Dexter Fowler's Game 7 leadoff homer was one for the history books
CLEVELAND — If you were expecting a 0-0 nail-biter in Game 7 of the World Series, that idea was immediately put to rest by Chicago Cubs leadoff man Dexter Fowler.
Fowler, on the fourth pitch of the game, hit a Corey Kluber sinker over the center-field fence and past the glove of a leaping Rajai Davis for a homer. It was the first time a player hit a leadoff homer in a Game 7 of the World Series.
It was also a harbinger of the wild night to come as Fowler’s solo shot was the first run in the Cubs’ epic 8-7 victory over the Indians in 10 innings.
The homer sent Progressive Field — which had a healthy representation of Cubs fans, perhaps as much as 40 percent of the stadium — into a frenzy. For a second, it felt like this happened at Wrigley Field.
[Championship gear: Get Chicago Cubs World Series merchandise]
As he passed first base, Fowler looked back at the Cubs dugout and did a few steps of his home-run trot in reverse, something that irked some Indians fans.
this might become a home run trot for the legends pic.twitter.com/zoFp7bN3EV
— Joon Lee (@iamjoonlee) November 3, 2016
Interestingly enough, one Chicago fan tweeted after the Cubs’ Game 6 win that he was envisioning such a scenario.
Can't go to sleep. Thinking of a @DexterFowler lead off homer in #Game7 and replaying that over and over. #WorldSeries #Believe
— Michael Bolling (@mikealexbolling) November 2, 2016
He — and Cubs fans everywhere — were quite happy that one came to life.
More MLB coverage from Yahoo Sports:
Mike Oz is the editor of Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at mikeozstew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @MikeOz