Cottam’s Corner: World Series has historical ramifications
October 28, 2016
After Game 2 of the 2016 World Series, the series is tied 1-1 between the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians. However, this specific World Series will hold a very specific spot in Major League Baseball history, as neither team has made the World Series in almost 70 years.
For the Cubs, the last time the franchise played in a World Series was in 1945. To put that into perspective, color television, the NBA, the Los Angeles Dodgers, velcro, and bar codes had yet to be invented. On top of that, Alaska and Hawaii weren’t even states yet. The last time the Cubs actually won a World Series was in 1908. That’s over 100 years ago. The Cubs have had their first 100-win season since 1935, when they won exactly 100 wins. The Cubs finished the season atop the NL Central, and starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks had the lowest ERA out of any pitcher in the National League this past season.
For the Indians, the last time they visited the World Series was in 1997, when they lost to the Florida Marlins. The last time they won a World Series was in 1948, three years after the Cubs last appearance. The Indians finished the season atop the AL Central division with a record of 94-67. The Indians leaded the American League for most of the summer, despite suffering two injuries to starting pitchers Danny Salazar and Carlos Carrasco.
For one team, they will get to hold the Major League trophy and be crowned the best team in baseball. They will bring a pride to their city that hasn’t been around in baseball for almost 70 years. They will get the opportunity to sign the best free agents in the offseason. For the other team, another disappointing end to the season, and another year of the drought.