Fansided

5 reasons a Cubs-Indians World Series needs to happen

By Roje Smith

Jun 17, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant, left, celebrates his grand slam in the ninth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 17, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant, left, celebrates his grand slam in the ninth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER, 17 – Francisco Lindor #12 of the Cleveland Indians and teammate Rajai Davis #20 celebrate after defeating the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 3 of the ALCS baseball series at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, October 17, 2016. (Richard Lautens/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER, 17 – Francisco Lindor #12 of the Cleveland Indians and teammate Rajai Davis #20 celebrate after defeating the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 3 of the ALCS baseball series at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, October 17, 2016. (Richard Lautens/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /

2. The rise of Believeland

Earlier in this calendar year, LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers ended a 52-year drought where the city didn’t have a champion in a major sport. Prior to the Cavs, the last champion was the 1964 Cleveland Browns in the pre-Super Bowl era. Therefore, the Forest City was due for some happiness and they may experience it again if the Indians can go all the way.

As stated earlier, the Indians haven’t been to the World Series since 1997 and they last won a world title in 1948. The last time that they were in the ALCS prior to this year was in 2007 where they lost to their current manager, Terry Francona. They now have Francona on their side and a more balanced attack than Indians teams in the past. Cleveland also has the support of LeBron and the Cavaliers who have been seen in attendance at ALCS games in Progressive Field. Not only has their presence between supportive, but it’s also been inspirational.

With the city still buzzing after the Cavaliers’ historic championship season, the buzz is growing even more due to the Indians’ success this year. They had a franchise-best 14 game winning streak which coincidentally took place right after the Cavs captured the NBA championship. Additionally, many of the Indians’ players experienced career highs in one category or another.

Cleveland has been known as a city of disappointment for many years until LeBron, Kyrie Iriving and company brought them to the promised land. The Indians are on the verge of bringing them to the baseball version of it. The rise of “Believeland” is real and its growth will continue if the Tribe can stamp their ticket to the Fall Classic. They would have a chance to make Cleveland the first city since Boston to represent the NBA and MLB champions in the same season.

Home/MLB Postseason