From 1908 on, generations of Cubs fans came and went, each of them hoping, wishing, and praying to see their favorite ballclub win another world championship. After a very long wait, the blessed event finally came to pass. In the photograph below, the man who did more than anyone else to make it happen — Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein — holds the 2016 World Series Championship trophy.
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| THEO EPSTEIN |
Epstein announced this afternoon that he was leaving the Cubs after nine years and handing the reins to longtime general manager Jed Hoyer, whom Epstein hired two days after he himself was hired by owner Tom Ricketts in 2011.
Where or when Epstein resurfaces is anyone's guess at this point — but no doubt his intelligence, talent, professionalism, and class will make him welcome in any number of possible roles.
Prior to today’s press conference, Epstein released a written statement in which he shared some of his parting thoughts. Here is a brief excerpt that shows how well he understands the significance of what he and the Cubs accomplished during his tenure:
"I keep remembering that feeling from the carefree and expectant days just as we started to turn the corner on the rebuild, walking home after games inconspicuously amongst the fans — all in the jerseys of their new favorite players — hearing them talk excitedly about the upstart young team, feeling their confidence surging. And we’ll never forget the generations of families celebrating together at the parade, nor the images of Cubs pennants and hats draped on gravestones for family members who did not quite live to see the day."
Check out our book Heydays: Great Stories in Chicago Sports on Amazon.
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