On October 26, 2016, the Chicago Cubs won the World Series by defeating the Cleveland Indians 4-3 in seven games, ending the longest championship drought in modern baseball history. They hadn’t won since 1908, when Theodore Roosevelt was president. That night in Wrigleyville, the entire city erupted.
A Century of Heartbreak
One hundred and eight years. That’s the number that defined Cubs fans’ anguish. Entire generations were born, grew old, and passed away without seeing their team win a title. The Curse of the Billy Goat from 1945—when a fan was ejected from Wrigley Field for bringing a goat—became urban legend, but the truth was simpler: the Cubs lacked the talent, or couldn’t hold onto it long enough.
Theo Epstein’s Blueprint
When Theo Epstein arrived as general manager in 2011, the franchise was in ruins. The Cubs won just 61 games that year. Epstein, who had already won two World Series with the Boston Red Sox (2004, 2007), rebuilt patiently. By 2016, the team won 103 games in the regular season, posting a 97-65 postseason record. Pitcher Jon Lester was crucial in October, while Anthony Rizzo (.292 AVG, 32 HR in 2016) and Kris Bryant (NL MVP with .292 AVG and 39 HR) formed the offensive core.
The World Series: Seven Acts of Drama
Cleveland reached the Fall Classic after a historic comeback against Toronto in the ALCS. The Indians won Game 1 at Wrigley Field, but Chicago evened the series. Game 6 was memorable: the Cubs won 5-1 in Cleveland to force a Game 7. In that final game, in the rain and under the weight of 108 years, Chicago won 8-7 in 10 innings. Bryant and Rizzo hit crucial home runs, while Lester pitched seven scoreless innings.
| Player | Position | AVG 2016 | HR | RBIs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kris Bryant | 3B/OF | .292 | 39 | 102 |
| Anthony Rizzo | 1B | .292 | 32 | 109 |
| Jon Lester | SP | — | — | 2.47 ERA |
| Addison Russell | SS | .238 | 15 | 61 |
The Legacy of 2016
That championship didn’t just close a chapter of pain—it validated Epstein’s vision. The Cubs won the NL Central in 2017 and 2018, establishing themselves as a powerhouse. Bryant was the NL MVP in 2016 with a 7.2 WAR, while Rizzo posted a 6.2 WAR that season. The team proved that patience and smart building could break even the oldest curses.
FAQ
When did the Cubs last win before 2016?
In 1908. The Cubs won that year by defeating the Detroit Tigers 4-1. It had been over a century.
Who was the 2016 World Series MVP?
Jon Lester, the starting pitcher. He was instrumental in the decisive games, especially Game 7.
What happened in Game 7?
The Cubs won 8-7 in 10 innings in the rain. Cleveland tied it 6-6 in the ninth, but Chicago scored two runs in the tenth to seal the title.
