Running the Bases with Alexandra Shloss: Cubs Convention Post 2

I can't believe I forgot to talk about my DeJesus run-in in the lobby. Angela and I were literally just finishing a sentence about how much we loved Kim DeJesus when she and husband David cam down into the lobby. The night before was their big fundraiser. Follow their charity at facebook at http://www.facebook.com/DavidDeJesusFamilyFoundation?ref=stream ...

But anyway, we both said, "Hi, KIM!" and then, "Oh, and hi, David, but HI KIM!" Kim kept apologizing for her appearance, but, no surprise, she was so beautiful. She has this beauty that radiates from her--there's no other way of saying it.

It's no secret that I absolutely adore the DeJesus family. It's not just their model-good looks. It's their kindness and that genuine vibe they give out. Kim is so sweet, and she and David may have just gotten to Chicago a year ago, but they've already taken on a huge part of helping the community.

Which leads me into the next part of the night--The Opening Ceremonies!

First, the famous Cubs band played some great songs for us.

If you tweeted with #CubsCon, you had a chance for your tweet to go on the big screen. It happened to me once and Mike twice.

Then Chairman Tom Ricketts came out and talked about how awesome the Cubs are and how they are committing to three things:
1. Winning the World Series
2. Giving back to the community
3. And something else I don't remember. I'll edit this later if I remember it.

Part of what the Cubs are doing in the community is putting baseball in the inner cities. The people onstage are all part of the R.B.I. program, and they all received baseball scholarships.

Then Pat Hughes, the voice of the Cubs announced all the attendees. First, the broadcasters:

Len Kasper

Jim Deshaies, who I just found a card of in my old baseball card collection!

Keith Moreland

Then the former players:

Here's Kerry Wood--obviously the crowd went wild. Have any of us really accepted his retirement?

That beautiful face next to him is Todd Walker.

Billy Williams

Next to him, you can sort of see Fergie Jenkins.

Mr. Cub, Ernie Banks

Here's a long list of names of other formers who were there: Glenn Beckert, Jose Cardenal, Jody Davis, Bobby Dernier, Jeff Fassero, Randy Hundley, Jay Johnstone, Jon Lieber, Gary Matthews, Dave Otto, Milt Pappas, Scott Sanderson, Lee Smith, Tim Stoddard, and Steve Trout.

All the beautiful prospects: Javier Baez, Dallas Beeler, Jae-Hoon Ha, Marcus Hatley, Barret Loux, Trey McNutt, Zach Rosscup, Nick Struck, Matt Szczur, Logan Watkins, Tony Zych, and Robert Whitenack.

Then they announced the coaching staff.

And then they introduced the current team. First, they introduced former-Twin (YAYYYYY) current Cub Scott Baker.

Then former White Sox/Cardinal/National, etc. Edwin Jackson. I still can't believe we got him!!! So excited!

And of course, new pitcher Scott Feldman

New catcher (I don't want any more catchers--#FearTheClev) Dioner Navarro

And new outfielder Nate Schierholtz

Then Gold-Glove winner and my personal friend, Darwin Barney. As he was fiving people in the crowd, he did a double-take on me and Angela and said, "Oh, hi, guys," and made a special trip over to us. Yeah, I know I'm bragging again. He likes Angela better but I'll take it.