Under a clear sky in comfortable November weather, the Cubs celebrated their first World Series title since 1908 with an estimated 5 million of their closest friends lining the parade route and gathering at Grant Park.
Before the Cubs arrived, a fan wearing a Cardinals jacket saluted them as their buses and trolleys sped along Lake Shore Drive en route to the ceremony.
At the event, Chairman Tom Ricketts spoke to the assembled faithful of the "new culture" that has engulfed the Cubs' expanding community.
President Theo Epstein took a break from his "little bender" to praise the fans for their loyalty and his baseball operations department that helped transform a 101-loss team during his first season in 2012 to the ultimate triumph in baseball.
But for all the light-hearted moments ranging from shortstop Addison Russell's "moonwalk" on stage to left-hander Travis Wood sporting a camouflage vest, the emotion of the moment caught up with slugger Anthony Rizzo. After thanking everyone behind the scenes, from traveling secretary Vijay Tekchandani to strength/conditioning coach Tim Buss to the Latin American staff to the minor league coaches to the players' wives, girlfriends and parents, Rizzo choked up some.
Toward the end of his remarks the first baseman, a club leader who represents one of the franchise's first building blocks, had to take a pause while explaining how he met veteran catcher David Ross after the 2014 season and suggested to his agent that Ross was exactly what the Cubs needed "to bring everything together."
"He taught myself how to become a real winner," Rizzo said. "He's like a brother to me."
Dexter Fowler walked over to buck up Rizzo as he composed himself.
"(Ross) taught me a lot in life on the field and off the field how to be a better person," Rizzo said. "I'm forever grateful for him. He's going out a champion forever."
And as far as Rizzo is concerned, so are many of the previous players who wore the Cubs jersey but fell short of expectations, no matter how large or small they were.
"I was here during the bad times," said Rizzo, who was part of the 101-loss team after being traded from the Padres. "And I got so much into the culture of the Chicago Cubs that every single person that has worn this jersey I feel has won the World Series with us.
"Kerry Wood, (Ryan) Dempster, Ernie (Banks), who is looking down so bright right now."
Never has a reception been louder for an executive than it was for Epstein, who was serenaded to chants of "Theo, Theo" from a large group of fans while a sign that read "Theo For President" was hoisted.
Venerable radio play-by-play announcer Pat Hughes reminded the crowd that Epstein was responsible for ending World Series droughts with the Red Sox and Cubs that covered more than 190 years.
"Not only one of the best current executives in the game, but one of the best who ever lived," Hughes said in introducing Epstein.
In discussing the lean years that included the 101-loss season and the trading of several veteran players, Epstein quipped, "Let's be honest. For a while there, we forget the "not" in "Try Not To Suck," Epstein said in a reference to one of the many popular slogans of manager Joe Maddon.
Maddon seized his moment merely by sporting the latest version of his charity T-shirts that read, "We Did Not Suck."
"Welcome to Cubstock 2016," Maddon said as he addressed the throng covering the spacious park. "I wasn't there in 1969, but I wish (Woodstock music legend) Richie Havens was here. That would be outstanding."
Jon Lester was a little overwhelmed when he addressed the crowd by saying, "How about this "(stuff).
"Sorry, kids."
No apology was necessary when Rizzo waited till the end of the ceremony to deliver the game ball from the final out to Ricketts.
"This is part of history forever," Rizzo said in presenting the lasting symbol of the Cubs achieving their ultimate goal.
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