Chicago Cubs: World Series win voted top AP sports story of 2016
There is rarely anything unanimous in sports, even when you’re the Chicago Cubs. But the ending of a 108-year drought was enough to get them voted the top sports story of 2016 by the Associated Press.
For some, 2016 can’t go fast enough. From sports to entertainment, the world has lost a lot of good people this year. But in the midst of all of that loss were the Chicago Cubs. I guess it’s somewhat fitting after many years of losing, the Cubs had finally fought back and won.
The World Series win was enough for the AP to vote it the 2016 sports story of the year. The Cubs win received 48 of 59 first-place votes and 549 points in the balloting by AP writers and editors. The death of the great Muhammad Ali was second, while LeBron James bringing a title to Cleveland was third.
There were so many different storylines that filled this team. From David Ross and his final season to the rise of Kris Bryant. Anthony Rizzo‘s ridiculous tarp and wall catch to the youngsters putting their stamp on this team. And if all these little things weren’t enough, do we need to mention that they were down in the series 3 to 1 as they went to play their final game of the season in Chicago?
Don’t stop believing
The “feel good” Cubs didn’t look to be the favorites anymore as the Cleveland Indians looked close to ending their drought while sending Chicago to year 109 of futility. But that didn’t happen. This group of rookies mixed with veterans found a way. Winning three games in a row wasn’t difficult. They had done it on multiple occasions throughout the year. But this was the World Series, this had to be “rah-rah” talk, right?
It was more than that. This was a collection of players that put the team first and were determined to not have to “wait ’til next year’. It wasn’t just about them, but the fans. The family members that hadn’t had the chance to witness a winner. 108 years is a LONG time. This team didn’t want to hear any more of that talk again.
The Cubs may be favored again as we head into next season. The young core is intact, and the veterans around them would love to be part of the dynasty the team may be building. There are no guarantees when it comes to sports. But if the Cubs can repeat as World Series champions? They could be the AP’s top story once again in 2017.
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