Chicago Cubs - 1973 Topps #646

1973 is the only season between 1945 and 1984 that the Cubs were still in contention on the last day of the regular season, September 30. Due to several rainouts, the Cubs still had four games to play against the first place Mets, so double headers were scheduled for September 30 and October 1, the day after the end of the season. If the Cubs were to win all four games, there could have been a five-way tie for first place, with each team having a below .500 record of 80-82. It would have taken at least three days of games to break a five-way tie. Rain was still in the forecast for both days, and with Wrigley Field having no lights, the NL President ordered both double headers to start at 10AM, making it clear that the umpires would wait out any rain as long as there was daylight. The Cubs won the first game on September 30, and suddenly it was possible that the most unusual end to any season of baseball might happen. But the Mets won the second game, eliminating the Cubs. On a dismal October 1, the Mets won the first game and clinched the NL East. The second game was canceled. Milt Pappas was scheduled to pitch for the Cubs in the second game, and the cancellation cost him his chance for his 100th victory in the National League.