Forty years ago today I was worried. The Cubs had been in first place all season, but a tough stretch in August had cut their lead to 2-1/2 games. August 28 was to be my last day of work, but I knew, I just knew, that if I went to the game, the Cubs would win. So I called in to work and told them I was quitting a day early, and I headed to Wrigley Field. I sat in the upper deck grandstand and watched the Cubs beat the Cincinnati Reds, 3 to 1.
Fergie Jenkins pitched a complete game, giving up just five hits. He walked nobody, and retired the last ten Reds batters in a row.
The Cubs got their first run on a Billy Williams home run, and their second on a Jim Hickman homer. Glenn Beckert drove in the third run, which was scored by Fergie himself.
The Cubs set a new single-season attendance record, breaking a mark that had stood since 1929.
On the way back to Joliet I stopped at the Berwyn Doll Hospital to pick up a doll I was having repaired.
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