The Chicago Cubs are in the World Series for the first time since 1945, when a goat allegedly cursed the baseball team from ever winning the championship again. Will 2016 finally lift the curse or will the Cleveland Indians destroy fans’ dreams?
The Billy Goat (1945)
A smelly goat being denied entrance to Wrigley Field during Game 4 of that year’s fateful World Series is the reason the Cubs have not won a championship since 1908, according to legend. Bar/goat owner William Sianis reportedly sent a telegram to Cubs owner Philip Wrigley, saying: “You are going to lose this World Series and you are never going to win another World Series again” after he pet was banned from the ballpark.
The Black Cat (1969)
Chicago Cubs players and fans all felt like 1969 was their year … until a black cat wandered across the field during a crucial game against the New York Mets at Shea Stadium. The Mets would end up winning the World Series, and the black cat would end up part of Cubs lore.
Leo Durham’s Fielding Error (1984)
Cubs were leading in the series-clinching Game 5 against the San Diego Padres, but first baseman Leo Durham allowed a seemingly easy ground ball go through his legs. Could have been chalked up to a simple error – hey, it happens – if it were not for the fact that it probably happened because his glove got soaked with Gatorade during a dugout mishap right before.
Steve Bartman (2003)
The Cubs were five outs away from the World Series, when a Marlins foul ball went towards the stands and fans tried to grab for it. One fan in particular, however, got the bulk of the wrath as replays showed Steve Bartman appearing to knock the ball straight out of the glove of Luis Castillo. That moment changed everything, the Marlins went on to win it all.
Has the Curse Been Lifted? (2016)
The Cubs are in the World Series for the first time since the billy goat. So is the curse over? Unfortunately, according to William Sianis’ great-nephew Bill Sianis, the answer is still no. The Cubs will have to win the World Series, not just make it in, to break the curse. Well, they’re 3 wins away.
