The Cubs' Merkle Curse

[LouGehrig]

The Cubs needed a big break to get to the 1908 World Series, which might be the real reason that the Cubs have not won the World Series in 100 years.

http://baseball.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_cubs_fred_merkle_curse

[steve rogers]

I always wondered why the Merkle curse wasn't brought into the forefront. It makes a lot more sense than that stupid billy goat thing. I think curses are silly but at least with Merkle you have something tangible. The man was wronged and had to deal with being blamed for losing the pennant for the rest of his life. And of course it was the last time the Cubs won anything.

Scott

[Steve Jeltz]

I don't believe in curses at all, but, I'll admit, I love reading about them. The Merkle curse is another one. I disagree with the author that Merkle's career was shattered by that baserunning error. Merkle had some good seasons with the Giants, particularly in 1911 and 1912, and garnered a few votes for MVP. Ironically, Merkle became a Cub later in his career.

[Chickazoola]

Merkle is totally slept-on. He is only known for the one play in 1908, but he was very good for a long time.

Curses are for hillbillies and bumpkins man. If Alex Gonzalez could field a ground ball we probably wouldn't be talking about this.

[AG2004]

Merkle was wronged. However, McGinnity and McGraw should get the blame for the Giants failing to win the game.

After the Pirates-Cubs game in question, Hank O'Day stated that, if he had known for certain that Warren Gill had not stepped on second, he would have called Gill out. In the weeks before the Giants-Cubs game, O'Day had also stated on several occasions that he would call the runner on first out if he failed to step on second.

Merkle might not have noticed O'Day's statements. However, If Merkle didn't know about how umpires were interpreting the rule in question, the blame should have gone to the people who could have told him, but failed to do so. McGraw should have noticed at least one of O'Day's remarks, and he should have informed his team about this.

Also, at the end of the Cubs-Giants game, McGinnity obtained the ball after the misthrow towards second, and threw it off the field. This is clearly interference with the play, and should result in an out.

[LouGehrig]

Excellent points. Merkle was young and a great future had been predicted for him. He was a fine player, but many felt that he never reached his potential.