Title leaves Cubs fans on top of the World

CHICAGO — John Daly was 9 years old when he got a ticket to Game 3 of the 1935 World Series between the Cubs and Tigers at Wrigley Field. He had enough money for either a program or a hot dog, and opted for the snack.

“He always regretted getting the hot dog but kept the ticket, and we have it today,” said John’s son, Tom.

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At the start of the Cubs’ 2016 season, John Daly was 90 and living in Phoenix, and Tom, who lives in Orlando, Fla., bought an MLB television package so his father could watch every game. But after the National League Championship Series, John’s health began to fade. Fourteen family members gathered in his hospital room to watch Games 5-7 of the World Series between the Cubs and the Indians.

“We smuggled in hot dogs, chips, peanuts …” Tom Daly said. “‘There was no way we were going to lose Game 7 — at least, that’s what he kept telling me.”

The Cubs did win Game 7 — in dramatic fashion, beating the Indians, 8-7, in 10 innings.

John Daly died four days later.

“Thanks, Cubbies, for the greatest send-off a man could have,” Tom Daly said.

The Cubs’ first World Series championship since 1908 was euphoric and a relief, tearful and joyful for their legions of fans. It was a magical experience that sparked a downtown parade and rally for an exuberant 5 million people and their “W” flags.

While the World Series trophy continues its goosebump tour, here’s a look at a few Cubs fans and what those seven World Series games meant to them.

Wyomania

Mark Edwards grew up in Chicago and developed a love of the Cubs from his grandfather, John Orchard, who lived a few miles from Wrigley. Edwards’ first Cubs game was July 23, 1988, when he was 8 years old, and he was able to get an autograph from his favorite …

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