CHICAGO, Sept. 28 (UPI) -- The Chicago Cubs clinched the National League Central crown Saturday with a doubleheader sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The win helped the Cubs secure their first postseason berth in five years and their first division title since 1989.
Last November, when Dusty Baker was named manager, one of his priorities was ridding Chicago of its reputation for losing before big, garrulous crowds at Wrigley Field.
He made believers of his players as the Cubs became the third team since the advent of divisional play in 1969 to win a title a year after losing at least 95 games.
"He said from day one that whatever happened in the past is the past, and he stuck with that all season," said Cubs first baseman Eric Karros.
The Cubs nailed the last playoff spot in the National League and will face the Atlanta Braves in the Division Series, beginning Tuesday night at Turner Field.
