Update: The Chicago Cubs are World Champions, winning 8-7 in the 10th inning of Game 7, and ending the longest championship drought in Major League Baseball history. Read below about some of the Black players who made history and helped put them over the top.

Could it really happen? After 108 years, are the Chicago Cubs about to give their fans a gift that their generations before them had lived their entire lives without seeing?

If this goes down Wednesday night in Game 7, it will make history as this lineup is the first to feature Black players on the Cubs roster in the World Series.

The Cubbies fought the Cleveland Indians back over the course of the last few games and tied the series at 3-3 Tuesday night. So take a look at these picks from their roster before the game and we’ll see if they can help them do what they haven’t done since 1908.


Dexter Fowler
The center fielder is regarded for his offensive and defensive skills. But we’ll have to see if he holds up in the outfield against Cleveland’s sluggers as well as performing at the plate.

Addison Russell
His grand slam in Game 6 helped to keep the the Cubs alive, pushing their lead to seven runs Tuesday night. Will his bat heat up again in Game 7?

Carl Edwards Jr.
The 25-year-old pitcher climbed his way up from the minors and into the Cubs’ bullpen. Will he be called onto the mound to help with shutouts?

Jason Heyward
Earlier in the series, he avoided a Steve Bartman incident with an astounding catch in foul territory. But Wednesday night, the right fielder’s same defensive skills will be in high demand.

Aroldis Chapman
Manager Joe Maddon made the controversial decision to place Chapman in to close out Game 6, and it worked. He’s likely to go in as reliever after starter Kyle Hendricks retires and fans will watch keenly what he does on the mound.

Ernie Banks
No, Mr. Cub won’t be playing in Game 7, but he will be there in spirit and that may be enough to push the Cubs to a win. The beloved 1st baseman and shortstop died in 2015, but his memory lives on in the hearts of fans, many of whom will dedicate a win to him.