https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1977_Chicago_Cubs_season

In 1977, the franchise experienced one of its biggest collapses. The Cubs hit a high-water mark on June 28 at 47-22 with an 8½-game National League East lead led by Bobby Murcer, who had 27 home runs and 89 RBI overall during the season, and Rick Reuschel, who had a record of 20-10. However, the Philadelphia Phillies cut the lead to two by the All-Star break, as the Cubs sat 19 games over .500, and the Cubs swooned late in the season, going 20-40 after July 31, finishing in fourth place at 81-81. The Cubs fell apart this season like a wet paper bag.......

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favrefan said:"Chris Coghlan isn't gonna pay your rent, Jimmy."

What was the deal here Jimmy?

Was it bad managing? Were some guys playing over their heads? Injuries?

Horrible pitching. Ray Burris mister five innings good implode in the sixth. Bad defense also cost them a ton of games as well.

They didn't have Kingman.

Interesting tidbit: After Leo Durocher turned down an offer from Cubs owner Philip K. Wrigley to manage the Cubs for the 1977 season, Herman Franks‚ who had briefly been a Cubs coach under Leo Durocher‚ was named the new manager.[1]

This was my first year really following the team and they did have that great start. Fun team. I think this was the year Sutter struck out the side on 9 pitches.

That '78 team was fun too - especially Kingman!