CHICAGO – The Chicago Cubs officially brought an emotional end to the 2025 season after a 3-1 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 5 of the National League Division Series (NLDS) on the evening of October 11. Despite their best efforts, the Cubs could not overcome their formidable opponents, and thanks to that, the Brewers advanced to the National League Division Series (NLCS). However, in the post-game press conference, Cubs manager Craig Counsell had all eyes on him when he shared emotional words about the fans – the people who have been with the team through every moment.
“Every win or loss is a lesson for the team,” Counsell began, his voice both calm and thoughtful. “But the most important thing I’m grateful for every day is… the fans are always there for us. Even though the outcome of today’s game wasn’t what we expected, even though we had to leave the field in defeat, they were there, cheering, believing, and giving strength to every run, every pitch, every at-bat. They’re not just spectators, they’re the heart of the Cubs.”
In this decisive game, the Cubs had a chance to score in the sixth inning with two players on the field and no one out, but couldn’t capitalize, while the Brewers took the lead with a crucial home run from Andrew Vaughn. Seiya Suzuki was the only one to score for the Cubs with a home run in the second inning, temporarily tying the game at 1-1. Despite the final effort’s failure, Counsell stressed that the loss did not diminish the value of the faith the fans had in him.
“There was a moment when I looked up in the stands and saw the families, the kids waving Cubs flags in the rain, and I realized we were never alone on the field,” Counsell said, his voice breaking. “The father said to his son, ‘We never left them, and they never left us.’ I thought, ‘That’s why we play. The fans didn’t just see the game, they saw our journey, our pain, our joy, our hope. And that’s what we’ll always be so grateful for.”
The press room fell silent for a moment. Counsell’s words went beyond the 1-3 score on the scoreboard. They emphasized the connection, the gratitude, and the emotional strength the fans brought to the team. “We owe them not only the moments of victory, but also the dedication, patience, and faith they showed each and every day,” he added. “While the 2025 season did not end as we had hoped, they are still the inspiration for the Cubs to continue to grow and come back stronger next season.”
Counsell’s words also underscored an important message about sports: sometimes, the greatest value is not the outcome of the game, but the relationship, trust, and love that the team and the fans have for each other. The Cubs missed out on the NLCS, but these words of gratitude made every fan feel like they were an integral part of the team’s journey.
In a tumultuous 2025 season with 92 wins, the Cubs experienced many ups and downs, from the Wild Card round to the fierce NLDS series. Although the ultimate goal was not achieved, thanks to Coach Counsell’s emotional words, fans will always remember that their love, devotion and belief is the “real victory” that surpasses all results.
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