By Rick Kaempfer
In This Week In Wrigley History
Aug 13th, 2024
2 Comments
7340 Views
August 13, 1987 The Cubs retire the number of one of the all-time greats: Good Ol’ Number 26, Billy Williams. It is only the second number they ever retired (Ernie was first). Maybe there is some magic in the air, because the woeful Cubs come back to win the game in dramatic fashion. Catcher Jo...
By Rick Kaempfer
In This Weeks Historical Events
Aug 7th, 2024
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3869 Views
August 7, 1931. Former Cubs catcher Jimmy Archer adds to his legend. Jimmy was one of the best players on the Cubs during his decade in a Chicago uniform, being named to the “All American” team three years in a row (1912-1914). His throwing arm was the envy of the league. Chief Meyers, th...
By Rick Kaempfer
In This Week In Wrigley History
Aug 6th, 2024
2 Comments
6353 Views
August 6, 1959 Billy Williams makes his major league debut with the Cubs. He plays left field and bats third, and in his first big league at-bat, facing journeyman Phillies pitcher Jim Owens, Billy drives in Tony Taylor with the first run of the game. That turns out to be the game winner, as the [&he...
By Rick Kaempfer
In Today's Cub Birthday
Aug 5th, 2024
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3321 Views
~Rube Novotney 1924–1987 (Cubs 1949) Novotney was a University of Illinois product who got one short cup of coffee with the Cubs in 1949. He was a backup catcher who appeared in 22 games. He hit .269 in his limited appearances. Rube also played nine seasons in the minor leagues. ~Tony Jacobs 19...
By Rick Kaempfer
In This Weeks Historical Events
Jul 31st, 2024
2 Comments
6741 Views
August 2, 1923 President Warren G. Harding dies unexpectedly. He wasn’t from Chicago, but Chicago nevertheless played an important role in the his presidency. For one thing, in 1920 he was nominated by Republican party leaders in a smoke filled Chicago hotel room; Suite 4046 on the 13th floor o...
By Rick Kaempfer
In This Week In Wrigley History
Jul 30th, 2024
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4513 Views
July 30,1962 The All-Stars gather in Chicago’s Wrigley Field to play their second All-Star game of the season. The first one was played in Washington in early July. There are 21 Hall of Famers in the game on this Monday afternoon (yes, that’s right, a Monday afternoon All Star Game). The ...
By Rick Kaempfer
In This Week In Wrigley History
Jul 23rd, 2024
2 Comments
6446 Views
July 23, 1962 The Cubs make television history. Their game against the Philadelphia Phillies in Wrigley Field is beamed into Europe by Telstar, the first communications satellite. This is the first live sporting event from America ever beamed into Europe. The Cubs lineup that day features the Rookie ...
By Rick Kaempfer
In Today's Cub Birthday
Jul 19th, 2024
0 Comments
3656 Views
~Phil Cavarretta 1916–2010 (Cubs 1934-1954) Philabuck, as he was known, had a tremendous career for the Chicago Cubs. The local Chicago boy (Lane Tech High School) wore a Cubs uniform for twenty seasons, including the last few when he was a player/manager. Phil was Mr. Cub before Ernie Banks. H...
By Rick Kaempfer
In Today's Cub Birthday
Jul 17th, 2024
1 Comment
4606 Views
~Don Kessinger 1942– (Cubs 1964-1975) Kessinger had a brilliant career with the Cubs, holding down the starting shortstop position for over a decade during the Cubs resurgence of the late 60s/early 70s. Kessinger was an All-Star five years in a row (68-72) and a two-time Gold Glover. He and Gle...
By Rick Kaempfer
In This Week In Wrigley History
Jul 16th, 2024
2 Comments
8640 Views
July 16, 1916. In the midst of their first year playing in this fancy new ballpark, the Chicago Cubs become the first team to allow their fans to keep the balls hit into the stands. That was the brainchild of their owner Charlie Weeghman (photo), who was a marketing visionary. It wasn’t long be...
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