It was a total of 166 years.
That number signifies the combined time my two favorite teams had gone without championships.
My beloved Chicago Cubs and Theo Epstein ended 108 years of frustration with a mind numbing victory in game seven of the 2016 World Series. And they did it in typical Cubbie fashion, by having a lead, blowing it, and then winning it in extra innings.
And with that victory, I could sense the spirits of Ernie Banks, Leo Durocher, and Ron Santo could rest a little easier.
As for our Philadelphia Eagles, they were a team whose last championship preceded the Super Bowl itself by winning what was then the NFL Championship Game in 1960 against Vince Lombardi and the Green Bay Packers 17-13 at Franklin Field.
I have to admit that I didn’t see it coming.
Who was to know Howie Roseman would exhibit laser focus on bringing quality players like Carson Wentz, Jay Ajayi and Alshon Jeffries into the mix, and that Nick Foles would turn back the clock, or that Doug Pederson would out maneuver the most successful NFL coach of all time in Bill Belichick?
They did what Bednarik, Vermeil, Gabriel, Jaworski, and Buddy Ryan couldn’t do—bring the Lombardi Trophy to our city.
And let’s not forget the Mardi Gras up Broad Street to the Art Museum called the Championship Parade. I had a front row seat for a jubilation fest the likes of which I have never seen. It was like Woodstock, without the drugs.
So my sports life is now complete. But what shall I do with my time?
Perhaps Ron Hextall and Paul Holmgren of the Flyers should give me a call.
I’m really good at breaking streaks lately.
Above: Publisher Ken Dunek with former Eagles teammate John Spagnola on the steps of the Art Museum on the day of the Eagles Super Bowl parade.
