The Infamous Billy Goat Curse of 1945

The Goat at the World Series

Billy Goat Sianis and His Goat

In 1945, tavern owner Billy Goat Sianis became a significant figure in the history of the Chicago Cubs by attempting to bring his beloved goat, named Murphy, to the Baseball World Series game. This year marked the first time the Cubs had made it to the World Series since 1938, and excitement was palpable among fans. Sianis, a devoted fan, decided to buy a ticket for his goat, believing it would bring good luck to the Cubs.

The Incident at Game 4

During Game 4 of the World Series at Wrigley Field, Sianis and his goat were denied entry due to objections from other attendees regarding the goat's presence. In retaliation for this slight, Sianis was escorted out of the stadium. Frustrated, he allegedly cast a curse on the Cubs, declaring that they would never win a World Series again while the goat was not allowed in.

The Consequences of the Curse

The Chicago Cubs and Their Misfortunes

Since that fateful day in 1945, the Chicago Cubs have faced numerous misfortunes that fans attribute to the Billy Goat Curse. After Sianis's curse, the Cubs would go on to experience a prolonged championship drought, with failures in crucial moments of the playoffs for decades, leading many to believe the curse was real.

The Legacy of the Billy Goat Curse

The Billy Goat Curse became a part of sports lore, sparking debates, jokes, and further superstitions among fans. It wasn't until 2016, when the Cubs finally broke their 108-year championship drought, that the curse was considered officially lifted, marking a triumphant moment in sports history and a poignant end to Sianis’s proclamation.

Fun Fact

Sianis's Tavern Still Exists

Sianis owned a tavern called the Billy Goat Tavern, which has become famous for its connection to this legendary baseball moment. The tavern still operates today, and visitors can experience its unique history and the lore of the Chicago Cubs.

Additional Resources

Recommended Reading on the Billy Goat Curse

For those interested in diving deeper into the history of the Chicago Cubs and the infamous curse, consider reading The Cubs Way: The Zen of Building the Best Team in Baseball and Breaking the Curse by Tom Verducci or Curse of the Billy Goat: The True Story of the Cubs and the Goat by Jerry Kranitz.