National League Pennant (1935)
Ending a twenty-year drought, the Cubs reclaimed glory only to face heartbreak in the World Series.
The 1935 National League Pennant marks a bittersweet turning point in Chicago Cubs history: the franchise's first World Series appearance since 1918, ending a two-decade drought under the watchful eye of legendary manager Joe McCarthy. Anchored by the iron grip and clutch hitting of Hall of Famer Gabby Hartnett, this squad reignited the spirit of Wrigley Field during the bleakest years of the Great Depression. Though they ultimately fell to the Detroit Tigers in six games, securing the pennant remains a defining, triumphant chapter of the pre-war era.
- Manager
- Joe McCarthy
- Key Player
- Gabby Hartnett
- League Standing
- 1st Place (National League)
- World Series Result
- Lost to Detroit Tigers (4-2)
- Regular Season Record
- 100-54
Lore & Background
The road to the pennant was a grueling battle against formidable foes. The Cubs had to hold off fierce challenges from the St. Louis Cardinals and Brooklyn Dodgers in a tightly contested season that saw them finish with an impressive 100-54 record. Their journey culminated in a World Series showdown against the powerhouse Detroit Tigers, featuring future Hall of Famers Hank Greenberg and Mickey Cochrane. After stealing Game 1 at Wrigley Field, the Cubs watched their momentum slip as Detroit rallied to win the series in six games, cementing the '35 squad's legacy as perennial contenders who came agonizingly close to breaking the curse.
In Their Own Story
The wind howled off Lake Michigan, whipping through the bleachers of Wrigley Field on a crisp October night. The scoreboard flickered with the final tally: Tigers 2, Cubs 1. Gabby Hartnett stood at home plate, his glove still warm from the ninth inning, watching the Detroit players celebrate their victory. Around him, the roar of the crowd had faded into a collective sigh—a mix of pride in what they had achieved and the heavy ache of another missed chance. Yet, as the lights dimmed over Wrigley, there was a quiet, stubborn understanding among the faithful: for the first time in twenty years, the Cubs were back where they belonged.
Reader's Guide
The 1935 National League Pennant stands as one of the most significant achievements in Chicago Cubs history, shattering a two-decade absence from the World Series. Amidst the Great Depression, this triumph offered a rare beacon of hope for a city in turmoil. Under Joe McCarthy's first season at the helm (following his Yankees dynasty), the team posted an impressive 100-54 record, securing first place through consistent dominance and strategic depth.
The journey was defined by the dual threat of Hall of Fame catcher Gabby Hartnett, whose offensive fire and defensive command anchored the lineup. The roster blended veteran grit with emerging stars, all playing with a unified purpose that carried them to the postseason. Although the Cubs lost the World Series in six games to the formidable Detroit Tigers, the 1935 pennant remains a cornerstone of the franchise's legacy. It proved the club could compete at the highest level and laid the groundwork for future contention, remembered not just for the heartbreak, but for the resurgence of a team that had been dormant on the national stage since 1915.
Did You Know?
- The Cubs' 100 wins in 1935 were their most in franchise history until surpassed by the 2016 team.
- Manager Joe McCarthy was in his first season with Chicago after managing the New York Yankees to multiple championships.
- This was the only World Series appearance for the Cubs between 1918 and 1945.
- The series featured a dramatic Game 7 that never happened, as Detroit won in six games.