By, Simon Griver
1 min read
BySimon Griver, Simon Griver
Club president Theo Epstein was the architect of the Chicago Cubs’ first World Series title in 108 years.
In a dramatic final match, the Cubs beat the Cleveland Indians 8-7 in Ohio to claim a 4-3 playoff series victory.
This is not the first time that Epstein, 42, has achieved such a feat. He transformed the Boston Red Sox as their general manager, leading them in 2004 to their first baseball title in 86 years.
As president of the Cubs, Epstein may hold the executive rather than the coaching reins, but it is acknowledged he selected the players and built a team at a club that had been viewed as perennial losers and cursed.
Epstein was born into a famous New York Jewish family. His grandfather, Philip Epstein, was one of the screenwriters of the classic Hollywood movie Casablanca. Raised in Massachusetts, Epstein was a Red Sox fan from childhood.
Asked if he was brought more joy by winning the title with the Cubs or the Red Sox, Epstein said: “It’s like two of your children, you know? You love them both, you do not want to compare them.
"Different origins, different personalities, but you treasure both of them.
"I grew up a fan of the game, loving the game. Not good enough to play and so to be a part of major league baseball is incredible."