The 1998 Chicago Cubs season didn’t culminate in a championship, a pennant or even a National League Central title. It still lives on in the memories of fans who bore witness to it, though – for countless reasons.
Young Texan Kerry Wood set the tone in early May, striking out 20 Houston Astros in a historic performance at Wrigley Field. By year’s end, closer Rod Beck had turned in the best season of his career – notching 51 saves and appearing in half of the club’s 162 contests.