Game 7. Bottom of the 10th inning, 2 outs. You could not write a better script than this. The Chicago Cubs were in the World Series for the first time since 1945, and were seeking their first victory since 1908. Only one player on the Cleveland Indians stood in their way.
With Michael Martinez of the Indians up to bat, the Cubs were on the cusp of victory, but the moment was filled with suspense, as in a Game 7 filled with twists and turns, and fans of both teams knew anything could happen. On the 2-1 pitch delivered by Mike Montgomery, Martinez swung and hit a weak ground ball down the third base line. The Cubs star player, Kris Bryant, sprinted in to field the grounder, and as he made the throw his face lit up with the knowledge that the Cubs had just done something that many people thought was never possible, winning a World Series title.
This was a fitting end to a game, and series that seemed more like a Hollywood movie than an actual MLB playoff series. The Chicago Cubs, perennial losers who appeared cursed to never win, had just done the impossible. With a young team that charmed the nation as well as the city of Chicago, and a manager, Joe Maddon, who embodied the fun and unconventional nature of the 2016 Chicago Cubs, this team was destined for greatness, and the victory could not be more deserved.
After a 2015 season in which the Cubs played some of their best baseball in years and made it to the National League Championship Series but lost to the New York Mets in a four game sweep, expectations were high coming into 2016. The Cubs never let these expectations get to them though, winning 103 games in the regular season to enter the playoffs with the best record in baseball.
After winning two hard fought series in the NLDS and NLCS against California powerhouses, the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers respectively, the only obstacle standing in the Cub’s path to a World Series victory were the Cleveland Indians.
The Indians were another renowned young team, with stars such as Francisco Lindor and Andrew Miller, and they posed the Cubs many more problems than their National League opponents did. As the series continued, it looked increasingly inevitable that the Cubs would lose and continue their drought, as the Indians took a 3-1 series lead, a clear advantage.
“I think that was the most impressive thing about it, the fact that they (the Cubs) came back from 3-1 down, just like Cleveland did in the NBA finals. I wasn’t sure they could do it” Kevin Maatouk, freshman, said.
[perfectpullquote align=”left” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”I wasn’t sure they could do it”[/perfectpullquote]
And while some Chicagoans may have lost hope and conceded, the players and staff of the Cubs never did, coming back to win game 5 and game 6 on the back of an offensive outburst and stout pitching delivered by Jake Arrieta and Jon Lester.
That brings us to game 7, an event that will go down as one of the greatest sporting moments of all time. With television ratings through the roof and suspense higher than ever, the Cubs came through to win in 10 innings, and with that, the misfortune was over. Chicago came alive, with the area surrounding Wrigley Field becoming a huge party and fireworks and other celebrations being heard throughout Chicagoland.
While all Chicago fans are rejoicing right now, some are worried that this victory will bring a new bandwagon of fans who are more interested in success than the history of the team.
“I think people gravitate to success, and you can already see that happened this season, but I also welcome the new fans and hope that they continue to support the cubs. I think it will be interesting to see if the new fans will stick with the team if they stop winning.” Nils Petersen, an English teacher at Niles North, said.
A championship parade was held on Friday, November 4th, and was the 5th largest gathering in human history. Many Niles North students wished to have that day off, but school remained in session.
It remains to be seen how the Cubs will fare next year, but there is no doubt that in 2016, the Chicago Cubs, lovable losers, were lovable winners.
Featured image by the Chicago Tribune
