Today’s Cubs Birthdays (June 10)

~Frank Demaree 1910–1958 (Cubs 1932-1938)
Frank had a very unusual upbringing. He grew up in California to deaf-mute parents, but he managed to thrive in both school and athletics. Demaree became an important cog for a very strong Cubs team in the 1930s. The outfielder appeared in three World Series (’32, ’35, & ’38), and two All-Star games (’36 & ’37). Demaree was a very good hitter. He came exactly one hit short of hitting .300 for his career, and his best seasons were with the Cubs. He batted .350 in 1936, and knocked in over a hundred runs in 1937. The Cubs traded him to the Giants after a disappointing 1938. He played another six seasons in the big leagues but never again put up the kind of numbers he did in Chicago. (Photo: 1938 Goudy Baseball Card)

~Mike Kreevich 1908–1994 (Cubs 1931)
Kreevich was a short guy (only 5’7″) but no one would ever accuse him of being small. The former coal miner was strong as a bull. The Cubs were the first team that gave the center fielder a chance, but he only got into a handful of games for them in 1931. He didn’t really blossom until later in his career. He became an All-Star with the White Sox in 1938, and also played with the Browns, A’s, and Senators.