Entering the 2016 MLB betting season, the top sportsbooks had the Chicago Cubs pegged as the favorites to win this year’s World Series. Several months down the line, the Cubs have failed to disappoint and are on their way to proving several preseason predictions true. Coming into the season, there were plenty of reasons to jump onto the Cubs bandwagon, but seeing Chicago pull through is still a momentous occasion.
After all, the last time the Cubs made the World Series was back in 1945, and the last time they won it was in 1908. You know, the year of the Tunguska event. So to say that the city of Chicago is ecstatic would be an understatement, especially when considering the horrors they’ve had to endure at the hands of the city’s NFL team.
Winning a championship is always something that ignites a city, just ask Cleveland. After enduring one of the worst championship droughts in the history of North American professional sports, Cleveland finally got their taste of glory, all thanks to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Earlier this season it appeared that the Cavs’ magic had rubbed off on the Indians, when they shocked sportsbook fans by winning 14 consecutive games. Now it seems that Cleveland’s magic has yet to worn off, and the city is dangerously close to having another pristine opportunity for jubilant celebration.
The Cavaliers won their title in a spectacular fashion, but this time around Cleveland will be hoping for a much cleaner victory. But unlike the NBA Finals, this time the sportsbooks will be favoring Cleveland. While it is debatable how much of an advantage having home field during the World Series actually makes, there’s no debating the fact that the Indians will be enjoying it for the length of the 7 game series.
This year’s World Series marks the Indian’s sixth World Series appearance and their first since 1997, with their last championship win being back in 1948. Interestingly enough, this year’s matchups features the two teams with the longest World Series droughts. Combined, the Indians and the Cubs have a total of 176 years without a championship, almost 50 more years than the previous record holders.
Fans looking to tune into the series to catch the results of their predictions can do so via FOX and online at MLB.tv. All games will have an 8:00 PM EST start time. Tuesday’s night contest will mark the official start of the series, and Game 2 will be held Wednesday night. Both teams will take a short rest before taking to the field on Friday and Saturday for Games 3 & 4. If necessary, Games 5, 6, and 7 will be played on Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday respectively.