CHICAGO – November blazed like dazzling springtime in Chicago during a massive parade and rally Friday to honor the Cubs' first World Series title in 108 years.
A new generation of Cubs fans — riding in strollers or on their parents' shoulders — joined their elders to cheer the baseball champions. For the youngest, the day would be their first bright memory of following a club once known as "lovable losers."
A crowd, estimated by city officials at 5 million, lined Michigan Avenue and Lake Shore Drive to cheer the motorcade of open-roofed buses carrying the players along a 7-mile parade route from the north side ballpark to sprawling Grant Park. The city's tally included everyone who lined the route and the rally throngs. Friday was already a scheduled day off for Chicago Public Schools.
Revelers crawled up trees and streetlight poles to get a better view along the route. Others sat atop shoulders to watch the team buses shimmering under a spray of red and blue confetti.
Steve Angelo of Chicago carried his 4-year-old son, Nicholas, who held a "World Champs" sign.
"For him, the more and more they win now, at his earlier age, the more and more excitement there is," Angelo said. "There's parades, and people talk about it more on the radio and TV. It's going to be a lot more exciting now."
Manager Joe Maddon — wearing a stocking cap, sunglasses and a jersey — looked out over a sea of blue.
"Welcome to Cubstock 2016!" Maddon said. "This is an incredible moment for all of us. Never have I experienced anything like Wrigley Field on a nightly basis. ... I want to congratulate you fans also. Thank you for being so patient."
