Chicago Cubs: Reliving a World Series celebration on Opening Day 2017

Almost a year ago, the Chicago Cubs celebrated opened Wrigley Field with a massive celebration. A celebration that ended over 100 years of misery and finally brought peace to a loyal fanbase.

On the night of November 2nd, 2016, veteran play-by-play man Joe Buck said the words, “This is gonna be a tough play…Bryant, the Cubs…” — cue darkness. What followed was a mob of Chicago Cubs’ rushing the field, celebrating like children.

Meanwhile, fans in attendance and millions watching at home were overcome by a wave of emotions. I, myself, remember my face going numb as my Father pulled me to him before tears flowed.

Not only because we were celebrating for ourselves but for his Father and other Cubs’ fans who passed on before this night. Family.

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After all the years of heartbreak, hopes, dreams, wishes, and clever wordplay, it was our time to enjoy something nearly everyone else has gotten a taste of– especially, those New York Yankee fans.

Back in Chicago, millions of fans rallied throughout the streets, mainly outside Wrigley Field and waited for our heroes in pinstripes to begin their celebratory parade.

When the 2017 schedule was released, one date was circled almost immediately. April 10, 2017, Opening Day at Wrigley Field with the Los Angeles Dodgers in town, setting up an NLCS rematch.

Raising the World Series banner

Before co-NLCS MVP Jon Lester taking the mound opposite Alex Wood, the Chicago Cubs made their way to the brick-covered Ivy. A key feature which makes Wrigley Field what it is. Each member of that World Series team, minus Dexter Fowler and David Ross, helped raise the banner.

Also, Cubs’ great Fergie Jenkins raised the 1908 World Series banner. It was great to see him at the ballpark, only wish Ernie Banks and Ron Santo were able to be there with him to enjoy the evening.

Led by first baseman Anthony Rizzo, the Cubs made their way onto the field as No. 44 raise the World Series trophy high above his head. Rizzo was the obvious choice to carry out the trophy.

At the end of the night

When it was all said and done, Wade Davis picked up the decision in a 3-2 Cubs win over the Dodgers. Lester yielded one earned run on four hits, one walk, and seven strikeouts through six innings of work. He also picked up an RBI in the contest.

For both Rizzo and Kris Bryant, their 2016 magic carried over into the new campaign. Bryant gave Chicago a 1-0 lead with an RBI double in the third while Rizzo delivered a walk-off RBI single in the ninth.

An evening that felt surreal capped with the Cubs mobbing each other yet again. What went through my head at that exact moment?

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“This is gonna be a tough play…Bryant, the Cubs win the World Series! Bryant makes the play. It’s over, and the Cubs have finally won it all..8-7 in 10.”