Al Yellon created Bleed Cubbie Blue and has been its managing editor since 2005. His latest book about the Cubs is "Chicago Cubs Firsts." Find him on Bluesky at @bleedcubbieblue.bsky.social
The Cubs had briefly contended for division titles in 1977, 1978 and 1979, and there was no reason to think 1980 would be any different, even though manager Herman Franks had quit near the end of the ‘79 season, saying he was disgusted with the attitude of some of his players.
Pedro “Preston” Gomez, former manager of the San Diego Padres, took over for the 1980 season and the Cubs came home after a season-opening trip to New York and Pittsburgh, sweeping the Mets and outscoring them 22-13 in a three-game set, setting up a series with the division rival Cardinals to begin April 22.