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MLB Network's 'Joy in Wrigleyville' is chock full of emotions

For the first time since 1908, there was true joy in Wrigleyville after the Chicago Cubs won the World Series. Now we’ll have a unique opportunity to experience the joy up close and personal with some of the Cubs most loyal fans, which range from worldwide celebrities to the family next door.

The aptly titled program “Joy in Wrigleyville,” will be the first offseason installment of the popular documentary series MLB Network Presents. It will air Thursday at 8 p.m. ET, right after the Winter Meetings coverage wraps up. But thanks to the kind folks at MLB Network we were able to view it advance. Trust us, it’s a must-see program for fans of all generations and of all teams.

Hosted by Bob Costas, the program focuses on the emotions of a starved fanbase as its beloved franchise nears history. We’ll experience all of the highs and lows with them, from the moment the Cubs won the National League pennant for the first time since 1945, to being on the brink of elimination after falling behind three games to one to the Cleveland Indians, to winning a truly epic Game 7.

Many watched the roller coaster ride from the outside looking in. This one-hour show takes us right to the heart of the matter with its focus on the fans and their stories of heartbreak and hope.

The joy of the Chicago Cubs World Series win extended well beyond Progressive Field in Cleveland. (Getty Images)
The joy of the Chicago Cubs World Series win extended well beyond Progressive Field in Cleveland. (Getty Images)

Here’s a quick synopsis from MLB Network.

The program features interviews with fans detailing the emotional impact of the Cubs’ championship on the city of Chicago, from Smashing Pumpkins lead singer and Illinois native Billy Corgan and Dutchie Caray, the wife of late Cubs announcer Harry Caray, to Mary Beth Talhami, whose 94-year old mother, a lifelong Cubs fan, passed away during the World Series; North Carolina resident Wayne Williams, who drove to Indiana to listen to Game Seven on his phone at his late father’s grave; and nuns from Chicago’s Felician Sisters Convent, who give a different take on the meanings of faith and curses.

Sights and sounds from the streets of Chicago during the Cubs’ World Series title run are featured throughout the hour-long program, including exclusive footage and interviews at the Wrigleyville Fire Department and Harry Caray’s River North restaurant.

The narration has some necessary Cubs flavor as well. Longtime fan John Cusack shares the stories and guides us through this journey from multiple perspectives.

It’s a wonderfully woven story that will keep the baseball fire burning in wake of the Winter Meetings, while giving newfound hope to other starving fanbases waiting for the ultimate payoff.

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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!