Cubs’ victory is most-watched Series game since 1991

The Cubs had just won the World Series, and in between the hugs and high fives, tears were rolling down my face.

A victory party is new territory for stoical fans of the Cubs, whose last World Series title – before their Game 7, extra-inning thriller Wednesday night in Cleveland – came in 1908.

On Wednesday night, in a series and a game for the ages, the Cubs outlasted the Cleveland Indians in a thrilling and grueling Game 7, winning 8-7 in 10 innings and turning a 3-1 series deficit into an improbable 4-3 triumph.

CHICAGO (AP) – Ecstatic Chicago Cubs fans are expected to amass downtown Friday for a parade and rally to honor the new World Series champions.

Baldino is a former reporter for KTUU in Anchorage.

That it all turned out fine will be all that will be remembered, not that a pitcher who had never saved a game in his career was on the mound with the weight of the city of Chicago on his shoulders as he tried to get the final out.

To so many fans Thursday, this was more than just a curse-breaker, more than just a win, this was a core moment in their lives that made them think of the people they had shared so many other moments with.

“This was torture”, he said, then added: “I would not have missed it for anything”. Holy *&^!, it really happened! We just bleed Cubbie blue because it’s in our blood, it’s in our family, we’re die-hard fans.

The general feeling among most fans is that all is forgiven, while others (this writer included) believe Bartman was unfairly vilified.

Cleveland was trying to win its first crown since 1948, but manager Terry Francona’s club lost the last two games at home. “Just the combination of disbelief and pure joy at the same time, I suppose”.

“There was this weird, kind of calm to it of, ‘OK”. And with his throw to first for the final out, the agonizing wait ’til next year was over at last.

For Megan Baldino, the up-and down nature of that moment was crystal clear.

“I think everyone is excited about where this team is going”, Winter said.

I hesitate to say my grandparents are drunkenly rioting beyond the Pearly Gates, but they are definitely celebrating somewhere.

“This is what you dream for”, Bryant said. This is the best team we have had in years. The Cubs did it in thrilling fashion, topping the Indians 8-7 in 10 innings for their third straight victory. Miguel Montero scored another hit shortly after to increase the Cubs lead to two.

“I got up out of my chair, yelled, ‘Hey!” Although you could see this coming, nevertheless, it was a wonderful surprise at a great time in the history of this city.

But let’s also look at the managers, for they offered a lesson in leadership at a time this country could use it. Joe Maddon, the Cubs’ skipper, was the model of cool in crisis. “You know, it’s part of what you see”.

Colleen and Patrick Diskin at Game 3 in centerfield bleachers of Wrigley Field.

Burke, whose son raised over $20,000 for the foundation by setting up a lemonade stand earlier this fall, is confident that the World Series win isn’t just a big accomplishment for the Cubs, but also a huge score for Rizzo’s foundation as he now has a much larger platform for his cause.

Vince Vaughn, a lifelong Cubs fan, planned on attending Game 7 in person but he knew if he went he wouldn’t be able to appear on the show with host Seth Meyers. The Bulls with Michael Jordan. But if you’re a lover of the Cubs, you’ve long known that the storyline rarely arcs into that ideal ending.

But when asked if she would like to see the Cubs win the championship again next year, she said, “Oh, sure!”