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President Obama becomes Cubs fan during final White House visit

chris cwik
Staff writer

President Obama ran his presidential campaign on the word “hope,” so it’s only fitting that the Chicago Cubs were the final team to visit him in the White House before his final term comes to an end.

After 108 years of hope, the Cubs finally made it to the White House to celebrate the team’s World Series title. President Obama, who has not been secretive about his Chicago White Sox fandom during his presidency, admitted he enjoyed the Cubs’ run.

Upon hearing this, the Cubs’ Twitter account had a little fun with that quote:

Cubs President Theo Epstein even got in on the act, offering President Obama a “midnight pardon” for his White Sox fandom.

With the President’s rooting interests out of the way, the two sides managed to have a lovely ceremony.

As a gift for inviting the club to the White House, the Cubs gave the President a number items, including a lifetime pass to Wrigley Field for his entire family.

The 44th President of the United States also received a custom jersey from the Cubs’ own No. 44, Anthony Rizzo.

President Obama was also presented with some custom Jordans, courtesy of Dexter Fowler.

Speaking of clothes, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention some of the Cubs’ outfits for the event.

Of all the combinations, Rizzo’s red suit was a clear standout.

Recently-retired Cubs catcher David Ross was also in attendance, and the President took the opportunity to note the similarities between he and the World Series winner.

In Ross’ defense, his retirement party has come to an end. While his playing career is done, he will stick with the Cubs as a special assistant to baseball operations.

President Obama holds up a signed Cubs
President Obama holds up a signed Cubs “W” flag. (Getty Images/Chip Somodevilla)

With the Cubs’ last-minute visit to D.C., Obama has hosted nine Major League Baseball teams at the White House during his presidency. The Philadelphia Phillies were the first club to visit Obama back in 2008. The Cubs are the ninth and final team to visit the President.

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Chris Cwik is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at christophercwik@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik