Chicago Cubs: One fan recalls the story of Game 6 of the 2003 NLCS

At this point, it’s Dustiny

Dustiny. That’s pretty creative, right? I chuckled. Kudos to the Bleacher Bum who had that sign.

It’s not talked about now, but Sosa put together a really good set of at-bats in Game 6. After his RBI double in the first, he beats out an infield grounder on a shattered bat. I can’t help but wonder: if Chicago wins it all in 2003, is all forgiven between Sosa and the fans?

I guess that’s another story for another day. The next batter, Moises Alou, steps in and quickly lines a ball to left, giving the Cubs two on with nobody out. Is this where we bury the knife in the Marlins and erase all doubt?

So much for that; a 6-4-3 double play erases Alou as Sosa moves to third. What looked like a key chance to take a commanding lead seemingly evaporates right in front of my eyes.

BUT WAIT.

Dontrelle Willis comes in to face Randall Simon, who might be the most free-swinging player I’ve ever seen based on this game. Good ole’ Dusty Baker counters with the veteran Karros and all of the sudden, Willis lets one fly, it gets to the backstop and Sosa races home to score. Cubs lead it 2-0!

As we open the seventh, Wrigley is about to explode with anticipation. That second run changes everything; the 39,500-plus felt it, I felt it that night – and watching in February 2017. The next batter absolutely crushes a ball but the wind pulls it harmlessly down in left for the out.

Two more flyouts and it’s time to stretch. Bernie Mac leads the Wrigley crowd in ‘Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” improvising with, “Root, root, root for the champs.”

You had to do it, didn’t you Mac?