Craig Sager has added patience and loyalty to his list of admirable traits.
The beloved “NBA on TNT” sideline reporter has bet on the Chicago Cubs to win the World Series every year since 1981, his son revealed on Twitter Thursday, and now it’s finally paying off.
“Congrats to the @Cubs and my Dad for finally being able to cash in after 35 years,” Craig Sager Jr. tweeted.
Of course, the Cubs ended their 108-year drought and dispelled the smelly Billy Goat and black cat curses with a historic win over the Cleveland Indians Wednesday night in Game 7 of the World Series.
Congrats to the @Cubs and my Dad for finally being able to cash in after 35 years. #FlyTheW #LivingOutLoud pic.twitter.com/LgpVYMujtJ
— Craig Sager II (@CraigSagerJr) November 3, 2016
While basketball is Sager Sr.’s specialty, the veteran sportscaster is a lifelong Cubs fan. He was born in Batavia, Illinois, and attended Chicago’s Northwestern University, where he also served as Willie the Wildcat, the school’s mascot.
His wife, Stacy, is a former NBA Chicago Bulls dancer — so we’re betting they were a very happy household Wednesday night.
Craig Sager Jr. went on to reveal that the Cubs are the only thing his dad consistently bets on.
The Cubs aren't the only bets he's made since 1981. Same person that drops 2 balls & bets against himself on the golf course if he has to. https://t.co/aCrkZZ0dIn
— Craig Sager II (@CraigSagerJr) November 3, 2016
Longtime Turner on-air talent Sager received his third bone marrow and stem cell transplant in August as part of his ongoing battle against acute myeloid leukemia.
Known for his bright smile and even brighter suits, the 65-year-old was honored at the 2016 ESPYs with the Jimmy V Perseverance Award last July, which was presented by Vice President Joe Biden and prompted the chant “Sager Strong.”