The Chicago Sun-Times Photo Kiosk lets fans have their picture taken for the front page of the Chicago Sun-Times with customizable headlines that make for a memorable souvenir.
Fans can learn about or contribute to the history of the Cubs franchise in collaboration with team archivists. Historical pieces of memorabilia will be on hand for viewing, and guests can receive professional tips on how to preserve their own valuable keepsakes. Attendees are invited to share their personal stories with a video crew that may be used in future promotions or publications. The team is also accepting founding donations to the Chicago Cubs Archives, with accepted donations to be officially recognized by the team. Assets will not be appraised for monetary value or purchase. The Cubs are seeking the following items from years past:

• Photographs
• Uniforms and equipment, such as jerseys, gloves, bats and balls
• Ballpark and grounds materials, such as seating charts, packaging and employee uniforms
• Signage, such as banners and flags
• Recognitions, honors and awards
• Game day and event tickets or parking passes
• Commemorative objects and promotions, such as bobbleheads, pennants, hats and shirts

A wide variety of Cubs memorabilia will also be available for sale or auction from Cubs Authentics, Chicago Cubs Charities and a selection of third party vendors.  This will be my 4th Convention in a row and I hope to see some of you there!

WGN-Radio Schedule Released for 28th Annual Cubs Convention

The WGN-Radio schedule of events has been released for the 28th Annual Cubs Convention, which will take place Friday, January 18th through Sunday, January 20th at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers at 301 East North Water Street in downtown Chicago (new location this year!)  According to the Cubs, there are still a limited amount of passes available at www.cubs.com or by calling 1-800-THE-CUBS.

Friday, January 18
3 – 7 p.m. Garry Meier live broadcast, including Opening Ceremonies coverage with Dave Eanet during the 5 p.m. hour.

7 – 10 p.m. WGN Sports Night live broadcast – Ballrooms VIII, IX, X. Andrea Darlas, Brian Noonan and David Kaplan return to the Cubs Convention and talk with some of the most popular Cubs of the weekend.  This is your chance to hear directly from some of the players and key front office personal in the Cubs organization and find out what they’re looking forward to in 2013. Scheduled guests include:

• 7-7:30 Dale Sveum and James Rowson
• 7:30-8 Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer
• 8-8:30 Jeff Samardzija, Matt Garza, Scott Baker and Scott Feldman
• 8:30-9 Darwin Barney, Anthony Rizzo, and David DeJesus
• 9-9:30 Len Kasper, Jim DeShaies, Pat Hughes, and Keith Moreland

Saturday, January 19
10-11 a.m. Meet Cubs Baseball Management – Ballrooms VIII, IX, X
Join WGN Radio’s Dave Eanet as he sits down with: President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein, Executive Vice President/General Manager Jed Hoyer, Assistant General Manager Randy Bush, and Manager Dale Sveum. Learn more about the recent moves the Cubs have made and what lies ahead for the 2013 season. Here’s your chance to hear about what goes on behind the scenes.

11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. From Draft Day to the Big Leagues – Ballrooms VIII, IX, X
We see what happens at the Major League level, but find out what the journey is like through the minor leagues. Find out what it is like to get the phone call saying you’ve been drafted by the Cubs and what happens from there. Cubs minor league prospects will be on hand to describe their first days in rookie ball to where they are today. Hosted by WGN Radio’s Garry Meier and Dave Eanet.
(Minor leaguers include: Javier Baez, Dallas Beeler, Marcus Hatley, Barret Loux, Trey McNutt, Hector Rondon, Zach Rosscup, Nick Struck, Matt Szczur, Logan Watkins, Robert Whitenack, and Tony Zych)

12:30 – 1:30 p.m. For Kids Only Press Conference, presented by Advocate Health Care – Ballrooms VIII, IX, X
This unique hour long session is for the kids! Hosted by WGN Radio’s Bill Leff this fun segment will allow kids to take charge and ask the questions. Come listen to Darwin Barney, David Dejesus, Brooks Raley, Anthony Rizzo and Chris Rusin answer some always entertaining questions as well as give advice to these youngsters on how to become future big league stars.

2 – 3 p.m. Not for Women Only – Ballrooms VIII, IX, X
Do you want to know what our players do in their spare time? What they like to do on their days off? Join WGN Radio host Carol Roth as she talks to Scott Baker, Shawn Camp, Matt Garza, James Russell and Travis Wood about their life off the field.

4 – 6 p.m. WGN Radio’s Sports Central live broadcast – Ballrooms VIII, IX, X
WGN Radio’s Jim Memolo and Glen Kozlowski bring their Sports Central show to the Sheraton for a live broadcast with some of your favorite current and former Cubs.  They’re covering all the off-season moves, as well as what to look forward to with the 2013 team.

• 4:00- 4:30 David DeJesus, Matt Garza
• 4:30- 5:00 Jeff Samardzija, Darwin Barney
• 5:00-5:30 Starlin Castro, Tony Campana
• 5:45-6:00 Brett Jackson, Anthony Rizzo, Edwin Jackson

Once the Cubs release the full convention schedule, we will post it here on Cubby News.

How many of you will be in attendance next weekend?  It will be my 4th Cubs Convention and I'm really excited for the new venue!  Let us know your plans - we'd love to hear from you!

A New Year Brings New Cubs faces, New Convention venue and exciting fundraisers

Happy New Year, Cubby News readers!  As we are almost finished with the first week of 2013, there has been a lot of Cubs news during the holidays.  Here's a list of some of the players the Cubs have signed in the last month:

OF Nate Schierholtz – one year, $2.25 million
3B Ian Stewart – one year, $2 million
P Scott Baker – one year, $5.5 million
P Shawn Camp – one year, $1.35 million
P Scott Feldman – one year, $6 million
P Kyuji Fujikawa – two years, $9.5 million
C Dioner Navarro – one year, $1.75 million
P Chang-Yong Lim - minor league deal
P Edwin Jackson - four-year, $52 million
P Carlos Villanueva - two years, $10 million 
P Dontrelle Willis - minor league deal
P Hisanori Takahashi - minor league deal

Here's a link to the current 40-man roster.

The 28th annual Cubs convention is less than two weeks away!  This weekend packed with all things Cubs will take place on Friday January 18th through Sunday January 20th at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, located at 301 E. North Water Street in downtown Chicago.  This is a new venue for the convention, which I think will be nice, as this will be my 4th year in a row attending the Cubs Convention.

The Cubs have yet to release the official list of current and former players and coaches that will be in attendance, but once that information is available I will post it on Cubby News.  Here's a link to purchase passes to the convention.  Included with each pass is weekend access to all of the hotel convention space, which will hold the autograph and photo sessions, question and answer seminars, interactive area, memorabilia and vendor booths, as well as exciting new exhibits.

Tying in with the convention are two separate fundraisers hosted by David DeJesus and Kerry Wood and their foundations, which are both listed below:

David and Kim DeJesus will host the inaugural "Strike a Pose" fundraiser on Thursday, January 17th, 2013 at the River East Arts Center in downtown Chicago.  Current and former Cubs players and their spouses will walk the runway and the show will feature fashion by 900 N. Michigan Shops.  There will also be a live auction and raffle, as well as heavy appetizers provided by some of Chicago's hottest restaurants, including Chicago q, RPM Italian, Bull and Bear, Shaw's and Glazed & Infused.  For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/chc/community/strike_a_pose.jsp

Former Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood will host his second annual "Woody's Winter Warm-Up" at Harry Caray's Navy Pier on Friday, January 18th, 2013.  Cubs players and local celebrities will serve as bartenders throughout the night and proceeds will benefit the Wood Family Foundation.  The night will also feature opportunities to meet and mingle with Cubs players, a silent auction, premium open bar, dinner buffet, and a raffle, as well as a concert, for which details will be announced soon,

I was at their inaugural event in January 2012 and it was definitely worth attending, so I hope to see some of you there!  Tickets are limited and can be purchased at:  http://woodfamilyfoundation.org

Spring Training tickets for games that will be played at HoHoKam Park went on sale Friday.  Here's a link to Spring Training tickets and info.  The Cubs will also play the Texas Rangers in Las Vegas, NV, on March 16 and 17.  Tickets for these two games will be put on sale at a date to be determined.

Meanwhile, only 35 more days until Cubs pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training!  Hope to see some of you at the Convention!