chicago cubs taylor swift: In a season that seemed destined for mediocrity, the Chicago Cubs are experiencing an unexpected resurgence, and it might just be thanks to a Taylor Swift candle. Once a long shot for a Wild Card berth, the Cubs are now making a serious push for the playoffs, and their recent success has been linked to a quirky new ritual in the clubhouse.
The Cubs, who had endured a challenging summer, have turned their fortunes around dramatically in the past two weeks. The catalyst for this transformation? A candle labeled “This Smells Like Taylor Swift,” a gift to manager Craig Counsell. According to team lore, the candle has become a symbol of good luck, with Counsell and clubhouse manager Danny Mueller lighting it before games.
“ We’ve gone on a nice little run here, so we’re going to credit Taylor Swift,” Counsell said, underscoring the team’s newfound optimism. This “nice little run” includes an impressive nine wins in their past 12 games. After each victory, the Cubs mark a tally on the candle’s label, celebrating their good fortune.
The Cubs’ resurgence was put to the test on Wednesday afternoon when they faced a seven-run deficit entering the seventh inning. In a dramatic turn of events, the Cubs scored 11 runs over the final three innings, overcoming the Pirates and proving their Swift-inspired magic wasn’t a fluke. MLB.com’s Sarah Langs highlights that Chicago has scored 73 runs in their past seven games—the highest total for the team in a seven-game stretch since 1961.
Despite their recent success, the Cubs are not yet secure. With only a month left in the season, they must continue their winning streak to secure a playoff spot. Currently, they are two games over .500 and 5 1/2 games behind the third Wild Card spot, with just one team ahead of them.
The Cubs’ turnaround has been nothing short of extraordinary, and while the Taylor Swift candle may seem like a quirky superstition, it’s undeniably become a beacon of hope for the team. Whether or not the Cubs make it to the playoffs, one thing is clear: the Swift-inspired good vibes have ignited a spark in their pursuit of postseason glory.
