Chicago Cubs: Why is this year any different?

The Chicago Cubs are legitimately good and that is why this season feels different from previous ones.

Remember the last time the Chicago Cubs won a World Series Championship?

Of course you don’t because that was 108 years ago. The only way you witnessed it is if you are one of the approximately 200 living people who were also alive in 1908.

In predictable fashion, every Cubs fan worth their merit insists this is THE YEAR the Cubs will win a World Series Championship. Just like they have for the last 108 years and just like they will continue to do so for the next 108 years. They insist this year is different. No black cats, no billy goats named Murphy, no Steve Bartmans and certainly no opponent who has the same last name as the aforementioned billy goat and slashes .529/.556/1.294 with four home runs and six RBIs in the National League Championship Series.

It’s just the irrational optimism that comes with the territory of being a Cubs fan. An irrational optimism so ingrained in the DNA of Cubs fans they think their team will win no matter the circumstances. The Cubs could field a lineup of 18-year-old minor league players and fans would still think that this was THE YEAR.

Despite this long history of futile optimism, something about 2016 feels different.

Oct 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; The Chicago Cubs celebrate after defeating the St. Louis Cardinals 6-4 in game four of the NLDS at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /

Maybe it’s 2015 National League Manager of the Year Joe Maddon, who spews optimistic Cub’s propaganda, brings flamingos and leopards to the clubhouse, and tells his players regarding the impending dress code that “if you think you look hot, you wear it.”

It’s tough to feel pessimistic about the Cub’s chances when Maddon seems like the second coming of famous Cubs broadcaster Harry Caray, both in appearance and enthusiasm.

It’s as if the stars aligned in October 2014 when the Cubs hired Maddon, and Carey’s ghost was reincarnated in the body of Maddon to lead the Cubs to the World Series that the former never got to see.

More from Da Windy City

Maybe it’s the array of young position players.

Third baseman Kris Bryant smiled his way to 99 RBIs and 26 home runs in his rookie season on his way to the National League Rookie of the Year Award. Shortstop Addison Russell showed flashes of brilliance with his glove although his bat remains a work in progress. “Catcher” Kyle Schwarber hits the ball about 500 feet every time he matches up with a right-handed pitcher, and Javier Baez and Jorge Soler showed flashes of outstanding power in 2015. The elder statesman among this group is Kris Bryant at 24 years and two months old.

Conventional wisdom says that all these players will build upon their strong performances in 2015.

Maybe, the veteran players that supplement the youngsters are talented enough to make this year different from the previous 108. New additions Jason Heyward and Ben Zobrist join incumbent position players Anthony Rizzo, Miguel Montero and David Ross as projected key contributors in 2016. Rizzo is a legitimate MVP candidate after finishing fourth for the award in 2015. Heyward and Zobrist bring elite defense, needed on-base skills and veteran leadership to this team. Montero and Ross look to mentor the next wave of Chicago Cubs catchers.

Why does this year feel different? Because it would seem like a horrible injustice if Grandpa Rossy couldn’t retire on top. He may not have to if the following observations are accurate.

"“Last year was good,” said Ross about the atmosphere during Spring Training. “Really good. But this year, I don’t want to say it’s night and day, but it’s even better. The young players have a year under their belts, the postseason experience … and everybody thinks in terms of, what can I do to help the team. I’m telling you, it’s special. It’s genuine.”—-Quote obtained by Sports Illustrated writer Tom Verducci"

Maybe the starting rotation is good enough to make this year different. There’s a former Cy Young Award winner, a young gun and three talented old guys. Collectively, the entire group has 50 games of postseason experience and four World Series Championships. That is encouraging.

Maybe it’s the often forgotten bullpen. According to ESPN.com, the Cub’s bullpen recorded a 3.38 ERA last season which was eighth best in the MLB during the regular season. In the playoffs, the collective ERA improved to 3.16 in eight games. With most of the guys from last season returning, this group could be even better in 2016.

All the aforementioned factors synthesize to create a hope among fans that for once doesn’t seem irrational. That is what is different about the 2016 season. The “wait until next year” slogan that has symbolized Cubs fandom finally carries weight. The Cubs have a fantastic shot of breaking their World Series drought this season and everybody, everywhere knows it.

Even Las Vegas pegged the Chicago Cubs at 4 to 1 odds to win the 2016 World Series.

The Cub’s chances of winning a World Series Championship are no longer hopeless wishes or wild shots in the dark. Valid hope has finally returned to the hallowed turf of Wrigley Field and the 2016 season should be something special as a result.

The Cubs are good, Cubs fans know it and you can bet they won’t let you hear the end of it. For the first time in years, Cubs fans’ trash talk carries both validity and substance.

Next: Biggest Question Facing Each Chicago Cubs Starting Pitcher

So sit back, grab some popcorn and maybe a hot dog and watch the magic unfold.

Home/Chicago Cubs