Almost Got To See the Cubs Win World Series

A few lifelong Cubs fans came tantalizingly close to seeing their team win the World Series.

Today, Chicago Cubs fans around the world are celebrating the team’s World Series win, the franchise’s first in over 100 years. With a century-plus-long drought to weather, Cubs fans showed they are among sports’ most enduring. Generations cheered on the Chicago Cubs, waiting and waiting for their beloved Cubbies to even make it to the ultimate series, let alone win.

For every Cubs fan who cheered his or her team to victory Wednesday night, there are many more devoted fans who never got to see the Cubs win – or even play in – the World Series. A few lifelong Cubs fans came tantalizingly close, though. Here are a few who almost got to see the Chicago Cubs win the World Series. Though they died before the Cubs' epic win, we imagine somewhere in heaven they were watching, probably saying “Holy cow!” like the rest of us.

Ginny Hollahan, 62, loved watching TV and especially enjoyed Chicago sports teams. She was thrilled to see the Cubs reach the World Series!

Tanner Michael Stuhr, 22, loved all sports but … his beloved CHICAGO CUBS (they need to win the WORLD SERIES FOR HIM!) were undoubtedly his favorites.