Tomlin, the unheralded veteran who has enjoyed tremendous success on the postseason stage this month, will stand opposite Cubs right-hander Kyle Hendricks, with the Series tied, 1-1, in a setting baseball hasn't seen since 1945. That's the last time Wrigley Field hosted a World Series game.
"It's an honor to be here," Tomlin acknowledged Thursday. "It's an honor to be playing the Cubs, and we're going to enjoy the moment."
The historic element that weighs on this affair is not lost on Tomlin, but his appreciation for such things will be trumped in significance by dad's presence.