On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, Bleed Cubbie Blue takes you on a delightful journey through the Cubs' baseball history. With a light-hearted touch and a Cubs-centric focus, we explore the colorful tales and various narratives that have unfolded over time. Here's a handy Cubs timeline to accompany you on this adventure.

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1885: The Washington Nationals Join the National League

In 1885, the Washington Nationals were admitted to the National League, taking the place of Providence. This significant event marked a change in the baseball landscape. The Washington club's displacement in the American Association was due to a court's decision that couldn't revoke the Mets' franchise. It was a turning point that set the stage for the team's future in the league. This addition brought new competition and a different dynamic to the National League.Another aspect to consider is how this affected the overall balance of power within the league. It led to shifts in team standings and player movements, as teams adjusted to the new lineup. The Washington Nationals became a key player in the league, and their history became intertwined with that of baseball.

1903: Ban Johnson's Reelection and Rule Changes

At the league meeting in 1903, Ban Johnson was reelected as the American League president and received a well-deserved raise to $10,000. This showed the confidence placed in him by the league. Additionally, the AL voted to allow coaches at third base and first base at all times. Till now, only one coach was permitted, except in cases where there were two or more baserunners. This change brought a new level of strategic depth to the game.The AL also instituted the "foul strike" rule, which had been used by the National League since 1901. A foul would now be counted as a strike unless there were already two strikes. This rule added an extra element of complexity to the game and required players to be more cautious with their swings. It had a significant impact on the way the game was played and influenced the strategies of both pitchers and batters.

1980: Ferguson Jenkins' Legal Battle

In 1980, Ferguson Jenkins faced a challenging situation when he was convicted on cocaine possession charges in a Canadian court. However, Judge Gerald Young immediately erased the verdict due to Jenkins' years of "exemplary" conduct. This showed the importance of considering a person's character and past actions when making legal judgments.Jenkins' case became a topic of discussion within the baseball community. It raised questions about the role of drugs in sports and the impact they can have on a player's career. His ability to overcome this setback and continue to make contributions to the game is a testament to his resilience and determination.

1990: Expansion Club Finalists

In 1990, the National League announced the six finalist cities for the two expansion clubs that would join the league in 1993. The cities included Buffalo, Denver, Miami, Orlando, Tampa-St. Petersburg, and Washington, DC. This was an exciting time for baseball as these cities vied for the opportunity to bring professional baseball to their communities.The selection process was a careful one, considering various factors such as population, stadium facilities, and fan support. Each city had its own unique selling points, and the competition was fierce. The announcement of the finalists sparked a lot of interest and anticipation among baseball fans across the country.

1992: The Cubs Sign Willie Wilson

In 1992, the Cubs made a significant move by signing free agent OF Willie Wilson to a two-year contract. This addition brought a new dimension to the Cubs' lineup. Wilson was a talented player with a proven track record, and his signing was seen as a positive step for the team.His presence on the team had an impact on the chemistry and performance of the Cubs. He brought energy and excitement to the clubhouse and on the field. The two-year contract gave the Cubs the opportunity to build a solid foundation with Wilson and see how he would contribute to their success.

2009: The Milton Bradley Trade

In 2009, the Cubs made a controversial trade as they shipped troublesome OF Milton Bradley to Seattle in exchange for P Carlos Silva. Silva had won only five games in two years after signing a lucrative contract with the Mariners. This trade was a move to address some of the team's issues and bring in a new element.The trade had implications for both teams. For the Cubs, it was a chance to get rid of a player who had been causing problems and bring in a pitcher with some potential. For Seattle, it was a way to acquire a player with a different skill set. The trade sparked discussions among baseball fans and analysts about the value of players and the decisions teams make.

Cubs Birthdays and Notable Dates

Throughout the years, the Cubs have had many birthdays to celebrate. Names like Buddy Napier, Lance Richbourg, Coaker Triplett, and Rex Brothers have been associated with the team. These players have left their mark on Cubs history in their own ways.Also notable is the inclusion of Ty Cobb HOF. Cobb's legacy in baseball is significant, and his connection to the Cubs adds another layer of history to the team. These birthdays and notable dates remind us of the rich tapestry of players who have been a part of the Cubs over the years.

Common Sources and Editing

Some of the items in this article spread from site to site without being verified. That's why we ask for reputable sources if you have differences with a posted factoid. Our goal is to set the record as straight as possible, but it's not an exact science.The 'history' segment has been highly edited for space and interest. Of course, a great many other things happened on those days. We try to focus on the interesting or unfamiliar ones to provide a unique perspective for our readers.Thanks for reading and joining us on this journey through Cubs history.