In 1945 then 20-year-old Marv Levy was on furlough from the US Army Air Corps in his hometown of Chicago.
The Cubs had won Game 6 of the World Series 8-6 over the Detroit Tigers and Levy along with his friend, rushed down to Wrigley Field for tickets to Game 7.
He was there as the Cubs fell behind 5-0 in the first inning in what would be a 9-3 loss to Detroit.
“Fans were optimistic. We came out of there and it was a fantastic time. It wasn’t just the Cubs being in the World Series,” he said. “World War II had just ended, we were home, and so much was ahead of us. It was a tremendous part of the whole experience.”
It’d be more than seven decades until the Fall Classic would return to Wrigley.
“71 years I never thought it’d be that long until they’d get back in,” the Chicago native said. “But, they did. To be there again for another home World Series game was really startling. It was exciting and very gratifying.”
“The city is happy. They’re celebrating and I’m pleased with how they’re doing it. The fans have been savoring it and part of that comes -- I’ve been tremendously proud of the Cubs players -- they’ve handle themselves with dignity and its rubbed off on the fans.”
The Hall of Fame coach says the feeling and atmosphere in Chicago is similar to that of Buffalo during the Bills’ four trips to the Super Bowl in the early 90’s.
But, it's been a while since Bills fans have had the opportunity to celebrate in the playoffs with their team. Buffalo’s last playoff appearance was in 1999. Levy believes the Bills have an excellent chance to snap their 16-year postseason drought.
“It’ll be a great day for fans to get to the playoffs and advance, advance and go as far as you can go including winning a Super Bowl game.”
As for Sunday’s matchup against New England…
“The Patriots are favored, but the only point spread that counts is the one when the final gun goes off,” he said.
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