CHICAGO – The legacy of the Cubs team that hoisted the World Series trophy a decade ago extends beyond just ending the franchise’s 108-year title drought. That group not only shook off the perceived curses around the team, but created a shift in culture. Winning became the expectation.
A large contingent of the 2016 Cubs gathered at Wrigley Field on Saturday to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the historic championship. The reunion included players like Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, Javier Báez, Willson Contreras, adn manager Joe Maddon.
“it’s special,” Rizzo said. “It’s really special to be back hear with these guys.It feels like yesterday, but also a lifetime ago.”
The celebration included a pregame ceremony where the team was honored on the field. Players shared stories and reminisced about the unforgettable run that captivated the city of Chicago and baseball fans worldwide.
“What we did was bigger than baseball,” bryant said. “We brought a city together. We gave people hope. And that’s something we’ll always be proud of.”
The 2016 Cubs overcame a 3-1 deficit against the Cleveland Indians in the World Series, winning the final two games on the road to secure the franchise’s first championship since 1908.The victory ended a 108-year drought and lifted a weight off the shoulders of generations of cubs fans.
“It was a magical time,” Maddon said. “A group of guys who believed in each other and played with a lot of heart. It’s something I’ll cherish forever.”
The reunion served as a reminder of the special bond that was forged during that championship season. The players and coaches remain close, and they continue to share a connection that transcends the game of baseball.
“Two pitches,” Montero said of Montgomery’s Series-clinching appearance. “The best two pitches in Cubs history.”
Forever linked to that final out, Montgomery said it took time for the full gravity of the moment to hit him.
“We’re so wrapped up in us as a team and doing it for your teammates,” Montgomery said.”But I remember when we got back on the plane at 6 a.m. or whatever it was,to have the fire department,police department and the greeting that we got on our team plane. And then that parade. That was when I think it really hit me.”
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MLB Team Relocations and Expansions: A Historical Overview
Major League Baseball has seen 14 franchises relocate and 12 expansions as 1903, reshaping the league’s geographic footprint and competitive landscape. These moves have been driven by factors including stadium issues, financial viability, and market opportunities.
Early Relocations (1903-1950s)
The earliest relocations often stemmed from financial instability or the desire to tap into larger markets.The Baltimore Orioles, such as, moved to new York in 1903 and became the New York Highlanders (later the Yankees). This shift marked the beginning of the Yankees’ dynasty.Another notable early move was the Boston Braves relocating to Milwaukee in 1953, becoming the Milwaukee Braves, a team that would win the World Series in 1957.
The expansion Era (1961-1998)
The 1960s ushered in a period of significant expansion. The American League added teams in 1961 – the Washington Senators (later the Minnesota Twins) and the Los Angeles Angels – and the national League followed suit with the Houston Colt .45s (later the Houston Astros) and the New York mets. further expansions continued throughout the following decades, adding franchises like the san Diego Padres (1969), the Seattle Mariners (1977), and the Colorado Rockies and Florida Marlins (1993). The Marlins, now the Miami marlins, represent one of the more recent expansion teams.
Recent Moves and Trends (1998-2026)
More recent relocations have been driven by stadium concerns and market potential. The Montreal Expos moved to Washington D.C. in 2005, becoming the Washington Nationals, after years of struggling to secure a new ballpark in Montreal.
Here’s a list of some notable MLB team relocations:
- Baltimore Orioles (to New York, 1903) – Became the New York Yankees
- Boston Braves (to Milwaukee, 1953) – Became the Milwaukee Braves
- Brooklyn Dodgers (to Los Angeles, 1958)
- new York Giants (to San Francisco, 1958)
- Kansas City Athletics (to Oakland, 1968) – Became the Oakland Athletics
- washington Senators (to Minnesota, 1961) – Became the Minnesota Twins
- Montreal Expos (to Washington D.C., 2005) – Became the Washington Nationals
As of January 18, 2026, there are 30 MLB franchises, a result of both expansion and relocation. The league continues to evaluate potential markets for future expansion, with cities like Nashville and portland often mentioned as possibilities.
