Emma: Cubs' Special Ride Commences At Wrigley Field
By Chris Emma--
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A great wait from his long-desired moment, Ben Zobrist's eyes were wide. A genuine look of joy came upon his face.
Soon, the Illinois native would be introduced as a Chicago Cub at the fabled Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field.
"This ballpark, to me, is the tops," Zobrist had said earlier with that same bit of beaming joy. "It's the best. I love baseball history, and I love Wrigley. It's going to be special for me."
Zobrist has longed for this moment. When he signed to a four-year, $56-million contract in December, the allure of calling Wrigley Field home was a great draw. Being a part of something special in Chicago proved to be the ultimate sales pitch.
Clark and Addison is home to baseball's World Series favorites, with Cubs baseball boss Theo Epstein building a perennial playoff threat in parallel with renovations to Wrigley Field itself. The lineup is something to behold, better resembling a fantasy team.
Anticipation stayed steady following the Cubs' run to the 2015 NLCS and only compounded with the additions of Zobrist, Jason Heyward and John Lackey to a team that was already stacked.
Fans went into a frenzy when Zobrist was introduced before Monday's home opener, returning that grin to his face. Of course, every other player plus coach, trainer, video guy and massage therapist received a raucous ovation, too.
Finally, the 2016 Cubs had taken to Wrigley Field.
"The fun begins again," Heyward proclaimed.
How good will the Cubs be in 2016? That's the hot topic of conversation around the Wrigleyville watering holes, most of which were filling with patrons by brunch time Monday.
Here's the best way to summarize it: Wrigley renovations included the conversion of a groundskeeping area behind the Cubs' third-base dugout into a partying room, in which the team will hold its postgame victory celebrations. The room includes strobe lights plus fog and confetti machines.
The Cubs specifically designed the room so their new, 30,000-foot state-of-the-art clubhouse would stay in top shape.
"We hope to use it a lot this year," Epstein said.
Ever since December, when the Cubs added Heyward and Zobrist to their core, fans have been making their mock lineups and fawning at the possibilities.
Hey, who's to stop them? Cubs fans have waited for a team like this, green with envy as division rivals like the Cardinals have coasted annually to the NL Central title. Now, the Chicago's home to the team to beat.
Fans lined the streets of Wrigleyville early Monday morning with the fresh enthusiasm of a new season, and their high hopes warranted for once.
"It's fair to say there's a really special connection between these fans and the organization, but in particular this group of guys," Epstein said. "They really care for them, and our players appreciate the fan support through the tough times and last year during the playoff run. I'm just looking forward to seeing that mutual admiration society continue."
Such expectations would bring a burden of pressure for most, but not a Joe Maddon ballclub. His Cubs are kept oblivious to the externals, through petting zoos, magicians and the joys that now come with being a Cub. Maddon's a mastermind.
Questioned about home openers past for Wrigley Field, Maddon scoffed at the concept that past Cubs failures matter. He's caught in the moment with his roster of terrific talent.
"For me, it's about today," Maddon said. "Let's do today right."
Maddon had the Cubs "Embrace The Target" ever since spring training commenced in Arizona. They cherish the chance to strive for the World Series.
Today brought a new chapter for the Cubs. Following their 5-1 start to the season on the left coast, the Cubs returned to their hyped neighborhood and historic ballpark, greeted by overwhelming sentiments.
Cubdom has this unique way of making its own feel at home. Monday marked the beginning of an extraordinarily anticipated season at Wrigley Field and what should be quite the ride.
"I'm just thrilled," Zobrist said. "It's the thrill of a lifetime."
Chris Emma covers the Chicago sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.