2016 Wrigley Field World Series Champions Crowd

The World Series Champions crowd gathers outside Wrigley Field in Chicago. It’s just before Game 5 of the series, and the North Siders are down three games to one. They need a miracle! Sort of like the miracle of Photoshop software, which enables me to put a bold prediction – World Series Champions – up on the marquee just a few days early. Remember, the North Siders win Games 6 and 7 on the road in Cleveland. They only play Games 3, 4 and 5 at Wrigley. It’s just not possible that this marquee message would be up before Game 5.

So, what’s up? Like George Washington, I can not tell a lie. This simply is my best photo of the stadium exterior from the three games at Wrigley Field. It’s the one that works, and the one I select for this print. And, by the way, George Washington did not have wooden teeth. Don’t get me started!

Anyway, the classic, Art Deco-style message board celebrates the North Siders (eventual) 2016 World Series win over the Cleveland Indians, four games to three. Since its debut in 1934, this marquee has never had the opportunity to share the joy of a championship. During its tenure, the North Siders reach the World Series in 1935, 1938 and 1945. But they lose to the Detroit Tigers (4 games to 2), New York Yankees (4-0) and the Tigers again (4-3), respectively.

In fact, until 2016, it’s been 108 years since any type of World Series Champions crowd would celebrate outside Wrigley Field. This is the club’s third title in 11 World Series tries since 1900. That’s known as the “modern era” for baseball.

Back in 1934, when the club installs the marquee, it’s painted blue. Sponsors did not arrive on the sign until the 1980s, when Budweiser appears across a new bottom panel. Allstate Insurance makes an appearance for a Northwestern Wildcats versus Illinois Fighting Illini football game in 2010. And, in 2015, Toyota arrives.

So, where did the Toyota advertisement go in this print? Is it another miracle! I ask people, and 100 percent (baseball fans or not) do not favor the Toyota or any other name on the landmark sign. So, to everyone’s delight, I make it invisible. Photoshop strikes again!

Learn more about this print in About and Frequently Asked Questions. Or visit the Shop for more ideas.