A “very special” edition of the Cubs Convention kicked off Friday with the return of Sammy Sosa from Cubbie exile after 20 years, the introduction of new star Kyle Tucker and powder blue alternate jerseys and the same old hopes and dreams of the last 39 years.

RIcketts on Sosa reunion: "We can just accept the fact that there were a lot of guys doing things that the league was discouraging."

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