Defining Eras
The 1966 Cubs: A last-place finish that set the stage for future glory.
The 1966 Chicago Cubs season was the 95th season of the Chicago Cubs franchise, the 91st in the National League and the 51st at Wrigley Field. The Cubs finished tenth and last in the National League with a record of 59–103, 36 games behind the NL Champion Los Angeles Dodgers.
- Home Stadium
- Wrigley Field
- National League Pennants
- 17
- Longest Championship Drought Ended
- 2016
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The Cubs would not lose 100 or more games in a season for another 46 seasons, and their 103 losses remain the franchise record for a single season. One of the defining trades in Cubs history occurred on April 21, when the Cubs acquired future Cy Young Award winner Ferguson Jenkins in a trade with the Philadelphia Phillies.
In Their Own Story
On May 26, 2015, rookie third baseman Kris Bryant made history by becoming the first player to hit the new left-field video screen with his 477-foot home run. Later that October, during the decisive game of the NLDS, Anthony Rizzo hit a game-winning and series-winning home run in the sixth inning, followed by Kyle Schwarber's seventh-inning shot that landed atop the right-field scoreboard. The ball was encased in clear plexiglass to preserve it as a symbol of this breakthrough moment, though it was removed in 2016. These moments were part of a broader transformation under the "1060 Project," which included expanding the bleachers and adding a 5,700 square foot jumbotron. The renovation also addressed legal challenges regarding rooftop sightlines and wheelchair accessibility, leading to a 2022 lawsuit by the United States government over alleged ADA violations.
Reader's Guide
The Cubs' record was 59–103, finishing last in the National League. Key transactions included the April 21 trade for Ferguson Jenkins, and other moves such as trading for Randy Hundley and Bill Hands on December 2, 1965, and acquiring Wes Covington on January 10, 1966.
Did You Know?
- The Cubs finished 36 games behind the NL Champion Los Angeles Dodgers.
- Ferguson Jenkins was acquired on April 21, 1966, in a trade with the Philadelphia Phillies.
- The Cubs lost 103 games in 1966, the most in a single season in franchise history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What constitutes the 'Defining Eras' of the Chicago Cubs?
The Defining Eras encompass major narrative shifts in the franchise's history, ranging from early dominance and prolonged struggles to the historic championship that broke a century-long curse. These periods serve as cultural pillars that shape the identity of Wrigley Field and the enduring loyalty of the fanbase.
When did the Cubs win their first World Series titles?
The club captured back-to-back championships in 1907 and 1908 during the Deadball Era, establishing an early legacy of excellence that anchored the franchise's reputation for over a century. These victories remain part of the team's three total World Series rings alongside the 2016 title.
How did the Cubs' historic championship drought conclude?
The franchise ended its record-setting title wait by clinching the World Series in 2016, marking a dramatic shift from decades of heartbreak to ultimate redemption. This victory secured the team's third championship and stands as the crowning moment of their modern cultural resurgence.
How do these eras connect to Wrigley Field's culture?
Each era reinforces the unique traditions and emotional resonance of Wrigley Field, linking the stadium's physical presence to the collective memories of hope and heartbreak shared by generations of fans. The ballpark stands as the enduring stage where the franchise's journey through triumph and adversity has unfolded.
What does the team's pennant history reveal about its resilience?
Despite amassing 17 National League pennants, the Cubs endured a prolonged period without a World Series win until 2016, highlighting a legacy defined by both competitive success and the perseverance required to overcome historic adversity. This trajectory underscores a franchise identity built on bouncing back from near-misses to achieve lasting glory.
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