The Curse Lives!

Here is an interesting article about possible curses that could effect the Cubs. As of press time the Cubbies are losing! Perhaps a bonehead decision to pull out Zambrano, but I think it is the goat!

Anyway this article comes from Yahoo Sports.

Cubs curse talk of a hex

By Steve Henson

Wednesday, Oct 3, 2007 7:45 pm EDT

PHOENIX – The temptation to root for the forever forlorn Chicago Cubs is strong. After all, the team hasn't won a World Series since 1908, and a 99-year underdog is tough to resist. But here are three reasons to spare yourself the heartache.

The Curse of the Billy Goat, the Black Cat and Steve Bartman.

The Curse of the Billy Goat befell the Cubs during Game 4 of the 1945 World Series, and the team hasn't returned to the Fall Classic since. William Sianis brought his pet goat to the game – he had two tickets – but was escorted out of the stadium because of the goat's foul odor. Sianis, who owned the legendary Billy Goat Tavern, supposedly placed a curse on the team, and when the Cubs lost Game 7 to the Detroit Tigers, he sent a telegram to owner P.K. Wrigley that read, "Who smells now?"

The (forever capitalized) Black Cat walked in front of Cubs third baseman Ron Santo at Shea Stadium late in the 1969 season, the Cubs choked away an eight-game lead and the Mets became Amazin'. These days, Santo signs Black Cat memorabilia and it sells for $76.99 on Amazon.com.

Bartman, of course, was the Walkman-wearing Cubs fan who deflected a foul ball during Game 6 of the 2003 National League Championship Series at Wrigley Field. The Cubs were five outs from the World Series when Bartman's gaffe set off a chain of events that resulted in the Florida Marlins winning the game and advancing to the World Series a day later. Reporters have tried to locate Bartman this week without success. Friends (apparently, he has a few) say he's doing OK, but don't expect him to be throwing out the first pitch before Game 3 at Wrigley Field on Saturday.

There is much hand-wringing on the North Side these days over what calamity could befall the franchise next. Manager Lou Piniella will have none of it, though.

"There are no curses here," he said. "There never have been. It's a figment, it's good copy. But games are won or lost on the baseball field."

The Arizona Diamondbacks, of course, don't mind all the negativity surrounding their opponent. Said impish outfielder Eric Byrnes: "Bartman and the Billy Goat, I consider them teammates."

UPDATE

Ok, I turned off the TV tonight for game two. I swear I saw a goat in the outfield. Yup, It was a goat in a cubs uniform. Oh-well it was fun while it lasted:-)