1969 Chicago Cubs
From BR Bullpen
[edit] 1969 Chicago Cubs / Franchise: Chicago Cubs / BR Team Page
Record: 92-70, Finished 2nd in NL Eastern Division (1969 NL)
[edit] History, Comments, Contributions
In 1969, the Chicago Cubs appeared to be headed for the postseason for the first time in over 20 years. Their lineup was led by two Hall of Famers, first baseman Ernie Banks and outfielder Billy Williams. All-Star Third baseman Ron Santo clubbed 29 homers and drove in 123 runs, and All-Star catcher Randy Hundley provided experience behind the plate. The pitching staff was led by a pair of 20 game winners, Bill Hands and Hall of Famer Ferguson Jenkins.
The Cubs jumped to an early advantage in the N.L. East leading by two games going into May. By June 15 the lead had extended to nine games, before dipping to 3.5 on July 9. But the Cubbies would go on an amazing stretch winning 22 of their next 33 games. Leaving the Cubs with a nine-game lead on the New York Mets on August 16. But by September 8th the lead was down to just 2 1/2 games, going into a two-game series against New York in Shea Stadium. The Mets won both games and took over the division lead on September 10th never surrendering it, as the Cubs would drop 12 out of their last 20 games to finish eight games behind the Mets.
[edit] Further Reading
- Doug Feldmann: Miracle Collapse: The 1969 Chicago Cubs, University of Nebraska Press, Lincoln, NE, 2006.
