A Decade Later, Cubs Fans Still Soak in the Magic of 2016 at Convention Reunion
If you walked into the 2026 Cubs Convention on Saturday, you didn’t just step into a fan event-you stepped into a time machine. Thousands of Cubs faithful packed into downtown Chicago for Day 2 of the annual gathering, but this year came with a special kind of buzz: a reunion of the 2016 World Series champions, the team that ended 108 years of heartbreak and rewrote the narrative of an entire franchise.
And yes, the nostalgia hit hard.
From custom Cubs-themed suits to heartfelt stories passed down through generations, fans showed up not just to celebrate a team, but to relive a moment that still feels like magic ten years later. For many, it was a chance to reconnect with the players who delivered the most unforgettable October in Chicago baseball history.
“I can’t believe it’s been that long,” said longtime fan Tim Hargesheimer. “But I think we can all remember that last out-where we were, who we were with. Seeing these guys here now just brings that magic back.”
The 2016 Reunion: A Moment Frozen in Time
The main event was the panel featuring several key members of that championship squad-Justin Grimm, Miguel Montero, Mike Montgomery, Pedro Strop, Ben Zobrist, and Anthony Rizzo-all taking the stage to reflect on the season that changed everything.
Rizzo, never one to shy away from a microphone or a moment, kept it real: “There are no breaks in the big leagues. You have to bring your lunch pail every day.” That mindset, that grind, was the foundation of a team that fought through rain delays, extra innings, and decades of pressure to finally deliver.
Zobrist, who famously delivered the go-ahead RBI in Game 7, admitted that even he had his doubts during that rollercoaster of a finale. “When that happened, I thought, ‘I don’t know. Maybe we are cursed,’” he said, referencing the rain delay that paused Game 7 and gave the Cubs just enough time to regroup and rally.
Of course, they did more than rally-they made history. And Rizzo, with a grin that only a champion can wear, reminded the crowd of the payoff: “You’re welcome,” he said, drawing laughter and cheers.
Stories That Still Hit Home
For fans, that 2016 title wasn’t just a win-it was personal. It was about family, tradition, and the kind of joy that only baseball can deliver.
“You know what? My grandmother was the biggest Cubs fan,” said Bob Vevang.
“When we won the World Series in 2016, I went out and put a flag on her grave just because I knew she’d be so excited. And so, you know, I got it from her and my parents and continue to do it.”
That’s the kind of generational connection this team forged. The Cubs didn’t just win a championship-they gave fans a moment to share across lifetimes.
Looking Ahead While Honoring the Past
Backstage, the players were just as reflective. They expressed gratitude for the fans who still show up, still cheer, and still wear their jerseys like armor. And with the Bears making a playoff push of their own, the energy in the city feels familiar.
“Now looking at what the Bears are doing, it’s happening for them,” Zobrist said. “You want to see if they can go all the way, and what that would do for their lives just like it’s done for our lives.”
It’s a reminder that while the sports may differ, the impact is the same. Championships change lives-not just for players, but for fans, families, and entire cities.
More Than Just a Convention
The Cubs Convention wasn’t just about the past. There were family-friendly activities, autograph signings, and memorabilia displays that turned the event into a full-blown celebration of Cubs culture. Sunday will cap things off with more signings and a special conversation honoring African Americans in baseball-a fitting close to a weekend that balanced history, community, and hope.
But make no mistake: the heartbeat of this weekend was the memory of 2016. Ten years later, it still means everything. And judging by the sea of pinstripes and W flags downtown, that moment isn’t fading anytime soon.