Seven decades ago, Chicago's lovable losers were National League champs—and Stan Rauch was there to see it all.
“I sold pop and peanuts out at Wrigley field in 1945,” Rauch told NBC 5 Monday. “I was a kid of 15 and I was very fortunate to be able to do that.”
And that's where he found a ticket to Game Seven of the last Cubs World Series.
“I found that on the floor and thought ‘I am going to take a little souvenir,’” he said. “Who knew it would be 71 years before I could get another one—and I am counting on them giving me another one this year.”
Jim Mowrey was there too remembering how baseball helped the nation recover after World War II.
“It kept the hard times good—and interesting,” Mowrey said. “There was only eight teams in each league and I think you knew every player and it was just an exciting time—a good time.”
Not everyone had tickets to those games. Raymond L. Barnes watched the series from the window of his aunt's apartment on Waveland Avenue.
Chicago Baseball
“I am sure they are going to make it this time,” he told NBC 5. “Even though when I was there in 45 they lost in seven, this time they are going to make it," Barnes said.
Then his enthusiasm got the best of him.
"Go Cubs!” he exclaimed.
