 This year saw the Cubs' best finish in the 1970s, but even this was a testament to the team's futility during the "Dark Ages", as all star Bobby Murcer led the baby blue pinstriped '77 club into first place at 47–22 by June 28, and the team enjoyed an 8½ game lead in the N.L.East.After entering the all star break at 54–35, still an impressive 19 games above .500, the team started to crack as the Philadelphia Phillies picked up steam, cutting the Cubs division lead to only two games.