Back to the Chicago Cubs Newsfeed

How the NFL schedule could have helped cost the 1970 Cubs the NL East title

After the crushing collapse in 1969, the Cubs went about trying to change things in 1970.

And at first, they didn’t do much. The only major change they made in the starting rotation or lineup before the season started was the acquisition of outfielder Johnny Callison from the Phillies for Oscar Gamble and Dick Selma. (Yes, that was a bad trade.)

Nevertheless, the Cubs got off to a great start in 1970, just as they had in 1969. After defeating the Cardinals 8-3 June 20 at Wrigley Field, they were 35-25 and led the N.