CHICAGO – Wrigley night was bright, tens of thousands of fans stayed in their seats long after the game ended. The chants of “Let’s go Cubs!” still echoed through the stands, and amid the blue and white rain of joy, manager Craig Counsell walked out, fist raised, eyes brimming with tears. He wasn’t just talking about the 6–0 win over the Brewers – he was talking about the faith, the loyalty, and the heart of Chicago.
“This win was due in part to the power of the Cubs fans,” Counsell began in an emotional post-game interview. “You’ve always been there for us through thick and thin, and now you deserve more… because we’re a family.”
The stadium fell silent for a moment – then erupted again in wild cheers. Not only was it a win that helped the Cubs break a 2-2 tie in the 2025 NLDS series, but it was also a testament to the fighting spirit Counsell has instilled in this young, hungry squad.
After initial criticism when he left Milwaukee for Chicago at the end of 2023, Craig Counsell has gradually proven that he brings more than just tactics – he brings a culture of trust and unity. In the first three months of the season, the Cubs suffered a series of heavy losses, falling behind in the standings. But Counsell did not waver. He chose to stand in front of the entire team, look each player in the eye and say: “We still have Wrigley – and Wrigley still believes in us.”
Those words became motivation. And tonight, it came true.
Cade Horton pitched seven shutout innings, Seiya Suzuki had three RBIs, and Nico Hoerner and Dansby Swanson combined to sweep the Brewers out of rhythm. It was perfect—just the way Counsell envisioned it when he signed a five-year, $40 million contract, becoming the highest-paid manager in MLB history.
When asked about his feelings after the victory, Counsell just smiled:
“I was once doubted, I left a place I once called home. But here I found something bigger: a city that lives for baseball, and a team that stands up.”
Cubs players hugged him. Fans cried. And somewhere on social media, a million statuses appeared: “Craig Counsell – from traitor to Wrigley hero.”
With this victory, the Cubs not only kept their chances of advancing, but also revived the spirit of 2016, when they touched the World Series trophy after a 108-year wait. Now, under Counsell’s hand, Chicago is once again dreaming – not with paranoia, but with a strong belief that they can do it.
And as Counsell himself said as he left the field:
“Victory will come and go, but this spirit – the Cubs spirit – will last forever. Because when we are together, there is no limit big enough to stop us.”
Wrigley Field doesn’t sleep. Chicago doesn’t sleep. And the Counsell era – perhaps – has just begun.
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