Top 10 lists like this make us all the more thankful that 2016 existed.
Before the Cubs won the World Series that year, every Cubs team that preceded it — seemingly — was a product of too much hype.
There were high expectations that evaporated. Prospects that didn’t pan out. Trades that left the North Siders woefully on the wrong end of the deal. It all congealed in the same ol’ “wait ‘till next year” mantra every October.
RELATED: Former Cubs' great Rick Sutcliffe pledges salary again to make sure MLB plays ball
The 1969 Cubs were the zenith of a high hopes team that couldn’t seal the deal.