No more curse, please

“The burden has been lifted,” Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. At long last, the Cubs are world champions. So say goodbye to the “Curse of the Billy Goat,” Cubs fans. No more worrying about black cats crossing in front of the dugout like in 1969 at New York. And forget about Steve Bartman, the unfortunate fan who foiled Cubs outfielder Moises Alou’s attempt to grab a key foul ball in the 2003 National League championship series. That was the message from Maddon. For decades, the Cubs have been known as “Lovable Losers” and nothing symbolized it better than the “Billy Goat” curse. Tavern owner Bill Sianis and his pet goat were ejected from a 1945 World Series game and he vowed the Cubs wouldn’t win again. Even after a goat was allowed back into Wrigley Field years later, the Cubs hadn’t made it back to the World Series. Until this year, when Maddon made ending the hoodoo and embracing the challenge a focus from pre-season workouts. It doesn’t hurt that the Cubs have their own “Curse Killer” in baseball operations president Theo Epstein. He was the Boston Red Sox general manager when they won the 2004 World Series to end an 86-year title drought some say was caused by the “Curse of the Bambino” — the trading of beloved Babe Ruth to the rival New York Yankees. — AFP