By eliminating the Los Angeles Dodgers in six games in the National League Championship Series the Chicago Cubs are bound for their first World Series since 1945. The Cubs last won the Fall Classic in 1908, which was the second of back-to-back titles.
They face the Cleveland Indians, who defeated the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League Championship Series. Cleveland last reached the World Series in 1997, losing to the then-Florida Marlins in seven games.
The Indians have fallen short in each of their past three opportunities to win a world championship. Prior to that, they won the World Series in 1920 and 1948.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers move up list of teams for the longest stretch between World Series appearances. Los Angeles last won the NL pennant in 1988, and they went on to upset the heavy favorite Oakland Athletics in the Fall Classic.
The 28-year drought is the sixth-longest in the Majors. The Dodgers are behind the Baltimore Orioles (1983), Milwaukee Brewers (1982), Pittsburgh Pirates (1979), Seattle Mariners and Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals who have yet to reach the World Series in their existence.
What’s more, the Dodgers set an MLB record for most consecutive postseason trips without reaching a World Series. Overcoming a record number of injuries and countless hurdles, Los Angeles did become the first team in NL West history to win four straight division titles.
