The Chicago Cubs had not been to a World Series since 1945 and had not won one since 1908. In fact, they have had only a handful of playoff appearances in my lifetime.
I was fortunate enough to go to Games 4 and 5 of the World Series in Chicago’s Wrigley Field. Although both games started around 7 p.m., the crowd started gathering around Wrigley in the early morning. By game time, most estimates had more people outside than inside the park.
The Cleveland Indians won Game 4, to take a 3–1 lead in the series. With their backs against the wall, the Cubs came back to win Game 5 and send the series back to Cleveland. The roar from the crowd as the game ended was deafening. Although it took much longer to leave the park and the area, nobody complained as everyone soaked in the euphoria.
The Cubs won Games 6 and 7 in Cleveland to win the series. Game 7 will go down as one of the most exciting games ever — actually, the whole series might have been the best one ever. These are two young, talented teams.
The crowd for the victory celebration was estimated at more than five million, making it one of the largest crowds in history. It was an all-day lovefest, and for the most part it was without incident. Chicagoans kept it as classy as the team has been.
The championship was the culmination of the plan when the Ricketts family bought the Cubs in 2009. Since then, they have been making changes and improvements everywhere, including a hotel opening in 2018 directly across from Wrigley.
The Cubs and the fans are not the only ones benefiting. During the World Series, hotels and bars in the area were happy as prices reached record highs. Cover charges exceeded $100, and people were lined up hours before they opened. It was a financial boon like the area had never seen. With the Cubs built to succeed long term, area businesses can expect more revenue, too.
This season was so magical for the Cubs and the fans. Being at the World Series was incredible; I waited a lifetime for this. We shouted, cried and cheered. We hugged friends and strangers as we were all bonded in our love for the Cubs.
— John Wroblewski, distribution specialist
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