1945 Curse of the Billy Goat

Lore & Background

During Game 4 of the 1945 World Series at Wrigley Field, Sianis's pet goat, named Murphy, was bothering other fans, and the pair were asked to leave the stadium. Outraged, Sianis allegedly declared, 'Them Cubs, they ain't gonna win no more,' which had been interpreted to mean the Cubs would never win another National League pennant, at least for the remainder of Sianis's life. The Cubs lost the 1945 World Series to the Detroit Tigers and did not win a pennant or World Series championship again until 2016. The exact nature of the curse differs in various accounts; some state Sianis declared no World Series games would ever again be played at Wrigley Field, while others believe his ban was on the Cubs appearing in the World Series. Sianis's family claims he sent a telegram to owner Philip K. Wrigley reading, 'You are going to lose this World Series and you are never going to win another World Series again. You are never going to win a World Series again because you insulted my goat.'

In Their Own Story

The autumn air hung heavy over Wrigley Field, smelling of cut grass and distant rain. Outside the gates, Billy Sianis argued with security, his goats bleating softly in the truck bed. Inside, thousands held their breath as Hal Newhouser took the mound. The city waited for a miracle that would not come until generations later.

Reader's Guide

The Cubs last won the World Series in 1908. After the 1945 incident, the Cubs did not play in the World Series for 71 years until, on the 46th anniversary of William Sianis's death, the curse was broken when they defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 5–0 in Game 6 of the 2016 National League Championship Series to win the NL pennant. The Cubs then defeated the Cleveland Indians 8–7 in 10 innings in Game 7 to win the World Series, 108 years after their last win.

Did You Know?

• William Sianis died on October 22, 1970.
• The goat's name was Murphy.
• The Cubs won the NL pennant six times between 1908 and 1945 but lost the World Series each time: in 1910, 1918, 1929, 1932, 1935, and 1938.
• The curse gained widespread attention during the 2003 postseason when Fox television commentators played it up during the Cubs-Marlins NLCS.