Great Until It Wasn't: The highs and lows of the 2003-2004 Chicago Cubs.

By Andy Dolan

The 2003 Cubs entered the season with low expectations. Even with a new manager, Dusty Baker, emerging stars in Mark Prior and Kerry Wood, and one of the greatest sluggers of all time, Sammy Sosa, the Cubs were picked to finish fourth in their own division.

But sometimes everything falls into place, and the Cubs found themselves in the heat of a pennant race. The Cubs were brash, fun and best of all, good. Everything was great as they rolled to within one win of their first National League pennant in 58 years. They bore little resemblance to the Cubs teams of the past who disappointed when it mattered most. Until it was all batted away in an instant.

They returned in 2004 with even more talent, and every hole filled.

This time, it would be different.

It was great until it wasn't.

Andy Dolan, who has been writing about the Cubs for nearly 30 years shares his columns from 2003 and 2004 newly side noted to add context, explanations or, often, for him to make fun of what he wrote way back when. It's a comprehensive look at one of the most promising, and ultimately disappointing stretches in Cubs' history.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0G2JJ6TFC
• ISBN13: 9798273699243
• Release Date: November 2025
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 410 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 9.0"