Emma: Another Moment To Savor In The Cubs' Special Season
By Chris Emma--
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Cubs fans of every living generation dreamed of a celebration like what occurred Tuesday night at Wrigley Field.
It wasn't the party of the century (plus seven years), but the first ever series clinching at their home park was something to cherish. The Cubs took the next step in their World Series aspirations, reaching the NLCS with a 6-4 win against the rival Cardinals in Game 4 of the NLDS. It was time for a celebration.
"I've been waiting my whole life for this," an elderly man said as he wept in Section 434.
Raw emotions took over for those on hand at Wrigley -- the fans who have waited for a winner like this, the front office that put it together, the players who have worked toward a World Series and so many more who have hoped for a Cubs championship. They're one step closer.
I attempted to interview actor John Cusack, a lifelong Cubs fan. I hardly got a word in before he began hugging me. There were plenty of hugs to go around for the latest celebration.
"It's hard to put into words," veteran catcher David Ross said.
The Cubs have partied now three times this season. They first popped bottles on Sept. 26, the day after clinching a playoff berth, despite losing 4-0 to the Pirates on that afternoon. It was a celebration of the regular season, and rightfully so. Just last Wednesday, they went wild at PNC Park, having beaten the Pirates in the one-game wild-card. That commemorated making it to face the Cardinals.
What happened at Wrigley Field on Tuesday night was the latest moment of a memorable season. The Cubs lit up the disco ball and danced in the clubhouse, sprayed champagne and toasted drinks, then took it to the field and joined the fans. Cubs bench coach Davey Martinez led players atop the dugout, where they offered high-fives and doused fans with champagne.
It's on to a bigger stage for the Cubs, who are now even closer to the World Series.
"We're a scary team," Cubs ace and Cy Young candidate Jake Arrieta said amid the on-field celebration.
Theo Epstein brought "The Plan" to Chicago four years ago, when he agreed to become the Cubs' baseball boss. He gutted the franchise's futility and started from scratch, building -- and losing -- until the Cubs became a winner. It brought in Arrieta, Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, Kyle Schwarber, Jon Lester and nearly the entire cast of characters.
Chicago made quite the statement in getting past St. Louis, the gold standard of the National League, and moving on to the NLCS. It was further proof that what the Cubs have built is a tremendous success -- and here to stay for a long, long time.
"Nothing is promised, in baseball or life," Epstein said. "We're excited about all the tomorrows, but we have to go earn it."
Surely, the Cubs are well on their way. But another monumental step toward sustained success is something to celebrate. Because, after all, there have been so few celebrations at Wrigley Field.
Perspective isn't a concept that Cubs fans need when their team is celebrating its latest accomplishment. Either the Mets or Dodgers will be tough in the NLCS, and looking past them would be wrong.
But Tuesday night, Cubs fans were lost in dreams of what could be to come. This magical season is moving on to greater heights and promise. Their team is doing something truly special -- perhaps a feat well worth a lifetime of waiting.
Follow Chris on Twitter @CEmma670.
