By Rick Kaempfer
In This Weeks Historical Events
Oct 2nd, 2024
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October 3, 1915 The Cubs play their final game in the dilapidated ballpark known as West Side Grounds. It has been their home since 1893, but it is considered a fire (made of wood) and safety (falling apart) hazard. Cubs owner Charles Murphy simply refuses to spend any money on the park’s upkee...
By Rick Kaempfer
In This Week in 1908
Sep 8th, 2024
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How long ago was 1908? Frank Chance celebrates his 31st birthday (Sept 9) in Chicago with a win against the Cardinals–putting the Cubs 28 games over .500 (but still in third place, three games out of first.) Chance was more than just the first baseman and clean up hitter for the 1908 Cubs–...
By Rick Kaempfer
In Today's Cub Birthday
Jul 8th, 2024
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~Hank O’Day 1859–1935 (Cubs manager 1914) He was the umpire who made the most controversial call in baseball history…the play that became known as “The Merkle Boner.” The NY Giants never forgave him for favoring the Cubs on that play, and were especially suspicious of him because he was born an...
By Rick Kaempfer
In This Week in 1908
May 26th, 2024
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How long ago was 1908? The Chicago Cubs were all set to play a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at West Side Grounds. Cubs outfielder Jimmy Sheckard, a known prankster, began teasing Cubs backup infielder Heinie Zimmerman about his terrible fielding. The players had to be separated on the field. A...
By Rick Kaempfer
In This Week in 1908
May 19th, 2024
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This week (May 19 – May 25) in 1908 How long ago was 1908? The 1907 Championship flag is raised amid great fanfare at West Side Grounds in front of sold out crowd. Cubs owner Charles Murphy thinks it’s a bad omen when the flag gets stuck halfway up the flagpole. A who’s who of [&hel...
By Rick Kaempfer
In This Week in 1908
Apr 21st, 2024
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5908 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 This Week in 1908
Feb 18th, 2024
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7495 Views
How long ago was 1908? This week in 1908, Chicago is hit with the worst one day snowstorm in it’s history on February 18th. Eleven and a half inches of snow fall in less than 24 hours, bringing the entire city to a standstill. Neither the horse-drawn carriages nor the horseless carriages can ma...
By Rick Kaempfer
In Today's Cub Birthday
Nov 11th, 2023
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~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 Weeks Historical Events
Nov 1st, 2023
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7476 Views
November 10, 1483 Martin Luther was born. He is known, of course, for starting the Protestant Reformation in Europe, but some Cub fans believe he also has a hand in keeping the Cubs out of the World Series. How can that be? Consider this. Before Charles Weeghman built the ballpark we now know as Wrig...
By Rick Kaempfer
In This Week in 1908
Oct 20th, 2023
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How long ago was 1908? Broadway superstar George M. Cohan (photo) takes the victorious World Series champs out to Rector’s restaurant in Chicago to celebrate their big victory. He and his Broadway troupe perform for Frank Chance, Joe Tinker, Harry Steinfeldt, Del Howard, Jimmy Sheckard and thei...
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