The 8's

During the Topps era, seasons ending in 8's have been pretty decent for the Cubs.  Individual players or the team has had some pretty significant success.

1958 -  Ernie Banks wins the first of two consecutive NL MVP awards, becoming the first National Leaguer to do so.  The team was lousy but Ernie was a stud.

1968 -  Fergie Jenkins wins 20 games for the second year in a row.  He became the first Cub pitcher to do so since the 1939's.  His 20 win streak would end up reaching six.  The team finished over .500 for the second year in a row.  That was the first time for back-to-back .500 seasons since 1945 - 46.

1978 - Not a lot with this year.  Bill Buckner batted .323, which would have been good enough to finish second in the league.  Injuries kept him from enough official plate appearance to qualify.

1988 -  Ryne Sandberg becomes the first second baseman to win six consecutive Gold Gloves. He led major league second baseman in assists and total chances and did not make a throwing error the entire season.

1998 -  Sammy blasts 66 homers and wins the NL MVP.  The Cubs win the NL wildcard.

2008 - The Cubs win an NL-best 97 games and are division champs for the second year in a row.  It's the first time they made the post-season in consecutive years since a three year run from 1906 - 1908.

2018 - They are poised to win a third straight NL Central title and make the playoffs for the fourth year in a row. The franchise has never done either before.