Joe Maddon, manager when Chicago Cubs became World Series champions, reminisces on 2016 team
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Chicago Cubs' 2016 championship season was celebrated at Wrigley and with a Loveable Reunion at the Chicago Theatre.
Manager Joe Maddon, who led the team to victory, was back in town with his players for the 10th anniversary of the World Series.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
Maddon hosted a fundraiser Sunday night.
"This group was destined to do what we did; the combination of character and fearlessness, all the different qualities that permit you to be in the present tense, they have," Maddon said.
Maddon also famously combined his love of food with a passion for feeding those in need.
He hosted a fundraiser as part of "Thanksmas" program, helping Chicago's Care for Friends.
"I think for the homeless folks that are out there, to have a really solid meal, you look them in the eyeballs and you know somebody does care, it makes a difference," Maddon said.
Maddon and some of the 2016 players reminisced this past week.
"I love this place; that five years was magical. We did win the World Series. The destiny component, destiny circling for years, waiting for the group, this group that I had could not be more authentic, could not be more real, could not be more tight and could not have had more fun," Maddon said.
"He was the perfect manager for our group; we had young guys, veterans. They're brothers. When you do something special like that, connection is unspoken. We're family, so much love between the guys, the fans. When you're a part of something this special, you're connected for life," David Ross said.
"That card in my back pocket was dripping with numbers. However, when the game is in progress, you know what happens -- stuff -- and when stuff happens, those numbers are useless. That's where experience, intuition and feeling come onboard," Maddon said. "It is so imbued within me, the history and the legend of the game. At one point I fantasized about it. Then I became connected to it. The fantasy alone is enough but to become connected, what an honor."
