It was a very good year, wasn’t it?
I think because Cubs fans waited so long – for most of us, it was the entirety of our existence – to see their team win a championship, there was little doubt that we’d do the year that followed right. In fact, there was probably always some risk we’d get a little too obnoxious about it. But I think we were solid. No Red Sox’ing here.
Today, the Cubs’ reign as champions comes to an end, and another team takes the mantle. Theirs will be the screams of excitement, the champagne showers, the late night TV appearances, the abbreviated offseason, and the 2018 hangover. Good for the Dodgers or the Astros – you can’t say this year’s World Series winner won’t deserve it.
As for the Cubs, they will officially begin the offseason today as 28 other teams will: hungry to be what that champion is. Sure, they’ll have a more recent memory of it than 28 of those other teams, but their standing, relative to a trophy, will be no more special than the other clubs. Tonight’s winner has it, and every other team wants it.
It’s a more familiar place to be for Cubs fans. That place of desire. It’s not to say this offseason will be better than last year – I had fun almost every single day just thinking about the fact that the Cubs were champions. I’m just saying the offseason might feel a little more comfortable. A little less satisfied and a little more exciting.
As for the end of the Cubs’ reign, I’m at peace with it. We’ll always have 2016. It was a very good year.
“Back in 2016
It was a very good year
It was a very good year for Chicago baseball
And cold autumn nights
With the marquee proclaiming in lights
The Cubs were the very best team
Back in 2016.”
We'll always have 2016. pic.twitter.com/17grKa9uCM
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) November 1, 2017