By Rick Kaempfer
In Today's Cub Birthday
Aug 22nd, 2023
1 Comment
4029 Views
~Ray Burris 1950– (Cubs 1973-1979) Ray anchored the Cubs rotation in the mid-70s, twice winning 15 games in a season (’75 & ’76). Unfortunately for Ray, expectations were very high for him. He arrived on the Cubs just as Fergie Jenkins was departing, and the team hoped that Burris could st...
By Rick Kaempfer
In This Week In Wrigley History
Aug 20th, 2023
1 Comment
5773 Views
August 22, 1982 The Cubs retire the first number in franchise history: #14 in honor of Mr. Cub, Ernie Banks. No-one had worn #14 since Ernie retired as a coach in 1973, but by raising the #14 flag the Cubs make it official. In the lineup for the Cubs that day is a rookie third […]...
By Rick Kaempfer
In Today's Cub Birthday
Aug 18th, 2023
0 Comments
4130 Views
~Burleigh Grimes 1893–1985 (Cubs 1932-1933) Grimes never shaved on days he pitched, because the slippery elm he chewed to increase saliva irritated his skin, so he always had stubble on his face when he took the mound. That led to his nickname, Ol’ Stubblebeard. He wasn’t just known for his stu...
By Rick Kaempfer
In Today's Cub Birthday
Aug 9th, 2023
0 Comments
3597 Views
~Steve Swisher 1951– (Cubs 1974-1977) Swisher was acquired by the Cubs from the White Sox in the trade that sent Ron Santo over to the south side of the city. For most of his time with the Cubs, Swisher shared the catcher job with George Mitterwald. But in 1976, he had his best season in [&hell...
By Rick Kaempfer
In This Weeks Historical Events
Aug 7th, 2023
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3566 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 Weeks Historical Events
Jul 24th, 2023
2 Comments
5481 Views
July 25, 1941 Emmett Till is born on the south side of Chicago. His mother Mamie probably doesn’t care that the all-white Chicago Cubs are at Wrigley Field beating Boston 5-4, thanks to a 6th inning homer from Babe Dahlgren. Chicago is just as segregated as the big leagues. Emmett Till will live long...
By Rick Kaempfer
In This Week In Wrigley History
Jul 23rd, 2023
2 Comments
6103 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 17th, 2023
1 Comment
4372 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, 2023
2 Comments
8206 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...
By Rick Kaempfer
In Today's Cub Birthday
Jul 14th, 2023
0 Comments
2994 Views
~Steve Stone 1947– (Cubs 1974-1976) Of course we all remember Steve Stone’s long run as the TV color man for the Cubs, but he also pitched for them three seasons in the mid-70s (‘74-‘76). The Cubs acquired him from the White Sox (along with catcher Steve Swisher) for Ron Santo, who toiled away ...
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