Cold? What cold? Who can think about the cold when it’s baseball season? (Well, sort of.)
Both the Cubs and the White Sox have their annual conventions in the next couple of weeks, with thousands of fans from around the country expected to attend. The sounds of cheers for players, the smell of hot dogs and popcorn, and the sights of all kinds of cards, sports clothes and other memorabilia on sale are all part of SoxFest ’94 (Friday through Sunday) and the Cubs Convention (Feb. 11-13).
Top players from both teams are expected to attend, as well as managers, ex-players and team announcers. Look for Sox players Frank Thomas, Ozzie Guillen, Alex Fernandez, newcomer Julio Franco, Ron Karkovice and Jason Bere. (Sorry, that ex-NBA superstar who’s trying to make the team isn’t expected to show up. Bo probably will be a no-show, too.) And be on the lookout for Cubs Mark Grace, Ryne Sandberg, Sammy Sosa, Rick Wilkins and Jose Guzman.
Going to the conventions isn’t just a spectator sport: You can get in on baseball training sessions, talk with players and get autographs. SoxFest is up to bat first, at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Wacker Dr. Tickets are $10 a day, or $20 for a weekend pass. For more information, call 312-831-1SOX. On deck is the Cubs Convention, at the Chicago Hilton and Towers, 720 S. Michigan Ave. Only weekend passes are available at $25 a pop (a portion of proceeds go to the Cubs Care charity). Call 312-404-CUBS for details.
Hey, batterbatterbatterbatter …