The Chicago Cubs have been on a hot streak lately, winning eight of their last 11 games, and they’re crediting it all to a Taylor Swift candle. Manager Craig Counsell revealed that the team has been lighting the candle, which is labeled “This Smells Like Taylor Swift,” before each game. The team has even been keeping track of their wins by marking hashmarks on the candle label.
The candle was a gift to Counsell, and he and clubhouse manager Danny Mueller have been lighting it in Counsell’s office before games. “It’s just a fun little thing we’re doing,” Counsell said. “We’re trying to keep things loose and have some fun.”
The team is now 5.5 games out of a Wild Card spot, and they’re feeling hopeful about their chances. “We’re playing good baseball right now,” Counsell said. “We’re pitching well, we’re hitting well, and we’re playing good defense. We just need to keep it up.”
Players are also getting in on the action, with some even blasting Taylor Swift music in the clubhouse before games. “It’s just a way to get us pumped up and ready to go,” said outfielder Ian Happ.
While it may seem superstition, the Cubs are willing to try anything to keep their winning streak alive. And who knows, maybe Taylor Swift’s magic will carry them all the way to the playoffs. As Counsell said, “If it works, we’ll keep doing it.”
