What Is the Curse of the Chicago Cubs: A Tale of Persistence, Heartbreak, and Redemption

Frank Jones

The Chicago Cubs, one of the most beloved and iconic teams in Major League Baseball (MLB), had long been plagued by a curse that haunted the franchise for over a century. 

Known as “The Curse of the Billy Goat,” this seemingly inexplicable string of misfortune captivated the hearts of fans and became an enduring symbol of the Cubs’ struggles to capture a World Series championship. 

In this article, we delve into what is the curse of the Chicago Cubs, the history and enduring legacy of the curse, its impact on the Cubs’ fanbase, and the eventual triumph that shattered the curse’s grip on the team.

What Is the Curse of the Chicago Cubs?

Below are all the details about the curse of the Chicago Cubs:

The Origins of the Curse

The tale of the curse dates back to the 1945 World Series, when a local tavern owner named Billy Sianis attempted to bring his pet goat, named Murphy, into Wrigley Field to support his beloved Cubs. 

As the story goes, Sianis and his goat were denied entry, and in frustration, he proclaimed, “The Cubs ain’t gonna win no more!” From that moment on, the Cubs experienced a prolonged stretch of futility, failing to reach the World Series for over seven decades.

Decades of Frustration

The Curse of the Billy Goat manifested itself through a series of heartbreaking moments for Cubs fans. The team would come tantalizingly close to World Series appearances on multiple occasions, only to be thwarted by unlikely circumstances or untimely collapses. 

The “Bartman Incident” during the 2003 National League Championship Series against the Florida Marlins, where a fan interfered with a crucial catchable foul ball, is one such infamous example. It seemed as if the curse had an inexplicable ability to create obstacles and rob the Cubs of victory.

Enduring Fan Loyalty

Despite the curse and years of disappointment, Cubs fans remained fiercely loyal. The team’s loyal followers continued to fill the historic Wrigley Field year after year, maintaining an unwavering belief that their beloved Cubs would eventually break the curse. 

The curse became a symbol of resilience and the undying hope that defined the Cubs’ faithful fanbase, creating a unique bond between the team and its supporters.

Breaking the Curse

In 2016, after 108 years of waiting, the Chicago Cubs finally vanquished the Curse of the Billy Goat. Led by a talented roster, including Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, and Jake Arrieta, the team overcame numerous challenges to reach the World Series against the Cleveland Indians. 

In a thrilling seven-game series, the Cubs emerged victorious, delivering the long-awaited championship to their devoted fans. The curse was finally broken, and the streets of Chicago erupted in jubilation.

Redemption and Legacy

The Cubs’ triumph in 2016 not only ended the curse but also ushered in a new era of success for the franchise. 

No longer burdened by the weight of the past, the Cubs have since made multiple postseason appearances and continued to be competitive in subsequent seasons. The curse’s demise reinforced the resilience and determination of the Cubs’ fanbase, solidifying their place in baseball history.

Chicago Cubs’ Long History of ‘Curses’

Chicago Cubs' Long History of 'Curses

Source: nbcnews

The Chicago Cubs, one of Major League Baseball’s most storied franchises, have had a long and colorful history intertwined with various curses that have captured the imagination of fans and become part of the team’s lore.

These curses, though based on superstition rather than fact, have symbolized the Cubs’ struggles and added intrigue to their championship drought. Let’s explore some of the notable curses associated with the Cubs:

The Curse of the Billy Goat

The Curse of the Billy Goat is perhaps the most famous curse associated with the Cubs. It originated during the 1945 World Series when tavern owner Billy Sianis and his pet goat named Murphy were denied entry to Wrigley Field.

Frustrated, Sianis allegedly declared, “The Cubs ain’t gonna win no more!” Since then, the Cubs endured decades of disappointment and fell short of a World Series appearance until 2016 when they finally broke the curse.

The Curse of Steve Bartman

The Curse of Steve Bartman stems from an infamous incident during the 2003 NLCS. In Game 6 against the Marlins, a foul ball was hit down the left-field line, and Bartman, a Cubs fan, unintentionally interfered with outfielder Moises Alou’s attempt to catch it. 

The Cubs lost that game and ultimately the series, leading to blame and backlash toward Bartman. The curse became a symbol of the Cubs’ misfortune until they won the World Series in 2016.

The Curse of the Gatorade Glove (University of Florida)

While not directly associated with the Chicago Cubs, the Curse of the Gatorade Glove emerged during the University of Florida Gators’ baseball program. The curse originated when the lucky Gatorade glove of pitcher Alan Horne was stolen during the 2005 College World Series. 

The team subsequently experienced a downturn in performance, leading to speculation about the curse. However, the Gators won the College World Series in 2017, suggesting the curse had no lasting impact.

It’s important to note that curses are primarily rooted in folklore, superstition, and the power of belief. While they may add drama and intrigue to a team’s narrative, they have no factual basis.

The Cubs’ triumph in 2016, ending their long championship drought, demonstrated that curses hold no true power over a team’s destiny. Nevertheless, these curses have become part of the Cubs’ enduring legacy and the fascination of baseball fans worldwide.

The Black Cat Curse

The Black Cat Curse

The Black Cat Curse is a famous sports superstition associated with the Chicago Cubs, one of Major League Baseball’s oldest and most beloved teams. This curse gained notoriety after a significant encounter between a black cat and the Cubs during a game at Shea Stadium in 1969. 

The incident has since become a symbol of the team’s struggles and has captured the imaginations of fans and baseball enthusiasts alike.

Origin

The curse originated during a pivotal series between the Cubs and the New York Mets in September 1969. At the time, the Cubs were leading the National League East and were on track to secure a spot in the playoffs.

 However, their fortunes took a turn when a black cat appeared near the Cubs’ dugout during a game at Shea Stadium.

As the cat walked past the Cubs’ players and manager, it was believed to have stared directly into the eyes of their star player, Ron Santo.

Legacy

From that moment on, the Cubs’ season took a dramatic downturn. The team, once seemingly destined for postseason glory, went on to lose eight of their next ten games, ultimately allowing the surging Mets to overtake them and claim the division title. 

The incident became etched in Cubs lore, and many attributed the team’s collapse to the curse inflicted upon them by the black cat. Over the years, the Black Cat Curse became part of the Cubs’ narrative, adding to the mystique and aura surrounding the team’s struggles. 

Impact

The curse seemed to embody the frustration and disappointment experienced by Cubs fans, who had endured a championship drought that lasted over a century. Each setback missed opportunity, and near-miss only served to reinforce the belief in the curse and its impact on the team’s fortunes.

Overcoming the Curse

In 2016, the Chicago Cubs finally ended their championship drought, winning the World Series and effectively breaking the Curse of the Billy Goat. This long-awaited triumph provided a sense of redemption and closure for Cubs fans, as the curse’s grip on the team was finally shattered. 

The curse of the black cat, though a memorable chapter in Cubs history, ultimately became overshadowed by the team’s historic victory.

The Bartman Curse

The “Bartman Curse” is a term associated with the Chicago Cubs, stemming from an infamous incident during the 2003 National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the Florida Marlins.

This incident involved Steve Bartman, a Cubs fan, whose attempt to catch a foul ball inadvertently interfered with outfielder Moises Alou’s catch. The fallout from this incident led to a cascade of events that ultimately dashed the Cubs’ hopes of reaching the World Series that year.

The Incident

On October 14, 2003, the Chicago Cubs were just five outs away from reaching their first World Series since 1945. During Game 6 of the NLCS at Wrigley Field, a crucial moment occurred in the eighth inning. 

A high foul ball was hit down the left-field line, and Cubs’ outfielder Moises Alou attempted to make the catch.

However, Steve Bartman, sitting in the front row, reached out to catch the ball, unintentionally deflecting it away from Alou’s glove. This interference allowed the Florida Marlins an extended at-bat, and they capitalized on the opportunity by scoring multiple runs in that inning.

The Fallout and the Curse

Following the incident, the Marlins went on to win Game 6 and Game 7, securing their spot in the World Series. Meanwhile, Bartman became the target of immense criticism and blame from frustrated Cubs fans.

The incident sparked a media frenzy and a wave of vitriol towards Bartman, who was essentially made a scapegoat for the Cubs’ collapse. The term “Bartman Curse” emerged, symbolizing the supposed curse that haunted the team, preventing them from reaching the World Series.

The Impact on the Cubs and the Fanbase

The Bartman incident had a profound effect on both the Cubs players and their devoted fanbase. The team, once on the verge of breaking their long championship drought, suddenly faced immense pressure and scrutiny.

The weight of the incident, combined with the mounting expectations and the history of the franchise, seemingly contributed to a collapse of momentum and ultimately the loss of the series. 

Meanwhile, Cubs fans were left with a bitter taste of missed opportunity and an enduring sense of the curse’s power over their beloved team.

Redemption and Breaking the Curse

Despite the devastation caused by the Bartman incident, the Chicago Cubs would eventually find redemption. Over a decade later, in 2016, the team defied the curse and the odds by winning the World Series, ending a 108-year championship drought. 

The victory provided closure for Cubs fans and proved that the curse was nothing more than a product of superstition and the intense emotions surrounding the game.

Curse of the Gatorade Glove

The Curse of the Gatorade Glove is one such tale, albeit a lesser-known one. This peculiar curse is associated with the University of Florida Gators baseball team and their struggles in the College World Series during the mid-2000s. 

The Curse Emerges

The Curse of the Gatorade Glove is said to have originated during the 2005 College World Series. As the Gators were competing in the tournament, their starting pitcher, Alan Horne, wore a lucky Gatorade glove while on the mound.

The glove had been passed down to him by a former teammate, Tommy Boss, who believed it brought him luck during his own playing days. However, during a crucial game against the University of Arizona, the glove was stolen from Horne’s bag.

The Impact on the Gators

Following the theft of the Gatorade glove, the Florida Gators’ fortunes in the College World Series took a turn for the worse. The team struggled, failing to achieve the same level of success they had experienced earlier in the tournament. 

They were eventually eliminated, leaving players and fans to ponder whether the loss of the Gatorade glove had indeed brought upon a curse.

The Legacy of the Curse

The Curse of the Gatorade Glove gained attention and intrigue among the Gators’ fanbase. While not as widely known or discussed as some other sports curses, it became a topic of discussion and debate among supporters of the team. 

Some believed that the loss of the glove had indeed affected the team’s performance, while others dismissed it as mere coincidence or superstition.

Overcoming the Curse

While the Curse of the Gatorade Glove lingered in the minds of some, the Florida Gators baseball program has had subsequent successes since the curse supposedly took hold.

In fact, the Gators won their first College World Series title in 2017, years after the alleged curse emerged. This victory seemed to dispel the notion that the curse had any real power over the team’s performance.

FAQs

Is the Curse of the Chicago Cubs real?

The Curse of the Chicago Cubs, also known as the Curse of the Billy Goat, is a superstition that haunted the Cubs for over seven decades. While it may not have had any tangible or logical explanation, it became a symbolic representation of the team’s struggles. 

How did the Curse of the Chicago Cubs affect the team’s performance?

The Curse of the Chicago Cubs seemed to have a psychological impact on the team and its fanbase. The prolonged period without a World Series victory, coupled with several heartbreaking moments in the team’s history, created a sense of frustration and despair. 

Who was Billy Sianis and why did he curse the Cubs?

Billy Sianis was a tavern owner in Chicago who brought his pet goat named Murphy to Game 4 of the 1945 World Series between the Cubs and the Detroit Tigers.

Sianis and his goat were allegedly asked to leave the stadium, which led him to declare the curse by saying, “The Cubs ain’t gonna win no more!” The exact reasons for this incident remain unclear, with some accounts suggesting it was due to the goat’s odor, while others claim it was a publicity stunt.

What other notable curses have plagued sports teams?

The Curse of the Chicago Cubs is just one example of the many curses associated with sports teams. Another well-known curse is the “Curse of the Bambino,” which was believed to have afflicted the Boston Red Sox for 86 years until they won the World Series in 2004. 

How did the Cubs’ victory in 2016 impact the team’s fanbase?

The Cubs’ victory in the 2016 World Series brought immense joy and relief to their loyal fanbase. Generations of Cubs fans had endured decades of disappointment, and the championship provided a sense of redemption and validation. The triumph ended the curse.

Final Words

Now you know what is the curse of the Chicago Cubs. The Curse of the Chicago Cubs, a century-long saga of heartbreak and disappointment, was finally put to rest in 2016. The curse captured the imagination of fans and became an indelible part of the Cubs’ identity.

However, through perseverance and a talented roster, the Cubs overcame the odds, delivering a World Series championship to their devoted supporters. The curse’s end marked a new chapter for the franchise, highlighting the enduring power of hope, loyalty, and the redemptive spirit of the game.