From the standpoint of ending championship droughts, the 2016 World Series matchup couldn't be more ideal, as it pits the two teams with the longest active dry spells. The Cubs last won in 1908, and they're in their first World Series since '45. The Indians, meanwhile, last won in 1948; their 68-year drought has been surpassed only by the Cubs and the since-ended ones of the White Sox (87 years), Red Sox (85 years) and Phillies (77 years).
The ghosts of the Billy Goat and Rocky Colavito won't be playing in this World Series, and for that matter, neither will the pair who helped to end another famous drought involving some guy named Ruth: Chicago president of baseball operations Theo Epstein and Cleveland manager Terry Francona, though their decisions will obviously have roles here.