From the Farm, to the Cubs Con Floor
Cubs Convention has a way of reminding you why baseball is more than just a game, and Cubs Con 2026 did exactly that for me. We (Hunter, Peter, and myself) made the trip to Chicago, marking my first trip to Cubs Con. I had been briefed on what to expect,
Cubs Convention has a way of reminding you why baseball is more than just a game, and Cubs Con 2026 did exactly that for me.
We (Hunter, Peter, and myself) made the trip to Chicago, marking my first trip to Cubs Con. I had been briefed on what to expect, but yet still unprepared for the passionate fans we were set to encounter.
Walking into the Sheraton and seeing the sea of blue, familiar faces, and generations of Cubs fans, it hit me pretty quickly: this is one of the rare events where every level of the organization truly comes together.
We were set up with a booth alongside the other Cubs affiliates, which honestly felt like being part of one big baseball family reunion. Our space gave us the chance to show off what makes Myrtle Beach special. We displayed video highlighting Pelicans baseball: sunny nights at Pelicans Ballpark, packed crowds, and the kind of player development stories that fans don’t always get to see from afar. Seeing Cubs fans stop, watch, and ask questions about Myrtle Beach reminded me how curious and invested this fanbase is in every step of the system.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper convention weekend without some merch moving across the table. We sold Pelicans hats and player card sets throughout the weekend, and it was fun watching fans, some who had never been to Myrtle Beach, walk away repping Pelicans gear. A few even told us they were adding a summer trip to Myrtle Beach to their plans, which felt like a small win in itself.
Friday night set the tone for the entire weekend. The convention kicked off with an unforgettable celebration as the 2016 Cubs World Series team returned and was honored on stage in front of a packed house. Seeing that group together again, with fans reliving one of the most meaningful moments in franchise history, was powerful. Current Cubs players, top prospects, and alumni filled the room, blending past, present, and future all in one place. Jon Lester’s induction into the Cubs Hall of Fame was a major highlight, a well-earned moment that drew a massive reaction from the crowd. Alex Bregman was a focal point of the night as well, drawing constant attention throughout the event and adding to the buzz that carried through the rest of the weekend.
2016 Pelican @ihapp_1 from the #CubsCon Blue Carpet! pic.twitter.com/iQGRKTcyTm
— Myrtle Beach Pelicans (@Pelicanbaseball) January 24, 2026
That night also gave me the opportunity to conduct short-form “Blue Carpet” interviews, which ended up being one of the most fun parts of Cubs Con for me. I caught up with players like Justin Steele, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Nico Hoerner, and others, talking about expectations for the upcoming season and what lies ahead for this group. For former Myrtle Beach Pelicans, the conversations shifted toward their favorite minor league memories such as stories about bus rides, ballpark quirks, teammates, and the moments that shaped them long before Wrigley Field. Those interviews perfectly captured what Cubs Con is all about: access, personality, and shared history.
One of the highlights for me overall was hosting interviews and signing sessions with former Pelicans like Kane Kepley and Jonathon Long. I had been told that Cubs Con always brings a unique energy to player interactions. Fans aren’t solely looking for autographs…they want stories. Kane and Jonathon were awesome, taking the time to talk, laugh, sign, and genuinely connect with everyone who came through. Watching kids light up during those moments never gets old, and it’s a reminder of how impactful these events can be for both fans and players.
Our full interview with 2025 Cubs Minor League Player of the Year, Jonathan Long, is now available on YouTube: https://t.co/bAEn7Wvw5c pic.twitter.com/ZgGfLcqJJP
— Myrtle Beach Pelicans (@Pelicanbaseball) January 23, 2026
Between the conversations at the booth, the interviews, and the steady buzz of the convention floor, the weekend flew by. Cubs Con 2026 wasn’t just about promoting the Pelicans; it was about strengthening that connection between the big-league club, its affiliates, and the fans who support all of it so passionately.
We went to Chicago representing Myrtle Beach, and we came back feeling even more proud to be part of the Cubs family. If this weekend was any indication, the road from Myrtle Beach to Wrigley Field is one fans are more than happy to travel.