On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, Bleed Cubbie Blue offers a delightful glimpse into baseball’s storied past with a focus on the Chicago Cubs. This series explores memorable events, no-hitters, and birthdays that have marked the day in baseball history. For those keen to follow along, we’ve provided a detailed Cubs timeline to enrich your experience.
Today’s baseball history is rich with notable events. In 1914, George Davis of the Boston Braves achieved a remarkable 7-0 no-hitter against the Philadelphia Phillies. The following year, in 1915, the baseball world mourned the loss of Al Spalding, a key figure in the early days of the National League, who passed away in San Diego. Fast forward to 1916, and the Cubs enjoyed a doubleheader victory over the Pirates with shutout performances by Hippo Vaughn and Jimmy Lavender.
The year 1918 witnessed a dramatic World Series Game 4 where Babe Ruth, then a pitcher, saw his impressive streak of scoreless innings come to an end. Despite his strong performance, the Cubs managed to tie the game, with the final outcome influenced by a costly error. In 1928, the baseball community was saddened by the death of Urban Shocker of the Yankees, who passed away at 37 due to pneumonia and an undisclosed heart condition.
In the more recent past, 1945 saw Dick Fowler of the Philadelphia Athletics throw a no-hitter against the St. Louis Browns, while 1948 brought another no-hitter from Rex Barney of the Brooklyn Dodgers. The 1960s were marked by Sandy Koufax’s perfect game against the Cubs in 1965, where he struck out 14 batters, and Tom Seaver’s victory in 1969, which contributed to the Mets overtaking the Cubs in the standings.
Recent years have continued to add to baseball’s rich history. In 2014, Kris Bryant was recognized as the Minor League Player of the Year, and in 2022, MLB announced new rule changes including a pitch clock and limits on defensive shifts to enhance the game’s pace and action. Each of these events highlights the dynamic nature of baseball and its evolving narrative.
Today also celebrates the birthdays of notable figures in baseball history, including Abner Dalrymple and Frank Chance, along with Cubs alumni like Jerry Mumphrey and Todd Zeile. These birthdays serve as a reminder of the many individuals who have contributed to the sport’s legacy.
Thanks for joining us as we delve into these fascinating moments from baseball’s past. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the game, exploring these historical events provides a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of baseball history.