Fans Celebrate Chisox Series Win

CHICAGO – Firecrackers blasted, car horns blared and (search)fans flooded into the streets as Chicago celebrated the city's first World Series championship (search) since 1917.

The Sox completed a sweep of the Astros (search) with a 1-0 Game 4 victory in Houston (search) to bring baseball's most coveted trophy back to Chicago. Fans who had gathered in a Chicago sports arena, at homes, bars and even in churches spilled into the streets to celebrate.

In the heart of White Sox territory on the city's South Side, the Rev. Dan Brandt jumped in glee inside his office at Nativity of our Lord Catholic Church, then ran from the room to ring the church bells when the game ended.

"They're going to keep ringing for at least several hours, maybe longer," he said as parishioners around him hugged.

At the United Center, thousands of fans in White Sox garb, some waving flags with the team logo and others holding up placards, watched the win on a multi-screened scoreboard. One sign's prediction came true: "The Sox will sweep Houston."

Immediately after the win, fans at the United Center (search) began jumping and hugging each other.

One man with tears in his eyes screamed into a cell phone: "We did it! We did it! We did it!"

Meanwhile, Lucy Free, 33, cheered.

"This mean's the world to me," she said. "I've been waiting for this moment since the 1980s. It would have been exciting to see them win in Chicago, but I'm still happy."

Among those at United Center -- the home of the Chicago Bulls (search) and Blackhawks (search) -- was Andrew Manocheo, 34, and Carrie Hixson, 31, both of Chicago. They were on their first date and are die-hard Cubs fans, but came to support their crosstown rivals.

"It's baseball history and it's Chicago history," Manocheo said.

"The Cubs will never win; I'm at peace with that," he said.

Outside the United Center, even a Michael Jordan statue sported a White Sox jersey, reflecting the pride of many here who have followed the White Sox's dominating World Series run.

Along a residential street on the city's South Side houses displayed White Sox flags and banners next to the Halloween decorations.

Earlier Wednesday, Police Superintendent Phil Cline (search) said sufficient forces would be available should any World Series celebrations get out of hand.

The city wanted to avoid a repeat of incidents that followed the Bulls' six straight NBA championships. In 1992, after the team's second title, more than 340 businesses were looted, several fires were started and cabs were overturned in violence that caused nearly $10 million in damages.

Police later said there were no reports of major problems.

Immediately after the win, Chicago emergency officials could be heard cheering on the police scanner.

"The White Sox win the World Series!" one yelled.