RetroSeasons recaps past sports seasons through stories, photos, videos, and stats from every team, league, and stadium in history. Coverage includes the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL, as well as vintage media from defunct teams and leagues.
Throughout the club's history, the Cubs have played in a total of eleven World Series. The 1906 Cubs won 116 games, finishing 116–36 and posting a modern-era record winning percentage of .763, before losing the World Series to the Chicago White Sox ("The Hitless Wonders") by four games to two. The Cubs won back-to-back World Series championships in 1907 and 1908, becoming the first major league team to play in three consecutive World Series, and the first to win it twice. Most recently, the Cubs won the 2016 National League Championship Series and 2016 World Series, which ended a 71-year National League pennant drought and a 108-year World Series championship drought, both of which are record droughts in Major League Baseball. The 108-year drought was also the longest such occurrence in all major North American sports. Since the start of divisional play in 1969, the Cubs have appeared in the postseason ten times through the 2019 season.
The Cubs are known as "the North Siders", a reference to the location of Wrigley Field within the city of Chicago, and in contrast to the White Sox, whose home field (Guaranteed Rate Field) is located on the South Side.
Historian Eugene C. Murdock interviewed several former baseball players that had been active in baseball in the 1920s and 1930s. Murdock was chairman of the history department at Marietta College. The interviews were not professionally recorded, and the audio quality is variable.
On September 30, 1979, the Chicago Cubs met the Pittsburgh Pirates at Three Rivers Stadium...
1979-Sep-30 • CHC/PIT • Chicago Cubs vs Pittsburgh Pirates - Clinch - Radio Broadcast / On September 30, 1979, the Chicago Cubs met the Pittsburgh Pirates at Three Rivers Stadium in a game that would determine the fate of the Pirates' season. Coming into the game, the Pirates had a magic number of one to clinify the National League East title, meaning a win against the Cubs would secure their place in the postseason. The Pirates were having a stellar season, with players like Willie Stargell and Dave Parker leading the charge. The Cubs, on the other hand, were struggling to find their footing, but still posed a significant threat with their roster that included the likes of Bruce Sutter and Bill Buckner. This game wasn't just about securing a playoff spot, but also about the Pirates proving their dominance in the league.
The 1979 season was historic for the Pirates as they would go on to win the World Series, with Stargell picking up the NL MVP and World Series MVP awards. This game, therefore, holds a pivotal place in that narrative. The Cubs, despite their struggles, were no easy opponent, and the tension of the game was palpable on the radio broadcast. The stakes were high, the air was thick with anticipation, and the game was set to be a memorable one.
The Montreal Expos faced off against the Chicago Cubs on September 15, 1977, at Stade...
Chicago Cubs vs Montreal Expos - Radio Broadcast / The Montreal Expos faced off against the Chicago Cubs on September 15, 1977, at Stade Olympique. The Cubs sent Bill Bonham to the mound, while the Expos countered with Wayne Twitchell. At this point in the season, the Cubs were trying to keep pace in the National League East, while the Expos were looking to play spoiler. The 1977 season was marked by the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers' dominance in their respective leagues, setting up an exciting potential World Series matchup.
The game started off with an unearned run by the Cubs in the first inning due to an error by the Expos' third baseman Papi. The Expos quickly responded with two runs in the bottom of the first, with Cash and Papi scoring on a double by Valentine. The Cubs managed to tie the game in the fourth inning, but the Expos reclaimed the lead in the bottom half of the same inning with a home run from Carter. Despite a solo home run from Morales in the sixth inning, the Cubs couldn't maintain a lead, with the Expos tying the game in the eighth inning.
The ninth inning saw the Expos pull off a come-from-behind victory with a run in the bottom of the ninth, leading to a 5-4 win over the Cubs. This game was a microcosm of the Cubs' season, as they struggled to maintain leads and finished the season in fourth place in the National League East. The Expos, on the other hand, finished the season in last place, but showed promise for the future with young talent like Gary Carter and Andre Dawson. The 1977 season eventually culminated in a World Series victory for the New York Yankees over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
During the 1971 season, the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers had notable performances...
Chicago Cubs vs Los Angeles Dodgers - Scully - Radio Broadcast / During the 1971 season, the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers had notable performances and competed fiercely for a spot in the playoffs. The Cubs showcased their offensive power and solid pitching, led by players like Ron Santo, Billy Williams, and Ernie Banks. They had a strong start to the season and remained in the playoff race throughout July. However, their pitching staff faced challenges at times, impacting their consistency and requiring improvement to maintain their competitive edge.
On the other hand, the Dodgers were renowned for their pitching dominance, with Sandy Koufax leading the way. Their strong bullpen and pitching rotation allowed them to shut down opponents effectively. Throughout July, the Dodgers continued to perform consistently, relying on their pitching staff to secure crucial victories and maintain their position as a formidable force in the National League.
In July, both teams were determined to secure a strong position in their divisions. The Dodgers' pitching staff stood out as their main strength, ensuring they remained a top contender. Conversely, the Cubs relied on their offensive prowess, but they encountered difficulties due to inconsistencies in their pitching performances. Despite the challenges faced by both teams, they remained in contention for a playoff berth, making the 1971 season an exciting and competitive one for fans and players alike.
In the 1963 MLB season, both the New York Mets and the Chicago Cubs struggled....
Chicago Cubs vs New York Mets - 14 inning thriller - Radio Broadcast / In the 1963 MLB season, both the New York Mets and the Chicago Cubs struggled. The Cubs, managed by Bob Kennedy and Charlie Metro, finished seventh in the National League with a 82-80 record, continuing their multi-decade championship drought. Meanwhile, the fledgling Mets, in only their second season, had a rougher time. Managed by Casey Stengel, they finished last in the National League with a record of 51-111, one of the worst in MLB history.
Hosted by retired NFL star Kyle Rote, these 5-minute programs feature interviews with some of the top figures in sports
Tops-in-Sports interview with Don Zimmer / Hosted by retired NFL star Kyle Rote, these 5-minute programs feature interviews with some of the top figures in sports during 1962
On July 20, 1957, the Brooklyn Dodgers faced the Chicago Cubs at Ebbets Field in...
1957 Chicago Cubs vs Brooklyn Dodgers - Radio Broadcast / On July 20, 1957, the Brooklyn Dodgers faced the Chicago Cubs at Ebbets Field in a mid-season matchup. Don Drysdale took the mound for the Dodgers, while Dave Hillman started for the Cubs. At this point in the season, the Dodgers were in a close race in the National League, trying to keep pace with the Milwaukee Braves. The Cubs, on the other hand, were struggling to climb out of the lower half of the standings. Key players like Duke Snider and Gil Hodges were crucial for the Dodgers’ offense, while the Cubs relied on Ernie Banks and Lee Walls for their batting strength.
The game began with the Cubs scoring an early run in the first inning, but the Dodgers quickly responded with a four-run outburst in their half of the first, highlighted by a two-run double from Gino Cimoli. Don Drysdale settled in after a shaky start, while the Dodgers added insurance runs with a solo homer from Randy Jackson in the sixth inning and another from Duke Snider in the eighth. The Cubs mounted a late rally in the seventh inning, with Ernie Banks hitting a three-run homer, and added another run in the ninth on Banks’ second homer of the game, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Dodgers’ lead.
In the end, the Dodgers secured a 7-5 victory, thanks to a strong start from Drysdale and timely hitting. With this win, the Dodgers remained competitive in the pennant race, showcasing their resilience and depth. Ernie Banks' performance for the Cubs highlighted his power-hitting capability, though it was insufficient to change the game's outcome. The season continued with both teams striving for different goals, the Dodgers aiming for a postseason berth and the Cubs looking to build for the future.
#DonDrysdale #DukeSnider #ErnieBanks #BrooklynDodgers #ChicagoCubs #1957Baseball #MLB
This 1957 regular season game at Ebbets field sees the Brooklyn Dodgers hosting the...
Chicago Cubs vs Brooklyn Dodgers - Radio Broadcast / This 1957 regular season game at Ebbets field sees the Brooklyn Dodgers hosting the Chicago Cubs. On the mound are two young pitchers, the Cubs rookie Dick Drott and the Dodger's Sandy Koufax. At this point, Koufax is in his 3rd season and this game is his his 21st career start.
The legendary Vin Scully calls the game In his 8th year in the broadcast booth and the Dodgers final season in Brooklyn.
In this audio clip from 1948, we're presented with a piece of baseball history featuring...
The Dizzy Dean Show - Country Baseball - Radio Broadcast / In this audio clip from 1948, we're presented with a piece of baseball history featuring the inimitable Jay Hanna "Dizzy" Dean. By this time, Dean, a former Major League Baseball pitcher, had hung up his gloves after a prolific career from 1930 to 1947. Known for his vibrant personality and exceptional pitching skills, Dean was a standout figure in the baseball world. His contributions to the sport would later earn him a well-deserved spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1953.
The year 1948 was a significant one in the context of baseball and Dean's career. Having recently retired, Dean was transitioning from his role as a player to a broadcaster, a shift that allowed him to remain closely connected to the sport he loved. This clip provides a glimpse into that period of transformation.
As you listen, consider the broader context of the era. The Second World War had just ended, and America's favorite pastime was on the cusp of a new, exciting chapter. This conversation offers a unique insight into that time, capturing the spirit and resilience of the baseball community.
Historian Eugene C. Murdock interviewed several former baseball players that had been active in baseball in the 1920s and 1930s.
Interview with Outfielder Dom Dallessandro / Historian Eugene C. Murdock interviewed several former baseball players that had been active in baseball in the 1920s and 1930s. Murdock was chairman of the history department at Marietta College. The interviews were not professionally recorded, and the audio quality is variable.
The 1936 season between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs was marked by...
St. Louis Cardinals vs Chicago Cubs - Radio Broadcast / The 1936 season between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs was marked by intense competition between the two National League rivals. Throughout the season, both teams demonstrated strong performances and sought to secure a spot in the playoffs.
August was a crucial month for both the Cardinals and the Cubs. The Cardinals, led by their star player Dizzy Dean, had a standout season with exceptional pitching performances. Dean was a dominant force on the mound and played a pivotal role in the Cardinals' success throughout the year. In August, Dean continued to excel, solidifying his reputation as one of the league's best pitchers.
On the other hand, the Chicago Cubs showcased their offensive firepower during the 1936 season. Players like Gabby Hartnett and Billy Herman led the team's hitting attack, providing consistent contributions to the lineup. In August, the Cubs' offense remained potent, putting up impressive numbers in key games.
The rivalry between the two teams intensified during their matchups in August. The Cardinals and the Cubs were neck-and-neck in the standings, making each head-to-head encounter critical for both sides. These games were fiercely contested and had a significant impact on their positioning in the standings.
Overall, the 1936 season saw the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs engaged in a fierce battle for supremacy in the National League. With Dizzy Dean's dominant pitching and the Cubs' powerful hitting, both teams made their case for a spot in the playoffs. The competition between the Cardinals and the Cubs, especially during the pivotal month of August, added excitement to the baseball season and further solidified the historic rivalry between these two storied franchises.
The 1928 Major League Baseball season was a banner year for hitting, with several sluggers...
MLB 1928 Home Run Derby Simulation / The 1928 Major League Baseball season was a banner year for hitting, with several sluggers making their mark. The New York Yankees' Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig dominated the American League, with Ruth hitting .323 with 54 home runs and 142 RBIs, and Gehrig batting .374 with 27 home runs and a league-leading 142 RBIs. In the National League, the Pittsburgh Pirates' Paul Waner led with a .370 average, while the Philadelphia Phillies' Cy Williams topped the league with 31 home runs. The Yankees swept the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series, with Ruth and Gehrig combining for seven home runs in four games.
Historian Eugene C. Murdock interviewed several former baseball players that had been active in baseball in the 1920s and 1930s.
Interview with Baseball Outfielder Johnny Gill / Historian Eugene C. Murdock interviewed several former baseball players that had been active in baseball in the 1920s and 1930s. Murdock was chairman of the history department at Marietta College. The interviews were not professionally recorded, and the audio quality is variable.
In this simulated 1927 MLB Home Run Derby, we're seeing a clash of titans with...
MLB 1927 Home Run Derby Simulation / In this simulated 1927 MLB Home Run Derby, we're seeing a clash of titans with Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Rogers Hornsby, and Hack Wilson, all at their prime. Ruth and Gehrig, famously part of the '27 Yankees' "Murderers' Row", are up against Hornsby, who had just moved to the Giants, and Wilson, who was leading the Cubs' offensive, setting the stage for a contest of power hitters from a golden era of baseball.
Historian Eugene C. Murdock interviewed several former baseball players that had been active in baseball in the 1920s and 1930s.
Interview with Baseball Player Bob Smith / Historian Eugene C. Murdock interviewed several former baseball players that had been active in baseball in the 1920s and 1930s. Murdock was chairman of the history department at Marietta College. The interviews were not professionally recorded, and the audio quality is variable.
Historian Eugene C. Murdock interviewed several former baseball players that had been active in baseball in the 1920s and 1930s.
Interview with Baseball Player Fred "Sheriff" Blake / Historian Eugene C. Murdock interviewed several former baseball players that had been active in baseball in the 1920s and 1930s. Murdock was chairman of the history department at Marietta College. The interviews were not professionally recorded, and the audio quality is variable.
Historian Eugene C. Murdock interviewed several former baseball players that had been active in baseball in the 1920s and 1930s.
Interview with Baseball Player Riggs Stephenson / Historian Eugene C. Murdock interviewed several former baseball players that had been active in baseball in the 1920s and 1930s. Murdock was chairman of the history department at Marietta College. The interviews were not professionally recorded, and the audio quality is variable.
Historian Eugene C. Murdock interviewed several former baseball players that had been active in baseball in the 1920s and 1930s.
Interview with Baseball Player Charlie Grimm / Historian Eugene C. Murdock interviewed several former baseball players that had been active in baseball in the 1920s and 1930s. Murdock was chairman of the history department at Marietta College. The interviews were not professionally recorded, and the audio quality is variable.
The 1880s marked a pivotal moment in the sport's history as the American Association (AA)...
MLB 1880s Baseball All Star Game Simulation - NL vs AA / The 1880s marked a pivotal moment in the sport's history as the American Association (AA) emerged to challenge the dominance of the National League (NL). The AA, a feisty upstart, gave the established NL a run for its money with its unique franchises.
In the AA, the Philadelphia Athletics took center stage with their explosive offense, led by the likes of Harry Stovey and Ezra Sutton. These powerhouses didn't just swing for the fences; they practically built a new fence every time they stepped up to bat.
Meanwhile, the NL stalwarts like the Boston Beaneaters and the Chicago White Stockings showcased their own star power. The Beaneaters boasted the great Jim "Pud" Galvin, while Chicago had Cap Anson, a legendary figure whose impact on the game was as large as his batting average.