Just before Game Seven of the World Series on November 2, I posited that a Chicago Cubs World Series win – at this point in the team’s (and Earth’s) history – might be the biggest remaining story in all of sports.
And I meant that world-wide.
While there may have been some bias in that assessment (maybe more than just some), I’m fairly confident that the Cubs victory (outside of maybe the Leicester City win) was one of the most exciting championship victories in recent memory, if not ever.
Well, whether or not that victory is ultimately remembered as the best championship victory/story of all-time, the Associated Press has deemed it worthy of the best sports story of the year.
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Apparently (and for what I hope are obvious reasons, given its historic relevance) the voting wasn’t close:
The Chicago Cubs' first World Series title since 1908 is overwhelmingly voted AP Sports Story of Year. https://t.co/kblanCDRwq
— The Associated Press (@AP) December 25, 2016
There were some other notable and worthy stories, though – even I can admit as much – but it’s worth pointing out that the Cubs’s first World Series title since 1908 collected 48 of 59 first-place votes for a total of 549 points. Muhammad Ali’s death after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease was second (427 points), while LeBron James leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to the franchise’s first NBA title took third with 425 points. Can’t argue with either of those, frankly.
Check out the Associated Press article here.
The story of the Cub’s World Series title, of course, was greater than just the ridiculously long drought. Yes, that was a huge part of it, but consider the series itself: The Cubs fell behind 3-1, before battling back and forcing a Game Seven. AND THEN, played the most insane singular game of baseball I can remember, full of ups, downs, errors, homers, rain-delays, and extra-inning heroics. Even without the historical context, I think that World Series would have always been one to remember.
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So when you add it all up, it’s not difficult to see why this was (easily) the top sports story of 2016. Frankly, it might be the top sports story of a lifetime.
I guess we’ll see.
Me too, pal. Me too. pic.twitter.com/FrEfw4GKWF
— Michael Cerami (@Michael_Cerami) December 26, 2016
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