Certain fanbases have a hard time forgetting especially painful moments in their collective histories. Some franchises are defined by losses more than World Series triumphs.

Having spent enough time in Philadelphia, I’ve seen how Phillies fans haven’t forgotten 1964 despite having pocketed WS titles in 1980 and 2008. One would think that the Cubs 2016 title would eliminate every bad memory, but for me 2003 remains a sore spot.

Five years after sneaking into the postseason by the hair of Mickey Morandini’s chin, chin, chin, the 2003 Cubs did something no other team had done in team history. They actually won a playoff series (and beat the team that denied them in ’98-the Braves).

While they had an equally odd collection of position players, they had a younger, more promising starting rotation in 2003; Kerry Wood, Mark Prior, Carlos Zambrano and Matt Clement. They also had a legit manager in Dusty Baker.

Yesterday was the 20th anniversary of the Cubs Game 7 loss to the Florida Marlins (9-6). The other day someone mentioned that it was the anniversary of the Bartman game. At the time, I didn’t blame the eager, but clueless fan. I never thought Moises Alou was certain to catch the ball. Folks, he was a hitter not a fielder. Regardless, the Cubs collapse in game 6 was a kick to the nether region and it brought back Philadelphia like angst.

After defeating the Braves in the NLDS, the Marlins took game one and momentarily shook Cub fans confidence. The Cubs responded by taking the next three games and a 3-1 lead in the best of seven series. Editor’s note: there would be no way they’d scotch this lead like they did in 1984 against the Padres. Unfortunately, many of you know how it ended. The Marlins won the next three games, the last two of which were at Wrigley. This was an epic collapse by the team and Baker. I hold no animus for any of those Marlins. In fact, I like quite a few of them and so did Cub management. I remember how miserable I felt watching the game from one of my favorite restaurants. The momentary euphoria we experienced was dashed almost immediately the stink of defeat was redolent of stale Old Style.

That the Cubs would disappoint in 2004 really wasn’t a surprise to any of us and that the Lou Piniella led teams in ’07 and ’08 would be swept in the first round only reinforced out image of loveable loser. In both of those series, we were never in it despite being heavy favorites. And that might be why we view Dusty and Lou so differently.

What happened to Cubs fans in 2003 isn’t a unique experience and I’m all for someone who wants to one-up in the category of colossal postseason collapses.