"I think in '08, '03, we were lucky to be there," says Shelley Gilbert, a Cubs fan. "This year we deserve it, especially the back half play."
There seems to be some alchemy going on: the unexpected talent of pitching ace Jake Arrieta and the unexpected combination of young players having a great time resulting in the unexpected record of winning 97 games.
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"It's not a science, it's an art and this comes out as a masterpiece," says ESPN Senior Writer Lester Munson.
Munson says the final stroke on the masterpiece is manager Joe Maddon, a leader who understands the technology of the game will still bringing a level of fun and eccentricity.
"He brought animals, a zoo to the ball park," Munson says. "He had ball players wear pajamas on an overnight flight, he brought a magician, then they won nine games in a row."
This is a team fans believe can make this city move beyond the goat.
"It's just a magical season," Gilbert says.