The Chicago Cubs rewarded a loyal but suffering fan base last season by winning their first World Series since 1908. It was not without drama, as the Cubs overcame series deficits against the Los Angeles Dodgers and Cleveland Indians.
Included in that was coming back from a 3-1 hole in the World Series. While the Cubs were seemingly in a constant state of futility, the fans’ support in the team was unwavering. Matters began to turn when Theo Epstein was hired as Cubs president of baseball operations.
Joe Maddon’s arrival before the 2015 season accelerated the turnaround. The Cubs again find themselves in a deficit and on the brink of elimination.
Carl Edwards Jr. and Jason Heyward each expressed confidence a return home would provide the needed boost for the Cubs.
Kyle Schwarber went a step further, explaining how he believes Cubs fans differ from Dodgers fans, via Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune:
“In Chicago, we’re more blue collar, and I think our fans are more in tune to the baseball game. I feel like Wrigley knows the right time we need to get up, and things like that.”
Schwarber’s comments were part of a broader scope that included the in-game entertainment at Dodger Stadium. The music provided by DJ Severe and organist Dieter Ruehle differs greatly from Wrigley Field, where video boards are only a recent addition.
While Dodger fans tend to have a poor reputation and stereotypes applied to them, the team was the first in the Majors to three million in home attendance this season. It’s a sixth consecutive year in which the Dodgers have reached that mark.
During the stretch they’ve led the Majors in home attendance in all but one year (2012). Furthermore, the fan base has regularly been lauded by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and several players for their intellect and support.
