What Is 1970 Chicago Cubs baseball team

Overview

The 1970 Chicago Cubs were a transitional team in the midst of rebuilding efforts after years of underperformance. Playing in the newly formed National League East division, they showed improvement over the previous season but fell short of contention.

Under manager Leo Durocher, the Cubs posted an 84–78 record, a 14-game improvement from 1969. While not enough to challenge the powerhouse Pittsburgh Pirates, the team demonstrated promise through strong individual performances and a more consistent pitching staff.

• Fergie Jenkins anchored the rotation with a 24–13 record and a 3.39 ERA over 344 innings pitched, finishing second in Cy Young Award voting.
• Billy Williams delivered one of his best seasons, hitting 32 home runs, driving in 86 runs, and batting .303 over 148 games.
• Glenn Beckert led the team with a .295 batting average and 170 hits, serving as a steady presence at second base.
• The team’s home ballpark, Wrigley Field, hosted 1,495,189 fans, marking a modest increase in attendance from the previous year.
• Don Kessinger played in all 162 games at shortstop, recording 16 home runs and 64 RBIs, a career-high for long balls.

Key Players and Performance

The 1970 season highlighted several core players who defined the Cubs’ identity during this era. Despite lacking a deep bullpen, the team relied on starting pitching and timely hitting to remain competitive.

• Fergie Jenkins: One of the most durable pitchers in baseball, Jenkins made 41 starts and completed 26 games, showcasing remarkable endurance.
• Billy Williams: A future Hall of Famer, Williams reached the 30-homer mark for the first time and maintained a .300+ average for the fourth straight year.
• Joe Pepitone: Acquired before the season, Pepitone hit 25 home runs and 71 RBIs but struggled defensively, leading to mixed reviews from fans and management.
• Bill Madlock: A rookie in 1970, Madlock appeared in 47 games and showed potential with a .273 average in limited at-bats.
• Phil Regan: The primary closer, Regan recorded 23 saves but posted a high 4.23 ERA, reflecting bullpen inconsistency.
• Ken Holtzman: Added mid-season via trade, Holtzman went 5–3 with a 3.18 ERA in 12 starts, providing a spark down the stretch.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 1970 Cubs compared to division rivals and previous seasons:

The Cubs outperformed the Mets and Cardinals but couldn’t overcome the Pirates’ dominance. Their 84 wins were the most since 1963, signaling progress, though they lacked the depth to sustain a pennant race. Injuries and bullpen issues ultimately limited their ceiling.

Why It Matters

The 1970 season was a stepping stone in the Cubs’ long-term development, setting the stage for future competitiveness in the mid-1970s. Though not a championship team, it featured standout individual achievements and managerial continuity.

• Fergie Jenkins’ 24-win season remains one of the best in franchise history for a right-handed pitcher.
• The season marked the first time since 1963 that the Cubs won over 80 games, indicating gradual improvement.
• Wrigley Field’s attendance increase suggested growing fan interest despite no playoff appearance.
• Manager Leo Durocher’s leadership helped stabilize a young roster and build team discipline.
• Development of players like Bill Madlock laid groundwork for future infield stability.
• The team’s performance highlighted the need for bullpen reinforcement, influencing off-season trades.

While the 1970 Cubs didn’t break through to the postseason, they represented a team on the rise, blending veteran leadership with emerging talent. Their season remains a footnote in Cubs history but an important chapter in the journey toward relevance in the 1970s.