The National League Division Series starts tonight and the Chicago Cubs, who haven’t won a World Series since 1908, are one of the favorites to win it all.

Since the final out last year when they lost to the New York Mets in the National League Championship Series, almost everyone has expected the Cubs to be the team to beat this year.

Unlike most teams, which too often play down expectations, the Cubs have embraced them. Under manager Joe Maddon, one of the best in the game, the Cubs have aimed high this season despite the 108-year World Series drought.

In Game Six of the 1995 World Series, pitcher Tom Glavine took to the mound for the Atlanta Braves and pitched a masterpiece, going eight innings and giving up only one hit to the Cleveland Indians.

There was a lot of weight on Glavine’s shoulders that October night. After having spent much of the 1980s in the cellar, the Braves had come close twice in the early 1990s to winning a World Series but had fallen short both times. But, as Glavine headed off the mound in the eighth inning with a 1-0 lead, he turned to manager Bobby Cox and asked to be taken out of the game, much to the displeasure of the more than 50,000 Braves fans in attendance.

Glavine realized he had run out of gas against the Indians. But, over the years, he had built up a strong relationship with Cox, earing his manager’s trust. Glavine knew what he was capable of better than anyone else and gladly stepped aside as closer Mark Wohlers came in to pitch. After his strong performances in two games, Glavine was named the World Series MVP, a high point for a pitcher who always knew how to evaluate himself.