What Is 1964 Chicago Cubs baseball team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1964 Chicago Cubs finished the season with a 76–86 record, placing 7th in the National League under manager Bob Kennedy. They played their home games at Wrigley Field and featured players like Ernie Banks and Billy Williams.

Key Facts

The 1964 Chicago Cubs had a 76–86 win-loss record
They finished 7th in the National League
Manager Bob Kennedy led the team for the full season
Ernie Banks hit 43 home runs and drove in 115 runs
Billy Williams batted .312 with 104 RBIs and 118 runs scored

Overview

The 1964 Chicago Cubs were a Major League Baseball team competing in the National League. Playing their home games at the historic Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois, the Cubs struggled to maintain consistency throughout the season, ultimately finishing below .500.

Despite strong individual performances from star players, the team failed to make a serious playoff push during a season marked by managerial changes early on and inconsistent pitching. The year is remembered more for standout individual achievements than team success.

Record of 76–86: The Cubs finished the 1964 season with 76 wins and 86 losses, placing them well behind the league-leading San Francisco Giants.
7th in the NL: They ended the season in 7th place out of 10 National League teams, missing postseason contention by a wide margin.
Manager Bob Kennedy: Took full control for the season after interim management early in the year, leading a transitional phase for the franchise.
Ernie Banks' standout year: The Cubs' legendary shortstop hit 43 home runs and recorded 115 RBIs, earning All-Star honors.
Billy Williams' offensive dominance: The outfielder posted a .312 batting average, scored 118 runs, and drove in 104, showcasing his all-around excellence.

Performance and Key Players

The 1964 season highlighted both the promise and limitations of the Cubs' roster. While the offense showed flashes of brilliance, especially from Banks and Williams, the pitching staff underperformed, dragging down overall team performance.

Starting rotation struggles: The team's top starter, Dick Ellsworth, went 9–22 despite a respectable 3.99 ERA, reflecting poor run support and defensive lapses.
Ernie Banks at the plate: Averaged a home run every 13.4 at-bats and led the National League in total bases with 317.
Billy Williams' consistency: Appeared in 158 games, logging 647 plate appearances and maintaining one of the highest on-base percentages in the league.
Team ERA of 4.13: Ranked 8th in the NL, indicating below-average pitching performance across both starters and relievers.
Wrigley Field attendance: Drew 974,990 fans for the season, averaging about 13,000 per game, showing steady but unspectacular fan support.
Defensive inefficiencies: The Cubs committed 133 errors during the season, ranking among the higher totals in the league.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1964 Cubs compared to other top teams in the National League:

Team	Record (W-L)	Win %	Manager	Key Stat
San Francisco Giants	90–72	.556	Alvin Dark	Scored 714 runs
St. Louis Cardinals	82–80	.506	Johnny Keane	Won World Series
Los Angeles Dodgers	80–82	.494	Walter Alston	Strong bullpen: 2.86 ERA
Chicago Cubs	76–86	.469	Bob Kennedy	Ernie Banks: 43 HR
Philadelphia Phillies	92–70	.568	Gene Mauch	Best record in NL

The table highlights the Cubs’ position near the bottom of the league standings despite individual excellence. While the Phillies led the league and the Giants captured fan attention, the Cubs remained middling, unable to translate offensive firepower into wins. The gap between their run production and win total suggested deeper systemic issues in pitching and fielding.

Why It Matters

The 1964 season is a snapshot of a franchise in transition, balancing aging stars with developing talent. Though not a championship contender, the year provided valuable experience and set the stage for future improvements.

Legacy of Ernie Banks: His 43 home runs were the most by a Cub since 1958 and solidified his status as a franchise icon.
Foundation for the late 1960s: Players like Williams and young pitchers laid groundwork for competitive teams later in the decade.
Wrigley Field tradition: The ballpark continued to be a cultural landmark, drawing national media attention during broadcasts.
Managerial development: Bob Kennedy’s leadership provided stability after years of frequent coaching changes.
Statistical benchmark: The team’s offensive numbers became a reference point for future front office evaluations.
Fan engagement: Despite losing records, consistent attendance signaled enduring local support for the Cubs.

Ultimately, the 1964 Chicago Cubs season reflects a common theme in the team’s history: strong individual performances overshadowed by collective underachievement. Yet, it remains a notable chapter in the long narrative of one of baseball’s most storied franchises.