By Rick Kaempfer
In Today's Cub Birthday
Jul 25th, 2024
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~Steve Goodman (Cubs fan 1948-1984) Steve Goodman was born on the north side of Chicago. His family later relocated to the northwestern suburbs (Steve attended Maine East in Park Ridge), so it was only natural that Goodman became a Cubs fan. His music career began the same year his beloved Cubs had o...
By Rick Kaempfer
In Today's Cub Birthday
Jul 11th, 2024
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~Jimmy Slagle 1873–1956 (Cubs 1902-1908) One of the wily old veterans on the last Cubs team to win the World Series (1908) in the 20th century. Slagle was 35. He was known as Rabbit (because of his speed), and Shorty (because of his height — 5’7″), but most of his teammates referred to him as [...
By Rick Kaempfer
In Today's Cub Birthday
May 23rd, 2024
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~Augie Galan 1912–1993 (Cubs 1934-1941) Augie was the leadoff man on the Cubs team that set the all-time record by winning 21 games in a row in 1935. He was the hottest hitter of all the Cubs during the streak. Augie hit 5 of his 12 home runs that season and batted an astounding .358 […]...
By Rick Kaempfer
In Today's Cub Birthday
May 3rd, 2024
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~George Gore 1854–1933 (White Stockings 1879-1886) Gore had one of the greatest nicknames of all-time; they called him Piano Legs. George was the centerfielder for the Cubs (then known as the White Stockings) during the team’s longest period of excellence. During Gore’s eight seasons, the team ...
By Rick Kaempfer
In This Weeks Historical Events
May 1st, 2024
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May 1, 1893 The Columbian Exposition opens in Chicago. It is the biggest World’s Fair the world had ever seen, scheduled to begin on the 400th anniversary of Columbus’ discovery of the new world. It covers 600 acres, features 200 or so brand new structures and buildings (many designed by ...
By Rick Kaempfer
In This Week in 1908
Apr 21st, 2024
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5385 Views
How long ago was 1908? Opening day is a huge day in Chicago for the defending champs. The Cubs have their home opener at the newly refurbished West Side Grounds (April 22). Owner Charles Murphy has turned the ballpark into a shrine for his players. There are two big sculptures outside the park, one o...
By Rick Kaempfer
In Today's Cub Birthday
Apr 17th, 2024
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4056 Views
~Cap Anson 1852–1922 (White Stockings 1876-1897) He still holds Cubs career records for most hits, most runs, most doubles, most RBI, and highest batting average (with 2000 or more at bats). Anson is quite simply the greatest player in Chicago Cubs history, and probably the most important playe...
By Rick Kaempfer
In Today's Cub Birthday
Dec 31st, 2023
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3052 Views
~King Kelly 1857 (White Stockings 1880-1886) King Kelly was famous for his running and hitting (he invented or at least perfected the hit and run), and he was said to have inspired the poem “Casey at the Bat,” but he was also considered a big fat cheater. If the umpire wasn’t looking, he would run [&...
By Rick Kaempfer
In Today's Cub Birthday
Nov 11th, 2023
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3743 Views
~Rabbit Maranville 1891–1954 (Cubs 1925) His real name was Walter. Nicknamed for his speed and rabbit-like leaps, Rabbit Maranville was always a great fielder, but he was even better known for his partying. When he was with the Pirates he was known for playing with a flask in his pocket. One ti...
By Rick Kaempfer
In This Week in 1908
Oct 27th, 2023
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4293 Views
How long ago was 1908? Cubs utility player Solly Hofman turns 26 years old. He is finally celebrating his wedding and honeymoon, something that manager Frank Chance made him put off until the season ended. Hofman followed the boss’ orders without complaint: “I guess Miss Looker’s ju...
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