After Disappointing End To 2015, Hope Springs Eternal For Cubs
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Cubs' October run came to an end Wednesday night. Fans watched as their field of dreams became the scene of a Mets playoff celebration, after sweeping their way to the World Series.
For Cubs fans, hope always springs eternal, but even more so this year. For once, the words "wait till next year" seem more like a genuine expression of hope than grasping at straws after falling short of the ultimate goal.
One fan showed exactly how he felt Wednesday night as the Cubs lost to the Mets, 8-3, in Game 4 of the NLCS, to end their surprising playoff run. He pulled out a trumpet to play Taps, mourning the end of an exciting season and dashing the hopes and dreams of winning the World Series this year.
While it was a disappointing end to the season, the Cubs said they're proud of how far they made it. This was their first appearance in the National League Championship Series in 12 years.
With the momentum the team has built, thanks to a lineup full of rising young stars, fans and players alike said next year could be the year.
"We know what we can do as a team,"rookie slugger Kyle Schwarber said. "So, I guess obviously there's a pit in the stomach, but trust us, we'll all be looking forward to next year."
Added pitcher Jake Arrieta: "Collectively as a unit, if we weren't able to come together and have these young players play so well on a consistent basis, we wouldn't be here. So that's special. They need to understand how special that was, how well they played; set or tied some records with young players in post season."
All in all, the Cubs accomplished a huge feat, coming within four wins of the World Series in a year most expected them to be competitive, but not quite ready for the playoffs.
"It sucks. This feeling sucks, but you look at bright side of everything. It's a good feeling that we have this feeling," first baseman Anthony Rizzo said. "No one had us here right now. We proved ourselves right a lot of the way, and we fell four games short of going to the World Series."
Players, management, and fans alike all were optimistic for next season, knowing there will be a chance to add even more talent in the offseason to a team already brimming with it.