Posted on 09/27/2003 4:11:13 PM PDT by Davea
As for the actual billygoat mentioned above, its notoriety does not end with the Billy Goat Tavern. I wish it did. You see, the Chicago Cubs haven't been in the World Series since 1945, and haven't won one since 1908. Many attribute this misfortune to the "Curse of the Billy Goat." The alleged curse was placed on the Cubs during the 1945 World Series by Billy Goat Sianis himself. Sianis happened to be a rabid Cubs fan and attempted to bring his goat, "Murphy," into game four. Murphy even had his own ticket. As Sianis walked into Wrigley Field, the ushers prevented his entry, telling him that no goats were allowed. When Billy Goat asked for an appeal directly to owner P.K. Wrigley, P.K. told them to allow Billy Goat in but not Murphy. When Billy Goat asked why, they said, "Because the goat smells." In retaliation, Sianis cast a "goat curse" over the Cubs by saying, "Cubs, they not gonna win anymore." Subsequently, the Tigers won the series and the Cubs have never been back. The Cubs' loss prompted Billy Goat to send a telegram to P.K. Wrigley asking, "Who smells now?" Billy Goat supposedly lifted the curse in 1969, but the Cubs blew a nine game lead that year to the lowly Mets, causing some to believe that the curse remains in place.
Billy Williams is in the Hall of Fame. Ron Santo deserves to be.
He is only the third Cub to have his number retired, The other two Cubs are Williams and Banks.
Since the Cubs have existed for so long and have had so many hall of famers, it is really remarkable that they have retired only three numbers.
1.Oakland Athletics 3.60
2.Seattle Mariners 3.77
3.New York Yankees 4.02
4.Chicago White Sox 4.17
5.Cleveland Indians 4.21
6.Anaheim Angels 4.30
7.Minnesota Twins 4.41
8.Boston Red Sox 4.48
9.Toronto Blue Jays 4.69
10.Baltimore Orioles 4.76
11.Tampa Bay Devil Rays 4.93
12.Kansas City Royals 5.05
13.Detroit Tigers 5.30
14.Texas Rangers 5.68
Former Chicago Cubs player Ron Santo, center facing, hugs Cubs manager Dusty Baker as Santo's wife, Vicki, right, smiles after Santo's No. 10 was retired before the Cubs game against the Pittsburg Pirates, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2003 in Chicago.
Thanks! These Cubs are a tenacious lot. The Cubs had to battle hard to take the NL Central and that has given them a little extra edge--IMO.
Plus, they are peaking at the right time and have some of the best pitching anywhere in MLB.
Few expect them to get past the Braves and that helps too.
I believe the Cubs are the miracle team of 2003.
Any Team can have a Bad Century!
Former Chicago Cubs star Ron Santo, center, talks to Cubs fans after his number was officially retired before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2003, in Chicago. Santo joins Ernie Banks, left, and Billy Williams, right, as the only Cub players to have their numbers retired.
You are just like a typical Chicago White Sox Fan. They hate the Cubs with a passion and would cheer ANY team that defeats them.
Glad to see the phenomenon is not limited to Chicago. But In this case...Thanks for your support.
Interesting Story. Must have been cool to meet all those Legends of Chicago. Yes, Lou Boudreau was a great sportscaster and, like Jack Brickhouse, always had interesting stories. He didn't mince words either when the Cubs played poorly...which was often in those days.
Banks (1B), Beckert (2B), Kessinger (SS), Santo (3B), Hundley (C) and Williams (LF or RF) were 75% of the team's lineup from 1966-1969. Five of those players were in the starting lineup in four other seasons (1965, 1970, 1972, 1973). In 1966 the six players played in 910 of 972 possible games at their positions. In 1967 it was 916 of 966, in 1968 it was 949 of 972, and in '69 it was 917 of 972. Thus, for four seasons, the six played in 95% of the Cubs' games.
LOL!
Although we live in DC, my 11 yo son has CUB fever, big time. We are beyond loyal, we're contagious!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.