The Cubs now have made it to the postseason in consecutive seasons for the fourth time in franchise history. They also did so in 1885 and '86, and again in 1906-08 and 2007-08.
Maddon's checklist this year included getting off to a good start, which the Cubs did, going 17-5 in April. They needed to stay healthy, which was challenged in the third game when Kyle Schwarber suffered a season-ending knee injury. So far, they've managed to avoid any other serious ailments.
Maddon wanted the young players to be themselves, knowing they would make mistakes. What he didn't anticipate was the growth spurt.