Search -
The Cubs Win the Pennant!: Charlie Grimm, the Billy Goat Curse, and the 1945 World Series Run
The Cubs Win the Pennant Charlie Grimm the Billy Goat Curse and the 1945 World Series Run Author:John Skipper, John C. Skipper On September 29, 1945, the Chicago Cubs fireball pitcher Paul Erickson threw a curve ball to Tommy OBrien of the Pittsburgh Pirates with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning. OBriens knees buckled, as any hitters knees would when he expects a fastball but gets a curve instead. OBrien had reason to be sur... more »prisedit was Ericksons first curveball of the game, and some even claim that it was his first of the year. The ball crossed home plate for strike three. The Cubs won 4-3 and captured the National League championship. The Cubs journey to the National League pennant in 1945 is detailed here. The author interviewed nine surviving members of the 1945 Cubs, including pitchers Erickson, Hank Borowy, Hank Wyse and Claude Passeau, second baseman Don Johnson, shortstop Lenny Merullo, backup catcher Dewey Williams, first baseman Phil Cavaretta, and outfielder Andy Pafko, and includes their recollections of that magical Cubs season.« less