50 best MLB teams that didn’t win the World Series
1984 Chicago Cubs. 40. player. 9. . 96-65. Lost in the NLCS
The Cubs may not have won a World Series in more than 100 years, but they have had some very good teams since – including a few on this list. The 1984 Chicago Cubs were one of the best chances fans had of seeing the end of the title drought, and of seeing their beloved Cubs in the World Series for the first time since 1945. However, after posting a 96-65 record and winning the National League East by 6.5 games over the second place New York Mets, and then taking a 2-0 lead in the NLCS over the San Diego Padres, the Cubs lost three in a row in the best-of-five and series were denied in their quest for the Fall Classic.
Still, the 1984 campaign was a special one. The pitching staff included Cy Young Award winner Rick Sutcliffe, who didn’t even join the team until June 13. After posting a 4-5 record and a 5.15 ERA through 15 starts with the Cleveland Indians, Sutcliffe was traded to Chicago. Sutcliffe then put together an incredible 16-1 record in just 20 starts with the Cubs, including seven complete games and three shutouts, and an ERA of 2.69 with 155 strikeouts in 150 innings. Sutcliffe joined a pitching staff that included Steve Trout (10-8, 3.41), Dennis Eckersley (10-8, 3.03) and Lee Smith (3.65, 33 saves).
Offensively, second baseman Ryne Sandberg was voted the NL MVP after a season in which he hit .314/.367/.520, led the league with 19 triples and 114 runs, hit 19 home runs and drove in 84 runs. In addition to Sandberg, the NL’s highest scoring lineup included Ron Cey (25 HR, 97 RBI), Jody Davis (19 HR, 94 RBI), Leon Durham (23 HR, 96 RBI), Gary Matthews (14 HR, 82 RBI) and Keith Moreland (16 HR, 80 RBI).
Next: 1978 Boston Red Sox