New York Times reveals planned front page for Cubs losing World Series

The New York Times revealed the front page they intended to run if the Cubs lost the World Series to the Cleveland Indians. Photo / New York Times

Any self-respecting media organisation will plan for every eventuality when it comes to major events.

So, when the Cleveland Indians were 3-1 up in the World Series, it came time for the New York Times to start preparing its front page for another World Series, Cubs defeat.

But when that loss never came, it meant all its plans went out the window.

As if the Cleveland Cavaliers weren't enough to show you that being 3-1 down in the championship series isn't a "sure thing".

However, in a tongue-in-check - and rather interesting - admission of haste on its website, the paper revealed the front page it had planned for the Cubs 2016 World Series loss that never was.

The New York Times planned front page. Photo / New York Times

It was an incredible homage to Norman Rockwell's famous 1948 illustration titled "The Dugout," which showed a dejected Cubs dugout the same year the Cleveland Indians last one the World Series.

Norman Rockwell's classic 1948 illustration - The Dugout. Photo / The Saturday Evening Post