Herald Daily - Fly the W: the Chicago Cubs Historic 2016 Championship Season

(John Starks/Daily Herald)

(Steve Lundy/Daily Herald)

(John Starks/Daily Herald)

Contents

Foreword by Len Kasper

A Lifetime of Memories in One Spectacular Chicago Cubs Season

This was simply the most fun spring, summer and fall of baseball I have ever witnessed. The memories, moments and oddities are flooding my brain, in no particular order

Embracing the target, the Mothers Day marathon, the Kris Bryant game, Jake Arrietas no-hitter, the pennant-clincher by Kyle Hendricks, Kyle Schwarbers devastating injury and subsequent miraculous return.

Dexter Fowlers surprise re-signing, all-star season and Game 7 leadoff homer.

Addison Russells dives and his Game 6 grand slam, Javier Baezs hands, lightning-quick tags and his MLB tattoo, Willson Contreras energy, Travis Woods catch in the ivy on national television and October home run.

David Ross throws, sense of humor and Game 7 home run.

Anthony Rizzos ledge catch. And his leadership. And his charitable heart.

Jason Heywards professionalism. And his defense.

Rob Zastryznys last name. And Matt Szczurs too.

Szczurs bat. And his underwear.

Police escorts to the ballparks and airports.

Ben Zobrists walk-up music. And his MVP Series.

Ryan Kalishs inspirational, albeit brief, return, Munenori Kawasakis spring training home run.

John Lackeys facial expressions, Jon Lesters scowls, and his work ethic.

Miguel Monteros tweets and his championship series grand slam.

Pat Hughes iconic pennant-clinching and World Series-winning radio calls, Ron Coomers laugh and Jim Deshaies one-liners.

Kris Bryants versatility. And his baserunning. And power. And his infectious smile. And his All-Star Game home run off Chris Sale.

Pedro Strops crooked cap. And his quick pitch, Carl Edwards Jr.s skinny frame, and ridiculous stuff.

Chris Bosios no-nonsense interviews, bullpen coach Lester Strodes class and positivity, and strength coach Tim Buss inspirational pre-team stretch speeches.

Billy Williams batting cage observations, and Ryne Sandberg in the stands wearing his Cubs hat.

Fans fly the W following the Cubs NLCS Game 6 victory. (Steve Lundy/Daily Herald)

Aroldis Chapmans fastball, Hector Rondons slider, and Mike Montgomerys World Series-clinching save.

Bob Newharts tweets, Jason Hammels beard, and Beanie Maddons police escort to Game 3.

Jake Arrietas beard, his flat-brimmed cap, and his flawless posture.

A jam-packed Clark Street before, during and after the NLCS clincher.

Tom Ricketts commitment and Cubs fans undying loyalty.

Theo Epsteins contract extension, and his fake mustache.

The immortal spirit and legacy of Ron Santo and Ernie Bank.

Wrigley Field under the lights with a packed house going bonkers. And in the quiet mornings before the gates open.

Joes Maddonisms. Respect 90. Try not to suck. Never permit the pressure to exceed the pleasure. Do simple better.

Kyle Hendricks major-league leading earned run average. And his steely demeanor.

Eddie Vedder cheering from the front row, Jeff Garlin and Bill Murray singing the stretch, and Eddies duet with Harry.

Hendricks devastating changeup. Lesters cutter and competitiveness, Arrietas slider and home run power.

Johns Vincent singing our national anthem, Julianna Zobrists God Bless America, and Wayne Messmers voice.

All the crazy themed road trips.

John Mallees work ethic and Mike Borzellos game plans. Gary Jones toothpick, and his gutsy sends.

Brandon Hyde playing catch with his son Colton in the outfield.

Javier Baezs homer vs. the Giants, Addison Russells blast in Los Angeles and their pennant-clinching double play.

Albert Almora Jr.s defensive instincts.

Postgame celebrations. Post-series celebrations.

The Chicago Cubs celebrate becoming World Series champions for the first time since 1908. (John Starks/Daily Herald)

October, color-changing ivy.

25-6, 47-20, 103-58.

22-6 in August.

656 walks and 808 runs.

Plus-252 run differential.

A 3.15 team ERA.

Eliminating the Giants in their own ballpark.

Beating Clayton Kershaw for a trip to the World Series.

Cubs baseball in November.

Game 7. All of it in its wacky, heart-wrenching glory.

AC 0000000.

National League Central Champions, National League pennant winners for the first time in 71 years, World Series Champions for the first time in 108 years.

Len Kasper is in his 12th season as the television play-by-play voice for the Chicago Cubs. Follow him on Twitter @LenKasper.

Introduction

A World Series Tribute to Old Chicago Cubs and Die-Hard Fans

By Bruce Miles, dailyherald.com | November 3, 2016

Who is this one for? First and foremost, the Cubs World Series championship is for the fans.

Thats something team chairman Tom Ricketts acknowledged right away Wednesday night, minutes after the Cubs outlasted the Cleveland Indians 8-7 in 10 innings to win Game 7 of the World Series.

The Cubs, as a team, theyre a member of your family, Ricketts said. And like all members of the family, you love them, but sometimes they let you down. Maybe they might let you down for 100 years in a row. And we did. We didnt close the deal. And now, just tell everyone thank you and this is for you.

But this one is for a lot of other people, too, some living and some not.

This one is for Mr. Cub, Ernie Banks, who rode the wave in 1969 only to see it come crashing down on him and the Cubs late in the season.

Ernie, who died in 2015, never appeared in a postseason game. And you know exactly what his spirit is saying after the Cubs captured their first World Series since 1908: Lets win two.

This one is for Ernies teammate, Ron Santo. One can only imagine Ronnie shouting, Yes! Yes! after another third baseman, Kris Bryant, threw to first for the final out.

This one is for Billy Williams, he of the sweet swing and the sweeter disposition. After the Cubs clinched the pennant at Wrigley Field by beating the Dodgers, Billy stood in left field, the field he patrolled for so long, and called it sacred ground. May Billy see several more of these.

This one is for Jack Brickhouse, who no doubt looked down and gave a big Hey Hey! I started thinking about Jack late in the game, remembering it also was in Cleveland where he called the White Soxs pennant clincher in 1959. Nobody saw more bad Cubs baseball than Jack, but he was a ray of sunshine every afternoon.

This one is for Harry Caray, who no doubt is toasting one and bellowing Holy cow! I remember Harrys eyes tearing up at the end of one season. He broadcast World Series wins for the Cardinals, but never for the Cubs.