2009 Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs had a commendable 2008 season, winning the NL Central Division and making it to the division playoffs before they were knocked out by the LA Dodgers. To strengthen an already solid team (and hopefully give them the little boost they need to go deeper into the playoffs) they filled the badly needed left hand bat spot with Milton Bradley. With promising rookies Jeff Samardzija and Andrew Cashner on track to join the team at some point this season, the Cubs are poised to finally take home that highly coveted World Series title. They’re starting out the season as favorites in the National League, and that should only increase the Cubs’ legendary popularity. If you want to see the Chicago Cubs dominate in the 2009 season, get your tickets to Wrigley Field today!

Starting Out

The team that became the Cubs dates back to 1870. The Chicago franchise went through a number of monikers before settling on Cubs in 1897. In the years between they were led by player-manager Cap Anson, one of the greatest pre-20th century players in the game. Anson led the team to over 1200 wins and 5 titles during his tenure. He also became the first batter to collect 3000 hits.

The turn of the century Cubs were one of the most powerful in the league. Led by the immortalized double play combination of Tinkers, Evers, and Chance the Cubs set a still standing record for most wins in a season in 1906. With four Hall of Famers they went on to win back to back World Series Titles in 1907 and 1908. Since then however they have experienced the longest title drought in professional sports.

The Curse of the Billy Goat

Despite their lack of championships the Cubs have been a competitive and entertaining team throughout their history. In 1932 they were the victim of Babe Ruth’s supposed “called shot” in the World Series. In 1945 they once again reached the World Series only to lose once again. In the process they incurred the wrath of tavern owner Billy Sianis who was thrown out of the stadium with his goat. Sianis cursed the Cubs that they would never win another pennant or play another World Series at Wrigley Field again.

The Cubs soon fell to the cellar but continued to win fans thanks to stars such as Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, and Ron Santo. Banks joined the team in 1953 and became the game’s first power hitting shortstop, eventually hitting 512 home runs…all for the Cubs. Along the way he also won back to back MVP awards and picked up the nickname Mr. Cub.

Back to the Playoffs

The 1984 Cubs finally put everything together and reached the postseason for the first time in 39 years. The team was led by young second baseman Ryne Sandberg and Rick Sutcliffe who went 16 and 1 after coming over via an early season trade. Though they lost in the playoffs the Cubs still swept the seasons awards: Sandberg won MVP, Sutcliffe won the Cy Young, and Manager Jim Frey took home the Manager of the Year trophy. The Cubs made the playoff again in 1989, 1998 and 2003 but failed to reach the World Series every time.

Regardless of their record breaking championship drought the Cubs continue to attract fans to Wrigley Field. A landmark on Chicago’s Northside and a throwback to the early days of baseball stadiums fans come from all over the country to watch a game in the “Friendly Confines”. With seats right on top of the field and a manually operated scoreboard, not to mention the ivy covered walls, it’s no wonder the Cubs draw close to 3 million fans every year.