Photos: Fans Go Nuts After Cubs Clinch First Division Title Since 2008

By Stephen Gossett in News on Sep 16, 2016 12:16PM

Photos by Tyler LaRiviere

It wasn't the storybook finish fans would have preferred, but it happened. It finally happened. For the first time in eight years, the Chicago Cubs are National League Central Division Champions.

Either a Cubs win on Thursday against the visiting Milwaukee Brewers or a Cardinals loss against the Giants in San Francisco would clinch the division for Chicago. The Cubs ultimately fell to the Brew Crew, 5-4; but the Giants did their part, topping the Redbirds 6-2 and sending the fans outside of Wrigleyville who stuck around to hear the West Coast results into fits of joy.

“I just love the connection to the city," said fan Chris Wilkinson. "The city wants the Cubs to do well, and they’re doing well. You gotta love Chicago, and you gotta love the Cubs—making something happen after all these years.”

The "back in" into the title didn't seem to bother him at all. “Anytime the Cardinals lose, a Cubs fan's mood is improved."

Even as the impromptu party got started, history-minded fans wouldn't let themselves get too overjoyed, realizing the very difficult road ahead.

"I feel great. There are no curses, but they still have to play good ball," said fan Steven Pulio.

Still, there's plenty of reason to be excited, as the Cubs are the statistical favorites to go the difference. “Any game managed by Joe Maddon means the best chance of winning,” added Wilkinson.

If you haven't already, you can register for a chance to buy playoff tickets here.