I feel Joe #TryNotToSuck Maddon really seriously mismanaged the pitching assignments. He took out Kyle Hendricks far too early, at a point when the Cubs were leading 5-1 and Hendricks, an ERA leader, was pitching his way out of difficulties and pitching with fine control and calm. When Lester and Ross came in they looked like The Stooges with their errant throws (and Ross getting conked on the head and knocked over.) Maddon had already begun to mismanage earlier, in Game 6, using Chapman when he was not needed. So, by Game 7 when Chapman came in for closing innings, his fastball was less effective, and he began to lean heavily on his slider -- which the Indians' Davis was able to launch over the wall, thus tying the game and sending Chapman into the dugout in tears. The Cubs finally were able to eke out the glorious-knucklehead win by one run in the 10th, despite Maddon practically throwing the game away. Mr Maddon sucked wind. Bigtime. He completely over-thought his pitching substitutions.
4
Hell of a game. And a darn good piece of writing too.
8
Theo Epstein has performed a miracle - twice.
But the way his miracle played out in Chicago with the Cubs is different.
All parents should focus on the Cubs.
The sheer joy with which the young Cubs play baseball stands in delightful and sharp contrast to what we see and feel in other teams.
The Cubs culture is so different.
Professional sports always conveys determination, but I cannot recall the spontaneous and joyful feeling conveyed by the Cubs.
They get such a kick out of playing.
Even their errors and setbacks serve only to inspire. There is no feeling of desperation. The meeting in the locker room during the rain break sent the signal. These boys came to play - and to enjoy their spirit.
They kid with members of the other team at second base, they smile and seem to joke.
There is a wholly different - and emotionally healthy - feeling about the way the Cubs play. And they live this spirit... it is infectious.
The Cubs exude self confidence without arrogance. The 39 year old catcher playing his last game felt it - and joked about his swing when asked how he hit his homer.
It's so special to experience this team... and I sense the outcome would not have changed this.
Win or lose, this youthful and exciting spirit travels with the Cubs assembled by Theo Epstein.
This is sport at its best. This is the magic all felt on Wednesday at midnight.
In sheer exhaustion - only smiles. Note the elation on the face of the man that handled the last ball.
But the way his miracle played out in Chicago with the Cubs is different.
All parents should focus on the Cubs.
The sheer joy with which the young Cubs play baseball stands in delightful and sharp contrast to what we see and feel in other teams.
The Cubs culture is so different.
Professional sports always conveys determination, but I cannot recall the spontaneous and joyful feeling conveyed by the Cubs.
They get such a kick out of playing.
Even their errors and setbacks serve only to inspire. There is no feeling of desperation. The meeting in the locker room during the rain break sent the signal. These boys came to play - and to enjoy their spirit.
They kid with members of the other team at second base, they smile and seem to joke.
There is a wholly different - and emotionally healthy - feeling about the way the Cubs play. And they live this spirit... it is infectious.
The Cubs exude self confidence without arrogance. The 39 year old catcher playing his last game felt it - and joked about his swing when asked how he hit his homer.
It's so special to experience this team... and I sense the outcome would not have changed this.
Win or lose, this youthful and exciting spirit travels with the Cubs assembled by Theo Epstein.
This is sport at its best. This is the magic all felt on Wednesday at midnight.
In sheer exhaustion - only smiles. Note the elation on the face of the man that handled the last ball.
14
Congratulations Cubs, and their loyal fans! That was the most exciting WS I've ever seen. Wish my Dad & little brother were around to enjoy it with me.
My only complaint is the racist logo that Cleveland insists on keeping. It was hard to look at, so sometimes I went radio only.
My only complaint is the racist logo that Cleveland insists on keeping. It was hard to look at, so sometimes I went radio only.
3
There are eight teams in M.L.B. that have never been to the World Series. That is the longest drought ever, eh?
The Mariners and The Nationals are the only two - both teams whose existence is relatively recent.
4
Is there an unsung hero for the Cubs? In the 10th inning after the base hit. Maddon put in a substitute base runner at first. Next batter hits a high fly ball that could have been a home run, or an out, or at hit. Judging by the height of the fly ball, the base runner decided it would be either an out or a home run. It was too high to be merely an extra base hit such as a line drive would have suggested. Instead of advancing nearly to second base until the ball was either a home run, or a fly ball out, the runner went back to first base and waited to tag up. Sure enough, it was not a home run, but it was a high fly ball out. The base runner tagged up and took second base. That smart base running set the stage for the required intentional walk, and then the winning rally. Had the base runner not been so smart, had not been able to tag to take second base, there might not have been that winning Cubs rally. Bravo on the bases.
15
I used to maintain that I wanted to live long enough to see the Cubs win a world series. Can I now extend that time-frame until the Detroit Lions win a super bowl?
4
Eight members of the Cleveland Orchestra string section were called up as last minute substitutes for the National anthem. The crowd sang along with heart and dignity. This might set a new and lovely precedent. Our city's crown jewel was represented, and the anthem belonged to all of us.
10
The Red Sox should send a note to the Cubs:
Congratulations.
Can we have Theo back now?
Congratulations.
Can we have Theo back now?
5
I'm happy for the Cubs and their fans. I grew up as a Mets fan; and (dating myself a bit) was totally caught up in the battle for the pennant between the Mets and the Cubs in 1969. I even managed to get good seats at Shea and saw Tom Seaver's legendary "imperfect game." I always felt a bit sad for the Cubs since the Mets won the pennant at the Cubs' expense -- they were neck and neck in the standings all the way to the end of the regular season -- and of course the Mets went on to become the Miracle Mets winning the World Series from Baltimore. As if the Mets took it away from the Cubs.
It was brutal but necessary. I remind myself that any hamburger was once an innocent creature who was slaughtered. And for you vegans out there, I believe Leonard Cohen wrote a line in one of his songs that goes "Even the grass screams."
It was brutal but necessary. I remind myself that any hamburger was once an innocent creature who was slaughtered. And for you vegans out there, I believe Leonard Cohen wrote a line in one of his songs that goes "Even the grass screams."
4
As a Bosox fan I couldn't be happier for Chicago. One humble request - Can the parade please be lead by a DeLorean with Chris Lloyd and Michael J. Fox in it?
9
"Cubs win, Cubs win, Cubs win"
4
This one is for all souls of diehard Cubs fans over the past 108 years, including my father, who lived long lives always rooting and waiting for the magic moment they might have seen -- as they always said -- well, maybe next year.
5
I'm older than dirt so can rememember listening to the Cubs games on the radio before there was TV. You can take the girl out of Chicago, but you can't take Chicago out of the girl. Ernie Banks, you were with us in spirit and this one was for YOU!!
9
If you put in some time, you realize: there is no sport like baseball. Once you get into its groove, it is crazy.
I say this as a fellow who had the privilege of watching the Game 6 of the 86 series with a room full of Mets fans. All hope was lost............ until it wasn't!
No other sport is like this.
I say this as a fellow who had the privilege of watching the Game 6 of the 86 series with a room full of Mets fans. All hope was lost............ until it wasn't!
No other sport is like this.
9
I got into bed with the BBC on satellite, and they were talking to a Cubs fan at the top of the ninth. I didn't want to hear a long interview. Bad luck for them, I figured. They went on to a story about Gambia, and I heard a loud shout out of the window. The announcer said "The ChaKAHgo Cubs hove won the Whillred Sereez," and the chimes tower started playing. So I knew that was what the shout was, and I knew the tower was ringing out "Take Me Out To The Ball Game." I lay in bed singing with it.
Where were YOU when it happened? Haha.
This island was built by the Wrigleys and the Cubs used to come here for Spring Practice. Haha. Yay Chicago. Yay Cleveland. At least those were inspiring this year.
Where were YOU when it happened? Haha.
This island was built by the Wrigleys and the Cubs used to come here for Spring Practice. Haha. Yay Chicago. Yay Cleveland. At least those were inspiring this year.
3
This WS is why I'm still a baseball fan. No, the managing was not perfect, but very few exciting and critical games actually are (Game 6, 1975, as an example for those with long memories).
In New England, the question for many was, "Tito or Theo?" for those who had no skin in the game. This fan had to go with all of the talent that Theo assembled, but it wasn't an easy decision. And I salute both teams for the most exciting series in recent years.
I did find myself wishing that Vin Scully could have called the games on TV instead of the truly mediocre Joe Buck. That would have been the icing on the cake.
In New England, the question for many was, "Tito or Theo?" for those who had no skin in the game. This fan had to go with all of the talent that Theo assembled, but it wasn't an easy decision. And I salute both teams for the most exciting series in recent years.
I did find myself wishing that Vin Scully could have called the games on TV instead of the truly mediocre Joe Buck. That would have been the icing on the cake.
7
Maddon clearly overused Chapman, whose fastball became hittable, as Davis proved. Incredibly, Maddon left Chapman in after the home run. I thought that would spell the end of the Cubs. But Chapman and Ross, his catcher, decided to go to the slider -- which isn't much of a weapon for Chapman. Thanfully, the strategy worked and they defused the panic and got out of the inning. I loved that. I suspect it was the 39-year old catcher who came up with the strategy for the native Cuban pitcher. And Chapman executed to perfection. Maddon had handed these two a nearly impossible situation, but they used their baseball knowledge to salvage the situation. One day Ross may well manage the Cubs.
4
Considering the game lasted nearly 5 hours, it was one of the most riveting base-ball (old time spelling on purpose) games I have seen in a long time. It had everything, that made it true base-ball. How many games do you see:
1. A home run on the first pitch?
2. A Grand Slam Home Run?
3. 5 combined errors?
4. Several stolen bases?
5. Going extra innings?
6. And, two managers who both played with old time strategy with their respective bull pens?
This World Series brought people back to rediscover base-ball. Going to seven games, created new fans. And last night's game, just evoked memories of the golden age of the game.
This World Series brought back great memories of the Miracle Mets of 1969. And the excitement I had then for base-ball.
For Cubs and Indians fans, this was a World Series for the ages. 176 combined years without a championship is over for one of these teams. Teams which go back to the beginning of their respective leagues.
Base-ball is a both a game of history and statistics; they go together.
Such as it was, at the first commercial break, after the Cubs won, was an old beer commercial showing Harry Carey, the long time TV voice of the Chicago Cubs on WGN. I almost heard his trademark "Cubs Win! Cubs Win! Cubs Win!" echoing upon the last out at the bottom of the tenth.
Now, that's base-ball.
1. A home run on the first pitch?
2. A Grand Slam Home Run?
3. 5 combined errors?
4. Several stolen bases?
5. Going extra innings?
6. And, two managers who both played with old time strategy with their respective bull pens?
This World Series brought people back to rediscover base-ball. Going to seven games, created new fans. And last night's game, just evoked memories of the golden age of the game.
This World Series brought back great memories of the Miracle Mets of 1969. And the excitement I had then for base-ball.
For Cubs and Indians fans, this was a World Series for the ages. 176 combined years without a championship is over for one of these teams. Teams which go back to the beginning of their respective leagues.
Base-ball is a both a game of history and statistics; they go together.
Such as it was, at the first commercial break, after the Cubs won, was an old beer commercial showing Harry Carey, the long time TV voice of the Chicago Cubs on WGN. I almost heard his trademark "Cubs Win! Cubs Win! Cubs Win!" echoing upon the last out at the bottom of the tenth.
Now, that's base-ball.
16
One question for the Billy Goat Tavern, that I have waited a long time to ask:
Who stinks now?
Who stinks now?
2
This is the kind of ballgame that could get me to watch baseball again.
Congrats Cubbies.
Congrats Cubbies.
8
Both teams played a terrific game, but the managers (and particularly Maddon, even though I'm a great fan) did not. There was no reason to pull Hendrick at the bottom of the 5th. He was doing just fine, two outs, one walk, 4-run lead. And that move gave the Indians 2 runs immediately (Lester is terrific, but he was obviously tired). Ross's home run was compensation (what a great thing), but the pitching change made the whole game much more suspenseful (read: heart-attack prompting) than it had to be for the Cubs. Exciting—unnecessarily so. My two cents aren't worth much, though. I give credit to any man who can bring a team to 103 wins during the regular season and then come from a 3-1 deficit to win a 7-game series.
21
Obviously the game was rigged. Anticipate a revolution or a Second Amendment solution.
18
Second to none city and team!
6
Even when it was happening I couldn't believe it. "Cubs win the World Series," the announcer shouted. I started to cry and picked up the phone to call my 92 year old dad in Chicago...a rabid Cubs fan, I knew he would still be up even at his age. "They did it dad," I sniffled...."Yeah, finally," he said choking back tears. We both were stunned. Then I hung up. All the memories of spending my childhood in the shadows of Wrigley Field came flooding back… Sitting in the bleachers during half empty games, making signs with my friends,” Hit it here Ernie" with a bullseye, all the dashed hopes spanning decade after decade after decade. I was so afraid my dad would never live to see the day. But he did. I was so relieved, so full of joy, so, I don’t know what… That game was pure torture, of course, to be a life long Cubs fan has been exactly that. Why would that game be any other way? I ran outside and let out one long blood curdling scream. It felt so good! The dogs started barking. My Victorian neighbours think I've lost my mind. Thank you Cubs. Thank you so very, very much.
57
Ernie, you were with us in spirit, so we WON!!!!
1
Congrats to the Cubbies, from a loyal Mets fan. I have to say, though, I was a stunned by Joe Maddon's decision to take out Kyle Hendricks in the 5th inning. He had the Indians off balance, a low pitch count, and he was hurt by a bad call by the home plate umpire on a pitch that was called a ball but sure looked like a strike to me. Maddon put Chapman in a position to fail by making him pitch more innings than necessary. And Maddon also said he wouldn't bring Lester in the game during an inning when there were men on base. That didn't work out too good. Hendricks had a 5-1 lead and could have pitched 1 or 2 more innings, but Maddon insisted upon showing the baseball world his "genius" strategy. Someties you have to let the players play, Joe. But congratulations once again. You could have blown this big time.
11
From Red Sox Nation, congrats to both amazing teams. Next year is this year! Theo Epstein for President. Should only take him one term to get us turned around....
11
Hats off to Rizzo and his emotions!
13
This glorious World Series may have saved Major League Baseball.
19
I'll trade the NFL for MLB anytime!
Well, I had given up watching baseball--until this Series. The tension and excitement were a tonic and, almost, an antidote to the hateful rhetoric and climate of this country's election cycle. Watching the opposing players' small but obvious gestures of respect to each other and appreciation for each others' skills was truly moving and gave me hope that sports does indeed build character. This Series should be packaged into school lesson plans and used to teach elementary and high school students what tenacity, sportsmanship, and respect are all about. If only our Presidential candidates could be the ones to deliver at least two-thirds of that lesson.
26
Like almost any other professional sport, there is lots of anger and hostility in baseball. You probably don't know that because you're not a fan. Two of baseball's most beloved characters -- Pedro and Zimmer -- were involved in one of its most notorious fights. One of Philadelphia's most beloved players made one of the most notorious and dirty slides in last year's playoffs. And the Cubs' John Lackey is among the all-time leaders in hit batsmen. Baseball is a sport and at the major league level it's about winning. If you want to watch a gentlemanly sport, try polo. Pip, pip cheerio.
it could have ended at the end of the ninth 6-6, a tie and i would have been happy -- a great game played by two good teams... and it took us away from the Trump thing for a good long while...h
12
This is just a great piece of writing as is deserving for a great World Series. Thank you Michael Powell!
10
I am a serious Mets fan, but I was rooting for the Chicago team since we were out of it anyway, and I thought us Mets fans owed the Cubs a little rooting, since we took the NL title away from them in '69, '73 and just last year.
I watched the game with my sister, who'd lived many years in Chi-town, and I can tell you that I never saw her so ecstatic as when the final out was made and the Cubs had (finally) won.
'Course now I'm back to being only a Mets fan, and hope that we can get Chapman over to play for us next year!
I watched the game with my sister, who'd lived many years in Chi-town, and I can tell you that I never saw her so ecstatic as when the final out was made and the Cubs had (finally) won.
'Course now I'm back to being only a Mets fan, and hope that we can get Chapman over to play for us next year!
12
We root for a team, that team becomes a part of us. An old friend roots for a team. Richard Younker loved the Cubs when we shared a dorm at The Orthogenic School of The University of Chicago in the 1950s. We were close. Freddy Dolan was at The School. We were not close. Chicago was my home.
Second City, Mike Nichols and Elaine May, the hilarious review Near North, the place was a riot. The Cubs were ignored.
Theo Epstein did the Red Sox. My dad was bat boy, born 1908. Theo Epstein transformed The Cubs with team and credit sharing. Theo finds talent and melds.
Michael Powell is the best of The New York Times. His version teaches us.
Last night's agony and ecstasy destroyed my night's sleep. Those Cubs might civilize Chapman. The man cried as he was yanked. It was not his fault. They hugged him. Hugs flow with The Cubs. Love flows.
What have we become in Trump and Clinton? He rips a cripple? She may be headed for impeachment?
Theo Epstein, a rare talent. Generous, he builds from nothing, is patient.
How about The White House? Theo loves kids, is loved by the most talented and the patient fan, is loved and respected by Cleveland in defeat. Is brilliant.
Supported, what might Theo do in Washington?
Trump achieved by bullying.
Theo achieves by common sense and love.
We the people are ready.
The man from Hyde Park got my vote. Once.
Theo is very smart. It's about common sense and love.
And team... and credit sharing.
To Second City... and those Cubs.
Second City, Mike Nichols and Elaine May, the hilarious review Near North, the place was a riot. The Cubs were ignored.
Theo Epstein did the Red Sox. My dad was bat boy, born 1908. Theo Epstein transformed The Cubs with team and credit sharing. Theo finds talent and melds.
Michael Powell is the best of The New York Times. His version teaches us.
Last night's agony and ecstasy destroyed my night's sleep. Those Cubs might civilize Chapman. The man cried as he was yanked. It was not his fault. They hugged him. Hugs flow with The Cubs. Love flows.
What have we become in Trump and Clinton? He rips a cripple? She may be headed for impeachment?
Theo Epstein, a rare talent. Generous, he builds from nothing, is patient.
How about The White House? Theo loves kids, is loved by the most talented and the patient fan, is loved and respected by Cleveland in defeat. Is brilliant.
Supported, what might Theo do in Washington?
Trump achieved by bullying.
Theo achieves by common sense and love.
We the people are ready.
The man from Hyde Park got my vote. Once.
Theo is very smart. It's about common sense and love.
And team... and credit sharing.
To Second City... and those Cubs.
6
THAT was a Fall Classic that lived up to it's name, and then some.
It will be remembered and talked about for as long as the people who saw it are alive and well enough to carry on a conversation.
It will be remembered and talked about for as long as the people who saw it are alive and well enough to carry on a conversation.
8
I have been a Cub fan for more the 60 long years and this is a great team. They were best team in baseball all year and deserved to win breaking that stupid curse even I came to believe. I thought is was back last night as Maddon (and I love the guy) made one bad decision after another almost losing the game. Kyle Hendricks who should win the Cy Young Award was well rested and was pitching a great game just like he did to beat the Dodgers in the playoffs. He walks a guy on what was clearly strike three on the previous pitch and Maddon takes him out. He brings in Jon Lester with runners on base who cannot throw the ball to any base when he pitches. This stupidity and using up Chapman the night before and insisting on bringing him in again in game 7 almost cost the Cubs the series. Fine, have Lester ready if they got to Hendricks early but they did not and Indians tired pitcher who great Cub hitters had seen so often were not up to task that Hendricks clearly was. The Indians manager had to play the hand he was dealt, but Maddon (a great player manager and now the king of Chicago) almost became the new curse with his bad decisions. But this team was not to be stopped. He finally showed some trust in his other relief pitchers and the Cubs won. And they will be back again and again for many years to come. Also by the way Hendricks will end up in the Hall of Fame along with many other of the Cub players on this team.
9
Good one. Got all the stuff that makes the game what it is.
3
Let's just say that in Boston, we understand about 86 years worth of your pain. And all of your joy. And yes, the world is a different place afterwards.
Nicely done, Cubs!
Nicely done, Cubs!
5
What a game and what a series. Baseball and the nation needed this series, albeit for different reasons. MLB couldn't have scripted a better drama (well, maybe if the Cubs beat the Yankees) and the National past time is secure. The nation needed this series to take some pressure out of the national mood. Democrats and Republicans alike could find common ground, if on nothing else, on baseball for a week.
The Cubs from Chicago won one for the ages...now it's time for a woman from Chicago to make her own bit of history. GO CUBS! AND GO HRC!!!!!
The Cubs from Chicago won one for the ages...now it's time for a woman from Chicago to make her own bit of history. GO CUBS! AND GO HRC!!!!!
14
What a great WS! Not a fan of either team, but loved the drama, sportsmanship and skill level of the players. Two of the very best managers in the game and lots of young talent. I think a lot of people will fall in love with baseball again.
9
I'd rather watch paint dry than watch a baseball game...best series I've sort of followed in decades.
Congratulations Chicago....Congratulations to Cleveland and there's always next year....
Congratulations Chicago....Congratulations to Cleveland and there's always next year....
9
Two thoughts come to mind on Ron Santo.
First, we all wish he had been able to see this.
On the other hand, it might have been too much for him to take!!
Thanks for helping your team, Ronnie, and we know you're jumping for joy and clicking your heels.
First, we all wish he had been able to see this.
On the other hand, it might have been too much for him to take!!
Thanks for helping your team, Ronnie, and we know you're jumping for joy and clicking your heels.
5
Really great game to watch, although the 7th inning seemed very long for some reason. This is the 2nd best WS Game 7 that I have watched; the first was the SF Giants w/ MadBum beating KC in KC, and as a Giants fan I have to say the tension in that game was excruciating for me.
While I was rooting for the Cubs (NL), I didn't have the same emotional investment as I did for the Giants. Still, this was a WS and a Game 7 for the record books! Congrats to both teams! Expect great things from both next season!
While I was rooting for the Cubs (NL), I didn't have the same emotional investment as I did for the Giants. Still, this was a WS and a Game 7 for the record books! Congrats to both teams! Expect great things from both next season!
5
Congratulations to the Chicago Cubs! The Cubs and the Cleveland Indians played a fair and sporting game. If only our political classes can learn from our top baseball teams, we will all be better off!
8
I watched the game with my older sister, who is a devoted Cubs fan because of her years of living in Chicago. We live near each other in farming country in Upstate New York, and she doesn't have a TV.
She'd left during the rain delay, but when the Cubs scored their first run in the tenth, I called her, she returned, and when they finally won? I have never seen her so ecstatic in all my years!
She'd left during the rain delay, but when the Cubs scored their first run in the tenth, I called her, she returned, and when they finally won? I have never seen her so ecstatic in all my years!
10
In this game, there were many great things but there were no losers. Not one.
4
That was amazing. It still feels surreal - rain and all - I almost expected lightning to strike as in "The Natural," and a goat flying by on a broom.
7
Congrats Cubs! & thank you to Michael Powell, the best sports writer in the business, for another great baseball article!
4
Beautifully written, Powell! A joy to read. Nice work!
3
“But sometimes people forget both sides are good.”
3
I wish the presidential campaign was being conducted with as much class, grace, and respect for the other side as this World Series was.
7
There was also excellent umpiring. The close calls were all on the money. Congratulations Chicago and Cubs fans everywhere.
4
The Cubs won this game DESPITE or IN SPITE OF Maddon. He pulled Hendricks out way, way too early. Then repeated the mistake with Lester and left Chapman in too long.
Cubs are long on talent and youth and will continue to win over the years, even when their paternalistic manager acts poorly and too quickly.
Cubs are long on talent and youth and will continue to win over the years, even when their paternalistic manager acts poorly and too quickly.
4
Cubs fans - enough with the whining and second guessing of Maddon's managerial choices in Game 7. He was masterful, and the love and respect flowed from him to his players and back. You won. Curse over. Enjoy.
And this is a Tribe fan speaking. Our drought goes on. But what a Series it was.
p.s. Shout out to the commenter who wondered why/how Pete Rose is even allowed close to a hot mic. He's a disgrace to the game and adds nothing in the way of insight to the post game coverage.
And this is a Tribe fan speaking. Our drought goes on. But what a Series it was.
p.s. Shout out to the commenter who wondered why/how Pete Rose is even allowed close to a hot mic. He's a disgrace to the game and adds nothing in the way of insight to the post game coverage.
3
The Perspective: Hey, anybody can have an off day.
They won. No off day recorded.
Time heals all wounds, or the case of the Cubs, curses. One wound that can't be healed is Pete Rose. This unrepentant scoundrel still has no place around the Game. Shame on FOX and this lackey commissioner. Remember the phrase, "Integrity of the Game"?
Also, baseball in November??
Also, baseball in November??
3
In Rose's case, time wounded all heels.
1
A triumph of teamwork and a can-do spirit.
No one ever does it alone.
No one.
Well done, Cubs. You make us all proud.
No one ever does it alone.
No one.
Well done, Cubs. You make us all proud.
7
The Cubs were strong enough to survive Maddon's puzzlingly premature hook of his starter and over-reliance on Chapman, who ended up blowing the lead. An amazing game, to be sure. The only thing more exciting would have been a walk-off Cleveland win.
8
The Cubs' record is certainly going to be unmatched for another 40 years. If the Indians can hold out that long, and not win a series until at least 2057, then they will ascend to become the losing-est team in baseball. Of course, by then, if we've progressed at all, they'll be named something else and have a mascot that isn't spectacularly racist.
Partially because of that spectacularly racist mascot, I hope the Indians do manage to break the Cubs' record losing streak.
Partially because of that spectacularly racist mascot, I hope the Indians do manage to break the Cubs' record losing streak.
3
Dan, a different way to look at the Indians is that in 1948, they were the first integrated team to win the World Series (Larry Doby and Satchel Paige). Jackie Robinson and the Dodgers made the Series in 1947 and lost to the lily white Yankees.
2
Best world series and best game #7 ever!!!!!!!!!
4
Um, I'll take the brilliantly played 10 inning 1-0 game seven in 1991, thanks. Jack Morris went ten innings for the win; no need for managers wearing a path out to the mound to overmanage badly.
1
Yes, a terrific game, mucho drama, but 2011 Game 6 is still the greatest.
"And in the end, one of these historical losers needed to go home a winner." Had to get that snobby insult in there didn't you.
I'm a lifelong Dodger fan (my father grew up in Chavez Ravine) and all I can say was that was the BEST baseball game I've ever watched!!! Congrats CUBS. You deserve it.
4
Triumph and tragedy all in the same game. Got to love the Great American Pasttime of baseball. Game seven had drama in every pitch, every throw. Hats off to both teams for games well played. They gave us one for the record books and something unforgettable for those of us among the people at home (had to listen to the radio to get the play by play because the TV malfunctioned... the game was alive in our imaginations as we listened and cheered... disappointed as Indians fans but very happy for the Cubs finally breaking the long spell).
30
That's very gracious of you, neighbor. I was once a diehard Cubs fan but lost interest after moving east and too many years of disappointment. Yet, somehow this postseason, I watched every game and nearly died a thousand deaths along the way. Happy to see the Cubs finally break through for all their long suffering fans, and would have rooted for Cleveland against any other team.
7
Maybe the Cubs can be our president.
29
An interesting but terrible idea. They're good at a sport, not governing.
1
Francona made only one serious mistake. Leaving Kluber in to keep on pitching BP (batting practice, not British Petroleum) for the Cubs was it.
Costly.
Costly.
3
America is still great!
13
I'm sitting in Wrigleyville right now - in a Starbucks that was once an after-game bar (the long, original bar remains, but it's full of baristas now instead of bartenders). As I ordered my coffee, I mentioned to the barista that "I used to dance on that bar!" She smiled and said, "Yeah, we hear that a lot."
Today I have 3 teen daughters who I have been bringing to Wrigley Field via the red line since they were old enough to walk. As little ones, they loved the endless snacks that were doled on long summer afternoons...until recently when they've noted the young Cubs whacking the balls out of the park onto Waveland.
And then there are the bars...Murphy's Bleachers, the Cubby Bear...many happy afternoons and evenings spent in those places -- I even brought my infant daughter in a Baby Bjorn to Opening Day in April 2000...that got some looks! The point is...Wrigleyville is as much a part of this story as the Cubs themselves. The triumphant, exhausted team arrived by bus caravan this morning, took some pictures, and went to parts unknown (home, perhaps?!) until the parade and celebration. But the fans remain. The bleacher walls are covered in chalk messages of love and hope and happiness, and there are hundreds of people out there right now writing more and more and more. Indeed, Wrigley Field and the old neighborhood it sits in are as much a part of this story as anything else. If you're ever in Chicago...make your way to where it all happens. GO CUBS GO.
Today I have 3 teen daughters who I have been bringing to Wrigley Field via the red line since they were old enough to walk. As little ones, they loved the endless snacks that were doled on long summer afternoons...until recently when they've noted the young Cubs whacking the balls out of the park onto Waveland.
And then there are the bars...Murphy's Bleachers, the Cubby Bear...many happy afternoons and evenings spent in those places -- I even brought my infant daughter in a Baby Bjorn to Opening Day in April 2000...that got some looks! The point is...Wrigleyville is as much a part of this story as the Cubs themselves. The triumphant, exhausted team arrived by bus caravan this morning, took some pictures, and went to parts unknown (home, perhaps?!) until the parade and celebration. But the fans remain. The bleacher walls are covered in chalk messages of love and hope and happiness, and there are hundreds of people out there right now writing more and more and more. Indeed, Wrigley Field and the old neighborhood it sits in are as much a part of this story as anything else. If you're ever in Chicago...make your way to where it all happens. GO CUBS GO.
42
DR, if you get a moment write some well wishes on the wall from a grateful nation. During this divisive year, we needed baseball and more specifically we needed the Cubs!!
5
This is beautiful.
I walked by Wrigley Field earlier today and the number of people there was amazing. The most touching part, however, was seeing the people writing in chalk on the bleacher walls with messages to Cubs fans gone before. I tried to say something to a woman as I passed by but I couldn't get it out and started crying. She looked at me with tears in her eyes and mouthed, "I know." Today was for us Cubs fans who are living to see this great day but also for all the loyal Cubs fans who have gone before us. Go Cubs Go - World Series Champions!
I noticed that a lot of the top players in the World Series came from the Oakland A's.
8
So great watching that amazing game last night with my family. Smiling players, great moments, opposing players helping each other up, laughing about the moments...great sportsmanship on both sides. Such a nice contrast to the whining and taunting of the other major sports (and the NFL wonders why their ratings are tanking). Yeah, I'm gonna miss baseball season (and by "baseball", of course I mean the National League). Congrats to Cubs and the Tribe for a great series.
20
It's the stories within the stories that are the most amazing about this team. Boston took Anthony Rizzo in the sixth round of the
2007 draft, It was the happiest moment of his life. But By May of 2008 he was sitting in a doctors office being told he had cancer.
Thus began the darkest chapter of his life, six months of chemotherapy followed, he wasn't just worried that his dreams of playing Major League Baseball was over , he began to worry if all his dreams weren't over.
In the middle of that Ocean of despair one man threw him a lifeline, this man, a Cancer survivor himself had also returned to Resume a Major league career, this man had been in the same exact spot and walked the same path.
It was Theo Epstein who had put the two men together, that man gave Anthony Rizzo the one thing he needed the most, the one thing all people need in times of trouble , he gave Anthony Rizzo hope. That man was Jon Lester.
2007 draft, It was the happiest moment of his life. But By May of 2008 he was sitting in a doctors office being told he had cancer.
Thus began the darkest chapter of his life, six months of chemotherapy followed, he wasn't just worried that his dreams of playing Major League Baseball was over , he began to worry if all his dreams weren't over.
In the middle of that Ocean of despair one man threw him a lifeline, this man, a Cancer survivor himself had also returned to Resume a Major league career, this man had been in the same exact spot and walked the same path.
It was Theo Epstein who had put the two men together, that man gave Anthony Rizzo the one thing he needed the most, the one thing all people need in times of trouble , he gave Anthony Rizzo hope. That man was Jon Lester.
47
And next Tuesday the people of Chicago will help elect Hillary Clinton. This is going to be a "win-win" and the beginning of America's road to recovery after the nightmare of the Republican years.
35
Really? Politics? Take it elsewhere. This is about baseball.
3
Please enough of the Republican bashing. Enjoy the win and chill out.
2
This is a beautiful baseball story. Why do you have to inject the ugly campaign we're all sick and tired of into it?
5
For sheer emotional turmoil Game Seven is the best baseball I've ever watched. Congrats Cubs! Great article to boot!
28
In the midst of a presidential campaign for the ages, one that has led us to new low points in civil discourse, this World Series was itself one for the ages, one that elevated all who participated.
What great story lines, what great team efforts, what great managing, what great "general managing" - and what a great opportunity for wonderful baseball writing. We were all citizens of Chicago and Cleveland. We all felt something good just happened.
What great story lines, what great team efforts, what great managing, what great "general managing" - and what a great opportunity for wonderful baseball writing. We were all citizens of Chicago and Cleveland. We all felt something good just happened.
45
No more bad jokes about the Cubs!!! I can't stop crying...I'm so happy. Born in Chicago n' raised by Wrigley Field and attended games all my life since the late 50's-I'm still in shock. Is this reality?
29
You woke up this morning, didn'tcha?
Congrats from SF! - it seems we're all Cubs fans here (at least, among those I know). If your guys had gone on to lose after beating the Giants, man, you'd never hear the end of it. We've had three championships lately, you certainly deserve one. And what a way to win it! Way to go.
Congrats from SF! - it seems we're all Cubs fans here (at least, among those I know). If your guys had gone on to lose after beating the Giants, man, you'd never hear the end of it. We've had three championships lately, you certainly deserve one. And what a way to win it! Way to go.
2
Excellent column. Reminded me of Shirley Povich.
cheers,
sd
cheers,
sd
3
Terrific series. Excellent ballplayers and two of the best managers in the game. Baseball may be back as America's past time. Don't know how the players do it. It's a grueling 170 game season.
15
I've been meh about baseball for many years. The steroid era did me in. But, wow, that series and those teams... just may have brought me back!
15
Could be as many as 182 games; 162 regular season + 1 wild card + 5 division series + 7 conference series + 7 world series.
What a dramatic 10th inning finish in Game 7 of the World Series after a rain delay that shifted momentum from Cleveland to Chicago! This "classic" game will persist in the annals of baseball history. Who will be cast as Theo Epstein and Joe Maddon when the movie starts filming in 2017?
10
Thank you for this article! A beautifully crafted piece of sports journalism. A delight to read and an inspiration for all aspiring winners out there!
30
Beautiful prose reporting worthy of the great game itself.
6
The Cubs are kings, yes, and the Cleveland Indians are princes, hardly paupers.
17
Before the playoffs all the N.Y. Times sport writers collectively wrote the Cubs wouldn't even make to the series. Lets see them again collectively write a follow up article while eating "humble crow pie" admitting their mistakes. Fat chance of that happening.
8
Yeah -they do that in regard to the Mets too (with the exception of the fantastic Mr. Powell).
As a Cubs fan living in Pittsburgh, I could have watched these two teams battle until spring training. Outside of the Pirates 1960 win over the Yankees, possibly the greatest World Series ever.
13
This is a great day. Growing up in Chicago in the late 1950's, time and again, the journey to Wrigley Field was always exciting, but - the Cubs ALWAYS lost. Moving to California in 1970, I became a Giants fan. But, in my heart, I was always a Cubs fan.
What a great final game !! Go Cubs !!!
What a great final game !! Go Cubs !!!
8
What a beautifully written report! Thank you.
15
Congratulations, Cubbies! See you again in 2124!
5
You mean 2017. This was no fluke. Cubs are here to stay and take care of future business.
11
You stole that from Colbert. Shameful.
1
Think you can go through the Giants again? Well, we'll see about that.
; )
; )
There are reasons that terrific sports writing is so often about baseball and this game put so many of those reasons on display. This game had everything from divine intervention (a brief rain delay of genuine import) to unlikely mortal heroes. Unlike other sports where the superstars take center stage at crunch time, baseball has lineups that can only be tweaked and sometimes the best pitchers are completely unavailable, having worked too much too recently. Hard hit balls become outs and seeing eye grounders become hits. Even the best managers must yield to some randomness - like life, not entirely in control of destiny but everyone preparing and striving nonetheless.
I'll watch other sports being contested and read some good journalism along the way, but I'll be looking forward to spring training and the 2017 season every day.
I'll watch other sports being contested and read some good journalism along the way, but I'll be looking forward to spring training and the 2017 season every day.
30
Me too, Tomreel
1
I was happy to see that Powell was able to grab a quote from Maddon where he talked about a bar in Hazleton. The Cubs manager came from the same coal-cracker area in PA that I did and somehow migrated to Chicago where we lived for almost 40 years; never seeing the Cubs win a title.
What many of these stories fail to mention is that Joe never played major league baseball; he went straight up the management chain. That shows you how a laid-back, small town, attitude can make friends and build a team of superstars. Congrats to you, Joe, for making Hazleton proud.
What many of these stories fail to mention is that Joe never played major league baseball; he went straight up the management chain. That shows you how a laid-back, small town, attitude can make friends and build a team of superstars. Congrats to you, Joe, for making Hazleton proud.
16
Fans can have their own opinions about how Joe Maddon handled his relievers in games 6 and 7 (and I thought he all but cost the Cubs the Series), but the real mistake was Francona's not starting Salazar in game 6, a starter I didn't even realize was available and who struck out virtually all the Cubs he faced.
Peter Stine
Peter Stine
Good writing except it would have been nice to name that "one more pitcher" that actually made the Cubs the winners. Let's hear it for Mike Montgomery.
61
Absolutely, Montgomery should have been given his due! He sealed the deal!!!
15
What a feeling! This Cubs team deserves every bit of glory!!
21
Lovely writing about a game and series for the ages, but I'm puzzled by the reference to "Jack Kerouac in cleats." I've read a lot of Kerouac--some books three times, at different stages of my life--and I can't tell if the description is just flippant, like the later Zen master reference, or deeper, or maybe even incredibly deep. "Dharma Bums" perhaps? Could it be as simple as winning "On the Road"? My own impressions of Maddon and Kerouac do not exist in any common frame of reference.
“One day I will find the right words, and they will be simple.”
― Jack Kerouac, The Dharma Bums
“One day I will find the right words, and they will be simple.”
― Jack Kerouac, The Dharma Bums
13
"The move felt gluttonous." A recap to treasure! To all my Issei & Nisei relatives who were born and died before last night - The Cubs Finally Did It! It was a heck of a series and heck of a Game 7. And many kudos to Cleveland who was a worthy, talented and tough-spirited opponent!
12
Most commonly overheard words of grown men in Chicago today -- "Wish Grandpa was here for it."
133
Those words were not only uttered by grown "men," but grown "females" as well.
7
My thoughts exactly. My Grandpa (1883-1985) watched the Cubs religiously. I hope the good news got to him, where ever he may be.
5
Maddon was nearly too smart by half when he took Hendricks out after a bad ball call resulted in a walk. If he had stuck with him the game probably wouldn't have been so dramatic, but then that wouldn't have been Cub's Baseball.
26
Totally agree. He had two more innings in him. Probably would have ended 5-3 or 5-2.
1
Maddon seemed to have a plan set in stone -- 4 for Hendricks, 3 for Lester, and 2 for Chapman. Chapman was an obvious risk, though, considering how much he had been used. Maddon gave Hendricks an extra 2/3 of an inning and then took him out at the first sign of risk. He did the same with Lester. But the strategy fell apart because Chapman had been over worked. Maddon surely took Hendricks out too soon and maybe Lester. I thought the pitching changes at the first sign of risk revealed that Maddon was managing not to lose. That was a mistake. You have to mange to win.
1
What a great column! One of the best ever! Thank you, Michael Powell.
And what a wonderful season for two entirely worthy teams! This was a hard-fought but altogether clean Series--no rancor, no fights, no purposeful hitting of batters, no grandstanding by the players, no bats thrown at runners (a la Roger Clemens),no arguments with the umpires. The two managers, Joe Maddon and Terry Francona, are among the most liked and respected in baseball history. I am a Cubs fan, but would not have been crushed if Cleveland had won.
The only blemishes, if you can call them that, were the garrulous and mostly uninformative announcing by Joe Buck, who, until the last couple of games, would hardly let John Smoltz get a word in edgewise (someone must have told Buck to back off), and the even more inane, silly, in fact, pre and post game analysis by Pete Rose, who almost sounded inebriated. Compare this to the ESPN Radio team of Dan Shulman and Aaron Boone, which was worth the trouble of trying to sync with the Fox TV picture.
Only 3 1/2 months until Spring Training!
And what a wonderful season for two entirely worthy teams! This was a hard-fought but altogether clean Series--no rancor, no fights, no purposeful hitting of batters, no grandstanding by the players, no bats thrown at runners (a la Roger Clemens),no arguments with the umpires. The two managers, Joe Maddon and Terry Francona, are among the most liked and respected in baseball history. I am a Cubs fan, but would not have been crushed if Cleveland had won.
The only blemishes, if you can call them that, were the garrulous and mostly uninformative announcing by Joe Buck, who, until the last couple of games, would hardly let John Smoltz get a word in edgewise (someone must have told Buck to back off), and the even more inane, silly, in fact, pre and post game analysis by Pete Rose, who almost sounded inebriated. Compare this to the ESPN Radio team of Dan Shulman and Aaron Boone, which was worth the trouble of trying to sync with the Fox TV picture.
Only 3 1/2 months until Spring Training!
90
I liked listening to Pete Rose, who, I thought, made a lot of sense. As for Joe Buck, I agree he said little of real interest.
2
I turned the sound down. Joe Buck can't shut up and just talks about ridiculous trivia that means nothing.
8
Buck and Smoltz spent most of their time analyzing which pitchers would be brought in and for what reasons. They went on and on and were boring beyond words. How I wished for commentators who would just watch and comment on what was going on in real time. I watched most of the series with the Mute button on.
9
Perhaps the best Game 7 I've ever seen and WHAT?!, a team from my hometown won! My original hometown that is.
What the . . . !! The Cubs? The Cubs Won? That's not supposed to happen! But it did.
Think I'm gonna go get a dog now. Mustard, onions . . ah to hell with it, The Works! And a beer .. and another one! This may not happen again for a while.
What the . . . !! The Cubs? The Cubs Won? That's not supposed to happen! But it did.
Think I'm gonna go get a dog now. Mustard, onions . . ah to hell with it, The Works! And a beer .. and another one! This may not happen again for a while.
17
No ketchup! It is illegal to put ketchup on a Chicago style hot dog.
7
But no ketchup on that hot dog, right?
5
It should be illegal to put ketchup on a hot dog, or any sausage anywhere.
2
I enjoyed the article very much. In an effort to learn a little more about the Cubs' history, I came across references to Merkel's Boner, which had a lot to do with the Cubs' previous Series win, 107 years ago. The mishaps in last night's game were much less extraordinary and may or may not have affected the outcome. Anyway, I recommend the Wikipedia article on Merkel's Boner, for Cubs fans, old New York Giants fans like me, and anyone interested in baseball history in general, its venues and its personalities: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merkle%27s_Boner
3
A game like that is precisely why I love baseball. And a column like this is why I love the NY Times.
Thanks.
Thanks.
24
Michael Powell, that's the best piece of sports writing I've read anywhere. You captured it all - masterfully. Works of this sort keep me reminded of why I continue to spend tight money subscribing to this city-far-away newspaper.
14
I would think goat curry should be a popular item on many menus in Chicago today! It's finally next year.
5
Baseball got a little smaller this morning, just as it did the morning after the Phils won in 1980 and the Red Sox dispelled the Curse of the Bambino in 2004. The sport needs stories about epic futility. They're what make it a valid metaphor for life in these United States.
6
Beautifully written recap of the game. All Cubs fans can relax and celebrate now until next year.
3
I can't see straight after watching till 1am this morning and yet its was the best Worlds series I have every watched. Game 7 will go down as a death match to the end with one team on top ""The Cubs"".
I loved both teams and its a shame one team had to lose!!!
I loved both teams and its a shame one team had to lose!!!
21
So painful to watch; I was saying Hail Mary's, trying to calm myself down. And then the rain came, and the Cubs regrouped. I will never forget the smile on Kris Bryant's face as he scooped up the ball that he knew was the last out. Maddon's madness made the game a nightmare, but the Cubs had the grace to go around him and bring it home for us. Thank you Cubbies!!
23
Great writing as always, Michael. But, for someone who doesn't take the prosaic approach, I'm surprised you didn't note what to me were two key, and parallel, dramatic elements in the game - namely the costly misplays by Davis and Ross, followed by big hits for both later in the game. Talk about redemption. Ross's case was especially poignant in that it was the final game of his career. How awful it would have been for him if his last highlights (lowlights?) were a wild throw to first, allowing Kipnis to go to second, and being knocked over by a wild pitch, allowing Kipnis to score. Instead, he comes up in the next inning and smacks a mammoth home run to center that turns out to be the difference in the game (Davis's homer in the 8th would have instead given Cleveland the lead.). It's a storybook ending of a career on top of a storybook ending of a season. It couldn't have been written better.
17
His problems were because of that head case Lester.
1
great writing.........amazing details.......and insights.
7
This absolutely has to punch Theo Epstein's ticket to Cooperstown. In 12 years, he's turned the two most legendary star-crossed teams, with almost 200 years of futility and heartbreak and curses between them, into champions.
51
That was such an exciting game!!! Congrats to Chicago and the Cubs!! Chicago must be crazy today. After this horrid election, all of us in America need good news and an opportunity to relate to others with good will. Thank you MLB, the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians for providing some relief.
12
We're all Cubs fans now!
6
What is it about a baseball championship series that can transcend that of any other sport? I know I know, fans of other sports beg to differ. But the great arbiter in the sky surely agrees with me on this one.
12
It was a long and tense game. Yet afterward, all I could think was: Let's play two!
7
Great article, and a really fun game to watch even with some flaw in play by both teams. I also want to compliment Fox Sports for really good coverage and analysis. Smoltz and Buck are a terrific team. Example: Smoltz notes that Chapman needs to keep the ball high and away on Davis. Chapman throws it down and in. Home run. Game tied. Wow!
1
You're one of the few who appreciated Joe Buck. We listened to the game on the radio, so we wouldn't have to hear him.
5
Me too.
2
If I had to pick one game to show someone who had never seen a baseball game before, this would be the one. It had everything, and will be replayed and argued over for years to come. Just too bad one of these great teams had to lose.
13
A piece of sports writing fitting of a game that will be told by firesides for centuries.
3
It's fun to read such articles after having watched the game. My face bunched up, however, at the image of hacking sugar cane. Where did that come from? If Davis had been a white player, would that same image have been used? Davis grew up in Connecticut...imagine a lumberjack?
6
Believe me - I can't really describe it, but when the Red Sox won in 2004, the world really looked different. All the past failures like the Buckner flub in 1986 just seemed to fade away. Part of you still can't really believe it even though you know its true. You also think of the departed who waited for this moment their whole lives but never saw it.
11
In Joe We Trust!
2
It was so wonderful to watch this game. It got our minds off of this abysmal presidential election and into a more positive mindset. If only we could have baseball games like this every day - just to lighten the mood and get us, as a country, back on track. Go Cubs! You deserve it after 108 years!
11
Hell froze over early this morning.
The Cubs are World Series Champs!!
And my dad, my best friend and other family and friends are all looking down and singing Go Cubs Go to the accompaniment of harps.
The Cubs are World Series Champs!!
And my dad, my best friend and other family and friends are all looking down and singing Go Cubs Go to the accompaniment of harps.
12
Somewhere Harry Caray and Ron Santo are smiling and hoisting a Heilman's Old Style.
14
Harry was a Bud man!
3
Exhilarating Game 7 between two tough and talented teams! My father, a life-long Cubs fan passed away in 2015. I really wish he could have hung on another year to see his Cubbies get their long-overdue WS win. He would have been ecstatic with joy. I hope he's up there beyond the pearly gates celebrating with a frosty cold Old Style draft beer.
18
Waited 35 years for this. The Cubs became my tem the first day my houshold got cable, and I could see Harry and the team on WGN. Thank you for winning with effort,class, and belief.
10
Cleveland played a hell of game also. Just sayin'.
17
Kudos to two great teams and two great cities! What an exciting down-to-the-wire match!
21
Great win. This one is for Great Uncle Marvin. At age 94, he was watching back in Florida. He went to elementary school down the street from Wrigley Field and sometimes would skip school with his buddies and sneak into the back of stadium to watch some free baseball. I asked him after the NLCS this year if he remembered the '45 World Series. He was not able to attend because he was overseas during the war, but he still kept up with his beloved Cubs. I then asked him how he felt to finally see the Cubs back in the World Series after so many years and the first thing he said was, "Oh boy that Cleveland team is going to be tough". I am so happy he got to see his favorite team win at this stage of his life. I can't put myself in his shoes, but I can't imagine how he felt when he woke up this morning. He told me earlier that he usually can only stay up until the 7th inning, but he reads everything he can the next morning. Congrats Cubs and all Cub fans everywhere. And Uncle Marvin, for the first time in your life, you have bragging rights sir!
50
My dad is a lifelong White Sox fan, 100% South Side Chicagoan. But he's also a baseball fan with a long memory. Dad is now 84 but he remembers when the Cubs last made it to the World Series, in 1945. He said there was a store with the game on and he was in Study Hall. They went down to that store to listen to the game. Later, when my brother and I decided to be Cubs fans, he told us, "Kids, you're lucky enough to come from a city with two baseball teams. You can like the Cubs but you should always root for Chicago." He watched last night and all of the games leading up to it. He's always been a night owl. It's amazing to think about how much time has passed since that last time the Cubs made it to the World Series. Whole lives have been lived. Generations have been born. In a way, it's more than a game. It's the measure of who we are and who we once were.
62
108 seemed a magic number.
Then the Cubs won in inning 10 by 8 runs.
Then the Cubs won in inning 10 by 8 runs.
18
That was a beautiful article about the best World Series that I've ever witnessed. The Cubs won the pennant...but...Both teams are winners because of the sportsmanship, heart, and drama that they displayed during the final game.
39
Congratulations to both teams. It's an achievement to make it to the World Series, period.
14
Beautiful column! Brought me to tears. Thank you!
Cubs fan but respectful of Cleveland.
Cubs fan but respectful of Cleveland.
65
I, like so many other folks I know, were fearful that Madden made a grave error when he pulled Hendricks only to put in Lester and then finally Chapman. But as it turned out, between Madden's decision coupled with the incredible combined talent of the Chicago Cubs, the World Series trophy will be taking up permanent residence at Addison and Grace.
"The big Chicago hitters — Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo and Kyle Schwarber — were a collective menace" are merely a precursor of what's to come next year. I will never doubt Joe Madden's decisions again.
This World Series was a welcome distraction from the Presidential race and ads. Oh well, back to reality.
29
I don't watch baseball during the year. I decided to watch the World Series because of the back stories of the Cubs and Indians. It was a thrilling bunch of games. The seventh was epic.
However, as I watched, I felt as though the games were on the verge of being over-managed. I admired almost all of Maddon's and Francona's decisions, but, like you, Marge, I thought Maddon made a huge error when he pulled Hendricks. He was still pitching well, and the Cubs paid the price for it.
The home plate umpire also seemed to be a bit inconsistent in his calls for both the Cubs's and Indians's pitchers, i.e., seemingly missing some clear strikes. But, it all worked out.
However, as I watched, I felt as though the games were on the verge of being over-managed. I admired almost all of Maddon's and Francona's decisions, but, like you, Marge, I thought Maddon made a huge error when he pulled Hendricks. He was still pitching well, and the Cubs paid the price for it.
The home plate umpire also seemed to be a bit inconsistent in his calls for both the Cubs's and Indians's pitchers, i.e., seemingly missing some clear strikes. But, it all worked out.
9
Two worthy opponents who showed respect for each other (perhaps a lesson for our politics?)
103
Nicely put!
It's actually not true at all what you say, Faye. Cleveland's players made some very vicious taunts against the Chicago players, who undoubtedly retaliated. I didn't see a great amount of congratulating of the winners by the Cleveland players. Nor should there be. This is American, not a church social. It's the Wild West, and there's a place for that in this world. If you like Denmark better, they'll welcome you.
"Maddon popped out of the dugout, giving that toot-a-loo signal with his hand, and brought in one more pitcher. A few pitches later, the series was over."
Talking about burying a lede. That pitcher has a name--Mike Montgomery. A late season acquisition in a relatively low grade trade for Iowa Cub Dan Vogelbach.
So who gets the save that propels the Cubs first WS in 108 years? The stud that the Cubs gave up 4 prospects for? Nope--it was "one more pitcher". Who in the early hours of the morning earned his first career major league save.
Talking about burying a lede. That pitcher has a name--Mike Montgomery. A late season acquisition in a relatively low grade trade for Iowa Cub Dan Vogelbach.
So who gets the save that propels the Cubs first WS in 108 years? The stud that the Cubs gave up 4 prospects for? Nope--it was "one more pitcher". Who in the early hours of the morning earned his first career major league save.
139
"People ask me a lot about the values I got from playing for the Cubs for so many years. The value I got out of it was patience. A lot of people these days are not very patient." Ernie Banks.
81
Great article!
8
great piece of writing about a great game
33
Fantastic players on both teams! Can't wait for the celebration parade, perhaps on Friday or Monday. See you there!
12
You did a bang up job of painting the pictures of the game.....A classic game that included everything you could ask for! Each inning was like turning the page of a great book you can't put down....
25
Theo is GOD.
7
I was right in front of Wrigley as it happened: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZwZj6aE5jg
Couldn't have happened to a better bunch of boys. Happy for all who got to see, whether they waited a year, or decades. It could not have been more storybook.
Couldn't have happened to a better bunch of boys. Happy for all who got to see, whether they waited a year, or decades. It could not have been more storybook.
17
When the Royals won last year, the entire city was swept up in joy. There were parades and celebrations for days. I hope the people of Chicago experience all of that joy and more. We all need something to celebrate once in a while, and celebrate it together. This series was fabulous in every way. No other game has such nail biting strategy. The Indians were fantastic! Watching these games was like watching two heavyweights trade blows, toe to toe until one finally fell. The Indians will be back next year, and hopefully the Royals will be back in it. That joy is addictive. We could use another shot.
58
Might be Cubs vs. Royals-- you never know!
3
I was a big Baltimore Orioles fan back in 1979. In game 4 they made an exciting comeback in Pittsburgh to take a 3-1 lead against the Pirates. Then suddenly the Os bats went silent, The Pirates came back and won 4-3 in Baltimore. I'm sure Pirates fans rate that as one of the greatest World Series.
2
I was a St. Louis Browns fan as they had a knotholers club that let you in free. They only averaged a little over 3000 per game so we saw most games almost alone. I was always sorry that they changed their name when they moved to Baltimore and became the Orioles. Nevertheless I still have a soft spot for the Orioles.
2
A very nice piece of writing.
11
Phenomenal, exhausting, exhilarating game! But Madden should NOT have pulled Cubs pitcher Hendricks, who was in fine, focused groove.Big mistake!
Congrats to Chicago for finally breaking the curse!
Congrats to Chicago for finally breaking the curse!
62
But pulling Hendricks resulted in a few Cubs home runs.
3
No connection. Hendricks was never hitting.
1
No but pulling Hendricks created an alternative universe that led to them winning. We'll never know where the first universe ended.
Every dog has its day, even if it takes 108 years.
13
The best Series I've watched since 1954.
23
At age 6, I made a scrapbook of newspaper photos from the '54 series, but the best one I've watched was 2011, and Game 6, 2011, was the best single game I've ever seen.
This was truly an epic classic befitting all the clichés of sports. Congratulations to the Cubs who have exorcised the ghost of the goat - and congratulations to the Indians. Despite the loss, Cleveland can no longer be called a city of losers.
56
In the immortal words of Bill Murray, such a "Cinderella Story" for the Cubs. I won't soon forget that determination and heart that allowed them to come back from a 2 game deficit.
Cleveland showed a lot of heart too, and my dear wish for their talented players is that they get an emblem untainted by racism and ignorance. They deserve better.
Cleveland showed a lot of heart too, and my dear wish for their talented players is that they get an emblem untainted by racism and ignorance. They deserve better.
90
What SPARKLING writing! Mr. Powell has done a fabulous job of making the game come alive.
33
toot-a-loo??
Toodle-loo.
To the Indians.
Thanks, Cubs!
Toodle-loo.
To the Indians.
Thanks, Cubs!
1
What a sweet game! Memories of Pirates in 1960 and 1979 floated
around my TV. But those Cubbies have joined them with a well-
earned victory. Note to Joe
Buck, the Fox announcer: the 1960 Series was ended with a HR
by Billy Mazeroski- not Bob.
around my TV. But those Cubbies have joined them with a well-
earned victory. Note to Joe
Buck, the Fox announcer: the 1960 Series was ended with a HR
by Billy Mazeroski- not Bob.
8
Sorry, it's Bill, not Billy.
3
Great game and great writing!
19
I don't often bother to comment but I have to say this is an excellent account of the game, very entertaining to read.
53
Excitement and thrills cannot be measured in statistics for sabrmetricians. What a great, great game. Is it possible to feel overjoyed for Chicago and heartbroken for Cleveland at the same time? Somehow, I am.
152
No worries, we in the 'Land aren't heartbroken. The season was too wonderful, with obstacles overcome, a great manager, and players of contagious joy.