The Chicago Cubs ended a 108-year championship drought by defeating the Cleveland Indians 8-7 in ten innings during Game 7 of the 2016 World Series. This victory on November 2, 2016, at Progressive Field erased the infamous Curse of the Billy Goat and delivered the franchise's first World Series title since 1908. What started as a dominant regular season ended in one of the most dramatic extra-inning elimination games in sports history.
Joe Maddon's squad entered the postseason carrying the weight of generations of frustrated fans. After overcoming a three-games-to-one deficit against Cleveland, the Cubs cemented their place in baseball lore through clutch hitting, strategic bullpen management, and relentless resilience.
Building the Roster: How the Cubs Ended the Drought
Ending a century-long championship drought doesn't happen by accident. President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein and General Manager Jed Hoyer executed a multi-year rebuild that traded established veterans for elite prospects and high-value draft picks.
The foundation relied on a young core of position players who reached the majors together:
- Kris Bryant: The powerful third baseman won the National League MVP award in 2016, anchoring the middle of the order with poise.
- Anthony Rizzo: The emotional leader and first baseman provided consistent defense and left-handed power.
- Javier Báez: A dynamic utility infielder whose aggressive baserunning and elite glove won over fans during the postseason.
- Addison Russell: The young shortstop provided steady defense and contributed key home runs in high-leverage October moments.
To complement these rising stars, the front office added veteran stability. They signed utility man Ben Zobrist and outfielder Dexter Fowler, and traded for elite starting pitcher Jake Arrieta. This blend of youthful exuberance and veteran experience created a roster built to withstand the mental pressure of a historic championship chase.
The Regular Season and Playoff Path
The 2016 Chicago Cubs didn't just sneak into the playoffs; they dominated from Opening Day. They finished the regular season with a 103-58 record, capturing the National League Central division title by a wide margin. The pitching staff posted a league-best ERA, led by Kyle Hendricks, Jon Lester, and Arrieta, while the offense scored runs efficiently.
The postseason test proved much tougher:
- National League Division Series: The Cubs defeated the San Francisco Giants three games to one, sealing the series with a furious ninth-inning comeback in Game 4.
- National League Championship Series: Facing the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Cubs dropped two early games before bouncing back behind dominant pitching to win four straight, capturing their first NL pennant since 1945.
- The World Series: Pitted against a resilient Cleveland Indians team managed by Terry Francona, the Cubs fell into a deep three-games-to-one hole, putting their championship dreams on the brink of elimination.
Anatomy of Game 7: A Historic Finale
Game 7 of the 2016 World Series delivered every emotional extreme possible in a single night of baseball. Chicago jumped out to an early lead, scoring runs off Cleveland starter Corey Kluber. Dexter Fowler led off the game with a historic home run, becoming the first player to hit a leadoff home run in a World Series Game 7.
The Cubs extended their lead to 5-1 by the fifth inning, looking safely on their way to a blowout victory. However, baseball is rarely simple. Cleveland chipped away against Chicago's bullpen. In the bottom of the eighth inning, Rajai Davis hit a stunning two-run home run off closer Aroldis Chapman, tying the game at 6-6 and sending Progressive Field into a frenzy.
A brief 17-minute rain delay before the top of the tenth inning allowed the Cubs to regroup in the dugout. Kyle Schwarber singled to start the tenth, and pinch-runner Albert Almora Jr. tagged up to advance on a deep fly ball by Bryant. Zobrist then laced a clutch double down the third-base line, driving in Almora to break the tie. Miguel Montero followed with a crucial insurance single, pushing the lead to 8-7.
Cleveland answered with a run in the bottom half off relief pitcher Mike Montgomery, but Montgomery induced a ground ball to third base for the final out, sparking a celebration a century in the making.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of Game 7 in the 2016 World Series?
The Chicago Cubs defeated the Cleveland Indians 8-7 in ten innings.
Who won the World Series MVP award in 2016?
Ben Zobrist won the World Series MVP award after hitting .357 with the series-winning RBI double in the tenth inning of Game 7.
How long was the Cubs' championship drought before 2016?
The Cubs went 108 years without winning a World Series title, having previously won in 1908 before breaking the streak in 2016.
Who recorded the final out of the 2016 World Series?
Relief pitcher Mike Montgomery induced a ground ball from Cleveland hitter Michael Martínez, which was fielded by Kris Bryant and thrown to Anthony Rizzo for the final out.
