The Goat Did It

THE CHICAGO CUBS' PERFECT SEASON OF IMPERFECTION

Hall of Fame slugger Ernie Banks, "Mr. Cub," had a saying during his playing days: "Let's play two " Now, those words have a twist: "Let's lose 162 " Follow the game-by-game historical yet mythical creation of a campaign filled only with disheartening losses by a franchise as beleaguered as it is beloved.

Whether you enjoy basking in Cubs misery or are a fervent supporter who loves playing the what-if game, The Goat Did It shines light on integral characters and irresistible plotlines in baseball's grand story.

Santo, Sandberg and Sosa ... Relive (or learn) the day-by-day exploits of some of the best to ever play the game, whether they donned Cub blue or were foes who made North Siders feel that way.The Babe, a Billy goat, a black cat and Bartman ... Soak in the stories and events behind the curses that many baseball fans believe have been cast upon the Cubs. Something has to explain all the misery. Lou, Leon and legends ... Echoes of "Cubs win Cubs win Cubs win " from the late play-by-play announcer Harry Caray won't resonate from these pages. What will are the defining losses on and off the field -the misguided trade of Lou Brock, a playoff ball rolling through Leon Durham's legs and saying goodbye to the one-of-a-kind Caray.

The Goat Did It is a must-read recollection of the travails of baseball's ultimate can't-look-away franchise. Put yourself among the Bleacher Bums at Wrigley Field, where you'll find yourself saying, "Let's play two " Because this team has to win the next one, right?