For decades, the Chicago Cubs have often been out of the pennant race by this point in the season. After winning the National League Central crown in 2007, this year’s Cubs currently have the best record in baseball and lead the National League in batting, runs scored and runs per game.

What is most surprising, however, is that the Cubs lead the major leagues in on-base percentage with a .362 mark. The last time the franchise led the majors in OBP was 1886, when the team was known as the White Stockings. The Cubs haven’t even led the National League in OBP since 1937.

It’s as if a disdain for taking a walk has been a part of the franchise’s corporate culture. In the 20 seasons prior to 2008, the Cubs ranked in the top half of the NL in OBP only four times: 1988, 1989, 1998 and 2001. The highest OBP posted by the Cubs in this span was .337 in ‘98. That mark is 25 points lower than this year’s .362 OBP.

The last time the Cubs had a higher OBP than .362 was 1930, when they set their modern-era, single-season record of .378, and the only other Cubs team to surpass .362 since 1901 was the 1929 club (.373).

A key reason for this year’s more walk-friendly ways is the addition of Japanese star Kosuke Fukudome, who leads the Cubs with 45 free passes. The Cubs right fielder is tied for ninth in the majors in walks, and not far down the leader board you’ll find Aramis Ramirez (40), rookie catcher Geovany Soto (33), Ryan Theriot (32) and Mark DeRosa (30).

The most walks in a season by the Cubs are 650 by the 1975 club. This year’s team is on course for 660, so the franchise record is up for grabs. Cubs fans hope the franchise’s 100 years of futility is at risk, too.