Are the Chicago Cubs Cursed?
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The Infamous Chicago Cubs Curse
The Chicago Cubs are one of the most storied teams in all of sports. The magical Wrigley Field, the legendary voice of Harry Caray, Mr. Cub Ernie Banks, and of course the so-called curses. The Cubs last won the World Series in 1908, and have not even been there since 1945. Since their last win, they have played in the World Series 7 times, and made the playoffs another 6. Yet they have not been able to taste the champagne. This lens will explore the supposed curses on this team and how they came about.
Contents at a Glance
The Chances
The billy goat, the black cat, Bartman... they are all great stories, and all supposed reasons why the Chicago Cubs have not been to the World Series since 1945. They have not won the series since 1908. In 2008, the hundred year anniversary of their last championship, they had to win it, right? That would make the greatest story of all. That's how Hollywood would do it.
- 1945 - Cubs face the Detroit Tigers in the World Series. Tavern owner William Sianis brings his billy goat to game 4, is kicked out, and claims the Cubs will never win a pennant or World Series at Wrigley Field, as long as they do not allow goats in to the park
- 1969 - Sianis agrees to lift his curse...Cubs in first place most of the season...September in New York, a black cat runs onto the field and stares down Cub Ron Santo...Cubs drop from first place and miss playoffs, while the New York Mets go on to win it all.
- 1984 - The Cubs finally allow another goat into Wrigley Field, finally make the playoffs, but lose three straight to the San Diego Padres to end their season. In the final game, the score was tied when a ground ball went through the legs of Cubs first baseman Leon Durham. Gatorade had been spilled on Durham's glove before that inning, and many fans believed this was a curse.
- 1989 - The Cubs face the San Francisco Giants in the playoffs, but lose 4 games to 1.
- 1998 - The Cubs beat the Giants in a one game playoff to win the wild card. They are then swept by the Atlanta Braves.
- 2003 - Five outs from their first World Series in 58 years, the Cubs collapse...Fan Steve Bartman grabbed a foul ball away from Moises Alou, and is run out of town.
Steve Bartman
- 2004 - The Cubs drop 8 of their final 10 games to lose their hold on the wild card.
- 2007 - The Cubs win the NL Central division, then are swept by the Arizona Diamondbacks.
- 2008 - The Cubs make the postseason for the first time in consecutive years since 1908, with the best record in the National League. They are swept out of the playoffs for the second straight season, this time by the Los Angeles Dodgers
- 2010 - Another winning season for the Cubs in 2009, but they failed to make the playoffs this time. Can they bounce back from injuries and poor production to make a return to postseason glory?
Cubs' Curse Items on Amazon
Are They Real?
I have a hard time believing in curses and superstition. It is certainly tough to accept that the Chicago Cubs have not been able to go all the way in over 100 years without some explanation. It is also difficult to hear them called "lovable losers" and constantly say "wait til next year". The only way to put all of this to rest is obviously for the team to win the World Series. Finally.
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Official Billy Goat Tavern Website
I have eaten here a few times, and the place is awesome! Great burgers and beers, history all over the walls. It was also immortalized in a Saturday Night Live skit by John Belushi.
Squidoo Links
- We Love The Chicago Cubs
- First this lens is dedicated to my lovely wife, daughter and now grandson. These three are the biggest Chicago Cubs fans that ever lived.This lens is all about The Chicago Cubs. We will keep you inform on upcoming events, latest news, great merchandise, some history and the latest stats. So buckle y
- Bob "Rapid Robert" Feller
- Bob Feller is one of the greatest pitchers of all time. He is a Hall of Famer, and the Cleveland Indians career leader in victories, strikeouts and complete games. A statue of him stands outside of Progressive Field, and he even has his own museum. At 90 years old, he is still very involved in the g
- Ty Cobb, the "Georgia Peach"
- Ty Cobb played baseball in a completely different era than we see today, beginning his career over 100 years ago. The home run was not the most exciting facet of baseball. Players were with the same ballclub most, if not all of their careers. And managers wore suits.Cobb, a left-handed hitting cente
- Satchel Paige
- Satchel Paige was one of the greatest pitchers that have ever lived. Unfortunately he is not in the record books alongside men like Cy Young, Nolan Ryan, Walter Johnson and Christy Mathewson, even though he pitched in four decades.He only pitched 179 games in the Major Leagues, though during his car
- Super Advanced HTML Tips and Tricks to use on Squidoo
- These html tricks for Squidoo are not really that super advanced. But they are super cool! Anyone can do this, Yes, you too!This lens would not be possible if it were not for the groundwork of other lenmasters: specifically, Magicality and N376 so they will be getting some link love here. This lens
Web Links
Check This Out...
Taking Care of Business
Amazon Price: $10.34 (as of 05/30/2012)
A decent movie involving the Cubs in the World Series...We all deserve to dream right?
Cubs Comments
Would love to hear your thoughts on my lens!
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jsr54
Apr 10, 2012 @ 2:43 pm | delete
- My dad lived to 85 years old and was overseas at war in 1945. I always thought he would get to see them win it all, but he did not. Now I'm starting to wonder if it will happen in MY lifetime! Can't give it up though, always was, always will be a Cubs fan.
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gilwilson
Sep 28, 2011 @ 9:43 pm | delete
- there's always next year.
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ArefinShams
Feb 5, 2011 @ 9:55 am | delete
- Glad to see a lens here on this topic.
how can I change my ip to your ip
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lefty78
May 6, 2010 @ 5:05 pm | delete
- Thanks Jen! I was in Chicago a couple weeks ago and made it to a game...Great city!!
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JenOfChicago
May 6, 2010 @ 4:56 pm | delete
- Maybe my squidangel blessing will help get the Cubbies winning! :)
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by lefty78
I am Chris, 33 years old, and I love Squidoo!!. Some of my interests are baseball, cars, music, history, movies, and poker. Most of my lenses to this... more »
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