World Series-Level Party: Watch Cubs Fans Sing 'We Are the Champions' and Mean It

CHICAGO, IL — A fan put it best before Game 5 of the World Series: "Make history or we're history." That perfectly sums up what was on the line Wednesday night as the Chicago Cubs face the Cleveland Indians for an historic Game 7 of the World Series at Progressive Field.

And even though it wasn't easy, the Cubs made history and won its first World Series title in 108 years.

Patch provided coverage during the game, spotlighting what is happening on and off the field. Editor Tim Moran was in Wrigleyviille, talking with fans and capturing the sights and sounds of the final game of this World Series.

Check out the Game 7 recap.

We Really Are the Champions! Really

Queen's single "We Are the Champions" was released in 1977, and for almost 40 years, Cubs fans could only sing it ironically. That limitation is no more.

Watch and listen to the Cubs faithful who gathered at Addison Street and Sheffield Avenue belt out a version of the song at 2:30 a.m.

—Tim Moran (3:28 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 3)

That Magic Moment

Experience the earth-shaking moment when the fans in Wrigleyville on Wednesday learned the Cubs had just won Game 7 of the World Series:

—Tim Moran (3:12 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 3)

Fans Celebrate Win With Hugs and High Fives

When third baseman Kris Bryant threw a strike to first baseman Anthony Rizzo for the final out of Game 7, the crowd outside Wrigley Field erupted with cheers and the champagne started to flow as Cubs fans finally found out what it feels like to watch the team you love win a World Series title. More importantly, the ballpark's marquee was able to proclaim the North Siders world champions.

Hugs and high fives were exchanged as hundreds of strangers came together Wednesday night at Clark and Addison streets connected by a common bond of loving the Cubs.

Although people were packed tightly into the streets around the Friendly Confines making moving anywhere difficult, things remained calm early on in the neighborhood. Chicago police and state police troopers seem to have the situation under control, and Chicagoans were high-fiving officers and chanting, "Go Cops, Go!"

The CTA Redline is not stopping at Addison, Belmont or Sheridan in Wrigleyville, and police have shut down vehicular and pedestrian traffic going southbound on Clark from Grace Street.

So far, no arrests have been reported, but some people were climbing street lamps and TV news trucks. Police have said they will let fans celebrate as long as things don't get out of hand.

In Lincoln Park, a different group of fans was at the Dick's Sporting Goods Store to be the first to purchase merchandise touting the Cubs as World Series champs.

—Tim Moran (1:02 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 3)

Emanuel, Clinton Congratulate Cubs

Two politicians with Chicago ties congratulated the Cubs on their World Series victory. Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who was in Cleveland for the game, released the following statement:

“From Opening Day in April to a historic November night, the Cubs championship season united the city of Chicago and fans around the world behind this incredible team. The Chicago Cubs winning the World Series is about more than a game, more than a team, and more than a sport. It is about the families who have passed down a love for the Cubs from mothers and fathers to their sons and daughters, and from grandparents to grandchildren. It is about generations who have come together around radios, televisions, and within the friendly confines of Wrigley Field to root for the home team and share triumphs and defeats. Cubs fans have never given up hope that this day was possible, and this young team made it happen. Congratulations to the Ricketts family, Joe Maddon, Theo Epstein, and the players, staff, and fans who together broke the longest drought in professional sports and made history this year. Go Cubs go!”

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton tweeted her reaction:

And White Sox fan President Barack Obama did the same:

—Joe Vince (12:47 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3)

Cubs Win! Cubs Win!

Cubs fans were up and down the emotional spectrum during Wednesday's Game 7. But jubilation finally won out as Chicago won, 8-7, and ended its 108-year title drought.

Here's what some of them were saying:

—Joe Vince (12:20 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 3)

Fans Amuse Themselves During Rain Delay

While TV viewers listened to Fox Sports' analysts during the brief rain delay, the crowds in Wrigleyville found other ways to pass the time. For a while, some fans began singing "99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall." Others chanted "Cleveland sucks!"

Check out what the scene is like outside Wrigley Field as Game 7 goes into extra innings.

—Tim Moran (11:21 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2)

Celebrating in Wrigleyville Put on Hold

Never has the air been knocked out of such a large group so quickly. Seconds before the Indians tied Game 7 in the eighth inning with a home run, the Wrigleyville mob had been climbing street lamps and had even taken down the walk signal at Clark and Addison.

But after Rajai Davis' shot cleared the left field wall at Progressive Field, the crowd let out a collective groan, followed by a shower of obscenities.

"It sucks" was the common sentiment heard from the fans who couldn't believe what had just happened.

—Tim Moran (10:32 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2)

More People Gathering Around Wrigley Field

With the game in the seventh inning and the Cubs up 6-3, the amount of people has tripled at Clark and Addison outside Wrigley Field. About 30 Chicago police officers have begun lining up at the nearby Taco Bell as the more people have begun to gather around the ballpark.

Police also have told fans that they can no longer re-enter bars once they've left.

—Tim Moran (9:36 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2)

Maddon Goes to Lester, Fans Go, "Not Again!"

Manger Joe Maddon made another controversial pitching move that amateur baseball experts were debating. After starter Kyle Hendricks gave up a walk with two outs in the fifth inning, Maddon pulled him and called in Jon Lester for a relief appearance. By the time the inning was over, the Indians had cut the lead to 5-3.

Maddon's decision was slightly redeemed, however, after catcher David Ross hit a solo shot in the sixth inning to make it 6-3. Ross would not have been in the game if Lester had not been brought in.

As a side note, Ross became the oldest player to hit a World Series home run. This also is the 39-year-old's final game; he's decided to retire at the end of the season.

—Joe Vince (9:10 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2)

Rain Doesn't Dampen Wrigleyville Partying

Ryan Morley, a University of Illinois at Chicago student from Elk Grove Village, spoke for a lot of Cubs fans out in the rain for Game 7: He was party hopping around the Wrigleyville neighborhood to see history made.

Watch fans — dressed in hoodies, ponchos and slickers with umbrellas in hand — keep the celebratory atmosphere going Wednesday night

And the Cubs have given them a lot to cheer about. Chicago is up 4-1 in the fifth inning 5-1 starting the sixth inning.

—Tim Moran (8:32 p.m. Wednesday, Nov.2)

Game 7 Brings Out the Werewolves of Chicago

The less-than-ideal weather Wednesday night in Chicago wasn't a huge deterrent for fans wanting to enjoy Game 7 outside Wrigley Field. About 100 people were watching the game outside Sports Corner Bar and Grill.

Even werwovles were braving the cold and rain to. Check out this video of the scene around Wrigleyville just before the game:

—Tim Moran (7:58 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2)

When Did Progressive Field Turn Into Wrigley Field East?

The Cubs might be playing at Cleveland's Progressive Field, but the crowd noise from the ballpark is making it sound like Chicago has the home-field advantage. People watching Game 7 on TV and in person have noticed that it sounds like Cubs fans outnumber Indians fans in Cleveland.

In fact, some sections at Progressive Field looked like they would be right at home at Clark and Addison:

The best description, however, comes from people calling it Wrigley Field East:

—Joe Vince (7:47 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2)

First Cubs Batter, First Cubs Run

Dexter Fowler did the best thing he could possibly do as the Cubs' first batter in Game 7: He sent the ball out of park, just over the center field fence. The solo shot — the first leadoff home run in a Game 7 in MLB history — put the Cubs on the board first, 1-0.

And to reinforce the idea that this was the Cubs' night, Kyle Schwarber even stole second base after beating out a slow-rolling single.

Are fans ready to take the Cubs' advice to fans about this game?

—Joe Vince (7:10 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2)

Cubs' Biggest Cheerleader? Wrigley Field

Fans continued to write along Wrigley Field's brick walls, immortalizing their support for the Cubs in chalk.

Green apples also were placed at the foot of the Harry Caray statue outside the ballpark at the corner of Addison Street and Sheffield Avenue.

And just in case you don't know the signficance of the green apples, check out this video:

—Tim Moran (6:52 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2)

Cubs Made Him a Baseball Convert

Wrigleyville resident Fernando has only been a Cubs fan for two years after moving to Chicago from California. He had never liked baseball before coming to Chicago, but the Cubs changed that. Now on Wednesday night, he's watching Game 7 at the Underground Bar.

And what's Fernando's prediction for the game? He thinks the Cubs break the curse.

—Tim Moran (6:32 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2)

Last Week Was Busier Around Wrigley Field

An employee at The Cubs Store on Addison Street, outside Wrigley Field, said the shop has had "a steady flow of people" throughout Wednesday. But the crowds haven't compared to earlier in the week or last week, he said.

—Tim Moran (6:25 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2)

Are You Ready for Some Game 7 Baseball?

If you need a song or a video to get you amped for a Game 7 of this magnitude, you're not much of a fan. Even people who don't follow baseball are getting exciting about seeing either the Cubs or the Indians end their World Series title droughts.

But if you still need a little something extra to get you going Wednesday night, the internet is here for you. Cubs fans have been posting "hype" videos on social media and other places, and we've picked out to of the best.

First, check out "We Got the Fire," a music video created by singer-songwriter and avid Cubs fan Katie Day, who wrote the song about her favorite team. In fact, she told the website Fansided that Chicago closer Aroldis Chapman and his blistering, 100-plus mph fastball inspired her:

"The pop of the ball in the glove was so sharp that I knew I had to write something to sample it, and thus 'We Got the Fire' was born. I really built the song around that sample. You can hear it throughout the prechoruses and choruses. Because the production is SO DIFFERENT from anything I’ve ever done, I had no idea if anyone would like it. I knew it would be 'relevant' because the Cubs are great, but I didn’t know if it would be well received. It actually surprises me how well it’s gone over considering what an experiment it was."

This isn't the first Cubs-themed song Day has penned. She also recorded "By the Lakeside," which she performed on WGN-TV last year.

The next video to get Cubs fans hyped is a spoken-word performance by pro wrestling legend Jake "The Snake" Roberts. There's something about Roberts' gravely voice saying "Cub fans, stand! Cub fans unite!" that will make even the most pessimistic fan believe this is the year.

—Joe Vince

Police Preparing for Wrigleyville Fan Crush

The neighborhood around Wrigley Field is already seeing a massive police presence, according to ESPN's pregame broadcast. A SWAT team and officers on horseback are already patrolling the Wrigleyville area, hours before the first pitch, the report added.

After Tuesday night's Game 6 victory, Cubs fan held an impromptu celebration in the streets around the ballpark, causing police to redirect traffic on Clark and Addison streets.

—Joe Vince

Fans in Wrigleyville celebrate the Cubs' World Series victory Wednesday, Nov. 2 (photo by Tim Moran)

Police increase their presence outside Wrigley Field as Game 7 of the World Series starts to wind down Wednesday, Nov. 2. (photo by Tim Moran)

Cubs fans outside Wrigley Field before Game 7 of the World Series on Wednesday, Nov. 2. (photo by Tim Moran)

Fans use chalk to write out support for the Cubs on the brick walls of Wrigley Field before Game 7 of the World Series on Wednesday, Nov. 2. (photo by Tim Moran)

Green apples were placed at the base of the statue of Cubs announcer Harry Caray outside Wrigley Field before Game 7 of the World Series on Wednesday, Nov. 2 (photo by Tim Moran)

The Wrigley Field marquee before Game 7 of the World Series on Wednesday, Nov. 2. (photo by Tim Moran)

More Cubs Coverage on Patch

The Players and Teams

• Cubs' Javier Baez Could be Honored With a Chicago Street Sign
• Sorry, Chicago, Cubs Won't Host Wrigley Field Watch Parties for Final World Series Games
• Watch Jon Lester Give a Young Cubs Fan His Cleat — and a Thrill — After Game 5 of World Series
• Eddie Vedder Dedicates Cubs' 7th Inning Stretch to Catcher David Ross
• Listen to Waveland Avenue Crowd Sing With Bill Murray During the 7th Inning Stretch
• Are Cubs Fans Schwarber-reacting to Slugger's World Series Play? You Bet
• Cubs vs. Indians: Who's Cursed Worse?
• Indians' Jason Kipnis Grew Up in Northbrook as a Cubs Fan

The Fans

• Bill Murray Surprises Indiana Cubs Fan With Extra World Series Ticket
• Dear Cubs Fans: Team Writes a Game 7 Excuse Note to Let You Miss Work or School
• Wife Hosts Parties in Epic Cubs Man Cave as Husband Travels to World Series Games
• Cubs Fans Flood Streets Around Wrigley Field to Celebrate Game 6 Win
• Taco Bell Offers Free Tacos (Yay!) Thanks to an Indians' Stolen Base (Boo!)
• Oops! Cubs Fans Cheer for the Wrong Team Leaving Wrigley Field
• Palatine Dad Surprised With Cubs World Series Tickets in Son's Feel-Good Film
• Fans High 5 Cops After Cubs' Win, Capping Wrigleyville's World Series Weekend
• Joliet Reverend Offers Spiritual Guidance to Cubs as Chaplain
• Holy Cow! Cubs Caskets and Urns Sales Show Life Thanks to World Series Run
• Joliet Family Names Baby After Wrigley Field Streets
• Oswego Homeowner Paints 2 Cubs Logos on Lawn
• Cub Fan From Northbrook Was Born in 1908
• Local Hero Paints Giant 'W' on Sister-In-Law's Oswego Lawn
• Hey, Shepard Students, What Do You Say? Mentor Program Creates Video to Cheer on Cubs
• Huge Cubs Logo Painted on Highland Park Man's Front Yard
• Grow Cubs, Grow! Manhattan Woman Paints Love for Team on Lawn
• Cubs Memories: Hitchhiking to the Game and Throwing Out the 1st Pitch at Wrigley Field
• High School Student's 1993 Yearbook Prediction: Cubs Win World Series in 2016