Francona, Maddon relive 2016 World Series Game 7 on MLB Network special

February 21st, 2024

For the first time, former managers Terry Francona and Joe Maddon will join in reliving the historic 2016 World Series Game 7 between the then Cleveland Indians and Chicago Cubs in a new MLB Network special premiering Thursday at 8 p.m. ET.

MLB Network hosts Bob Costas and Tom Verducci sit down with the two managers -- marking the first time either former manager has watched any extended portion of the game -- to discuss the key plays and moments, strategies and significance of a night that ended in the Cubs winning their first World Series title in 108 years (1908).

“Game 7 of the 2016 World Series is the greatest game I have covered in 43 years of covering Major League Baseball,” says Verducci. “As someone who wrote a book about that championship [The Cubs Way], even I was enthralled to hear Maddon and Francona take us inside what was a thriller from start to finish and a true managerial chess match."

Eight years have passed since one of the pivotal games in baseball history. Two organizations vying to end their extended title droughts -- the Cubs since 1908 and Cleveland since 1948 -- battled in a game that had no shortage of iconic moments. Whether it was Rajai Davis's game-tying home run against Aroldis Chapman in the eighth inning or the 17-minute rain delay in the 10th inning, the managers and hosts dive into a host of in-depth stories.