 The Cubs then defeated the San Francisco Giants in the NLDS (3-1) followed by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS (4-2) to win the NL pennant for the first time since 1945.In an epic 2016 World Series, the Cubs ended their 108-year World Series Championship drought by defeating the Cleveland Indians in a thrilling seven game series (4-3).Al Spalding, who also owned Spalding sporting goods, played for the team for two seasons under club founder William Hulbert.