Bleed Cubbie Blue takes a captivating journey through baseball's colorful past, uncovering the lore and narratives that have shaped the game's enduring legacy. From the dramatic balk rule change to the legendary performances of Ernie Banks and Sadaharu Oh, this article delves into the pivotal moments that have etched their place in the annals of baseball history.

Unlocking the Secrets of the Cubs' Triumphant Journey

Defying Oral Agreements and Emerging Victorious

In 1884, pitcher Tony Mullane made a bold move, violating an oral agreement with the St. Louis Browns to sign a lucrative $5,000 contract with the Cincinnati Red Stockings. The American Association swiftly responded, suspending Mullane for the 1885 season and fining him $1,000. However, the talented pitcher remained with Cincinnati, going on to win an impressive 163 games over the next eight years, ultimately amassing a career total of 285 victories.

The Balk Rule Evolves, Empowering Batters

The year 1957 marked a significant shift in the game's dynamics, as a new balk rule was introduced. This rule change gave the batter the option to accept the outcome of the pitch, rather than being limited to the advancement of baserunners. This innovative approach added a new layer of strategy and excitement to the game, forever altering the way players and fans experienced the sport.

Ernie Banks' Dominance and the Cubs' Resurgence

In 1959, the legendary Ernie Banks cemented his place in Cubs history by winning his second consecutive National League MVP Award. Blasting 45 home runs and driving in 143 RBIs, Banks' remarkable performance propelled the Cubs to new heights, captivating fans and solidifying his status as one of the game's all-time greats.

The Free Agent Revolution and Its Lasting Impact

The year 1976 marked a pivotal moment in baseball history, as the first mass-market free agent re-entry draft was held at the New York Plaza Hotel. This groundbreaking event saw the likes of Reggie Jackson, Willie McCovey, and Rollie Fingers become available, forever changing the landscape of the sport. While some players, such as McCovey and Nate Colbert, were not selected, the free agent market's emergence would have a lasting impact on the game's dynamics and player movement.

Sadaharu Oh's Legendary Career and the Global Reach of Baseball

In 1980, the baseball world bid farewell to a true icon, as Japan's all-time home run hitter, Sadaharu Oh, retired from professional baseball. The Tokyo Yomiuri Giants' first baseman had amassed an astounding 868 home runs over his illustrious 22-year career, cementing his legacy as one of the sport's most prolific power hitters and showcasing the global reach and appeal of the game.

The Diamondbacks' Dramatic World Series Victory

The year 2001 witnessed a thrilling World Series showdown between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the New York Yankees. In a classic Game 7, the Diamondbacks staged a dramatic comeback in the bottom of the ninth inning, rallying for two runs to defeat the Yankees and their usually unbeatable closer, Mariano Rivera. This historic victory, achieved by the four-year-old Diamondbacks franchise, ended the Yankees' string of three consecutive World Championships and cemented the Diamondbacks' place in baseball lore.

Honoring the Legacy of Sparky Anderson

In 2010, the baseball world mourned the passing of Hall of Fame manager Sparky Anderson, who died in Thousand Oaks, California at the age of 76. Nicknamed "Captain Hook" for his tendency to remove starting pitchers early in the game, a now-standard practice, Anderson was the first manager to win over 100 games in a season in both the National and American Leagues. He also became the first to lead teams from both leagues to World Championships, achieving this feat with the Cincinnati Reds in 1975 and 1976, and with the Detroit Tigers in 1984.

The Cubs' Long-Awaited World Series Victory

The year 2016 marked a historic moment in Cubs history, as five million fans turned out for the team's World Series victory parade in downtown Chicago, IL, 108 years in the making. To celebrate the long-awaited title, the Chicago River was dyed in blue, a testament to the unwavering passion and dedication of the Cubs' loyal fanbase.