On October 14, 1908, the man you see here, with the wonderful name of Orval Overall, pitched a three hit shut out against the Detroit Tigers, final score 2-0, and the Chicago Cubs became the World Champions for the second consecutive year. It also was the last time they have been World Champions. Their final World Series appearance was in 1945, once again against the Tigers. Since baseball went to divisional play the Cubs have been Divisional champs 4 times and the wild card team once. in 2003 they were 5 outs away from going when a freak fan interference led to yet another collapse. Last year they shocked every one and won the division, only to be swept by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first round of the playoffs. I have been a Cubs fan since 1969. I am one of the true fans. I root for them regardless, not just when they are winning. I like the look of this years team. I have for a long time said the Cubs would win the World Series this year, and then not win again until 2108. I actually think they can do it. Lou Pinella is a great manager and the team is very solid, although injuries can change that quickly. They lost yesterday 4-3 in 10 innings to the Milwaukee Brewers, but there are 161 games to go. To use Ernie Banks line one year when they got off to a bad start, "We are just backing up for a running start."
Todays card is from the 2008 Topps Heritage set. If the Cubs are going to win these three gentlemen, Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez, and Alfonso Soriano are going to have to play up to their usual abilities and stay healthy.
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