Legendary TNT sideline reporter Craig Sager has bet on the Chicago Cubs winning the World Series for the last 35 years, i.e. since 1981, with the latest bet being placed on December 2015 for $1,000.
The news was revealed by Sager’s son Craig Sager II, who also works as a broadcaster alongside him, through a post shared on Twitter after the Cubs became National League champions of 2016.
In an excerpt from his autobiography, 'Living Out Loud, Sports, Cancer, and the Things Worth Fighting For', Sager mentions the need to stay positive and results will come.
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“You gotta stay positive,” read the words in the book which eventually yielded productive outcome for his beloved team.
The 108-year drought for the Illinois-based side came to an end on Wednesday night after they were victorious against Cleveland Indians 8-7 in extra innings, and the victory saw the 65-year-old finally cash in after a lengthy wait of over three decades.
Sager himself has been fighting a long-standing battle with cancer after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. He disclosed in March that his leukemia had returned and that he had received his third bone marrow and stem cell transplant in August.
He was honoured at the 2016 ESPYS with the Jimmy V Perseverance Awards last July, presented by Vice President Joe Biden.
The victory for Chicago Cubs surely must have brought a smile on the legend’s face, even if he had to wait 35 years since making his first bet.
So, let's do the math.
Sager has placed a $1,000 bet every year for the past 35 years, meaning he's spent $35,000 on this one bet.
However, after winning the bet this year, and with the Cubs 4/1 to win, he's now made a $4,000 dent in that total, leaving him down $31,000.
Sager’s admission has made him endearing to fans across the world for a loyalty and faith that could not be daunted even after years of disappointment on the baseball pitch.
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