History in Wrigleyville

The “Curse Of The Billy Goat” is the most celebrated ongoing hex in American sport. (It was once overshadowed by the “Curse Of The Bambino,” but the Red Sox laid that jinx to rest by winning the 2004 World Series.) As legend has it, William “Gus” Sianis was upset that his pet billy goat was denied admission to Wrigley Field for the fourth game of the 1945 World Series against the Detroit Tigers, so he uttered a proclamation the specifics of which have been debated for decades. Some say he sent a telegram to the team owner.  Others say he stood outside the gate and shouted.  Some say he vowed that the Cubs would never return to the World Series.  Others say he vowed that the Cubs would never win another World Series. One way or the other, the Cubs have not returned to the World Series since losing their 1945 showdown against the Tigers, after leading two games to one. Indeed, they have not claimed a World Series title since 1908, when they defeated their crosstown rival Chicago White Sox.

The Cubs appeared to have a meaningful shot in September 1969 until a black cat whisked past the late Ron Santo in the on-deck circle at Shea Stadium. They ended up falling eight games behind and destroying their playoff hopes. They came close again in 1984.  Clinging to a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the seventh inning of the deciding national league championship series game against the San Diego Padres, cubs first-baseman Leon Durham allowed a ground ball to get through his legs and tie the game. The Padres put three more runs on the board, and the Curse worked its black magic again. The Cubs ended up squandering a 2-0 series lead by suffering a three-game sweep in San Diego. Then, 19 agonizing seasons later, they were a mere five outs away from punching that long-lost World Series ticket when Cubs fan Steve Bartman reached out and made contact with a foul ball that left-fielder Moises Alou (at the time) clearly perceived as catchable.  judge for yourself using this entry's accompanying video.  in fairness, everyone else on Planet Earth (including Moises alou, had he been a spectator) would have attempted the very same catch that Bartman eagerly sought to make that fateful evening – October 14, 2003.  And Cubs pitcher Mark Prior was still working on a 3-0 shutout. what's more, the Cubs still held a 3-1 lead when shortstop Alex Gonzalez booted a routine double-play grounder, loading the bases.  The Marlins went on to score eight runs that inning and win the game.  Even then, the Cubs still controlled their own destiny. They held a 5-3 lead the following evening in the seventh and deciding game at wrigley before the Marlins stormed back and, this time, won the pennant.

Since then, the Cubs have been swept out of the playoffs twice and have now lost nine straight post-season games. Meanwhile, all the haters in Wrigleyville will continue to blame Steve Bartman, and fans everywhere will come looking for “the Bartman seat.” In recognition of these pilgrims, we offer up the following information: Aisle 4, Row 8, Seat 113.