November 17 in Cubs History: From Theo Epstein’s Exit to Kris Bryant’s MVP—The Date That Defined a Franchise.vc
(CHICAGO) — In the long and storied tapestry of the Chicago Cubs, certain dates stand out not for a single game, but for a convergence of history. November 17 is arguably the most significant of them all.
It is a date that serves as a perfect lens to view the modern era of the franchise, connecting the hiring of managers, the crowning of an MVP, and the departure of the man who ended the curse.
2016: The Pinnacle – Kris Bryant Wins MVP
On November 17, 2016, just weeks after the Cubs ended their 108-year World Series drought, the celebration reached its individual peak.
Kris Bryant was officially named the National League MVP, receiving 29 of 30 first-place votes. It was a coronation for the player who had become the face of the rebuild.
Bryant’s MVP win on this date cemented the “Theory of Evolution” for the Cubs: hitting on draft picks and developing superstars. He became the first player in history to win the Golden Spikes Award, Minor League Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and MVP in four consecutive seasons.
2020: The End of an Era – Theo Epstein Steps Down
Exactly four years later, on November 17, 2020, the architect of that championship left the building.
Theo Epstein announced he was stepping down as President of Baseball Operations, handing the reins to Jed Hoyer. His departure on this specific date felt poetic. He arrived with a promise to break the curse, and he left having fulfilled it, closing the book on the most successful decade in franchise history.
“Reflecting on November 17 allows fans to trace the evolution of the Cubs… appreciating the impact of key decisions.”
2011: The Struggle for Direction – Sveum Replaces Quade
Rewind further to November 17, 2011, and you find the franchise in a much different state. This was the date the Cubs hired Dale Sveum as manager, a move that officially turned the page on the Mike Quade era.
While Sveum’s tenure would be defined by losing seasons (part of the calculated rebuild), this date marked the beginning of the “Epstein Culture.” The hiring was the first major managerial decision of the new regime, signaling a shift from the erratic management under Quade to a disciplined, development-focused approach.
Sveum and Quade represent the “turbulence” of the journey; they were the necessary struggles that laid the groundwork for the triumphs of Bryant and Epstein.
A Date of Reflection
For Cubs fans, November 17 is more than just an offseason day. It is a reminder of the cyclical nature of baseball. It captures the hope of a new manager (Sveum), the glory of a superstar (Bryant), and the gratitude for a legend (Epstein). It is the day the Cubs changed forever.
