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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6601 Views
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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5209 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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3979 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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2990 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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3602 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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4204 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...
By Rick Kaempfer
In This Weeks Historical Events
Oct 23rd, 2023
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5437 Views
October 23, 1886 The Cubs finished up the World Series. The 1886 National League team from Chicago was known as the White Stockings–it would be another fifteen years before the Cubs name emerged. But they were a powerhouse team; the defending champions. Led by their first baseman/manager Cap An...
By Rick Kaempfer
In This Weeks Historical Events
Sep 24th, 2023
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4208 Views
September 27, 1876 The last game of the first official National League season is played. The Chicago White Stockings (today’s Cubs) beat the Hartford Dark Blues 16-10. Because Chicago ends the season seven games ahead of the second place St. Louis Brown Stockings, they are declared the champion...
By Rick Kaempfer
In Today's Cub Birthday
Sep 2nd, 2023
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3820 Views
~Albert Spalding 1850–1915 (White Stockings player 1876-1877, owner 1878-1891) Spalding was already a four-time champion in Boston before he came to Chicago and convinced a few of his teammates to help stock the first National League team in Chicago. It was the beginning of a dynasty in Chicago...
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