The tale of baseball curses is legendary, and few are as famous as the Curse of the Bambino that haunted the Boston Red Sox for 86 years. However, another team faced a similarly daunting hex, this time attributed to a goat: the Chicago Cubs. The story of the Cubs’ curse is intertwined with superstition, heartbreak, and eventual redemption.
The Curse of the Billy Goat began in 1945, when Billy Sianis, the owner of the Billy Goat Tavern, attempted to bring his pet goat, Murphy, to Game 4 of the World Series at Wrigley Field. The Cubs management denied him entry, leading Sianis to famously declare, “The Cubs ain’t gonna win no more.” From that moment, the team was plagued by misfortune, enduring a staggering 108-year championship drought.
During this period, the Cubs experienced a series of near-misses and heart-wrenching losses, including the infamous 1969 collapse and the 2003 NLCS, where a fan’s interference play involving Steve Bartman became emblematic of their woes. Each season brought renewed hope, only to be crushed by unforeseen circumstances, leading fans to believe in the power of the curse.
However, in 2016, the Cubs finally broke free from their goat-induced shackles, winning the World Series against the Cleveland Indians. This historic victory not only ended their long suffering but also resonated deeply with baseball fans, reminding them of the power of perseverance and belief.
Just as the Red Sox’s curse was lifted with their 2004 championship, the Cubs’ triumph transformed the narrative surrounding their franchise. Both teams’ journeys reflect the enduring spirit of baseball, where curses can haunt but also inspire, ultimately leading to triumphant comebacks.