Chicago Cubs: 5 years ago today, Miguel Montero sent Wrigley into chaos

The Chicago Cubs are getting close to wrapping up a disappointing season, and Wrigley Field just hasn’t been rocking the way it was a few years ago. As we’re about to close the book on a season that has been largely forgettable, perhaps this would be a good time to look back on a happier time at the Friendly Confines.

The 2016 season carries lots of memories that fans will have for the rest of their lives. There’s the epic comeback against the San Francisco Giants in the National League Division Series. There’s the winning of the National League pennant at Wrigley Field against the Los Angeles Dodgers. And of course, it was all capped off with that thrilling Game 7 win against the Cleveland Indians in the World Series.

Those are all great memories that I will cherish forever. Yet one memory stands out for me because I was in attendance: It was the day the Cubs celebrated winning the NL Central title on September 16, 2016. It’s hard to believe that was five years ago now, but I still remember vividly being there back when Wrigley was on fire for their Cubs.

Chicago Cubs: A thrilling win, followed by a raucous celebration

It had been years since my mother had attended a game at Wrigley Field, and she wanted to go, so I found us some good reasonably-priced seats for a late-season Friday afternoon game. I bought the tickets a few weeks in advance, hoping this would be the day that the Cubs would clinch the NL Central (which they were so far ahead it was a foregone conclusion).

As it turned out, the Cubs mathematically clinched the division the night before with a St. Louis Cardinals loss. Joe Maddon sat many of the regulars on this day, so that was a bit of a disappointment for me, though I understand why he did it.

It was a thrilling game, regardless of the circumstances, with the Cubs taking on the Milwaukee Brewers. The teams were tied at two going into the seventh, when the Brewers rallied for two runs to take a 4-2 lead. The Cubs then rallied for two in the bottom of the ninth, then won it on a Miguel Montero walk-off home run in the tenth, 5-4.

The Cubs piled on each other at home plate, and the celebration just morphed into a bigger celebration of winning the NL Central crown. The players hung around on the field for a long time before going into the clubhouse to celebrate. Music was blaring over the speakers. Fans stayed in their seats, refusing to leave. It was the most thrilling experience I’ve ever had at Wrigley Field.

I’ve been to many Cubs games before and since, but none quite like this one. As I reflect on that day, I’m so thankful that I decided to attend that game and that I had an opportunity, not only to see a great win, but also to see a celebration of what was the first step toward a World Series title. Hopefully, it won’t be too long before those great days return to Wrigley Field again.