After a strong finish to the 1972 season, the Cubs dominated the National League East for the first half of 1973. On June 29, they were 47–31 with an 8.5 game lead in the National League East. But then the Cubs fell into a deep swoon, losing 33 of their next 42 games, including 11 straight losses from August 4–16, to fall below .500 and out of the division lead. However, the rest of the division was so mediocre that it was nicknamed the "National League Least", enabling the Cubs to stay in contention even as they remained below .500. In fact, 1973 was the only season between
1945 and
1984 in which the Cubs were still in contention on the last day of the regular season, September 30. Due to several rainouts, the Cubs still had four games to play against the first place Mets, so double headers were scheduled for September 30 and October 1, the day after the end of the season. If the Cubs were to win all four games, there could have been an unprecedented five-way tie for first place, with each team having a below .500 record of 80–82 (also unprecedented). It would have taken at least three days of games to break a five-way tie. Rain was still in the forecast for both days, and with Wrigley Field having no lights, National League president
Chub Feeney ordered both double headers to start at 10AM (again, unprecedented), making it clear that the umpires would wait out any rain as long as there was daylight. The Cubs won the first game on September 30, and suddenly it seemed possible that the most unusual end to any season of baseball might happen. But the Mets won the second game, eliminating three of the teams, including the Cubs. On a dismal October 1, in light cold rain, the Mets won the first game and clinched the NL East. The second game was immediately canceled.
Milt Pappas was scheduled to pitch for the Cubs in the second game, and the cancellation cost him his chance for his 100th victory in the National League as he retired during the offseason.
Season standings Record vs. opponents Notable transactions • May 19, 1973:
Joe Pepitone was traded by the Cubs to the
Atlanta Braves for
Andre Thornton. • June 5, 1973:
1973 Major League Baseball draft •
Jerry Tabb was drafted by the Cubs in the 1st round (16th pick). •
Dave Geisel was drafted by the Cubs in the 5th round. •
Mike Krukow was drafted by the Cubs in the 8th round. Player signed June 10, 1973. •
Joe Wallis was drafted by the Cubs in the 6th round. • August 13, 1973:
Rico Carty was purchased by the Cubs from the
Texas Rangers. • August 29, 1973:
Pat Bourque was traded by the Cubs to the
Oakland Athletics for
Gonzalo Márquez. • September 11, 1973:
Rico Carty was purchased from the Cubs by the
Oakland Athletics.
Roster == Player stats ==