The Chicago Cubs started out strong in Game 7 with a lead off homerun, but then there were the errors and crazy plays that had cursed the Cubs during late innings in the past. A 3 run lead was erased in the 8th inning and long suffering Cubs fans no doubt felt the angst in the pit of their stomach, “here we go again.”
And then the rains came. A rain delay in Game 7 after nine innings, the wait for a championship would be a little longer.
I was watching the game with friends and reminded them that this was just like the conclusion of The Natural when a storm arrives in the 9th inning and Roy Hobbs (Robert Redford) hits a walk-off homerun into the light standards in a shower of sparks.
Nothing quite that dramatic. When play resumed the Cubs bats came alive and they scored 2 runs in the top of the 10th inning, leaving the bases loaded. The Cubs surrendered a run in the bottom of the 1oth, but managed to get the final out. The longest championship drought in sports was over.
The Chicago Cubs won their first World Series title since 1908, beating the Cleveland Indians 8–7 in 10 innings to win the series in seven games. Here is the Chicago Tribune front page this morning.
Who would ever thought that a simple rain delay would be the catalyst to a historical event! After the sky clearing, the Cubs felt the sparks ignite in their bones. That’s what took them to victory! Kudos Cubs!