Theo Epstein reveals 2016 World Series twist that could've changed Cubs history

It’s a cool November day in Cleveland; the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians just battled through one of the most iconic World Series in history, and a rain delay postponed an already chaotic Game 7 with a 6-6 tie in the 10th inning. Many Chicago and Cleveland fans can close their eyes and replay everything that happened next like it was yesterday.

Ben Zobrist smacked a double down the left field line to give the Cubs the lead, Miguel Montero knocked in a clutch insurance run, and Mike Montgomery induced the final out via a groundball to third baseman Kris Bryant - delivering Chicago its first World Series championship since 1908.

It’s history that is set in stone and baseball lore. Game 7 featured some of the most dramatic twists and turns a baseball game can feature. A leadoff home run, Jon Lester coming out of the bullpen for the first time in his career, the dreaded game-tying home run from Rajai Davis, extra innings, etc. But according to former Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein, another insane scenario almost played out that day.

FOX almost changed Cubs history... by postponing the end of Game 7

In his interview on the Lovable Reunion podcast, Epstein revealed what he did during the 17-minute rain delay. He had a meeting with MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, Indians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti, and a group of meteorologists to discuss how long the weather would affect the game.

During the meeting, Epstein recalled a phone call Manfred had with an executive at FOX Sports. The network apparently tried to postpone Game 7, which was tied in the 10th inning, until the next evening because the move would be worth an additional 25 million viewers.

“They were asking about the rain, and they said we can suspend this game right now and pick it up tomorrow night in primetime," Epstein said. "It’s going to be worth like 25 million more viewers. And he [Manfred] was like, ‘As tempting as that is, we can’t f*cking do that … this is World Series, Game 7.'”

I think I speak for every Cubs fan in existence when I say, thank the heavens Manfred didn't agree to do this. Who knows what could have happened after another 24 hours. The Cubs could have decided to use someone else to close out the game. The Indians could have tied it. Or worse, walked off the Cubs in Game 7 of the World Series. That is nightmare fuel right there.

This is one of those rare times when corporate greed didn't get in the way, and this decision could have very well ruined one of the most magical evenings for the city of Chicago. Not to mention, this would have been a pretty anticlimactic way to end a World Series. Imagine waiting 24 hours to only watch the last inning of baseball for the season, and the justification would have been that there was a 17-minute rain delay.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow