107 years: That's how long Cubs fans have been waiting for their team to win the World Series. That's a wait long enough to span at least four generations. I could keep throwing statistics out there about the Cubs' track record; 1945 was their last appearance in the World Series and 2003 their last playoff win. Victories for this team have, unfortunately, been few and far between.

But this year is different.

On October 7, 2015, the Cubs won the wildcard playoff game, sending their loyal fans into a frenzy and igniting hope in Cubs fans all throughout the nation. We've had small sparks of hope in the past, but finally, the flame has kindled, and here's why:

The 2015 Cubs team is reminiscent of the 2010 Blackhawks; Instead of Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, and Patrick Sharp at the helm, we've got rookies like Kris Bryant, Kyle Schwarber, and Addison Russell absolutely killing it this season. Throw in players Anthony Rizzo, Jake Arrieta, and a manager like Joe Maddon and there's magic in Chicago like there hasn't been in 107 years.

And while that magic has us pumped for this season, it also has us breathing easy when we think about the coming seasons. The future of this young team is bright. Our hopes for the future might be resting on the shoulders of these guys ...

But they've certainly proved they are up to the challenge. And man, do the fans deserve a team like this. From the older folks who have been watching since before the days of colored television, to the kids who are still playing t-ball, the Chicago Cubs have some of the most dedicated fans out there, a fact that even the most ornery Cardinals fans would begrudgingly admit. For every fan that has endured insults hurled by White Sox fans, consecutive seasons that ended pre-playoffs, and seasons that started and ended without a shred of hope, that wildcard game was for you.

Bring it on, St. Louis.