’16 Series rematch evokes memories

Mike Montgomery uses the same glove he wore two years ago when he induced Michael Martinez to ground to third base and secure the Cubs’ first World Series title since 1908.

“Some of those memories will be there forever,” said Montgomery, who returns with his Cubs teammates Tuesday night to Progressive Field in Cleveland for the first time since beating the Indians in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series.

“It’s trying to balance remembering and enjoying that year but also knowing you can’t stay in that year the rest of your career. Last year was a good lesson.”

Talk of a World Series rematch faded last October as the Dodgers humbled the Cubs in five games in the NL Championship Series and the Indians blew a 2-0 series lead in losing an AL Division Series to the Yankees.

“We realize (the World Series title) was monumental and how difficult it is to get back there, even when you have a great team,” said Ben Zobrist, who came up with the game-winning hit in Game 7.

“These young guys keep learning and growing, and they’re better than they were a year ago. They’re hungry, and it just reminds you and whets the taste buds for another championship.”

Reliever Carl Edwards Jr. remembers ”cameras every two steps“and waving the ”W” flag before hugging his girlfriend and daughter. “It was crazy stuff,” he said. Being on the mound for the final out, Montgomery knows how lucky he was to be in the center of professional sports’ longest-awaited celebration.

“As soon as I can afford to buy a house and figure out where I want to live,” he said, “I’ll create a room that has a lot of this stuff.”