Newest Cubs eye convention.(Chicago Tribune)

CHICAGO _ Don't tell Ron Coomer the Cubs can't win the World Series. After what he experienced at a Scottsdale, Ariz., restaurant last month, anything is possible.

Just days after the Lockport native signed a one-year contract to play first base for the Cubs, Coomer left for a short golf vacation. On his first night in town, he stumbled into an old friend_Mark Grace.

"It was unreal," Coomer said. "It was spooky. I said, `You're the last guy I want to see right now. I feel bad enough that you're no longer a Cub.

"He said, `Coom, I loved playing there and so will you.' Then he introduced me to his girlfriend as the Cubs' new first baseman. I said, `Do me a favor, don't say that.'"

The unfailingly humble Coomer might be in for another shock Friday when he attends his first Cubs Convention. More than 12,000 fans are expected to descend upon the Chicago Hilton and Towers for the annual fan festival, which runs through Sunday.

Much of the attention will fall on Sammy Sosa, who finally decided to attend after sparring with management for months over a contract extension. Sosa's agent, Adam Katz, will not be in Chicago, so the team doesn't anticipate having any contract talks.

Sosa is scheduled to participate in the opening ceremonies, during which the players are introduced. Observers will listen closely to gauge the reactions of the fans.