The 2016 World Series marks my 25th Fall Classic… How ironic that my silver anniversary World Series is one of such historic significance! I’ve seen some great moments in my previous 24 Fall Classics, particularly the White Sox World Championship run in 2005. Joe Carter’s walk off, Kirby, the Earth Quake Series, Derek (Mr. November) Jeter… wow! Now this! I’ve got just one word to describe it all… SWEET!
The Cleveland Indians pause during the National Anthem during pre game ceremonies prior to Game One of the 2016 World Series versus the Chicago Cubs at Progressive Field in Cleveland Ohio on October 25, 2016.(Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos)
For the first time in 71 years, the Chicago Cubs will be participants, along with the Cleveland Indians. The Tribe, while participants in the Series in 1997, haven’t won the World Series since 1948. And of course, the Cubs, who havn’t won the World Series in 108 years…
Bottom line… SOMEONE is going to finally update their resume!
For me, the most significant aspect of being able to cover the Cubs historic reappearance in the Fall Classic is to enjoy watching my north side counterpart, Steve Green, the Cubs team photographer since 1981, experience the joys I enjoyed while living the dream in 2005 with my beloved Chicago White Sox White Sox! Such a special time… I’m elated Steve has FINALLY gotten to the “Promised Land” with a chance to earn a ring.
Yours truly with Steve Green, the longtime Chicago Cubs team photographer, prior to Game One of the 2016 World Series.
Both clubs seemed loose and ready to go, and it’s no coincidence considering that both clubs league champion status starts at the top with their managers, Tito Francona and Joe Maddon. These guys are good…
Indians manager Terry “Tito” Francona and Cubs manager Joe Maddon shake hands during player introductions prior to Game One of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio on October 25, 2016. (Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos)
For the benefit of my many baseball friends, both Cubs and Indians, I’ve decided this year my blogs are going to be very photo heavy with minimal story… Enjoy!
Cubs manager Joe Maddon high fives his players during pre game introductions prior to Game One of the 2016 World Series in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos)Kris Bryant hugs manager Joe Maddon prior to Game One of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio on October 25, 2016. (Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos)
Oh yeah, by the way… The Indians and Corey Kluber dominated the Cubs in Game One. Kluber struck out 9 in six innings of work. Back to the photos…
Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber walks off the mound to end an inning after striking out Kris Bryant, one of nine strikeouts recorded by Kluber over his six innings of work during Game One of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio on October 25, 2016. (Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos)
The offensive hero of Game One was Tribe catcher Roberto Perez, who clubbed two home runs in the Indians 6-0 white wash of the Cubs…
Roberto Perez of the Cleveland Indians hits the first of his two home runs for the night, this one in the fourth inning of Game One of the 2016 World Series against the Chicago Cubs at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio on October 25, 2016. (Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos)Roberto Perez of the Cleveland Indians celebrates after hitting the first of his two home runs for the night, this one in the fourth inning of Game One of the 2016 World Series against the Chicago Cubs at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio on October 25, 2016. (Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos)David Ross of the Chicago Cubs falls while making a catch during Game One of the 2016 World Series against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio on October 25, 2016. (Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos)Roberto Perez of the Cleveland Indians celebrates with Jason Kipnis and teammates after hitting the second of his two home runs for the night during Game One of the 2016 World Series against the Chicago Cubs at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio on October 25, 2016. (Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos)
With threatening weather in the forecast, which prompted an unprecedented game time first pitch change to try and beat the rain, Game Two was all Cubs.
Jake Arrieta of the Chicago Cubs looks on during Game Two of the 2016 World Series against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio on October 26, 2016. (Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos)Jake Arrieta of the Chicago Cubs took a no-hitter into the sixth inning during Game Two of the 2016 World Series against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio on October 26, 2016. (Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos)Kyle Schawarber of the Chicago Cubs hits an RBI single during Game Two of the 2016 World Series against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio on October 26, 2016. (Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos)Kris Bryant of the Chicago Cubs celebrates with Ben Zobrist after scoring during Game Two of the 2016 World Series against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio on October 26, 2016. (Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos)Aroldis Chapman and Willson Contreras of the Chicago Cubs celebrate in a light drizzle after Game Two of the 2016 World Series against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio on October 26, 2016. (Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos)The Chicago Cubs celebrate after Game Two of the 2016 World Series against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio on October 26, 2016. (Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos)
Game Three is tomorrow night at Wrigley Field, the first World Series game played at Wrigley in 71 years! I’m looking forward to being there to record history. The weather forecast is for unusually warm temps and the wind blowing out.
