Inside The Cubs

This Day in Cubs History: The Chicago Cubs Clinch Postseason Berths

The Chicago Cubs have used September 20 to clinch playoff berths since 1932.

Kade Kistner

This Day in Cubs History: The Chicago Cubs Clinch Postseason Berths
This Day in Cubs History: The Chicago Cubs Clinch Postseason Berths /
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We take another dive into Chicago Cubs history and lore as we look at what happened on Sept. 20. 

It's natural for teams to be clinching playoff berths this time of year, there are only two weeks give or take left in the season. It makes sense. The Houston Astros did just yesterday as they secured their fifth-straight AL West title.

However, the Chicago Cubs have gotten used to celebrating on Sept. 20, they secured their playoff berth on this day in 1932 and 2008. 

In 1932, Chicago overcame the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-2 to secure their playoff spot, and most of the runs were scored on a bases-loaded triple in the seventh inning from Kiki Cuyler. Oh the drama!

However, in 2008 it was even sweeter. For the first time since 1908, exactly 100 years for those keeping up at home, the Cubs would make consecutive postseasons. This time against their rivals the St. Louis Cardinals, winning 5-4 to secure the NL Central crown.

Finally, on Sept. 20, 1924, Cubs' Hall of Famer Grover Cleveland Alexander won his 300th game against the New York Yankees. Alexander finished his career with the third-most wins in MLB history, 373, with 190 of them coming from his time in the Philadelphia Phillies organization. He also set the modern day rookie season record of 28 wins while with the Phillies. 

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Kade Kistner
KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Cubs. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl. During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated. Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.

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