In early 1984, the Chicago Cubs were looking for a new song to be the opening theme for WGN’s game broadcasts and approached Steve Goodman to write it. Some were skeptical as to whether Goodman was the right choice because at the time he was known best to Cubs fans as the man who wrote “A Dying Cubs Fan’s Last Request,” a somewhat fatalistic ballad sung from the perspective of a lifelong fan. The result did not disappoint. Considered by some to be the alter ego of “A Dying Cubs Fan’s Last Request.” “Go Cubs Go” is an uplifting, energetic song that captures the eternal optimism of Cubs fans. Today “Go Cubs Go” is played at Wrigley Field after every Cubs win and is synonymous with victory at the Friendly Confines. Sadly, Steve Goodman never saw the Cubs play a postseason game in his lifetime. He died at the age of 36 on September 20th, 1984 – four days before the Cubs clinched the Division title – after a 15- year battle with leukemia.
