Cubs Players Mark 10 Years Since 2016 World Series Win With Wrigley Gate Unveiling

Chicago Cubs players and executives returned to Wrigley Field this July to mark the 10th anniversary of the team's World Series victory. The group gathered to unveil a new champions gate at the Clark Street entrance of Gallagher Way. The archway displays plaques for the organization's three title teams from 1907, 1908, and 2016. Space remains on the structure for future champions.

More than 20 players and coaches from the 2016 roster participated in the festivities. The event was part of a larger weekend celebration that included a private gathering with nearly all members of the title team. Left-hander Jon Lester noted that his oldest son was 6 years old when the Cubs won in Cleveland on November 2, 2016. Lester said the reunion allowed players' children to see each other for the first time in a decade. He described the scene as a family picking up where they left off.

Theo Epstein, who served as president of baseball operations before the 2012 season, used the occasion to reflect on the decade since the title. Epstein acknowledged missteps and errors in judgment during his tenure. He stated he would not have voluntarily left the organization after the 2020 season if the Cubs had failed to win in 2016. Epstein described feeling liberated after returning from Cleveland with the trophy. He said the group was fearless and viewed the drought not as a burden but as an opportunity.

Ben Zobrist, the 2016 World Series MVP, emphasized the team's chemistry. Zobrist noted that the Cubs were considered the team to beat even at the end of spring training. He said the group included hungry veterans and young players seeking their first title. The starting rotation played a central role in the championship run. The five starters combined to throw 64.8% of the pitching staff's total innings. Jon Lester recorded a 2.44 ERA, Kyle Hendricks posted a 2.13 ERA, and Jake Arrieta finished with a 3.10 ERA.

The 2016 Cubs share a statistical rarity with the Toronto Blue Jays of that year. Both teams had five pitchers make at least 29 starts during the regular season. Jake Arrieta described the squad as a collective effort rather than a reliance on individual stars. He called the team a perfect cocktail of right ingredients. David Ross, who became Cubs manager in 2020, credited the title with elevating his career and personal life. Ross now co-hosts a weekly baseball podcast with Anthony Rizzo.

The Cubs have won only one postseason series since 2017, which came in last year's wild-card round. The Milwaukee Brewers have held a stranglehold on the division and remain one of MLB's best teams. Current general manager Jed Hoyer and his staff built the best defense and offense in the majors this year. However, pitching shortcomings prevented the team from advancing further. Epstein expressed confidence that the franchise will add more championships in the future.