CHICAGO (AP) — Next year has finally arrived for long-suffering Chicago Cubs fans.
At exactly 11:47 p.m. local time Wednesday, the Cubs won the World Series title that had eluded them for 108 years.
As the game ended, the roar from inside the bars and the throng of fans on the streets was deafening, before the crowds both inside and out sang “go Cubs go” at the top of their lungs.
The billy goat is dead!! As I’ve said, from the beginning, I’m getting too old for this! #GoCubsGo #FlytheW pic.twitter.com/iCOL6A3s1i
— Bob Newhart (@BobNewhart) November 3, 2016
It happened: @Cubs win World Series. That’s change even this South Sider can believe in. Want to come to the White House before I leave?
— President Obama (@POTUS) November 3, 2016
They did it! 108 years later and the drought is finally over. Way to make history, @Cubs. #FlyTheW -H
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) November 3, 2016
Enjoy the ride, champ. #MVP #FlyTheW pic.twitter.com/wgqqeaTxHX
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) November 3, 2016
Thousands poured into the neighborhood around the ball park to celebrate in the shadows of the statues of Cubs greats Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, Ron Santo and legendary announcer Harry Caray.
Fans hugged each other, many of them crying.
For the first time in more than a century there was no need to say, “Wait until next year.”
Ben Zobrist, who won the title with the Kansas City Royals last season, was named the series MVP.
The Wrigley Field marquee looks beautiful tonight. #FlyTheW pic.twitter.com/lj45V4shRd
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) November 3, 2016