Page "Chicago Cubs" Paragraph 39

Despite losing fan favorite Grace to free agency, and the lack of production from newcomer Todd Hundley, skipper Don Baylor's Cubs put together a good season in 2001.

The season started with Mack Newton being brought in to preach " positive thinking.

" One of the biggest stories of the season transpired as the club made a midseason deal for Fred McGriff, which was drawn out for nearly a month as McGriff debated waiving his no-trade clause, as the Cubs led the wild card race by 2. 5 games in early September.

That run died when Preston Wilson hit a three run walk off homer off of closer Tom " Flash " Gordon, which halted the team's momentum.

The team was unable to make another serious charge, and finished at 88 – 74, five games behind both Houston and St. Louis, who tied for first.

Sosa had perhaps his finest season and Jon Lieber led the staff with a 20 win season.