Wrigley Field erupted. And for good reason. On a crisp May afternoon, the Chicago Cubs pulled off something that hadn’t been done in over a century—a BB-SB (base-on-balls and stolen base) masterclass straight out of baseball’s earliest archives.
In a 7-3 win over the St. Louis Cardinals, the Cubs didn’t just rack up runs—they ran wild, drawing 11 walks and stealing 9 bases, marking the first time since 1911 a team has achieved that rare combination in a single game.
This wasn’t just a win—it was a statement.
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Controlled Chaos: The Cubs’ Offense Unleashed
From the very first pitch, it was clear the Cubs came in with a plan: work the count, then wreak havoc on the bases. Leadoff man Pete Crow-Armstrong set the tone, walking twice and swiping three bags by the fourth inning. Not to be outdone, Nico Hoerner added two walks and two steals of his own, while Seiya Suzuki chipped in with a walk, a double, and two more stolen bases.
“It felt like we were playing speed chess out there,” said manager Craig Counsell. “We had the pressure dialed all the way up, and they couldn’t keep up.”
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A Nod to 1911
According to Elias Sports Bureau, the last time a team posted at least 10 walks and 8 stolen bases in a single game was all the way back in 1911, when the dead-ball era reigned and speed was king. For the Cubs to replicate that feat in today’s power-focused game? Almost unthinkable.
“We made history,” said Crow-Armstrong with a grin. “I don’t think any of us came to the park thinking about 1911—but we definitely left thinking about it.”
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Pitchers on Edge, Fans on Fire
Cardinals pitchers looked visibly rattled as Cubs runners danced off every base, threatening to take the next one before the ball even left the pitcher’s hand. The Wrigley crowd fed off every stolen base, each cheer growing louder as the Cubs’ total climbed.
By the time Ian Happ swiped second in the 8th—the Cubs’ ninth steal of the game—the crowd was on its feet, roaring like it was October.
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A Glimpse of What’s to Come?
The Cubs’ roster isn’t just built on power—it’s built on versatility, discipline, and daring. If this game is any indication, they’re ready to weaponize chaos all season long.
“We’re not just trying to win,” said Counsell. “We’re trying to redefine how we win.”
If baseball in 2025 has taught us anything, it’s that the past still holds powerful secrets—and the Cubs just unlocked one of them.
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Up Next: The Cubs look to carry this electric momentum into tomorrow’s rubber match, with rookie flamethrower Cade Horton set to take the mound.
Stay tuned, Cubs fans—this team just made history, and they’re just getting started