By Tim Clinton
SPORTS EDITOR

Federal Way High School graduate and former Robinson Newspapers freelance sports reporter Gordon Wittenmyer became a part of history when the Chicago Cubs won their first World Series title in 108 years Wednesday night with a wild 8-7 win in 10 innings in Cleveland.

Wittenmyer was in the press box as he has been the entire postseason as the Cubs' regular beat reporter for the Chicago Sun Times.

"I can't remember the last time I had a day off, but I wouldn't have missed it," Wittenmyer said. "It was a crazy ride."

Wittenmyer previously covered the Seattle Mariners, Los Angeles Angels and Minnesota Twins for various newspapers before moving to Chicago to cover the Cubs team he grew up as a fan of.

"You know I've covered four different teams over the years. Who would have believed I'd have to go to the Cubs to cover one in the World Series," said Wittenmyer, who started off as a freelance reporter for Robinson Newspapers in the early 1980s.

Wittenmyer wrote a history-laden report after the final win in Game 7 of the World Series, including pointing out the fact that it was the Cubs fans' finest moment "since 20 years before sliced bread" in 1908.
It was all done in a hurry to beat deadline, and can be found on the Sun Times' website.

"That last game was epic," Wittenmyer said. "It didn't do me any favors on deadline, but it was amazing to cover. Some people were calling it the best World Series game ever. I don't know if that's true, but it was obviously the biggest game I've ever covered in my life -- probably ever will."

The three games at Wrigley Field, which were the first since the Cubs last appeared in a World Series in 1945, were also an experience to remember.

"I've never seen anything like a World Series at Wrigley Field," Wittenmyer said. "The press box was actually shaking a lot of the time. And the streets were so packed that hours after the games I still had to wade through traffic to go home."

Wittenmyer quoted long time Cubs fan and movie actor Bill Murray in his story about the final win, as well as general manager Theo Epstein and team members.

"Last I saw Theo he was heading out of the clubhouse yelling something about going on a bender, but he looked like he was already there," Wittenmyer said.