Cubs players explain why the nearly disastrous rain delay actually helped them close out the World Series

The Chicago Cubs are MLB champions for the first time since 1908.

In an all-time classic Game 7, the Cubs went up 5-1, only to see the Cleveland Indians pull off an improbable rally to tie the game.

Then, just before extra innings, the weather nearly turned disastrously for both teams, when rain forced a delay in the game. While the delay only lasted 17 minutes, it still meant players, particularly pitchers, would cool off while waiting for the rain to pass.

However, according to Cubs players, the rain delay actually helped. While celebrating their championship, third baseman Kris Bryant said they regrouped during a players-only meeting.

"It was the best thing for us," Bryant told Fox. "We all got together in the weight room. We all supported each other. You know, [Aroldis Chapman] was a little upset. ... Jason Hayward led the way, talking us up, getting us ready."

When asked about meeting, Hayward told Fox:

"I just had to remind them of who they were. I just had to remind everybody who we are. ... Win or lose, we were never worried about that... The beginning of every day, we never worry about wins or losses, we just worry about how we're gonna go out there, have fun, compete, be right there for the guys next to us, and not take the situation for granted."

The message seemed to work. Kyle Schwarber led off the inning with a single. Albert Almora replaced him as pinch hitter, moved to second on a pop fly, then, after an intentional walk, Almora scored on Ben Zobrist double. The Cubs then added one more run to take a definitive lead.

While the rain delay had potential to be much worse, it ended up being exactly what the Cubs needed.

Watch their comments below: