After a brief "resurgence" to nine games under .500 in 1955, the Cubs completely collapsed in 1956. Part of it was Ernie Banks' down year, suffered in part due to a broken hand in August; Banks had played 717 consecutive games, the longest streak in Cubs history until Billy Williams' in the 1960s.

In 1955, Ernie Banks burst on the national scene with his first big season; he hit .295/.345/.596 with 44 home runs, 117 RBI, and finished third in NL MVP voting. He set a NL record with five grand slams; that record stands. The Cubs were improved, too; after a win over the Braves July 8, were 45-38.

The Cubs weren't very good in 1954. But early in the season, they played a memorable game against the Cardinals.

The Cubs were headed for a franchise record in 1953, but a late-season surge helped them avoid a team worst for losses.

In 1952, the Cubs had their best year since 1946. "Best", though, is relative.

The Cubs made a panic trade in mid-1951; the results were predictable.

The 1950s weren't kind to the Cubs. But this game was.

The Cubs became nearly permanent residents in last place as the 1940s came to a close.

The Cubs lost on this date, but something far more important than the game, for the Cubs' future, happened at Wrigley Field.

Sound familiar? A hot start, then a June collapse -- the story of many Cubs seasons.