query: who did the cubs beat in the 2016 world series

pos: 2016 World Series 3-0 in postseason series against Terry Francona, having also won the 2008 ALCS and the 2013 Wild Card Game against him. Game 7 was the 60th extra inning game in World Series history as well as the first extra inning Game 7 won by the road team. In the previous four times in 1912, 1924, 1991 and 1997, the home team won all four extra inning Game 7s. 2016 World Series (4–3): Chicago Cubs beat Cleveland Indians. Fox televised the series in the United States, under contract with Major League Baseball giving it exclusive rights to the World Series through

pos: 2016 National League Championship Series his Game 2 magic, giving up five runs and two home runs, being replaced in the sixth inning. Relief pitcher Kenley Jansen shut out the Cubs for three innings in the loss. Javier Báez and Jon Lester won NLCS co-Most Valuable Player honors. 2016 NLCS (4–2): Chicago Cubs beat Los Angeles Dodgers. 2016 National League Championship Series The 2016 National League Championship Series was a best-of-seven playoff in which the Chicago Cubs defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers for the National League (NL) pennant and the right to play in the 2016 World Series against the Cleveland Indians. As winners of

pos: Katie Stam Chicago Cubs fan. So when the couple found out she was pregnant, they decided that if the Chicago Cubs won the World Series, their son would be named Wrigley. If the Cleveland Indians won, then he would be named Oliver. Their son remained unnamed for three days, until the Cubs beat the Indians in Game 7 on November 3, 2016, and he was given the name Wrigley Oliver. Katie Stam Katie R. Stam Irk (born July 9, 1986) is an American beauty queen from Seymour, Indiana, who was crowned Miss America 2009. Katie Stam was born to Keith and Tracy

pos: 2016 Cleveland Indians season 2016 Cleveland Indians season The 2016 Cleveland Indians season was the 116th season for the franchise and the 23rd season at Progressive Field. The Indians won the American League Central Division for the first time since 2007 and also beat the Boston Red Sox in the Division Series for their first playoff win in nine years. They defeated the Toronto Blue Jays in five games in the American League Championship Series before losing to the Chicago Cubs in seven games in the 2016 World Series. This was their first appearance in the World Series since 1997. Tuesday, April 5, 2016

pos: 2016 World Series 3-0 in postseason series against Terry Francona, having also won the 2008 ALCS and the 2013 Wild Card Game against him. Game 7 was the 60th extra inning game in World Series history as well as the first extra inning Game 7 won by the road team. In the previous four times in 1912, 1924, 1991 and 1997, the home team won all four extra inning Game 7s. 2016 World Series (4–3): Chicago Cubs beat Cleveland Indians. Fox televised the series in the United States, under contract with Major League Baseball giving it exclusive rights to the World Series through

pos: Curse of the Billy Goat drought. The Cubs beat the Cleveland Indians in the 2016 World Series in seven games after trailing in the series 3 games to 1. They won game 7 by a score of 8–7 in 10 innings at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio. Curse of the Billy Goat The Curse of the Billy Goat was a sports-related curse that was supposedly placed on the Chicago Cubs Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise in 1945, by Billy Goat Tavern owner William Sianis. The curse lasted 71 years, from 1945 to 2016. Because the odor of his pet goat, named Murphy, was bothering other

pos: John Lackey the season 103-58, the team clinched the NL Central Division. Lackey won the World Series for the third time of his career, and with a third different team after the Cubs beat the Cleveland Indians in the 2016 World Series, ending a 108-year long drought for a championship. On August 16, 2017, against the Cincinnati Reds, Lackey recorded his first career stolen base, but was then picked off shortly thereafter. On September 15, 2017, Lackey was ejected and fined for arguing a strike call by umpire Jordan Baker. He became a free agent after the Cubs lost to the Los

pos: 1991 World Series last at-bat. The same thing would also happen in the 1997 World Series when the Florida Marlins would beat the Cleveland Indians in the eleventh inning of Game 7. (Game 7 of the 2016 World Series also went to extra innings, when the visiting Chicago Cubs defeated the Cleveland Indians in 10 innings.) This game set a World Series record for the longest scoreless tie in Game 7. Only one other World Series game went longer without a run being scored (Game 6 of the 1956 World Series went to two outs in the bottom of the 10th before the

pos: Rookie of the Year (film) and was invited to sing "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" multiple times during the customary 7th-inning stretch. During the 2015 National League Championship Series where the Cubs faced the Mets as they did in the movie, he attended Game 4 in a Rowengartner #1 jersey similar to what he wore during the film. Following the Cubs' win over the Cleveland Indians in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series to win their first championship since 1908, Nicholas, in celebration, tweeted the final shot from the movie of Henry showing his Cubs World Series ring. Furthermore, director Daniel Stern briefly

pos: 2015 National League Championship Series actual 2015 World Series saw the Mets lose to the Kansas City Royals in five games, but the Cubs went on to win the next season's edition, defeating the Cleveland Indians in seven. 2015 NLCS (4–0): New York Mets beat Chicago Cubs 2015 National League Championship Series The 2015 National League Championship Series was a best-of-seven playoff contested between the Chicago Cubs and the New York Mets for the National League (NL) pennant and the right to play in the 2015 World Series. The Mets swept the Cubs four games to none for their fifth National League pennant in franchise

pos: Steve Bartman incident did not win another playoff game after the incident until 2015 when they defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates in the wild card game, but they were swept in the NLCS by the New York Mets. In 2016, the team advanced to the World Series for the first time since 1945, ending a 71-year-old drought. By some accounts, this represented the end of this particular "curse", since the Cubs had won the NLCS pennant, which they were unable to do in 2003. The Cubs then overcame a 3 games to 1 deficit to defeat the Cleveland Indians in the 2016 World Series,

pos: History of the Chicago Cubs an epic 2016 World Series, the Cubs ended their 108-year World Series Championship drought by defeating the Cleveland Indians in a thrilling seven game series (4-3). Al Spalding, who also owned Spalding sporting goods, played for the team for two seasons under club founder William Hulbert. After Hulbert's death Spalding owned the club for twenty one years, after which the Cubs were purchased by Albert Lasker and Charles Weeghman. That pair were followed by the Wrigley family, owners of Wrigley's chewing gum. In 1981, after 6 decades under the Wrigley family, the Cubs were purchased by Tribune Company for $20.5

pos: 2016 National League Championship Series Cleveland Indians in the World Series in seven games, after overcoming a 3–1 series deficit, winning their first World Series championship for the first time in 108 years, ending the Curse of the Billy Goat. The 2016 NLCS was the Cubs' second consecutive NLCS appearance and fifth overall. Chicago lost its first four NLCS appearances, in 1984, 1989, 2003, and most recently were swept in the 2015 National League Championship Series. This was the first time the Cubs have made back-to-back NLCS appearances. The Cubs had not won a World Series championship since 1908 or played in the World Series

pos: 2016 National League Championship Series 2016 National League Championship Series The 2016 National League Championship Series was a best-of-seven playoff in which the Chicago Cubs defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers for the National League (NL) pennant and the right to play in the 2016 World Series against the Cleveland Indians. As winners of one of the Division Series and the team with the best regular season record in the National League, the Cubs earned home-field advantage regardless of opponent. The series was the 47th in league history. FS1 televised all of the games in the United States. The Cubs would go on to defeat the

pos: 1932 World Series next two hitters to end the series. The Yankees had won their fourth World Series, and their 12th consecutive Series game. It was the last Series for Yankee mainstays Ruth, Combs and Pennock. The Cubs extended their World Series victory drought to 24 years with their humiliating loss, their fourth consecutive in the Fall Classic after 1910, 1918 & 1929 (to the A's, Red Sox and A's again respectively). The Cubs' drought would end up lasting 108 years, having been finally ended when the Cubs defeated the Cleveland Indians in seven games to win the 2016 World Series. 1932 World

pos: 2017 Chicago Cubs season 2017 Chicago Cubs season The 2017 Chicago Cubs season was the 146th season of the Chicago Cubs franchise, the 142nd in the National League and the Cubs' 102nd season at Wrigley Field. The Cubs were the defending World Series champions, having defeated the Cleveland Indians in the 2016 World Series. The Cubs were managed by Joe Maddon, in his third year as Cubs manager, and played their home games at Wrigley Field as members of the National League Central Division. The Cubs began the season on April 2, 2017 at the St. Louis Cardinals and finished the regular season October

pos: 2016 Chicago Cubs season title since the 2008 season, winning by 17½ games. The team also reached the 100-win mark for the first time since 1935 and won 103 total games, the most wins for the franchise since 1910. The Cubs defeated the San Francisco Giants in the National League Division Series and returned to the National League Championship Series for the second year in a row, where they defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers in six games. The Cubs defeated the Cleveland Indians in seven games in the 2016 World Series, their first appearance since the 1945 World Series and first win since the

pos: 1945 Chicago Cubs season home in Greece. The Cubs lost Game 4 and eventually the 1945 World Series, prompting Sianis to write to Wrigley from Greece, saying, ""Who stinks now?"" The Cubs would eventually break the curse and what would turn out to be a 108-year drought by winning the World Series in 2016 over the Cleveland Indians in seven games. October 3, 1945, at Briggs Stadium in Detroit October 4, 1945, at Briggs Stadium in Detroit October 5, 1945, at Briggs Stadium in Detroit October 6, 1945, at Wrigley Field in Chicago October 7, 1945, at Wrigley Field in Chicago October 8, 1945,

pos: Chicago Cubs NLCS win since the series was created in 1969. The win earned the Cubs their first World Series appearance since 1945 and a chance for their first World Series win since 1908. Coming back from a three-games-to-one deficit, the Cubs defeated the Cleveland Indians in seven games in the 2016 World Series, They were the first team to come back from a three-games-to-one deficit since the Kansas City Royals in 1985. On November 4, the city of Chicago held a victory parade and rally for the Cubs that began at Wrigley Field, headed down Lake Shore Drive, and ended in

pos: Eddie Robinson (baseball) eight" American League clubs that he did not play for. The last living Cleveland Indians player to win a World Series championship, Robinson attended Game 6 of the 2016 World Series between the Indians and Chicago Cubs at Progressive Field in Cleveland. Eddie Robinson (baseball) William Edward Robinson (born December 15, 1920) is an American former Major League Baseball first baseman, scout, coach and front office executive of the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and 1980s who, during a 13-year playing career (1942; 1946–57), was on the roster of seven of the eight American League teams then in existence (everyone except

pos: Carl Edwards Jr. first Major League save against the San Francisco Giants. Edwards finished the 2016 season with a 3.75 ERA in 35 innings pitched. On October 25, 2016, Carl Edwards Jr. along with teammates Addison Russell, Dexter Fowler, and Jason Heyward became the first African-Americans to play for the Cubs in a World Series game. On October 28, 2016, he struck out the side in relief duty in the top of the sixth inning against the Cleveland Indians in Game 3 of the World Series at Wrigley Field and became the first African-American to pitch for the Cubs in a World Series

neg: 2014 Chicago Cubs season though the Cubs did not start playing there until 1916. To mark the occasion, the Cubs wore different uniforms to represent each decade during ten homestands throughout the season. The season marked the third year of the Cubs rebuild under President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein and General Manager Jed Hoyer which would result in the Cubs breaking their 108-year World Series drought and lead the Cubs to the 2016 World Series championship. During the season, the Cubs drafted Kyle Schwarber with the fourth overall pick of the 2014 Draft who would play an important role in the 2016 World

neg: Rob Zastryzny to the major leagues. Zastryzny made 11 appearances for the Cubs to finish 2016, and finished 1-0 with a 1.13 ERA. The Cubs would eventually win the 2016 World Series, ending their 108-year drought. Zastryzny won his first World Series title. Zastryzny was added to the roster for the 2016 National League Championship Series, replacing Tommy La Stella who had been on the roster for the 2016 National League Division Series. Although eligible to play, he did not appear in any NLCS games. Zastryzny was replaced by Kyle Schwarber on the roster for the 2016 World Series. He was designated

neg: Terry Francona 19, 2016, Terry Francona's Indians beat the Toronto Blue Jays to move on to the World Series, where the Indians won game 1 against the Chicago Cubs 6-0 to extend his World Series record to 9–0. He lost his first World Series game when the Indians were defeated by the Cubs in game 2 by a score of 5–1. The Indians won game 3 against the Chicago Cubs 1–0. The Indians won game 4 against the Chicago Cubs 7–2 to give Cleveland a 3–1 lead. The Indians would fall to the Cubs 3–2 in game 5. Cleveland went on to

neg: Curse of the Billy Goat never win another National League (NL) pennant (at least for the remainder of Sianis's life). The Cubs lost the 1945 World Series to the Detroit Tigers, and did not win a World Series championship again until 2016. The Cubs had last won the World Series in 1908. After the incident with Sianis and Murphy, the Cubs did not play in the World Series for the next 71 years until, on the 46th anniversary of Billy Sianis's death, the "curse" was broken when they defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 5–0 in game 6 of the 2016 National League Championship Series to

neg: History of the Chicago Cubs 1945 World Series in seven games. Although the Cubs occasionally appeared in post-season series since divisional play began in 1969, they did not appear in or win a World Series again until 2016. After the Curse of the Billy Goat, a few years into the post-World War II era, astute observers of the game began to suspect that something had gone wrong with the Cubs franchise, and that it might take them a long time to recover. After losing the 1945 World Series, the Cubs finished 82-71, good for third place in 1946, but did not enter post-season play. In

neg: 2017 National League Championship Series 2017 National League Championship Series The 2017 National League Championship Series was a best-of-seven playoff pitting the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Chicago Cubs for the National League pennant and the right to play in the 2017 World Series. The series was a rematch of the 2016 NLCS, which Chicago won four games to two en route to their first World Series victory since 1908. This was just the 10th time two teams have met in at least two straight League Championship Series, which have existed since divisional play began in 1969. The Dodgers beat the Cubs in five games

neg: Chicago Cubs enjoyed one more pennant at the close of World War II, finishing 98–56. Due to the wartime travel restrictions, the first three games of the 1945 World Series were played in Detroit, where the Cubs won two games, including a one-hitter by Claude Passeau, and the final four were played at Wrigley. The Cubs lost the series, and did not return until the 2016 World Series. After losing the 1945 World Series to the Detroit Tigers, the Cubs finished with a respectable 82-71 record in the following year, but this was only good enough for third place. In the following

neg: 1906 World Series Series (4–2): Chicago White Sox (A.L.) over Chicago Cubs (N.L.) 1906 World Series The 1906 World Series featured a crosstown matchup between the Chicago Cubs, who had posted the highest regular-season win total (116) and winning percentage (.763) in the major leagues since the advent of the 154-game season; and the Chicago White Sox. The White Sox, known as the "Hitless Wonders" after finishing with the worst team batting average (.230) in the American League, beat the Cubs in six games for one of the greatest upsets in Series history. This was the first World Series played by two teams

neg: 2013 Chicago Cubs season 108-year World Series drought and lead the Cubs to the 2016 World Series championship. The season was the last season with the Cubs for manager Dale Sveum as he was fired following the season. The season was also the last season with the Cubs for slugger Alfonso Soriano who would be traded at the trade deadline. During the season, the Cubs drafted future Rookie of the Year, MVP, and All Star Kris Bryant with the second overall pick of the 2013 Draft. The Cubs would also acquire other players that would play important roles during their 2016 World Series season:

neg: Chicago Cubs minor league players then enrolled at Oklahoma State University and pitched for the Oklahoma State Cowboys. He did not pitch in 2015 due to a sprained ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow, which did not require surgery. He pitched extensively in 2016, as Oklahoma State reached the 2016 College World Series. Hatch won the Big 12 Conference Baseball Pitcher of the Year Award. The Cubs selected Hatch in the third round, with the 104th overall selection, of the 2016 MLB draft. He signed with the Cubs, receiving a $573,900 signing bonus. He did not pitch in 2016 after signing. He made his professional

neg: Spencer Patton Rangers for Jason Frasor on July 16, 2014. He made his major league debut on September 4, 2014. On November 20, 2015, the Rangers traded Patton to the Chicago Cubs for minor leaguer Frandy Delarosa. In 2016, Patton made 16 relief appearances for the Cubs and finished 1–1 with a 5.48 ERA. The Cubs finished the season 103–58 and eventually won the 2016 World Series. Patton did not participate in the playoffs, but was still on the 40-man roster at the time and won his first World Series title. On November 23, 2016, Patton signed with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars

neg: Ex-Cubs Factor by teams. It was used, in a letter to the editor, as a reason for the loss by the San Diego Padres (who ironically beat the Cubs to get to the Series) in the 1984 World Series (with three ex-Cubs) and by the collapse of the 1985 Toronto Blue Jays who had added ex-Cub Cliff Johnson on August 28 and then blew a 3-1 lead over the Royals in the 1985 American League Championship Series. While not falling under the curse in the traditional sense, Bill Buckner's infamous gaffe in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series can be interpreted

neg: Steve Bartman incident pennant, many Cubs fans petitioned for the team to allow Bartman to throw out a first pitch during the 2016 World Series. However, Murtha told CNN that Bartman did not want to be in the spotlight, and that there is "probably a slim, none, and no chance" that Bartman would agree to throw out a first pitch. The World Series went on without Bartman making any public appearances. On Wednesday Night, November 2, 2016, the Chicago Cubs won the World Series for the first time since 1908, ending the so-called Curse of the Billy Goat. After their World Series win,

neg: Ex-Cubs Factor with the Florida Marlins (who had ex-Cub Lenny Harris) defeating the New York Yankees (who had no ex-Cubs), though Harris did not play in the World Series. Since 1945, of the 23 teams to reach the World Series with three or more Cubs players, only 3 have won the World Series (the 1960 Pirates, the 2001 Diamondbacks, and the 2008 Phillies). Since its articulation in 1981, the Ex-Cubs Factor has been used to predict and explain post-season and World Series defeats for many different baseball teams. During the 1980s, the ex-Cubs factor was used to explain a number of losses

neg: Kelly Crull for Fox, it became a tradition to drench Crull with gallons of liquid when the Padres had a walk-off victory. Following the 2013 MLB season, she joined NBC Sports Chicago. In Chicago, she has served as the Chicago Cubs beat reporter. She covered the Chicago Cubs World Series run in 2016. In February 2018, she co-hosted the sports trivia show "Beer Money" for its 100th episode. Beginning with the 2018-19 season, Crull also serves as a Chicago Bulls sideline reporter for the network. Kelly Crull Kelly Ann Crull (born February 16, 1984) is an American sportscaster and television personality, who

neg: Jerry Pritikin Jerry Pritikin Jerry Pritikin is best known for being the lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, known as the Bleacher Preacher. Pritikin became a Cubs fan in 1945 at the age of eight, when the Cubs were in the World Series and he begged his father to take him to a game. While denying his request, his father did promise to take him the next time the Cubs made it to the Series (a feat the Cubs would not achieve until 2016). Pritikin started going to Cubs games with his brothers and sisters. In 1960 he moved to San Francisco, where he

neg: Chicago Cubs Cubs have appeared in a total of eleven World Series. The 1906 Cubs won 116 games, finishing 116–36 and posting a modern-era record winning percentage of , before losing the World Series to the Chicago White Sox ("The Hitless Wonders") by four games to two. The Cubs won back-to-back World Series championships in 1907 and 1908, becoming the first major league team to play in three consecutive World Series, and the first to win it twice. Most recently, the Cubs won the 2016 National League Championship Series and 2016 World Series, which ended a 71-year National League pennant drought and

neg: 1906 World Series 1906 World Series The 1906 World Series featured a crosstown matchup between the Chicago Cubs, who had posted the highest regular-season win total (116) and winning percentage (.763) in the major leagues since the advent of the 154-game season; and the Chicago White Sox. The White Sox, known as the "Hitless Wonders" after finishing with the worst team batting average (.230) in the American League, beat the Cubs in six games for one of the greatest upsets in Series history. This was the first World Series played by two teams from the same metropolitan area. The teams split the first

neg: Ex-Cubs Factor on to defeat the St. Louis Cardinals (with three ex-Cubs) in the World Series. The 2009 World Series resulted in a win by the New York Yankees (with two ex-Cubs) over the Philadelphia Phillies (with three ex-Cubs). Berler's study of the ex-Cub factor since 1945 revealed only one exception since 1945: the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates, who won the World Series with three ex-Cubs on their roster. Berler contends that one of those ex-Cubs, Don Hoak, spent so little time in Chicago, that he did not fully develop what Berler called his "Cubness". Berler quoted pitcher Jim Brosnan as saying that

neg: World Series not win their first championship until the 1920s; and three of the teams that were highly successful prior to 1920 (the Boston Red Sox, Chicago White Sox and the Chicago Cubs) went the rest of the 20th century without another World Series win. The Red Sox and White Sox finally won again in 2004 and 2005, respectively. The Cubs had to wait over a century (until the 2016 season) for their next trophy. They did not appear in the Fall Classic from 1945 until 2016, the longest drought of any MLB club. The New York Yankees purchased Babe Ruth from

neg: 2016 World Series seed, and they defeated the 5th-seeded San Francisco Giants in four games of the NL Division Series before clinching their first NL pennant since 1945 with a sixth-game victory over the 3rd-seeded Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL Championship Series. For Cubs manager Joe Maddon, it was his second appearance in the World Series as manager – in 2008, he managed the Tampa Bay Rays when they beat the Boston Red Sox in seven games to win the AL pennant, then were defeated in five games by the Philadelphia Phillies in the World Series. It was also Maddon's third World

neg: 2016 World Series by Bryant, who threw to Rizzo. This ended the game and the World Series, with the Cubs winning the series and ending their 108-year World Series championship drought. Zobrist was awarded the World Series MVP award after hitting .357 in the series and delivering the go-ahead hit. Rizzo called the rain delay "the most important thing to happen to the Chicago Cubs in the past 100 years. I don't think there's any way we win the game without it." Cubs president Theo Epstein said that when he heard about the meeting called by Heyward, "Right then I thought, 'We're winning

neg: Dexter Fowler May 5, 2016. On October 25, 2016, Dexter Fowler along with teammates Jason Heyward, Addison Russell, and Carl Edwards Jr. became the first African-Americans to play for the Cubs in a World Series game. Additionally, Fowler was the first African-American to appear and to bat for the Cubs in a World Series. Fowler is the first African-American to start for the Cubs in a World Series. Fowler led off Game 7 of the World Series with a home run, becoming the first player in history to lead off a World Series Game 7 with a home run. The Cubs won

neg: Jeimer Candelario 2016, to replace Chris Coghlan, who was placed on the disabled list. He made his major-league debut the same day, against the New York Mets. He was optioned back to Iowa on July 9. Candelario appeared in five games for the Cubs in 2016 and finished with a .091 batting average. The Cubs went on to win the 2016 World Series. Candelario was not included on the Cubs' postseason roster, but was still on the 40-man roster at the time and won his first World Series title. On July 31, 2017, Candelario was traded along with Isaac Paredes, and a

neg: NBC Sunday Night Football Phillies did not contend for the National League East in 2016, while the Rangers won the American League West title that season, but they lost in three games to the Toronto Blue Jays in the ALDS; on the other hand, the Cleveland Browns and the Chicago Bears, the NFL franchises of the participating World Series cities, have been performing at the bottom of its respective divisions in recent years, with the Browns issues dating back to the team's return to the league in 1999. As for the two games that aired simultaneously on October 30, the Cubs beat the Indians,

neg: Trevor Cahill used in the 8th inning or beyond in 2015. On December 14, 2015, Cahill re-signed with the Cubs on a 1-year, $4.25 million contract. Cahill was mostly in the bullpen in 2016, making 50 appearances, finishing the year 4-4 with a 2.74 ERA. The Cubs finished the season with a 103-58 record for an NL Central pennant, and would eventually win the 2016 World Series. Cahill did not make any postseason appearances, but still won a World Series ring for the first time in his career. On January 20, 2017, the San Diego Padres announced they signed Cahill to a

neg: 1908 World Series 1908 World Series The 1908 World Series matched the defending champion Chicago Cubs against the Detroit Tigers in a rematch of the 1907 Series. In this first-ever rematch of this young event, the Cubs won in five games for their second consecutive World Series title. The 1908 World Series was significant for being the last World Series championship the Cubs would win until the World Series (108 years later). Before the 2016 series, the team would go on to appear in seven World Series; in , , , , , , and , losing each time. The Cubs had been

neg: 2016 World Series Maddon. They met in the 2008 ALCS and the 2013 AL Wild Card Game with Maddon's teams winning both times. Former Indians and Cubs player Kenny Lofton threw the ceremonial first pitch before Game 1. Corey Kluber started for the Indians, and Jon Lester started for the Cubs. Kyle Schwarber, who had missed nearly all of the 2016 season after tearing ligaments in his leg in the season's fourth game, was added to the Cubs' World Series roster and started as their designated hitter. Schwarber struck out twice, but also doubled and drew a walk. The double made Schwarber the

neg: 1929 World Series 1929 World Series The 1929 World Series featured the Philadelphia Athletics and the Chicago Cubs. The Athletics beat the Cubs decisively in five games. This was the Series of the famous "Mack Attack" (so called in honor of longtime A's owner-manager Connie Mack), in which the Athletics overcame an eight-run deficit by scoring 10 runs in the home half of the seventh in Game 4 (before two straight strikeouts by Pat Malone ended it) to snatch a 10–8 victory from the jaws of a defeat which would have evened the Series at two games apiece. The Cubs were further humiliated

neg: 1908 World Series out of this Series with a feeble catcher-to-first groundout. This was also the first World Series game in which neither team committed an error. The Cubs would not win another World Series title until finally reclaiming the crown in 2016. 1908 World Series (4–1): Chicago Cubs (N.L.) over Detroit Tigers (A.L.) 1908 World Series The 1908 World Series matched the defending champion Chicago Cubs against the Detroit Tigers in a rematch of the 1907 Series. In this first-ever rematch of this young event, the Cubs won in five games for their second consecutive World Series title. The 1908 World Series

neg: Pat Hughes (sportscaster) Chicago to be the new "Voice of the Cubs". Hughes partnered with color commentator Ron Santo, former Hall of Fame third baseman for the Cubs, from 1996 to 2010, until Santo died of bladder cancer. Their on-air chemistry came to be known as the "Pat and Ron Show". Besides Santo, Hughes has worked regularly as an on-air partner with other luminaries Harry Caray, Bob Uecker, and Al McGuire. Pat Hughes made Chicago Cubs history in the 2016 World Series. Since baseball broadcasting did not begin until the 1920s, and the Cubs previous World Title had been in 1908, Hughes became

neg: 2012 Chicago Cubs season first season with Dale Sveum as manager. The season also marked the last season with the Houston Astros in the National League Central as they would move to the American League West in 2013. The season also marked the first season in the Cubs rebuilding project under Theo Epstein that would break their 108-year World Series drought and lead the Cubs to the 2016 World Series championship. The season was the last full season with the Cubs for Alfonso Soriano, who would be traded at the 2013 trade deadline. During the offseason, the Cubs would acquire future All-Star Anthony Rizzo

neg: Félix Peña Félix Peña Félix Ricardo Peña (born February 25, 1990) is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Major League Baseball (MLB). He previously played for the Chicago Cubs. Peña was called up to the major leagues for the first time on August 19, 2016. In 11 Major League games to finish the 2016 season, Peña had a 4.00 ERA. The Cubs would eventually make it to the playoffs and win the World Series. Peña did not participate in the postseason, but was still on the 40-man roster at the time the Cubs won. On October 9,

neg: Steve Bartman incident In 2011, eight years after the incident, he declined to appear in an ESPN documentary, and he declined a six-figure offer to appear in a Super Bowl commercial. Many fans associated the Bartman incident with the Curse of the Billy Goat, allegedly laid on the Cubs during the 1945 World Series after Billy Sianis and his pet goat were ejected from Wrigley Field. The Cubs lost that series to the Detroit Tigers in seven games and did not return to the World Series until 2016. Bartman was also compared to the black cat that ran across Shea Stadium near an

neg: 2016 Los Angeles Dodgers season could only manage one hit and lost 2–0. In the next game, it was the Cubs who only managed one-hit. The Dodgers, thanks to a three-run homer by Corey Seager won 5–0. Kazmir struck out seven batters in six innings. Jon Lester beat the Dodgers by pitching a complete game in the Cubs to a 2–1 victory to start the month of June. Julio Urías's second start of the season was a bit better than his first but he allowed three home runs, including back-to-back ones by Jason Heyward and Kris Bryant as the Cubs finished the series with a

neg: Pat Hughes (sportscaster) the first Cubs announcer ever to say "The Chicago Cubs win the World Series!" Here is Pat's final call of the 2016 World Series: "A little bouncer slowly toward Bryant. He will glove it and throw to Rizzo. It's in time! And the Chicago Cubs win the World Series! The Cubs come pouring out of the dugout, jumping up and down like a bunch of delirious 10-year-olds. The Cubs have done it! The longest drought in the history of American sports is over, and the celebration begins!" Hughes has announced 57 Cubs postseason games, more than any other Cubs broadcaster.

neg: Ex-Cubs Factor and seemed to be doing well the next season when they traded one of those ex-Cubs (Mike Garman) away and began playing excellently. However, four weeks later, the Dodgers traded for ex-Cub Bill North and, in the words of Berler, the "team suffered an immediate tailspin and barely beat Cincinnati to the pennant." The 1978 Dodgers lost the World Series to the Yankees leading to Berler's hypothesis of three ex-Cubs making it impossible to win a championship. In addition, the 1980 Kansas City Royals lost the World Series as well with 3 ex-Cubs. In the original article, Berler predicted that

neg: Gerardo Concepción and was promoted to the Iowa Cubs of the Class AAA Pacific Coast League. Concepción was promoted to the Cubs on June 21, 2016. He struck out the first batter he faced in his major league debut that night. He made three appearances in 2016 with a 3.86 ERA. The Cubs eventually won the 2016 World Series, ending their 108-year drought. Concepción was not present during the playoffs, but was still on the 40-man roster at the time and won his first World Series title. The Cubs non-tendered Concepción after the season. He was released on May 6, 2017. Concepción

neg: 1997 World Series Cleveland Cavaliers won the 2016 NBA Finals just eight days after the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets' affiliate, the Lake Erie Monsters (now the Cleveland Monsters), won the AHL's Calder Cup ending a 52-year championship drought for their city. With the exception of 2006, Akron, Ohio native LeBron James played on each of the aforementioned NBA championship teams. As previously mentioned, the Indians also made it to the World Series in 2016, but in losing to the Chicago Cubs in seven games, they replaced the Cubs (who until then had not won the Series since 1908) as the team with the

neg: St. Louis Cardinals World Series successes, having won 11 championships to the Cubs' 3. Games featuring the Cardinals and Cubs see numerous visiting fans in either Busch Stadium in St. Louis or Wrigley Field in Chicago. When the National League split into two and then three divisions, the Cardinals and Cubs remained together. This has added excitement to several pennant races over the years. The Cardinals and Cubs have played each other once in the postseason, when the Cubs beat the Cardinals 3 games to 1 in the 2015 National League Division Series. An investment group led by William DeWitt, Jr. owns the

neg: Jason Heyward throw. He scored the go-ahead run on a Javier Baez single, sending the Cubs to the National League Championship Series. On October 25, 2016, Heyward, along with teammates Dexter Fowler, Addison Russell, and Carl Edwards Jr., became the first African-Americans to play for the Cubs in a World Series game. Heyward was credited with leading an inspiring players-only meeting during a 17-minute rain delay near the end of Game 7 of the 2016 World Series. The Cubs eventually won the game 8-7 after 10 innings, and gave them their first World Series championship in 108 years. On November 9, Heyward

neg: 2016 Chicago Cubs season Most Valuable Player Award Rawlings Gold Glove Award Rawlings Platinum Glove Award Silver Slugger Award Hank Aaron Award World Series Most Valuable Player Award National League Championship Series - Most Valuable Player Award Major League Baseball All-Star Game 2016 Chicago Cubs season The 2016 Chicago Cubs season was the 145th season of the Chicago Cubs franchise, the 141st in the National League and the Cubs' 101st season at Wrigley Field. To celebrate their 100 years at Wrigley, the Cubs wore a patch on their home uniforms and wore 1916 throwback uniforms on July 6. They began the season on April

neg: Addison Russell home runs in Games 4 and 5 of that year's National League Championship Series, helping the Cubs break the Curse of the Billy Goat en route to their first World Series appearance in 108 years. On October 25, 2016, Addison Russell along with teammates Dexter Fowler, Jason Heyward, and Carl Edwards Jr., became the first African-Americans to play for the Cubs in a World Series game. Both Russell and Fowler are the first African-Americans to start for the Cubs in a World Series due to it being the first World Series the Cubs have played in since desegregation. Addison hit

neg: 2016 World Series Mike Napoli in the bottom of the eighth, Aroldis Chapman entered to finish the game for the Cubs. The win marked the Cubs' first World Series game victory since 1945 and tied up the series at one game all. The game marked Indians manager Terry Francona's first loss in ten World Series games. For Game 3, former Cubs player Billy Williams threw the ceremonial first pitch before the start of the game, and Bill Murray sang "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" during the seventh-inning stretch, to mark the Cubs' first World Series night game at home. Chicago pitcher

neg: Ex-Cubs Factor "it is utterly impossible for a team with three or more ex-Cubs to win the series." Berler based this on a pattern that he observed in the post-1945 era; 1945 being the last time the Chicago Cubs made it to a World Series until 2016. Berler cited many examples of teams with three or more ex-Cubs on their teams that reached the World Series and lost: including the 1958 Milwaukee Braves, the 1966 Los Angeles Dodgers, and the 1978 Los Angeles Dodgers. The 1978 Dodgers, according to Berler, had lost the 1977 World Series with three ex-Cubs on their roster

neg: 1908 Chicago Cubs season 1908 Chicago Cubs season The 1908 Chicago Cubs season was the 37th season of the Chicago Cubs franchise, the 33rd in the National League and the 16th at West Side Park. It involved the Cubs winning their third consecutive National League pennant, as well as the World Series. This team included four future Hall of Famers: manager / first baseman Frank Chance, second baseman Johnny Evers, shortstop Joe Tinker, and pitcher Mordecai Brown. In 1908, Brown finished second in the NL in wins and ERA. This would be the last World Series victory for the Cubs until the 2016 World

neg: Brian Matusz Matusz to be a starter in the minors. On July 30, 2016, the Cubs called him up to start against the Seattle Mariners on July 31. However, after a poor outing in that game, the Cubs designated him for assignment the very next day. He later cleared waivers and was outrighted to the Triple-A Iowa Cubs. Despite the fact he only appeared in one game for the Cubs during their 2016 World Series season, he was given a World Series ring. Matusz signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks on a minor league contract for 2017. After struggling in the minors, he

neg: 2016 Chicago Cubs season 1908 World Series. In the World Series, the Cubs came back from a three-games-to-one deficit, winning the final three games. The last time a team came back from a three-games-to-one deficit to win the World Series was the Kansas City Royals in 1985. The Cubs were also the first team to win Games 6 and 7 on the road in a World Series since the Pittsburgh Pirates had done so against the Baltimore Orioles in 1979. The World Series victory put an end to the so-called Curse of the Billy Goat and the longest World Series championship drought in history.

neg: Rich Hill (pitcher) the deciding game five, pitching 2 innings in a game the Dodgers eventually won 4–3. In game three of the 2016 National League Championship Series, Hill allowed only two hits in six innings in the Dodgers victory over the Chicago Cubs. However, the Cubs came back and beat the Dodgers in six games to win the series. On December 5, 2016, the Dodgers re-signed Hill to a three-year, $48 million, contract. Hill came down with a blister on his left middle finger, an issue that had bothered him throughout the previous season. Making his first start of the season against

neg: 2017 Chicago Cubs season voted co-MVPs of the series. The lone Chicago run came on a Kris Bryant home run in the fourth. Every Cubs run scored in the series came via a home run. With the 11–1 victory the Dodgers returned to the World Series for the first time since 1988. 2017 NLCS (4–1): Los Angeles Dodgers beat Chicago Cubs "Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; R = Runs; H = Hits; 2B = Doubles; 3B = Triples; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in; SB = Stolen bases; BB = Walks; K = Strikeouts; Avg. = Batting

neg: West Side Park former ballfield into a different kind of "bull pen". The ballpark was torn down in 1920. Murphy, who still owned the property, sold the leftover lumber for scrap. He sold the property itself to the University of Illinois. The site is now occupied by the University of Illinois Medical Center. This West Side Park was the only park that witnessed the Cubs as World Series Champions from 1908 to 2016. The Cubs won back-to-back titles here in 1907 and 1908. In June 1909, a flag-raising ceremony was held, celebrating the Cubs second consecutive World Series. Newspaper reporters commented that the

neg: 2016 World Series Former Indians pitcher Dennis Martínez threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the game. The Cubs scored three runs in the first inning, all with two outs, on a Kris Bryant home run and a two-run double by Addison Russell after two singles off Josh Tomlin. In the third inning, the Cubs loaded the bases on a walk and two singles off Tomlin, who was relieved by Dan Otero. Following the pitching change, Russell hit a grand slam to extend the Cubs lead to 7–0. Russell's grand slam was the first in a World Series game since Paul Konerko of

neg: Ex-Cubs Factor "Hoak is quite possibly the only man who ever conquered his Cubness". The 2001 Arizona Diamondbacks similarly had four ex-Cubs on their roster (Miguel Batista, Mark Grace, Mike Morgan, and Luis Gonzalez) but defeated the New York Yankees in the 2001 World Series. Mark Grace declared in an post-game interview that "We beat the ex-Cub Factor!". The sympathy many fans felt for New York City following the September 11 attacks, topped off by the four ex-Cubs on the Arizona roster, seemed to stack up against the Diamondbacks. But Arizona won Game 6 in a lopsided score, and then won Game

neg: 1992 World Series 1988, when Jose Canseco hit one in the Oakland Athletics' eventual 5-4 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Smith became the first player to hit one for the winning team since Kent Hrbek did so in Game 6 of the 1987 World Series for the Minnesota Twins, and was the last for a player on the visiting team until Addison Russell did so in Game 6 of the 2016 World Series for the Chicago Cubs. The sixth game saw Steve Avery return to the mound for Atlanta in an attempt to make up for his Game 3 loss. Toronto countered

neg: Hank Greenberg to clinch the pennant and avoid a one-game playoff (that would have been necessary without the win) against the now-second-place Washington Senators. The Tigers went on to beat the Cubs in the World Series in seven games. Only three home runs were hit in that World Series. Phil Cavarretta hit a home run for the Cubs in Game One, Greenberg hit a homer in Game Two, where he batted in three runs in a 4–1 Tigers win, and he hit a two-run homer in Game Six in the eighth inning that tied the score 8–8; the Cubs went on to

neg: World Series But in an upset, the White Sox beat the Cubs four games to two. Fourteen "Subway Series" have been played entirely within New York City, all including the American League's New York Yankees. Thirteen of them matched the Yankees with either the New York Giants or the Brooklyn Dodgers of the National League. The initial instances occurred in 1921 and 1922, when the Giants beat the Yankees in consecutive World Series that were not technically "subway series" since the teams shared the Polo Grounds as their home ballpark. The Yankees finally beat the Giants the following year, their first in

neg: 1918 World Series feature of baseball games and other sporting events. The winning pitcher of Game 1 was Babe Ruth, who pitched a shutout. The 1918 championship would be the last Red Sox win until . The drought of 86 years was often attributed to the Curse of the Bambino. The alleged curse came to be when Red Sox owner Harry Frazee traded the superbly talented but troublesome Babe Ruth (who was instrumental in their 1918 victory) to the New York Yankees for cash after the 1919 season. The Cubs would not win their next World Series until 2016. The Cubs, who last

neg: Mark Prior of both pitchers. After returning from the disabled list with a start on August 5 at San Diego, he compiled a 10–1 record, and pitched a complete game win against former Cub Greg Maddux in the first round of the playoffs. The Cubs beat the Atlanta Braves in the first round, but lost to the eventual World Series Champion Florida Marlins in the NLCS, a tightly contested seven game series. Prior, who was the winner in Game 2, was on the mound for the infamous Steve Bartman/Moisés Alou foul ball incident in Game 6. At the time, the Cubs were

neg: Jim Hendry 3B ever since Ron Santo was traded to the White Sox. Ramirez blossomed into a star with the Cubs, and Lofton provided the spark at the top of the lineup that the Cubs needed. The Cubs won the National League Central Division title in 2003, and beat Atlanta in the National League Division Series, their first postseason series victory since 1908. They then came within five outs from their first World Series appearance since 1945. They were up three games to one on the Florida Marlins in the NLCS and ended up losing the last three games, including the infamous

neg: 1906 World Series four games; then the Hitless Wonders (a name coined by sportswriter Charles Dryden) exploded for 26 hits in the last two games. True to their nickname, the White Sox hit only .198 as a team in winning the series but it beat the .196 average produced by the Cubs. In Game 3, Ed Walsh struck out 12 Cubs, breaking the previous record of 11 set by Bill Dinneen in . The 1906 Series was the first to be played between two teams from the same city. To date, it remains the only World Series played between the two Chicago teams

neg: Steve Bartman incident in Pittsburgh. During the 2016 Chicago Cubs season, Bartman received renewed media attention as the Cubs progressed through the playoffs. In mid-October 2016, at the time the Chicago Cubs were playing in the 2016 NLCS, the "Chicago Sun-Times" reached out to Bartman's attorney and spokesman, Frank Murtha. As is usual, Bartman through Murtha declined an interview. On Saturday, October 22, 2016, the Cubs were again at home with a 3–2 lead in Game 6 of an NLCS, similar to the 2003 NLCS game. The Cubs ended up winning that game and moving onto the 2016 World Series. After winning the

neg: 1910 World Series history to win 3 games without a loss. Babe Adams did it the year before, but in seven games, and Christy Mathewson accomplished the feat in the 1905 Series. This was the A's first World Series title. 1910 World Series (4–1): Philadelphia Athletics (A.L.) over Chicago Cubs (N.L.) 1910 World Series The 1910 World Series featured the Philadelphia Athletics and the Chicago Cubs, with the Athletics winning in five games to earn their first championship. Jack Coombs of Philadelphia won three games and Eddie Collins supplied timely hitting. The 2nd greatest Cubs team in history closed out its glory years,

neg: Curse of the Billy Goat mid-season trade), Luis Gonzalez, Mike Morgan, Mark Grace, Mark Bellhorn, Bill Mueller, Scott Eyre (whose title came in after he had been traded from the Cubs during the season), Tom Gordon, Matt Stairs, Jamie Moyer, Mark DeRosa, Mike Fontenot, Ryan Theriot, Ángel Pagán, and, in 2013, Ryan Dempster. Dontrelle Willis and Jon Garland were traded as minor leaguers (coincidentally, the former won a World Series ring with the Marlins team that defeated the Cubs in the 2003 NLCS). Tim Lincecum, who went on to win three World Series titles, was originally drafted by the Cubs, but he did not sign

neg: Mike Fontenot pitch from Carlos Fisher, with the Cubs up 10–4. During his time with the Cubs Fontenot played himself in the TBS comedy My Boys in the third season finale "Spring Training." On August 11, 2010, Fontenot was traded to the San Francisco Giants for Evan Crawford. On October 23, the Giants beat the Philadelphia Phillies in six games to advance to the World Series. Fontenot got a hit in his only at-bat in the NLCS clinching game. He was part of the 25-man World Series roster and has the unusual distinction of being credited with appearing in the World Series

neg: Chicago Cubs linebacker at the University of Texas. It was the second game of a double header and the Cubs had won the first game in part due to a three run home run by Moreland. After the bench-clearing fight the Cubs won the second game, and the sweep put the Cubs at 68–45. In 1984, each league had two divisions, East and West. The divisional winners met in a best-of-5 series to advance to the World Series, in a "2–3" format, first two games were played at the home of the team who did not have home field advantage. Then the

neg: Héctor Rondón with a 4.77 ERA with 44 SO. After struggles by Cubs closer José Veras early in the 2014 season, Rondón was named the new Cubs closer. He had a breakout 2014 season. He earned two saves in the 2015 National League Division Series against the St. Louis Cardinals, including a save in the series-clinching game 4. With the addition of Aroldis Chapman in late July 2016, Rondon was moved to the setup role in the bullpen. Rondon finished 2016 with a 2-3 record and a 3.53 ERA in 54 appearances. The Cubs won the 2016 World Series over the Cleveland

neg: Andre Dawson MVP of either the league championship series or the World Series, but did not add a clause for National League MVP. While he won the NL MVP, the Cubs did not make the playoffs, so he had no chance to earn the NLCS or World Series MVP. He became the Cubs' starting right fielder, and hit a major league leading 49 home runs (equal with Oakland Athletics rookie Mark McGwire) and was named the league's MVP, finally winning after the two years as runner-up in Montreal. Nonetheless, Dawson wasn't able to turn around the Cubs' fortunes: although the team held

neg: Warren Brown (sportswriter) style and said he was like a "Galloping Ghost." The nickname is one of the most famous in sports annals. Brown also coined the nickname "The Sultan of Swat" for legendary baseball icon Babe Ruth. As a beat writer and columnist he was known for his acerbic wit and breezy reporting style. Following the 1945 World Series, he wrote a history of the Chicago Cubs as part of the Putnam series of books that covered all the major league baseball teams. Mr. Brown's famous quote from the 1945 World Series between the Cubs and Tigers of " I don't think

neg: Merkle's Boner by Johnny Kling. Evers walked, Frank Schulte followed with an RBI double to give the Cubs the lead, and Frank Chance followed with a two-run double. From there, Chicago cruised to a 4–2 victory, becoming champions of the NL for the third straight year. The Cubs went on to win the 1908 World Series, beating the Detroit Tigers four games to one. This was the Cubs' last world championship for more than a century: the next came in the 2016 World Series. The Pirates won the 1909 World Series, also against the Tigers. The Giants then returned to the World

neg: Albert Almora up, he was batting .318 in 54 games. Almora was promoted to the Cubs on June 7, 2016 when Jorge Soler was placed on the disabled list. He made his first career start in left field on June 8, 2016 against the Philadelphia Phillies and on his first fielding opportunity threw out a runner at home to complete a double play. The following day, he got his first major league hit. On November 2, 2016, in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series, Almora took over as a pinch runner for Kyle Schwarber, the Cubs designated hitter who opened the

neg: 2016 World Series African-American to play for the Cubs in a World Series. Former Indians player Carlos Baerga threw the ceremonial first pitch before Game 2. The start time for the game was moved up an hour, because of the possibility of heavy rain in the forecast. Looking to tie the series at one game apiece, the Cubs sent Jake Arrieta to the mound against the Indians' Trevor Bauer. The Cubs also featured six players under age 25 in the starting lineup, a postseason record. The Cubs started things off early as Kris Bryant singled in the first inning and Anthony Rizzo doubled

neg: Steve Bartman incident the film drew similarities between Bill Buckner's fielding error late in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series and the Bartman incident. It explored the incident from different perspectives. In an effort to reconcile with Bartman and to put the incident behind them, the Chicago Cubs awarded Bartman a 2016 World Series ring. At the time of the incident, Mark Prior was pitching a three-hit shutout for the Cubs in the eighth inning. The Cubs led the game 3–0 and held a series lead of three games to two. They were five outs away from reaching the World Series for

neg: Steven Matz 6 hits, 3 runs, 2 walks, and 4 strikeouts. In Game Four of the 2015 National League Championship Series against the Chicago Cubs he pitched 4.2 innings giving up 4 hits, 1 run, 2 walks, and 4 strikeouts. Matz started game four of the 2015 World Series against the Kansas City Royals pitching 5 innings giving up 7 hits, 2 runs, and 5 strikeouts. He received a no-decision as the Royals beat the Mets 5–3. Matz made the Mets' Opening Day roster in 2016, as the fifth starter in the Mets rotation that consisted of Matt Harvey, Noah Syndergaard, Jacob

neg: Munenori Kawasaki two stolen bases. The Cubs finished the season with a 103-58 record for an NL Central pennant, and would eventually win the 2016 World Series, ending their 108-year long world champion title drought. Kawasaki was ineligible for post-season play in 2016, but traveled with the Cubs throughout the playoffs and joined the team on the field for the post-game celebrations. On January 7, 2017, Kawasaki signed a new minor league contract with the Cubs. He was released on March 28. On March 31, 2017, Kawasaki signed with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks. He won his fourth Japan Series with the Hawks

neg: Ex-Cubs Factor On October 16, 1990, Berler again asserted the ex-Cubs factor as the reason that the favored Oakland Athletics (with ex-Cubs Scott Sanderson, Dennis Eckersley, and Ron Hassey) would lose in the 1990 World Series (which they did by getting swept by the Cincinnati Reds). It was again cited by Berler as a reason for the defeat of the league-leading 1991 Pittsburgh Pirates in the 1991 National League Championship Series to the Atlanta Braves. Mike Royko used the ex-Cubs factor to predict the playoff collapse of the 104-win 1993 Atlanta Braves (which did occur in the 1993 National League Championship Series).

neg: 2017 National League Championship Series since 1988. Chris Taylor and Justin Turner were voted co-MVPs of the series. This was the third straight year the National League pennant winning team clinched at Wrigley Field. The Dodgers +20 run differential for the entire series is tied for the fourth largest in a postseason series. 2017 NLCS (4–1): Los Angeles Dodgers beat Chicago Cubs 2017 National League Championship Series The 2017 National League Championship Series was a best-of-seven playoff pitting the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Chicago Cubs for the National League pennant and the right to play in the 2017 World Series. The series was a

neg: History of the San Francisco Giants to the Twins at the start of the season, in the 1987 World Series, who beat the Cardinals in seven games. Although the team used fifteen different starting pitchers in the regular season, the 1989 Giants won the National League pennant. They were led by pitchers Rick Reuschel (1989 National League All-Star Game Starter), closer Scott Garrelts (the 1989 National League ERA champion) and sluggers Kevin Mitchell (the 1989 National League MVP with his 47 home runs, many of them clutch) and Will Clark. The Giants beat the Chicago Cubs in the National League Championship Series, four games to one.

neg: Theo Epstein playoff berth in 2015; their first since 2008. They advanced to the National League Championship Series, where they were swept by the New York Mets. Epstein re-signed with the club on September 28, 2016, with a five-year contract estimated to be worth up to $25million. The Cubs finished the 2016 season with a 103–58 record, the best in MLB and their best since the 1910 season. In the playoffs, they defeated the San Francisco Giants in the NLDS. The Cubs proceeded to beat the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS, winning their first pennant since the 1945 season breaking the

neg: 2016 National League Championship Series fly by Andrew Toles to make the score 8–4, but induced Justin Turner to ground out to end the game. The win put the Cubs on the brink of the World Series as the series moved back to Wrigley Field. Cubs pitchers Kyle Hendricks and Aroldis Chapman combined to allow only two hits and one walk, facing the minimum 27 batters, the first time this had occurred in postseason play since Don Larsen's perfect game in the 1956 World Series. The Cubs won the series four games to two and won the pennant for the first time since 1945, clinching

neg: Curse of the Billy Goat with them. The Cubs ended the 2016 season with a () record. It was their first 100-win season since 1935 (, ), their best since 1910 (, ), and the sixth 100-win season in franchise history. The Cubs won the National League Championship Series (NLCS), their first pennant in 71 years, with a 5–0 shutout in Game 6 against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Wrigley Field on October 22, 2016, the "curse" was broken on the 46th anniversary of Billy Sianis's death. In 2016, the Cubs won the World Series for the first time since 1908, ending the historic 108-year