Reporting from Cleveland — Life cannot give you everything. It is too fleeting, too cruel, too rooted in reality to allow the fulfillment of fantasy. But baseball, in doses both large and small, can serve as a salve, as a distraction, as a reason to believe in infinite possibility. Baseball can give you everything.
On Wednesday evening in Game 7 of the World Series, inside a ballpark packed to its capacity with fans of the Chicago Cubs and the Cleveland Indians, baseball displayed the wealth of its gifts. The sport elicits exhilaration and provokes despair. It shocks and it torments. It leaves 29 teams despondent and one team euphoric.
For the first time since 1908, a 108-year stretch that transformed black cats and billy goats into symbols of futility, the Cubs stand as the team experiencing euphoria. To end the streak, the Cubs absorbed a series of knockout blows from the Indians, survived a collapse by their flame-throwing closer and weathered a storm sweeping off Lake Erie in an 8-7 victory in 10 innings.
“It was just an epic battle,” said World Series MVP Ben Zobrist, who ripped the go-ahead RBI double off Cleveland reliever Bryan Shaw in the 10th. “I can’t believe, after 108 years, we’re finally able to hoist the trophy.”
But you can believe in baseball, a sport capable of providing nights like Wednesday and series like this one, which lasted the maximum number of games and extended into extra innings. The final moments of the evening were excruciating for the Cubs and wicked for the Indians, who had rallied from a hole that looked too deep to emerge from.
Four outs from a championship, Cubs closer Aroldis Chapman coughed up a three-run lead in devastating fashion in the eighth. After Indians outfielder Brandon Guyer hit an RBI double, fellow outfielder Rajai Davis hooked a 97-mph fastball, a sign of Chapman’s diminished velocity, off the railing atop the elevated wall in left field. Pandemonium reigned at Progressive Field.
The comeback only set the stage for the finish, an outcome delayed by a 17-minute rain delay. The Cubs looked rejuvenated after the wait, with Zobrist and catcher Miguel Montero teaming up to drive in two runs off Shaw. Davis flicked an RBI single in the bottom of the 10th, but the Indians could go no further. The Curse of the Billy Goat was over.
“We killed it,” Montero said. “It’s done. It’s over. You can’t really believe in that, man.”
The coming days will determine this game’s place in the sport’s pantheon. The performance of the players evoked wonder. The decisions of the managers provoked puzzlement. The night ended with thousands of Cubs fans ringing a road stadium, howling the strains of their anthem, “Go Cubs Go.”
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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) Zobrist etched his name into Cubs lore. By recording the final out, Mike Montgomery became the answer to a trivia question. Theo Epstein, the architect of the Cubs roster, added an achievement to a resume that already included ending Boston’s 86-year drought in 2004. Cubs Manager Joe Maddon fulfilled the vision he set forth in spring training when he encouraged his team to “embrace the target.”
“I am late to the party,” said Maddon, who was hired before the 2015 season. “I came here when all the digging had been done.”
Even before the eighth, the game had plenty of story lines. In his final big league game, Cubs backup catcher David Ross thumped a crucial home run. Jon Lester appeared in relief for the first time since 2007. Indians relief ace Andrew Miller gave up multiple runs in a game for only the second time all season. Cleveland Manager Terry Francona removed his starter too late. Maddon removed his starter too soon.
The prologue cannot be ignored, even if the climax will be remembered. Cubs outfielder Dexter Fowler opened the night with a solo homer off Cleveland’s Corey Kluber, who was starting for the third time in this series. The Cubs got to Kluber for two more runs in the fourth. Francona sent Kluber back out for the fifth, only to see Cubs second baseman Javier Baez crack another homer.
Into the game came Miller. The Cubs did not cower. Third baseman Kris Bryant stroked a single and was running on the pitch when Anthony Rizzo singled. Bryant sprinted home to give Hendricks a four-run lead.
The advantage appeared safe as Hendricks worked through the fifth. He issued a two-out a walk to designated hitter Carlos Santana. Hendricks had thrown 63 pitches and retired seven batters in a row before the free pass. But with the top of the batting order set to face Hendricks for a third time, Maddon opted for a fresh arm.
His first choice was Lester, who had started Game 1 and Game 5. The foray into relief did not go well. Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis tapped an infield single in front of home plate. A throwing error by Ross put runners in scoring position. Both came home when Lester bounced a curveball in the dirt and Ross tumbled over trying to fetch the wild pitch.
Ross did not wait long to redeem himself. With one out in the sixth, he homered off Miller and the lead expanded to three. But Lester and Chapman could not protect it. The evening would only become more fascinating.
As the rain fell, the Cubs gathered in the weight room, as outfielder Jason Heyward convened a meeting. As Zobrist retold the story later, Heyward implored his team to forget the eighth inning. Ignore the collapse. Embrace the final moments of this season.
“We’re still the best team,” Heyward told the group. “We’re going to pull this thing out.”
He was right. After the delay, Francona chose to stick with Shaw, who had picked up two outs in the ninth. Shaw lacked sharpness and the Cubs showed little mercy. The two runs came swiftly.
The end did not, not exactly. Davis’ hit cut the lead to one. It was up to Montgomery against light-hitting outfielder Michael Martinez. The last pitch of this baseball season was a curveball that caught enough plate to induce a swing. As the ball bounced toward Bryant, a smile crossed his face. A few minutes later, as the Cubs doused themselves in champagne, the Indians rubbed red eyes and exchanged weary goodbyes.
Baseball is not always like this. The games can bore you. The season can drag. But there can still be nights like this, when the only cruelty is that the season has to end.
“It was like a heavyweight fight, man,” Zobrist said. “Just blow for blow, everybody playing their heart out.”
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