What If the Chicago Cubs Never Broke Their Curse in 2016?

By Fan Arch August 09, 2024 04:36

Photo by AP Photos

Imagine a world where the Chicago Cubs' infamous 108-year championship drought didn't come to an end in 2016. The "Curse of the Billy Goat" would not just remain a piece of folklore but a continuing testament to the team's struggle to clinch the World Series title. What effects would such a scenario have had on the Cubs, their die-hard fanbase, the vibrant city of Chicago, and the landscape of Major League Baseball (MLB) as a whole? Let's dive into a fascinating exploration of how continued disappointment could have reshaped the morale, dynamics, and very spirit of one of baseball's most storied franchises and its supporters.

How It Affected the Cubs' Fanbase and Morale

Those fans that make up the Cubs fanbase are a loyal and rabid bunch who have endured disappointment of nearly biblical proportions over the decades. The long-term impact on the fandom of the Chicago Cubs continuing not to win the World Series past 2016 would have been massive. That sadness would have stuck with the "lovable losers" script, providing another gray cloud to loom over Wrigley Field and potentially spurring a slide in attendance.

Fan morale may have drifted from optimism and hope for a championship to tacit acceptance that mostly. The annual "Cubs season" would become synonymous with disappointment, and the atmosphere at games could turn from vibrant to dull.

A Change Of Direction In The Organogram

It may have led to sweeping changes within the Cubs' organization had they continued coming up short in making noise in October. Headlined by President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein, the front office would likely have come under increased scrutiny and pressure to produce results. If the Cubs had not won in 2020, Epstein might have needed to re-evaluate his long-term plan and blow everything up from top to bottom.

Key pieces that helped the last championship in 2016, Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, and many others could have been moved as part of a roster gutting exercise. The Cubs could have been more aggressive in pursuing talent, employing trades of a glitzy nature that would change the team's makeup. A new manager had to walk through the door, realizing he needed a different vantage point. He was brought in hoping someone could bequeath his fate after generations of agony.

Chicago: A Sports City in Transition

Chicago has a strong, varied sports history featuring one of the most storied Chicago Cubs and legendary franchises, including MLB's White Sox, NBA's Bulls, and NFL's Bears. This culture might have looked very different if the Cubs had gone another 20 years without a title.

If the Cubs' current slide has helped foster even a single drop of pessimism, it probably isn't only because they have been bad. The underdog story of the Cubs likely had some shine knocked off it after a while, turning into frustration with a franchise that could not consistently make better use of its resources and talent. This transition could have alienated some fans who started to doubt if the time and support they gave their team was worth it, as year by year fell short of expectations.

The Ripple Ends Up in Major League Baseball

However, if the Cubs did not win a World Series, it would resonate more broadly concerning competitive balance in MLB itself, particularly among National League teams. Arguably, the Cubs may have only had their iron grip challenged by teams on the rise. The rise of the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers, two teams that had been ahead of the curve in the areas of player development and analytics, might have changed everything, with the Cubs working to catch up.

Also, the Cubs' long championship drought probably took a little out of their historic rivalry with the Chicago White Sox and most certainly did some damage to one of baseball's greatest rivalries with St. Louis. The power dynamic was beginning to change between these valued fan bases, but Cubs supporters were merely starting to feel even more like second-class citizens from their biggest rivals.

A Legacy of Heartbreak

A battered fan base continues to find new ways to lose hope in its team amid organizational decisions that could shake up the structure from the top down and even leave a once proud franchise reimagined. As a sports town, Chicago was about to change. The Cubs' pain began consuming other Chicago teams, summing it up with their favorite liquid treat.

The "Curse of the Billy Goat" would have continued to loom large in the collective psyche of the Cubs fanbase, reinforcing a narrative of near misses and heartbreak. This enduring story might have deepened the loyalty among the Cubs' supporters, who pride themselves on their unwavering commitment, and intensified the aura of mystique and yearning surrounding the franchise.

For the vibrant city of Chicago, the prolonged wait for a championship could have further solidified the Cubs' place in the city's cultural and social landscape, uniting diverse generations of fans in a shared longing for triumph. In the broader context of Major League Baseball, the Cubs' continued drought would have preserved one of the sport's most captivating storylines, offering a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the game and the enduring appeal of an underdog story.

Ultimately, the quest for victory and the specter of the curse would have kept the spirit of hope alive, promising that the eventual triumph, whenever it might come, would be all the sweeter for its elusiveness.

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