Chicago Cubs: The significance of the basket at Wrigley Field

Chicago Cubs: Memorable moments of ‘The Basket’

For the Chicago Cubs, the basket came to play a vital role during the 2016 postseason. In the inaugaral NLDS game, in a 0-0 game in the eighth inning, Javier Baez stepped to the plate to face Johnny Cueto.

In an attempt to sneak one by Baez, Cueto made a quick pitch that off the bat looked like it was about to travel 500 feet. Unfortunately, the shifting winds decided to play a role in its distance. Fortunately, the shifting winds affected it just the right amount as it came directly down above San Francisco Giants outfield Angel Pagan, landing in the basket.

The Cubs gained the momentum that night that propelled them to the World Series against the Cleveland Indians. When Cubs fans reminisce about the world championship winning season, Baez’ home run still remains one of the most excitable moments in the playoffs.

The other defining moment, and arguably the momentum shifting moment the Cubs needed came in Game 5 of the World Series. Facing a two-game deficit in the biggest series of the year, and trailing 1-0 in the fourth inning, Kris Bryant sent one into the night, clearing the wall for a game-tying solo home run. While it barely cleared the wall, it ended up in the basket as fans frantically reached for the souvenir.

Forty-seven years prior, construction workers were adding the chainlink fencing across the ivy-covered brick, area by area. Fast forward so many years later, and we’re still talking about an addition that helped change the course of a franchise.