The Chicago Cubs have been on fire lately, winning nine of their last 12 games and attributing their success to the power of Taylor Swift. Manager Craig Counsell received a scented candle called “This Candle Smells Like Taylor Swift” as a gift, and since then, the Cubs have been playing their way into NL wild card contention. Currently, they sit 5 1/2 games out of a playoff spot after completing a three-game sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
In a recent interview with Marquee Sports Network, Counsell revealed that he and the team’s clubhouse manager, Danny Mueller, have been lighting the Taylor Swift candle before each of the Cubs’ past 12 games as part of their new pregame routine. “We’ve gone on a nice little run here so we’re going to credit Taylor Swift,” Counsell said.
This Swift-inspired ritual seems to be working wonders, as the Cubs have won six of their last seven games and scored an impressive 73 runs in that span. They have even hit double digits in four of those wins. The Detroit Tigers are the next closest team in terms of runs scored, with 42 in their last seven games.
Tally marks are added to the side of the $21 “Candle Babes” candle after each victory, symbolizing the team’s winning streak. The Cubs’ incredible comeback from a 10-3 fifth inning deficit to beat the Pirates 14-10 further solidifies the belief in good karma.
For Cubs fans who have endured years of disappointment, the recent winning streak offers a glimmer of hope. As long as the team keeps winning, they may be able to turn what was shaping up to be a disappointing summer into a baseball love story.