CLEVELAND, Ohio — Carl “CJ” Edwards Jr. of Prosperity has made Newberry County proud: He can now call himself a World Series champion after the Chicago Cubs broke a 108-year curse by besting the Cleveland Indians and winning the 2016 World Series.
Edwards said during a phone interview Thursday afternoon that, when it comes to the win, it feels great, and makes him feel pretty good that the people he grew up with are proud of him.
“I never imagined. It is crazy and for it to happen like that with two teams, first team with 108 years not winning, and the other 45 years not going. It is great that we both got our chance. It’s always better that Chicago Cubs won and broke the 108 year curse,” he said.
Edwards, who was called up last year, said this year is still considered his first year, which means he helped win the World Series as a rookie.
“It was real fun. It was great because every level I have played in I have been able to win the championship. It’s actually a pretty good feeling,” he said.
Edwards’ entrance into the game occurred after Cubs pitcher Aroldis Chapman was taken out at the bottom of the 10th inning. Edwards said it was bittersweet because Chapman did a good job in the playoffs. But Edwards said Chapman had a hiccup in Game Seven, which will happen in baseball.
“Once he left and we had a rain delay, we were talking. I said I can pick you up, no worry, and I got my opportunity and that is what we did. I’m happy I was able to pick him up, after what happened to him in the previous game,” Edwards said.
When Edwards pitched, he said there was some pressure, but not a lot, because he said it is his job.
“I have to learn how to deal with the butterflies and the pressure. I had to try and take it like a normal game,” he said.
Edwards’ highlight moment came in game seven in the 10th inning when he said he got the two biggest outs in baseball: He struck out Mike Napoli and Jose Ramirez grounded out.
Now Edwards is officially in the history books.
“It feels great to accomplish something like that as a rookie. It’s the biggest accomplishment I have made in my life,” Edwards said.
Now that it is all said and done, Edwards said he has received an outpouring of support. Since the game ended, he has received more than 100 text messages from friends and family congratulating him and saying how proud they are.
“It’s been amazing. I’ve gotten a lot of congratulations through social media,” he said. “I have been looking at it. It’s kind of hard to comment on every post. But it feels good to know that I come from a small town, and I have a lot of supporters.
“It has been a great journey for myself and my family,” he added. “Nobody ever knows. I never knew I would play professional baseball. I knew it was something I wanted to do and strive for. My parents stayed on me so much. They are happy for me. It’s still hard to believe and feels real good.”
Edwards said he received tremendous support from Cubs fans, adding that this — winning the World Series — is something they have waited for for a long time.
Now that the season is over, Edwards has come home and is ready to see his friends and family. After that he is going back to work on the baseball diamond. Edwards did add that now that he has that World Series ring, he will keep it safe and only wear it when he gives a speech.
