Cubs Nation: 162 Games. 162 Stories. 1 Addiction.

by Gene Wojciechowski

Better than season tickets to Wrigley Field, this behind-the-scenes, vibrant, entertaining chronicle of the Chicago Cubs’ 2004 season (as well a retelling of one of the most interesting histories in baseball) takes readers into the clubhouse, onto the field, and into the nostalgic richness of the team that epitomizes pure baseball.

The Chicago Cubs inspire a rare kind of devotion, a never-give-up, wait-till-next-year enthusiasm undiminished by ninety-five years without a World Series victory. In this thrilling day-to-day account of the 2004 season, celebrated sportswriter Gene Wojciechowski captures the indelible spirit of a team—and its astounding fans. With full access to players, coaches, front-office personnel, groundskeepers, and almost everyone else connected to the franchise, Wojciechowski opens the door and presents an inside perspective that all baseball fans will relish.

From Ernie Banks, the legendary “Mr. Cub,” to Sammy Sosa, today’s record-setting sensation, CUBS NATION traces the history of a team that often had everything going for it and yet was so hampered by losses that it came to define the term “lovable losers.” Wojciechowski conjures up the classic ivy-covered stadium, its fabled manual scoreboard, and the ”ballhawks” who have caught literally thousands of home-run balls on the streets alongside Wrigley. In a wonderful blend of exciting moment-by-moment reporting, revealing interviews, and nostalgic vignettes, Wojciechowski pulls back the curtain to uncover the fascinating inner workings of a storied Major League Baseball team—and he shows why the Cubs stand for everything that is good about baseball, win or lose.

Genres: Baseball, Sports, Nonfiction, History

432 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Ryann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A close look into many facets of the game: from grounds keepers to organ players with everyone in between. Not just for Cubs fans, this Twins fan loved it!

[Lucas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was amazing to read as a Cubs fan who enjoys to read about the not so joyful history of the Cubs. I learned a lot about interesting games and old school players, up until the modern day baseball. However the problem is with the modern day part. This book was published in 2005, a decade before the historic re-construction of the entire Cubs organization, along with a world series title. So they won't have the most modern games in this book, but I was lucky enough to see those live! Go Cubs!

[John Cress · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this one a lot as it gives a great perspective on the current and past history of the Cubs. I think it does a great job of capturing the spirit of the team and it's history. Each day has a different 1-2 page story of the Cubs, either as a team, it's employees, and the actual game. Even though one knows the outcome to 2004, one can almost sense the impending doom to is sure to find the Chicago squad. This is a great book that doesn't have to be read in 1 sitting but enjoying over time throughout a baseball season. I am now interested in reading Faithful about the 2004 Red Sox.

[Jim]

It's been another post-season of anguish for Cubs fans. All that's left for us is to finish off that case of Old Style, dispassionately watch the World Series, and read books like this, the story of the 2004 season, when the Cubs again came oh-so-close.

[Kristine Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

For all Cubs fans out there-a can't miss.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another must read for any true Cubs fan

[Melanie Martel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a plethra of not only information but of Cubbie history. The pictures are awesome! I definitley recommend.

[Christi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Speed-read.

Conversational, strong sense of place, tangible characters

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heartbreak at the end, and this season is a nail biter. But Hey we will ALWAYS have 2016.

[Joe · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some good stories, horribly written.