Chicago Cubs: A look back at the team Theo Epstein took over

Chicago Cubs: Not so long ago, the Cubs were a laughingstock

Epstein not only took over a dead franchise but one that had not won a championship in over 100 years. Season after season of heartbreak and misery gave the Cubs their reputation as being the biggest losers in sports. While “Wait Till’ Next Year” was always a thing, most people did not have great expectations for this team.

2011 was especially rough for Cubs fans as they not only saw another losing season but their rival St. Louis Cardinals win their 11th championship in an unreal fashion. They had watched the Cardinals make postseason after postseason while making it just four times since 1990. The idea of not only winning a World Series but also taking down the mighty Cardinals seemed like nothing more than a dream at the time.

Was anyone buying the 2011 Cubs were going to be any good? No. Guaranteed nobody was high on them despite the payroll and moves they made. What made it more painful was that there was no short-term solution to the problem and that fans would have to wait even longer just to see a competitive team on the field.

Some even questioned if the Ricketts family knew what they were doing and if they really cared about winning, or just putting giant macaroni noodles and Toyota signs around Wrigley Field.

Epstein was ready to flip the script and boy did he ever. He delivered that promise and stands poised to maintain these high standards for years to come.