Fast forward to 2018 and the foundation of that culture and a winning mindset have helped create a Chicago Cubs clubhouse built on love and trust. Even in defeat, this group of players is as close as any in the entire league, as detailed by The Athletic’s Jon Greenberg following the team’s Wild Card loss to the Colorado Rockies.
Although team success is not always a product of clubhouse culture, it is clear that there is a correlation when it comes to the recent triumphs experienced by the franchise.
Theo Epstein understood back in 2011 that establishing a core group of young players was pivotal in turning Chicago into a winning franchise, but he also placed a premium on a supporting cast of veteran players that could help nurture the young talent.