On the morning of Nov. 3, 2016, Dakota Mekkes reported for duty in Arizona.
This was only a few hours after the Cubs finally ended a 108-year championship drought, yet it was business as usual for Mekkes.
There was work to be done for the big right-hander. And hey, maybe that work would put him in position to be the one closing out the next World Series for the iconic franchise.
The Cubs chose Mekkes in the 10th round of the MLB Draft out of Michigan State a few months before they hoisted that elusive championship trophy and the 6-foot-7 pitcher was at a camp at the team's complex in Arizona for the World Series.