Least successful sporting club in the free world

[Toy Saint]

The Chicago Cubs have made it to the World Series, their first since 1945. They have not won the title since 1908, that's 108 years.

St Kilda have been in business since 1873, and have one premership in 1966, that's 50 years ago. In our history we have collected about 27 or 28 wooden spoons.

Is there another less successful club anywhere?

Will we be 'rootin' for the Cubbies?

[Wayne42]

I will be rooting for the Cubs, i've watched all the finals games so far.

It's a great game.

[Sainternist]

Let's not forget that their opponent in the fall classic is the Cleveland Indians. The Tribe has only won the World Series once, way back in 1948. They last played in the World Series in 1997 and lost it to the (then) Florida Marlins in a heartbreaking seventh game.

This is the ultimate underdog World Series. Regardless of who wins, it'll be a fairytale.

[George27]

The Cubbies for me. The Indians have a distinct advantage, as if it goes to 7 games they play 4 at home. But the Cubbies are the classic hardluck/ cursed club ( eg Billygoat, Steve Bartman) , and it would be great to see them break the curse. Aroldis Chapman the key - 103 mph closer.

[kosifantutti]

If you get a chance, watch "Catching Hell" the 30 for 30 documentary on ESPN. Excellent show and you just had to feel for Steve Bartman.

[Enrico_Misso]

Bartman was a scapegoat. The ball was outside the field of play. He wasn't responsible for the hitting spree that happened next.

[Sainternist]

Aroldis Chapman the key - 103 mph closer.

The Cuban Missile looked vulnerable in a couple of games in the series against the Giants and Dodgers. But it was when Joe Maddon brought him in when it wasn't a save situation. He helps the Cubs if they have a 3 run or less lead going late into a ballgame, but he's certainly not the key. Cubs first three in three in their rotation (Lester, Hendricks and Arrieta) are far more important. Also the form of Baez, Bryant, Rizzo and Russell will play a huge factor whether they'll win or not.

[prwilkinson]

Go Cubbies!

[8856brother]

Let's not forget that their opponent in the fall classic is the Cleveland Indians. The Tribe has only won the World Series once, way back in 1948. They last played in the World Series in 1997 and lost it to the (then) Florida Marlins in a heartbreaking seventh game.

This is the ultimate underdog World Series. Regardless of who wins, it'll be a fairytale.

Bit like the 97 GF should have been!

[Life Long Saint]

Is Rick Vaughn starting for the Indians?

[St Chris]

I reckon we're probably second, behind the Washington Generals.....

[George27]

Aroldis Chapman the key - 103 mph closer.

The Cuban Missile looked vulnerable in a couple of games in the series against the Giants and Dodgers. But it was when Joe Maddon brought him in when it wasn't a save situation. He helps the Cubs if they have a 3 run or less lead going late into a ballgame, but he's certainly not the key. Cubs first three in three in their rotation (Lester, Hendricks and Arrieta) are far more important. Also the form of Baez, Bryant, Rizzo and Russell will play a huge factor whether they'll win or not.

Yep I have to admit I have probably overstated Chapman's role, but I have long been entranced by his ability consistently to throw it over 100. I am also fascinated by the whole concept of the closer, the guy who only comes on for 3 or 4 outs, to preserve a lead. In 2013 - the last season of the greatest closer , Mariano Rivera, I was at New Yankee stadium. Alas the Orioles led in the ninth , so he did not pitch- then the Yankees rallied to win in a walk off in the bottom of the 9th.

MLB live is unreal , and the side entertainment is marginally better than "Beat the Bayside Biker "!

[Sainternist]

Aroldis Chapman the key - 103 mph closer.

The Cuban Missile looked vulnerable in a couple of games in the series against the Giants and Dodgers. But it was when Joe Maddon brought him in when it wasn't a save situation. He helps the Cubs if they have a 3 run or less lead going late into a ballgame, but he's certainly not the key. Cubs first three in three in their rotation (Lester, Hendricks and Arrieta) are far more important. Also the form of Baez, Bryant, Rizzo and Russell will play a huge factor whether they'll win or not.

Yep I have to admit I have probably overstated Chapman's role, but I have long been entranced by his ability consistently to throw it over 100. I am also fascinated by the whole concept of the closer, the guy who only comes on for 3 or 4 outs, to preserve a lead. In 2013 - the last season of the greatest closer , Mariano Rivera, I was at New Yankee stadium. Alas the Orioles led in the ninth , so he did not pitch- then the Yankees rallied to win in a walk off in the bottom of the 9th.

MLB live is unreal , and the side entertainment is marginally better than "Beat the Bayside Biker "!

Yeah, Mo Rivera was the greatest closer. That cutter he had certainly broke a lot of bats. He's one of the few I fully respect. Billy Beane was of the philosophy that closers are most often overrated. Trevor Hoffman was an interesting closing pitcher, with his weapon being the opposite to say Chapman's 100+ mph fastball: a changeup. Hoffman had the record number of saves until Rivera surpassed it in the latter stage of his career.

[Jacks Back]

I reckon we're probably second, behind the Washington Generals.....

They were hopeless.

From 1953 until 1995, the Generals played exhibitions against the Globetrotters, winning only six games, the last in 1971, and losing more than 13,000.

[Sainternist]

Is Rick Vaughn starting for the Indians?

No, he wasn't in the starting rotation in MAJOR LEAGUE, he was the team's closing pitcher. Many people in Cleveland wanted Charlie Sheen to throw the ceremonial first pitch before one of the Indians' home games during the world series, but Major League Baseball wouldn't have a bar of it. Sheen posted this video on his twitter: http://fox8.com/2016/10/26/charlie-shee ... the-tribe/

[Life Long Saint]

Is Rick Vaughn starting for the Indians?

No, he wasn't in the starting rotation in MAJOR LEAGUE, he was the team's closing pitcher. Many people in Cleveland wanted Charlie Sheen to throw the ceremonial first pitch before one of the Indians' home games during the world series, but Major League Baseball wouldn't have a bar of it. Sheen posted this video on his twitter: http://fox8.com/2016/10/26/charlie-shee ... the-tribe/

Yes, he was.

He was overlooked in the final game in favour of Harris but brought on in the ninth inning after Harris was relieved in the ninth inning. Remember the conversation on the team bus when the coach told Vaughn that he was starting Harris over Vaughn...Why would he tell him that if he wasn't in the starting rotation?

"The Wild Thing" was in the starting rotation.

[thejiggingsaint]

CUBS!!!!!!! GO CUBS!!!!!! Love the Chicago Cubs just a WEE bit less than the Yankees! After seeing "Taking care of Business" how could I NOT want them to win the World Series? Jim Belushi at his absolute best!