Sports

World Series at Wrigley Field: Who Can Follow Bill Murray's Legendary 7th Inning Stretch?

PLUS: Babe Ruth's "called shot" | How to watch Game 4 on TV and online | Tips on going to Wrigleyville | Are Cubs over 1945 Game 4?

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Edit linkFor the first time since 1945, the Chicago Cubs are four wins away from the promised land: a World Series title. But to get there, the Cubs must face the Cleveland Indians, the American League champions who have home-field advantage in the series thanks to the AL's victory in the All-Star Game. Here's your quick guide to what you need to know before the first pitch of Game 4 is thrown.

2016 World Series: Cubs vs. Indians

Cleveland leads in the best-of-seven series, 2-1. Check out the Game 3 recap.

GAME 4

First Pitch: 7:08 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29

Where: Wrigley Field

TV | Radio | Streaming: Fox 32 Chicago (WFLD-TV) | 670 the Score (WSCR-AM), ESPNRadio 1000 (WMVP-AM) | Fox Sports Go

Pitching Matchup: John Lackey (0-0, 5.63 ERA) vs. Corey Kluber (3-1, 0.74 ERA)

Series Schedule

  • Game 5: 7:08 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30
  • Game 6*: 7:08 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1
  • Game 7*: 7:08 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2

*if necessary

Cubs Set Musical Lineup

In Game 3, Bill Murray led the Wrigley faithful in a memorable rendition of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" during the seventh inning stretch. Who gets the unenviable task of following that performance in Games 4 and 5? Singing duties for those games belong to Vince Vaughn (Saturday) and Eddie Vedder (Sunday).

Thankfully, the team decided against using Kyle Schwarber's a cappella talents.

Do 2 Goats Equal Good Luck

Depending on your beliefs, the last World Series Game 4 played at the Friendly Confines before this year led to the Cubs' drought appearing in the Fall Classic. It was during that 1945 game that Billy Goat Tavern owner William Sianis hexed the team with the Curse of the Billy Goat.

A Michigan couple, however, decided to make sure the Curse of the Billy Goat was definitely broken by bringing their own goat, Millie, to Friday night's game, according to DNAinfo.com. Unfortunately, Millie provided as much good luck to the Cubs in Game 3 as Murphy, the name of Sianis' goat. But the series isn't over yet, and perhaps Millie's magical charms have more of a long-term effect.

Should Schwarber Imitate Ruth's Swag?

Kyle Schwarber's miraculous comeback from injury to not only be able to play in the World Series but also provided the Cubs with some offense as the designated hitter has had some observers half-jokingly compare him to the legendary Babe Ruth. That could be fortuitous for Chicago if the comparision follows, given Ruth's connection to Wrigley Field and the World Series.

Game 3 of the 1932 series was the setting for Ruth's much-debated "called shot." During his at bat in the fifth inning of that game, the New York Yankees slugger allegedly gestured toward the outfield bleachers before launching a solo home run that broke up a 5-5 tie. The Yankees went on to beat the Cubs in that game and the series. Check out the footage from that day and decide Ruth really did "call" his home run shot.

Imagine the reaction from fans if Schwarber showed that kind of Ruthian swagger the next time manager Joe Maddon calls on him to pinch hit at Wrigley.

What You Need to Know If You Go to Wrigleyville

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