As the hot pick to win the World Series before the season even started, the Cubs have been the team to watch. Dating back to 1876, the Chicago Cubs is one of the oldest continuing franchises in United States professional sports. Although the team has a brand new feel, with new acquisitions such as Ben Zobrist from the reigning KC Royals and young sluggers such as Rizzo and Bryant, the Cubbies still have the classic touch. For both loyal and new fans alike, the 2016 Chicago Cubs have become everything to love about American baseball and here's why!
1. Joe Maddon...enough said.
For the last several years, the Cubs have been in a very dark rebuilding phase. This all changed when Theo Epstein lured veteran manager Joe Maddon to the Chicago Cubs. In his first season as manager, Maddon managed to take a struggling ball club and turn them into a powerhouse. In one season, he managed to win 97 games, win NL Manager of the year, and to bring the Cubs to the NLCS since 2003. Joe Maddon knows how to win and how to have fun while doing it.
2. They're not only team mates but friends.
Speaking of knowing how to have fun while doing it, the clubhouse has a totally new livelihood. It has now become the norm see the entire team wear matching onesie pajamas or for players to come rushing out of the dugout wearing buckets after winning games. The relationship between Rizzo and Bryant is one of the strongest in recent baseball memory. The two stared in a series of commercials where the two open a souvenir company called “Bryzzo.” Even though the company doesn’t exist, their bromance clearly does.
3. They have an impeccable taste in music.
Not only do their walk up songs motivate the players but with all different tastes in music they set the mood for a fun day in the park fans of all ages. To just name a few, Dexter Fowler's is "Jumpman" by Drake & Future, Justin Grimm "GDFR" by Flo Rida, Rizzo's "Panda" by Desiigner, grandpa David Ross appropriately has "Forever Young" by Alphaville while others have songs like "Friends in Low Places" by Garth Brooks and "Purple Haze" by Jimi Hendrix.
4. The "Friendly Confines" of Wrigley Field and it's surroundings.
Wrigley Field is one of the best ballparks in all of baseball. It’s the second oldest behind Fenway Park and has seen a rich history of classic baseball moments. The park has recently gone through some renovations in the past few years adding new scoreboards and seating making it better than ever. Wrigleyville has also been a buzz since the Cubs has been winning. With some of the best bars in Chicago, it’s a great place to grab a meal or a drink before or after the game.
5. How can you not root for the (107 year) underdog?
The Chicago Cubs have the most loyal fans in all of baseball who are dying to see their beloved team win a championship. So why can't this be our year?
