A M-W-F digest, replete with #Cubs, #MLB, and #MiLB content, gathered from reputable sources. Happy birthday, Mark Bellhorn! Cubs records set for thievery and lsck of assists, double pinch-hit homers in a loss, and more!
On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, Bleed Cubbie Blue is pleased to present a light-hearted, Cubs-centric look at baseball’s colorful past, with plenty of the lore and various narratives to follow as they unfold over the course of time. Here’s a handy Cubs timeline, to help you follow along.
“Maybe I called it wrong, but it’s official.” — Tom Connolly.
Today in baseball history:
- 1909 - It’s a day for thievery as the Cubs steal home three times in a game at Boston, tying a major league mark. They waste no time, as Johnny Evers and Del Howard do it in the 1st inning, and Solly Hofman in the 2nd. Chicago wins, 11-6. (2)
- 1929 - The Cubs buy Lon Warneke, 20, from Alexandria (Cotton States League) for $100. (2)
- 1932 - The Cubs have only one assist in a 5-1 win, sweeping the Phillies in four straight. The fielding mark equals the major-league record. (2)
- 1942 - Seven of 16 games played today are shutouts. A near-miss is by White Sox veteran Ted Lyons. Taking a regular Sunday start, he wins his 256th career game, a three-hitter 3-1 complete game victory over Cleveland. Cub pitchers Claude Passeau and Lon Warneke each toss 3 0 shutouts against the Reds while Red Sox hurlers Tex Hughson and Joe Dobson whitewash the A’s, winning 2-0 and 7-0.
- 1975 - Champ Summers and Rick Monday hit pinch home runs for the Cubs, but the Astros win the game, 14-12. (2)
- 1983 - At Wrigley Field, Reds rookie Jeff Russell beats Fergie Jenkins and the Cubs, 4-2. Russell adds his only career home run. Dave Concepcion is called out on a steal attempt, and then is tossed out for arguing with umpire Dave Pallone. He also gets suspended for three days for allegedly spitting on Pallone during the argument. (2)
Cubs Birthdays: Fred Andrus, Red Downs, Lew Richie, Roy Leslie, Guy Bush, Lonny Frey, Dave Dowling, Al Montreuil, Jerry White, Cole Liniak, Mark Bellhorn*.
Today in History:
- 1305 - Scottish patriot William Wallace is executed for high treason by Edward I of England at Smithfield, London.
- 1839 - British capture Hong Kong from China.
- 1872 - First Japanese commercial ship visits San Francisco, carrying tea.
- 1919 - ”Gasoline Alley” cartoon strip premieres in Chicago Tribune.
Common sources:
- (1) — Today in Baseball History.
- (2) — Baseball Reference.
- (3) — Society for American Baseball Research.
- (4) — Baseball Hall of Fame.
- (5) — This Day in Chicago Cubs history.
- For world history.
*pictured.
Some of these items spread from site to site without being verified. That is exactly why we ask for reputable sources if you have differences with a posted factoid. We are trying to set the record as straight as possible. But it isn’t brain surgery.
Also, the ‘history’ segment is highly edited for space and interest. Of course a great many other things happened on those days. We try to follow up on the interesting or unfamiliar ones.
Thanks for reading.
