Organizers said they expect bigger crowds than normal this year with the return of legendary slugger Sammy Sosa.

While the Friendly Confines are still a bit too chilly for baseball at Wrigley Field, that isn't keeping Cubs fans from dreaming about the start of the upcoming season. Big crowds packed the Sheraton Grand Chicago hotel in downtown Chicago on Friday for the start of the annual Cubs Convention.

The convention promises a weekend of panel discussions, autograph opportunities and the appearance of one of the best all-time hitters, fan favorite Sammy Sosa.

After years of banishment from Cubs fans, the fan base officially welcomes back Sammy Sosa, and Dusty Baker wants to know what took so long.

Former Chicago Cub and fan favorite Sammy Sosa will attend the 2025 Cubs Convention, the team announced Tuesday.

Sosa's apology was a longtime prerequisite for the Chicago Cubs to welcome him back into the club's good graces, and chairman Tom Ricketts also released a statement Thursday confirming that he would be invited to the Cubs Convention fan event.

Chicago Cubs slugger Sammy Sosa addresses the crowd during “Sammy Sosa Day” festivities at Wrigley Field Saturday, Sept. 20, 1998, in Chicago. MICHAEL S. GREEN/AP Share The star of this year’s Cubs Convention is already clear.