2016 World Series Facts for Kids

The 2016 World Series was a super exciting baseball championship! It was the 112th time this big event happened in Major League Baseball. Two famous teams played against each other: the Chicago Cubs from the National League and the Cleveland Indians from the American League. The Cubs won the series in seven thrilling games. This was a huge win for them because it was their first World Series title since way back in 1908! They made an amazing comeback, winning after being behind 3 games to 1.

The Road to the Championship
Game 7: A Classic Showdown
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The Road to the Championship

The 2016 World Series was a best-of-seven series. This means the first team to win four games would become the champion.

Early Games: Indians Take the Lead

The Cleveland Indians started strong in Game 1. They won 6-0. Their pitcher, Corey Kluber, was amazing. He didn't let the Cubs score any runs for most of the game.

But the Chicago Cubs fought back in Game 2. They won 5-1, tying the series at one game each. Jake Arrieta was the winning pitcher for the Cubs.

Shifting to Wrigley Field

The next three games were played at Wrigley Field, the Cubs' home stadium. The Indians played very well there.

They won Game 3 by a score of 1-0. Coco Crisp hit the only run-scoring hit in that game.

The Indians also won Game 4, 7-2. This gave them a big lead of three games to one. It looked like the Indians might win the series very soon.

Cubs Fight Back

The Cubs were not ready to give up! In Game 5, they won 3-2. This important win meant the series would go back to Cleveland. A Cubs pitcher named Aroldis Chapman pitched for almost three innings without letting the Indians score. This helped the Cubs win.

Then, the Cubs had a huge win in Game 6. They won 9-3! Addison Russell had an amazing game, hitting six runs batted in (RBIs). This tied a World Series record. This big win forced a Game 7, meaning the championship would be decided in the very last game.

Game 7: A Classic Showdown

Game 7 was one of the most exciting baseball games ever! It was compared to other famous World Series games because of how intense it was.

Early Action in Game 7

The Cubs started Game 7 with a bang! Dexter Fowler hit a home run right at the start of the game. But the Indians tied the game in the third inning.

The Cubs then took a big lead, making the score 5-1. However, the Indians started to catch up. A mistake by Cubs player David Ross and a wild pitch allowed the Indians to score two runs. The score became 5-3.

David Ross then hit a home run for the Cubs in the sixth inning. This made the score 6-3, giving the Cubs a bit more breathing room.

Indians Tie the Game

In the eighth inning, the Indians made a huge comeback. Brandon Guyer hit a double that scored a run, making it 6-4. Then, Rajai Davis hit a two-run home run! This tied the game at 6-6. The crowd went wild!

Rain Delay and Extra Innings

After nine innings, the game was still tied. Then, it started to rain! There was a 17-minute delay. Everyone wondered what would happen next.

When the game started again in the tenth inning, the Cubs scored two more runs. Ben Zobrist and Miguel Montero both hit important singles that scored runs. The score was now 8-6 for the Cubs.

In the bottom of the tenth, the Indians tried to come back again. They scored one run, making it 8-7. But then, Cubs pitcher Mike Montgomery got the final out!

Cubs Win the World Series!

The Chicago Cubs won the 2016 World Series! This was a historic moment because it ended their 108-year wait for a championship. It was a huge celebration for Cubs fans everywhere. Ben Zobrist was named the World Series Most Valuable Player Award for his great playing.

Images for kids

Progressive Field, a few hours before Game 1 of the 2016 World Series
Jake Arrieta earned the win in Game 2.
Coco Crisp drove in Game 3's only run.
Corey Kluber earned his second win of the series in Game 4.
Kris Bryant hit a home run for the Cubs in Game 5.
Addison Russell had six runs batted in in Game 6, tying a Series record.
The Cubs celebrate after their 9–3 win over the Indians in World Series Game 6
Ben Zobrist won the World Series Most Valuable Player Award.
The tarp on the field during the 17 minute rain delay.
Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo celebrates the final out of the 2016 World Series, after his putout.
Chicago Cubs celebrate their World Series championship victory.
Cubs players celebrating on the field moments after winning Game 7 and the World Series.
Cubs fans celebrating in Wrigleyville.
The Chicago Cubs visit the White House in January 2017.
Cleveland Indians' 22nd consecutive win in 2017, just four shy of the MLB record