For fans of the impossible, the Chicago Cubs’ World Series win late Wednesday night is a man-on-the-moon moment.
To be sure, it is a snide and upsetting planet we all share, and then for five hours Wednesday night it wasn’t. An agonizing, wonderful, jagged Game 7 became the biggest sports story of the year, and one of the finest of our lifetimes.
I mean, the Cubs? Really? A trillion tweets, and I still don’t believe it. Couldn’t sleep the night before, couldn’t sleep the night after. As a Chicago native, I feel caffeinated, buzzy, vindicated, sated. And so does anyone who ever picked the long shot, rooted for the Apaches, bet the mortgage on the underdog.
How momentous is this? The star-crossed Cubs are the world champions of baseball. A virus, a curse, an anti-gravity has finally lifted from the land.
Could this come at a better time for a twitchy and divided nation? Amid so much troubling talk, we’re all admiring baseball again, that stodgy, past-it’s-prime former national pastime. We’re talking baseball again, after a World Series as sweet as Halloween candy. It was, quite probably, the most spectacular seven-game series we’ve ever witnessed.
The best thing about sports is how it can make you feel 12 again. I’ve followed this team for 55 years — not long, but certainly long enough. It’s only a game, sure, and then sometimes it’s everything. More than the sum of our hearts. As if religion married obsession.
For more than 100 years, the Cubs have been the Great American Metaphor for hope and unbridled optimism. Not often enough does faith like this get rewarded.
On Wednesday night in Cleveland, it finally did.
So many times, modern sports seems riddled with too many rascals and malcontents. The athletes are mostly just acting the way we would if we didn’t pick up on social cues, or fear what our mothers might say. The rascals are to be forgiven, mostly. We cheer their hubris and their wayward, bring-it-on demeanors.
But to really appreciate this moment, you have to understand Chicago, if that’s possible. It’s an angry city with — till now — a giant hole in its chest. The weather is awful, the elevated trains all squeak. This time of year, the whole city starts to rust.
It’s a city that produces more big-fisted literary lions and lousy quarterbacks than it does World Series champs. It’s always too quick to fight.
In fact, in the year the Cubs last accomplished this, 1908, one player threw ammonia in another player’s face, and then was beaten to a pulp by the manager, Frank Chance.
The Cubs are no poetry society is what I’m saying, yet they couldn’t crack the mysterious code that wins a World Series. There are 108 stitches in a baseball, and it’s been 108 years since they last won a championship. A Buddhist mala has 108 beads, signifying all our mortal desires.
Yeah, it’s all religion and numerology and things we’ll never quite fathom. Fittingly, the Cubs didn’t keep it simple on Wednesday night — have they ever?
Just like players can press too hard, so can managers. The Cubs skipper yanked his starter too soon, overused his closer, botched a bunt on a 3-2 count with one out and the winning run on third.
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The Chicago Cubs celebrate after beating the Cleveland Indians on Nov. 3 in Game 7 to win the World Series at Progressive Field in Cleveland.
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Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant (17) hugs his friend after the Cubs defeated the Cleveland Indians on Nov. 3, 2016, to win the World Series.
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Relief pitcher Carl Edwards Jr. celebrates the Cubs’ World Series win with the W flag on Nov. 3, 2016.
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Cubs team President Theo Epstein celebrates the World Series win at Progressive Field.
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Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta and his family walk to the mound for a photo in the rain after Game 7 at Progressive Field.
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Cubs relief pitcher Justin Grimm celebrates the World Series win at Progressive Field.
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Chicago Cubs players celebrate after winning the World Series on Nov. 3, 2016, at Progressive Field in Cleveland.
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Team President Theo Epstein, center, with Chicago Cubs starting pitcher John Lackey (41), right, after the Cubs won the World Series on Nov. 3, 2016, in Game 7 of the World Series at Progressive Field in Cleveland.
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Chicago Cubs catcher David Ross (3) is carried by first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) and right fielder Jason Heyward (22) after the Chicago Cubs defeated the Cleveland Indians on Nov. 3, 2016, in Game 7 to win the World Series.
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Cubs manager Joe Maddon celebrates with his wife, Jaye, after the Game 7 win.
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Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) and starting pitcher Jon Lester (34) celebrate after the Chicago Cubs defeated the Cleveland Indians on Nov. 3, 2016, in Game 7 to win the World Series.
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Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant (17), facing away, and Chicago Cubs first base coach Brandon Hyde (16) after the Cubs defeated the Cleveland Indians on Nov. 3, 2016.
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Mayor Rahm Emanuel hugs Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Carl Edwards Jr. (6) after the Cubs won the World Series on Nov. 3, 2016.
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Chicago Cubs second baseman Javier Baez (9), facing, after the Cubs won the World Series on Nov. 3, 2016, at Progressive Field in Cleveland.
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Chicago Cubs left fielder Ben Zobrist (18) is given the MVP trophy after the Cubs won the World Series on Nov. 3, 2016, at Progressive Field in Cleveland.
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Chicago Cubs second baseman Javier Baez (9) celebrates after the Chicago Cubs defeated the Cleveland Indians on Nov. 3, 2016, to win the World Series.
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Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Carl Edwards Jr. (6), right, waves the W flag with shortstop Addison Russell (27) after the Cubs won the World Series on Nov. 3, 2016.
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Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jake Arrieta and first baseman Anthony Rizzo celebrate after winning Game 7 of the World Series.
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Team President Theo Epstein and the front office staff pose for a photo after the Chicago Cubs defeated the Cleveland Indians on Nov. 3, 2016, to win the World Series at Progressive Field in Cleveland.
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The Chicago Cubs celebrate after defeating the Cleveland Indians on Nov. 3, 2016, in Game 7 to win the World Series at Progressive Field in Cleveland.
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Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo throws up his arms after the Chicago Cubs defeated the Cleveland Indians on Nov. 3, 2016, in Game 7 to win the World Series at Progressive Field in Cleveland.
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The Chicago Cubs celebrate winning the World Series at the end of Game 7 on Nov. 3, 2016, at Progressive Field in Cleveland.
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The Chicago Cubs celebrate their Game 7 World Series win over the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field in Cleveland on Nov. 3, 2016.
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Cubs fans celebrate the Chicago Cubs winning the World Series against the Cleveland Indians on Nov. 3, 2016, at Progressive Field in Cleveland.
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Cubs players stream onto the field to celebrate their Game 7 win Nov. 3, 2016, at Progressive Field in Cleveland.
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The Chicago Cubs celebrate winning the World Series against the Cleveland Indians on Nov. 3, 2016, at Progressive Field in Cleveland.
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Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell (27), second baseman Javier Baez (9), third baseman Kris Bryant (17) and first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) jump as the Chicago Cubs defeat the Cleveland Indians in Game 7 to win the World Series on Nov. 3, 2016.
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Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) makes the last out in the bottom of the 10th inning to win Game 7 of the World Series between the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians on Nov. 3, 2016.
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Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant (17) cheers as the Chicago Cubs defeat the Cleveland Indians in Game 7 to win the World Series at Progressive Field in Cleveland on Nov. 3, 2016.
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Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) puts out Cleveland Indians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) in the 10th inning of Game 7 on Nov. 3, 2016.
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Chicago Cubs left fielder Ben Zobrist (18) hits an RBI double in the 10th inning of Game 7 on Nov. 3, 2016.
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Chicago Cubs catcher Miguel Montero (47) celebrates his RBI single in the 10th inning of Game 7 of the World Series on Nov. 3, 2016.
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Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) scores in the 10th inning of Game 7 of the World Series on Nov. 3, 2016.
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Chicago Cubs catcher Miguel Montero (47) hits an RBI single in the 10th inning of Game 7 on Nov. 3, 2016.
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Chicago Cubs left fielder Ben Zobrist (18) high-fives a coach after Zobrist hit an RBI double in the 10th inning of Game 7 of the World Series on Nov. 3, 2016.
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Chicago Cubs center fielder Albert Almora Jr. (5) rounds third base to score in the 10th inning of Game 7 of the World Series on Nov. 3, 2016.
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Chicago Cubs left fielder Ben Zobrist (18) celebrates his RBI double in the 10th inning of Game 7 of the World Series on Nov. 3, 2016.
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Chicago Cubs pinch runner Albert Almora Jr. (5) advances to second on a fly-out by Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant (17) in the 10th inning during Game 7 of the World Series on Nov. 2, 2013.
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Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon (70) chats with the umpires after the tarp was removed following a rain delay at Game 7 of the World Series on Nov. 2, 2013.
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Cleveland Indian players run off the field as it is covered during a rain delay at the top of the 10th inning of Game 7 of the World Series on Nov. 2, 2016.
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Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) flies over Chicago Cubs pinch hitter Chris Coghlan (8) after the forced out at second in the ninth inning during Game 7 of the World Series on Nov. 2, 2016.
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Chicago Cubs right fielder Jason Heyward (22) advances to third after an overthrown ball in the ninth inning of Game 7 of the World Series on Nov. 2, 2016.
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Fans cover themselves as rain falls in the ninth inning of Game 7 of the World Series between the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians on Nov. 2, 2016.
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Chicago Cubs left fielder Chris Coghlan (8) breaks up a double play attempt by Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) in the ninth inning of Game 7 of the World Series on Nov. 2, 2016.
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Chicago Cubs left fielder Chris Coghlan (8) slides and breaks up a double play as Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) holds the throw in the ninth inning of Game 7 of the World Series on Nov. 2, 2016.
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Cleveland Indians center fielder Rajai Davis (20) hits a game-tying two-run home run in the eighth inning of Game 7 of the World Series on Nov. 2, 2016.
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Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) watches the two-run home run hit by Cleveland Indians center fielder Rajai Davis (20) in the eighth inning of Game 7 of the World Series on Nov. 2, 2016.
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Cubs and Indians fans react to a two-run home run by Cleveland Indian’s Rajai Davis (20) in the eighth inning of Game 7 of the World Series between the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians on Nov. 2, 2016.
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Cleveland Indians center fielder Rajai Davis (20) with a two-run home run to tie Game 7 in the eighth inning on Nov. 2, 2016.
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Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell (27) can’t handle a Cleveland Indians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) single in the eighth inning of Game 7 of the World Series on Nov. 2, 2016.
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Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) takes over in the eighth inning of Game 7 of the World Series on Nov. 2, 2016.
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Chicago Cubs pitcher Jon Lester (34) speaks with third baseman Kris Bryant (17), left, and first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) before leaving the game in the eighth inning of Game 7 of the World Series on Nov. 2, 2016.
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Chicago Cubs center fielder Dexter Fowler (24) is tagged out by Cleveland Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis (22) in the seventh inning on Nov. 2, 2016, in Game 7 of the World Series at Progressive Field in Cleveland.
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Chicago Cubs pitcher Jon Lester (34) reacts to striking out Cleveland Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis (22) with two men on base in the seventh inning on Nov. 2, 2016, during Game 7 of the World Series at Progressive Field in Cleveland.
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Cleveland Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis (22) tags out Chicago Cubs center fielder Dexter Fowler (24) on a steal attempt to end the Cubs’ half of the seventh inning during Game 7 of the World Series at Progressive Field in Cleveland on Nov. 2, 2016. Second base umpire John Hirschbeck (17) makes the call.
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Chicago Cubs catcher David Ross (3) hits a solo home run in the sixth inning of Game 7 of the World Series on Nov. 2, 2016.
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Evan Rothstein, of Wilmette, celebrates Cubs catcher David Ross’ home run at a Chicago bar during Game 7 of the World Series on Nov. 2, 2016.
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Cleveland Indians fans console each other in the bottom of the seventh inning of Game 7 of the World Series between the Chicago Cubs and Indians on Nov. 2, 2016, at Progressive Field in Cleveland.
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Chicago Cubs players react after Cubs catcher David Ross (3) hit a solo home run in the sixth inning on Nov. 2, 2016, in Game 7 of the World Series at Progressive Field in Cleveland.
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Chicago Cubs catcher David Ross (3) bumps shortstop Addison Russell (27) after hitting a home run in the sixth inning of Game 7 on Nov. 2, 2016.
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Cleveland Indians player Jason Kipnis (22) dives safely into home as Cubs pitcher Jon Lester (34) tries to tag him out in the fifth inning of Game 7 of the World Series on Nov. 2, 2016.
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Chicago Cubs second baseman Javier Baez (9) scores a solo home run in the fifth inning on Nov. 2, 2016, in Game 7 of the World Series.
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Chicago Cubs fans celebrate in the fifth inning of Game 7 of the World Series on Nov. 2, 2016.
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Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant (17) on his way to scoring after a base hit by first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) in the fifth inning of Game 7 of the World Series on Nov. 2, 2016.
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Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks (28) throws in the fifth inning of Game 7 of the World Series on Nov. 2, 2016.
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Chicago Cubs catcher David Ross (3) takes over for catcher Willson Contreras (40) in the fifth inning of Game 7 on Nov. 2, 2016.
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Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) hits an RBI double in the fifth inning of Game 7 on Nov. 2, 2016.
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Chicago Cubs designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) greets second baseman Javier Baez (9) after his solo home run in the fifth inning of Game 7 on Nov. 2, 2016.
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Chicago Cubs cheer on starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks (28) in the fourth inning of Game 7 on Nov. 2, 2016.
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Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) celebrates his fifth inning RBI double as Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) walks away on Nov. 2, 2016, during Game 7 of the World Series.
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Chicago Cubs second baseman Javier Baez (9) celebrates with teammates after hitting a home run in the fifth inning of Game 7 of the World Series on Nov. 2, 2016.
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Chicago Cubs second baseman Javier Baez (9) hits a fifth-inning home run in Game 7 of the World Series on Nov. 2, 2016.
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Chicago Cubs second baseman Javier Baez (9) rounds the bases after his solo home run in the fifth inning on Nov. 2, 2016.
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Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona (17) pulls starting pitcher Corey Kluber (28) during Game 7 of the World Series on Nov. 2, 2016.
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Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell (27) watches his sacrifice fly during the fourth inning at Game 7 of the World Series at Progressive Field in Cleveland on Nov. 2, 2016.
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Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras (40) after an RBI double in the fourth inning of Game 7 of the World Series on Nov. 2, 2016.
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Henry Zabala from Skokie celebrates a pick-off during Game 7 of the World Series at Murphy’s Bleachers in Chicago on Nov. 2, 2016.
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Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras (40) doubles in the fourth inning of Game 7 of the World Series on Nov. 2, 2016.
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Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks (28) meets with catcher Willson Contreras (40) in the third inning of Game 7 on Nov. 2, 2016.
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Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) helps Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) up after being forced out at second base in the fourth inning of Game 7 on Nov. 2, 2016.
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Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks (28) after allowing a run in the third inning of Game 7 on Nov. 3, 2016.
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Cleveland Indians designated hitter Carlos Santana (41) with an RBI single in the third inning of Game 7 on Nov. 2, 2016.
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Chicago Cubs second baseman Javier Baez (9) attempts a double play but drops the ball as Cleveland Indians catcher Roberto Perez (55) is safe in the third inning during Game 7 on Nov. 2, 2016.
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Chicago Cubs second baseman Javier Baez (9) attempts a double play but drops the ball as Cleveland Indians catcher Roberto Perez (55) is safe in the third inning on Nov. 2, 2016, in Game 7 of the World Series.
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Chicago Cubs pitching coach Chris Bosio (25) visits starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks (28) on the mound in the third inning of Game 7 of the World Series on Nov. 2, 2016.
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Cleveland Indians left fielder Coco Crisp (4) is met by second baseman Jason Kipnis (22) after scoring in the third inning on Nov. 2, 2016, during Game 7 of the World Series.
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Chicago Cubs designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) is out at second base trying to stretch a third-inning single into a double as he’s tagged by Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) during Game 7 of the World Series on Nov. 2, 2016.
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Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) tags Chicago Cubs left fielder Ben Zobrist (18) out in the third inning on Nov. 2, 2016, during Game 7 of the World Series.
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Fans watch inside Sluggers World Class Sports Bar in Chicago while the Chicago Cubs play the Cleveland Indians during the second inning of Game 7 in the World Series on Nov. 2, 2016.
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Chicago Cubs right fielder Jason Heyward (22) breaks his bat and pops out to shortstop in the second inning during Game 7 of the World Series on Nov. 2, 2016.
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Chicago Cubs second baseman Javier Baez (9) forces out Cleveland Indians right fielder Lonnie Chisenhall (8) as he turns a double play to end the second inning on Nov. 2, 2016, in Game 7 of the World Series.
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Chicago Cubs second baseman Javier Baez (9) turns a double play after forcing out Cleveland Indians right fielder Lonnie Chisenhall (8), ending the second inning on Nov. 2, 2016, during Game 7 of the World Series.
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Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell (27) misses the hit by Cleveland Indians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) in the second inning on Nov. 2, 2016, during Game 7 of the World Series.
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Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks (28) delivers in the first inning on Nov. 2, 2016, during Game 7 of the World Series.
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Chicago Cubs second baseman Javier Baez (9) commits a first-inning error on Nov. 2, 2016, during Game 7 of the World Series.
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Chicago Cubs designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) steals second base in the first inning Nov. 2, 2016, in Game 7 of the World Series.
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A Cubs fan holds a sign that says “Beat Cleveland” before Game 7 of the World Series between the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians on Nov. 2, 2016, at Progressive Field in Cleveland.
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Teammates congratulate Chicago Cubs center fielder Dexter Fowler (24) after he hit a solo home run in the first inning of Game 7 of the World Series between the Cubs and Cleveland Indians on Nov. 2, 2016.
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A Cubs fans holds up a sign before Game 7 of the World Series between the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians on Nov. 2, 2016, at Progressive Field in Cleveland.
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Chicago Cubs center fielder Dexter Fowler (24) celebrates his lead-off home run with third baseman Kris Bryant (17) on Nov. 2, 2016, during Game 7 of the World Series.
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Chicago Cubs center fielder Dexter Fowler (24) celebrates his lead off home run Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016 during Game 7 of the World Series at Progressive Field in Cleveland. (Nuccio DiNuzzo/Chicago Tribune) Chicago Cubs Cleveland Indians (Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune)
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Chicago Cubs center fielder Dexter Fowler (24) reacts after his solo home run in the first inning on Nov. 2, 2016 in Game 7 of the World Series.
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Chicago Cubs Dexter Fowler (24) hits a solo home run in the first inning of Game 7 of the World Series on Nov. 2, 2016.
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Chicago Cubs center fielder Dexter Fowler (24) rounds the bases after his solo home run in the first inning on Nov. 2, 2016 in Game 7 of the World Series.
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Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) is safe at first base as first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) can’t make the catch in the first inning on Nov. 2, 2016 in Game 7 of the World Series.
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Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks (28) delivers in the first inning on Nov. 2, 2016 in Game 7 of the World Series.
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Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks (28) throws out the first pitch in the first inning of Game 7 of the World Series between the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians on Nov. 2, 2016.
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Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant (17) leaves the dugout on Nov. 2, 2016 before Game 7 of the World Series.
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Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon (70) and second baseman Javier Baez (9) in the dugout on Nov. 2, 2016 before Game 7 of the World Series.
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Chicago Cubs stand for the National Anthem on Nov. 2, 2016, before Game 7 of the World Series at Progressive Field in Cleveland.
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Chicago Cubs second baseman Javier Baez (9), from left, Cubs designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) and Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant (17) during pregame warmups on Nov. 2, 2016, before Game 7 of the World Series at Progressive Field in Cleveland.
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Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jon Lester (34) warms up on Nov. 2, 2016, before Game 7 of the World Series at Progressive Field in Cleveland.
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The Commissioner’s Trophy is walked past the dugout before Game 7 of the World Series between the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians on Nov. 2, 2016, at Progressive Field in Cleveland.
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Fans watch batting practice before Game 7 of the World Series between the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians on Nov. 2, 2016, at Progressive Field in Cleveland.
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Fans take pictures of the ballpark before Game 7 of the World Series between the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians on Nov. 2, 2016, at Progressive Field in Cleveland.
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Musician Billy Corgan, second from left, talks with sports reporters before Game 7 of the World Series between the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians on Nov. 2, 2016, at Progressive Field in Cleveland.
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The Chicago Cubs warm up on Nov. 2, 2016, before Game 7 of the World Series.
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Chicago Cubs second baseman Javier Baez (9) and teammates warm up on Nov. 2, 2016, before Game 7 of the World Series.
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Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jon Lester (34) warms up on Nov. 2, 2016, before Game 7 of the World Series.
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Chicago Cubs fans watch their team warm up on Nov. 2, 2016, before Game 7 of the World Series.
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The Chicago Cubs batting helmets are placed in the dugout on Nov. 2, 2016, before Game 7 of the World Series.
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The Chicago Cubs bats are placed in the dugout on Nov. 2, 2016, before Game 7 of the World Series.
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Chicago native Kyle Petit, currently living in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, waits for the gates to open at Progressive Field.
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Indians players play Hacky Sack as broadcasters prepare for Game 7.
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Cubs fan Noah Borden adjusts his sunglasses while waiting to enter Progressive Field.
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Paul Kim grabs a sign he made while waiting in line to purchase day-of-game tickets for Game 7 at Progressive Field.
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Cubs fan and UFC fighter Clay Guida shows off his tickets for Game 7 at Progressive Field.
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Mark Monaco, of Wheaton, eats lunch while waiting to enter Progressive Field for Game 7.
(John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune) True, sometimes the best coaching move is the one no one sees coming. Home runs usually win ballgames like this, not bunts.
Now we see why.
In the end, the real hero became an audaciously cerebral pinch runner who tagged and took second on a deep fly ball — another thing we never see.
So, now the curse is broken, the anti-gravity is gone, and we have firm evidence of a benevolent God.
Don’t forget team alchemist Theo Epstein, 42, who has now accomplished the impossible in Boston and Chicago, two cursed cities. With this, the boy genius elevates himself to best sports exec of all time and one of the finest in any field. “Epstein for President” signs will probably dot the Cubs’ victory parade.
For, on a soppy November night in Cleveland, the former San Diego law student again elevated this grand old game from a niche sport to something glorious again.
Be still, our baseball hearts. We all just touched the moon.
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Twitter: @erskinetimes
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