As most people around the World know by now, the Chicago Cubs defeated the Cleveland Indians to win their first World Series title since 1908. But the game in which they did it was one of the best of our time. Here's why Wednesday's World Series Game 7 was the best in baseball in the last decade … at least.
Before the game even started, we knew one drought would end. The Cubs’ stood at no World Series victory since 1908, while the Indians’ was no ring since 1948. Going into the night, it was sure to be an epic one.
As the game progressed and the Cubs jumped out to a seemingly secure lead with Aroldis Chapman entering, it appeared that the Cubs were going to win an ordinary game for their first championship in over 100 years.
But one pitched changed all of that.
When the Indians’ Rajai Davis -- a late addition to the lineup because of his defense -- took an Aroldis Chapman fastball to the seats in left field, he didn't just tie up the game -- he made it an instant classic.
The Cubs, once holding a commanding lead, appeared to be on the verge of having another spell cast on them after Davis’ blast.
As if it couldn't get worse for Chicago -- or better for baseball -- a rain storm blew up on the shores of Lake Erie and sent the game into a 17-minute delay. What made it bad for the Cubs was it took Chapman out of the game, and Chapman appeared to tear up at one point.
The stage was already set. The Cubs blew a lead, it was a tie game going into extras, and somebody's curse was going to end whenever the rain subsided.
While many thought the rain delay was going to hurt the Cubs, it only fueled them. The 17 minutes allowed them to regroup and hold a meeting just moments after blowing a lead that would've won them the World Series.
With the whole world watching, the Indians’ Grounds Crew pulled off the tarp and play resumed.
When it did, the Cubs, led by Series MVP Ben Zobrist, took the lead in the tenth inning and moments later, Kris Bryant made the throw to first that secured the Cubs the MLB title.
The game extended so far beyond the Cubs winning the Series. Rajai Davis’ home run sending the city of Cleveland into frenzy, a myriad of elite arms coming out of the bullpen, LeBron James losing his mind in a suite above the action and the images of fans from two “cursed” franchises decorate this storied game.
Chances are, in 100 years, this game will still be talked about. And rightfully so.
