What Is 1998 Chicago Cubs baseball team

Overview

The 1998 Chicago Cubs season is remembered as one of the most exciting and heartbreaking in franchise history. Fueled by a dramatic home run race and a revitalized roster, the team captured national attention and came within two games of reaching the postseason.

Despite finishing with a strong 90-72 record, the Cubs fell just short of a playoff berth, losing the NL Central to the Houston Astros. The season is most famous for Sammy Sosa's historic power surge, which helped reignite interest in baseball after the 1994 strike.

• Sammy Sosa’s 66 home runs not only led the majors but also earned him the National League MVP award in a tight race with Mark McGwire.
• The Cubs’ 90 wins were their most since 1945, marking a significant turnaround from previous losing seasons.
• Greg Maddux, after a dominant run with the Braves, signed a 5-year, $57.5 million deal with the Cubs, making him the highest-paid pitcher at the time.
• Chicago’s offense ranked 2nd in the NL in home runs with 203, largely due to Sosa and first baseman Mark Grace.
• Wrigley Field attendance surged to 2,889,000 fans, setting a new single-season record and reflecting renewed fan enthusiasm.

Season Highlights and Key Players

The 1998 campaign featured several standout moments and performances that defined the team’s identity. From midseason trades to late-season drama, the Cubs remained in contention until the final week.

• Sammy Sosa’s home run chase: Sosa’s pursuit of Roger Maris’s record captivated fans, culminating in 66 homers and a Sports Illustrated cover.
• Greg Maddux’s debut season: Despite a 13-14 record, Maddux posted a 2.71 ERA and led the staff in innings pitched with 232.1.
• Shawon Dunston’s return: The former Cub rejoined the team midseason and provided veteran leadership during a tight pennant race.
• Brant Brown’s late-season error: A dropped fly ball in September against the Brewers cost the Cubs a critical win and damaged playoff hopes.
• Manager Jim Riggleman: In his first full season, Riggleman guided the team to a surprising turnaround and was named NL Manager of the Year runner-up.
• September collapse: The Cubs went 11-17 in September, allowing the Astros to overtake them in the final week.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1998 Cubs stacked up against key rivals in the NL Central:

Despite outperforming the Astros in wins and home runs, the Cubs lost the division due to a weaker head-to-head record. Houston’s 10-8 edge in season series proved decisive, underscoring how close the race truly was.

Why It Matters

The 1998 season left a lasting mark on Cubs lore and Major League Baseball’s cultural landscape. It helped restore fan confidence and showcased the team’s potential during a pivotal era.

• The Sammy Sosa–Mark McGwire home run race brought millions of new viewers to baseball, boosting TV ratings by over 20%.
• Sosa became the first Cub to win MVP since 1945, ending a 53-year drought for the franchise.
• The season’s near-miss intensified demand for playoff success, shaping front-office decisions for years.
• Wrigley Field’s record attendance demonstrated the financial upside of competitive baseball on the North Side.
• The Cubs’ late collapse became a cautionary tale about consistency in September.
• Greg Maddux’s signing signaled a new era of spending, setting the stage for future high-profile acquisitions.

Ultimately, the 1998 Chicago Cubs symbolized both hope and heartbreak—a team that came agonizingly close but laid the foundation for future competitiveness.