Cubs' Massive Victory Parade, Rally Draw Estimated 5M

"I love you guys," Kyle Schwarber told the crowd. "We're World Champs. Let's do it again next year!"

Chicago Cubs fans know how to party.

According to early estimates, five million people gathered in Grant Park, flocked to Wrigley Field and lined up along Michigan Avenue for what arguably is one of the biggest sports celebrations Chicago has seen.

And the team couldn't be prouder.

"The one thing that’s been proven true over time, in baseball and in life, is that human beings can accomplish more for others and for the group than they can for themselves," Chicago Cubs president Theo Epstein told the Grant Park crowd.

The celebration started at 7:15 a.m. as city officials dyed the Chicago River Cubbie blue. After that, busses left Wrigley Field after 10 a.m. with the parade beginning at 11 a.m. in downtown Chicago.

The parade route culminated with a rally in Grant Park's Lower Hutchinson Field.

Fans began gathering at 2 a.m. outside Grant Park to get the best seat in the house to hear from Joe Maddon, Tom Ricketts, Anthony Rizzo, David Ross and the rest of the Cubs.

"I love you guys," Kyle Schwarber told the crowd. "We're World Champs. Let's do it again next year!"

Rizzo and Ross were both teary-eyed as they talked to fans, and all the Cubs joined in a sing-along of "Go Cubs, Go" with the massive crowd.

Perhaps one of the most stunning moments is when Maddon walked onto the stage and holding the trophy, at a time that symbolizes the enire season: 108.

"Thank you for being so patient," Maddon said.

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