Last night, most of America tuned in to one of the greatest baseball games ever played. Chicago Cubs took on the Cleveland Indians in Game 7 of the World Series, with hopes of overcoming the many curses that have been instilled on the beloved Northern Chicago team.
Right off the bat, pun intended, Fowler hit a homerun, setting the pace for the rest of the game. American heartthrobs Rizzo and Bryant were among many of the Cubs that scored, giving the team a pretty hefty lead before the ninth inning. Being the Cubs, however, they lost the lead that plunged them into a 6-6 game and an additional inning. Thanks to a rain delay, the team regrouped, persevered, and solidified their win after giving their fans nothing slight of a panic attack.
So why is this such a big deal? Well for all you folks that live under a rock, the Cubs are known for the curses that have daunted them for decades, all starting with a goat. I know, I’m pissed about it too.
In 1945 Billy Goat Tavern owner Billy Sianis, naturally thought it was a good idea to bring his goat to Game 4 of the World Series. His goat smelled bad, because hello it’s a freaking goat, and poor Billy got kicked out of the game. Billy said that because he and his stinky companion got kicked out, the Cubs would not win anymore.
Then in 1969, came along the black cat. It circled the dugout and star player Ron Santo, further making matters worse for the already cursed team.
As if that wasn’t bad enough, in 2003 along came Steve Bartman. It was Game 6 of the 2003 NLCS when Bartman knocked a foul ball away from Moises Alou. Morale was low, and things were never the same after that devastating and embarrassing incident. You honestly have to feel bad for the guy…he went into the game looking to innocently catch a foul ball, and left as one of the most hated men in America. No, really, he got death threats. To this day, Bartman has never attended a Cubs game.
2016 was meant to be the year. With Grandpa retiring, America’s favorite dynamic duo Bryzzo, and IU alum Schwarber back after playing only two regular season games, the tables had turned. The Cubs were ready, and they were not going to let the World Series slip through their fingers.
History was made last night, and the world watched as Chicago burst into celebration once the final catch was made to end the game. It has been said that not many people believed they would see the Cubbies win a World Series in their lifetime. Cubs President Theo Epstein couldn’t contain his excitement (or the fact that he was utterly wasted) in post-game interviews. Even President Obama, a White Sox fan, took to Twitter to congratulate the Cubs and their fans. In the wise words of Jake Arrieta, “Hey Chicago, what do you say? I say breakfast tacos & tequila.” Congrats Cubbies, keep on celebrating because you guys earned it. #FlyTheW
