Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, Bleed Cubbie Blue brings you a delightful, Cubs-centric exploration of baseball's rich past. Dive into the lore and various narratives that have unfolded over time with our handy Cubs timeline. Join us on this baseball adventure!

Uncover the Cubs' Colorful Past with Bleed Cubbie Blue

1916: Walter Johnson vs. Grover Cleveland Alexander

In Kansas City, MO, in 1916, a remarkable exhibition game took place. Walter Johnson and Grover Cleveland Alexander faced off for the first time. This star-studded event featured Zach Wheat, Casey Stengel, Max Carey, Hal Chase, and many others. The "Johnsons" emerged victorious over the "Alexanders" with a score of 3-2. It was a moment that marked the beginning of a baseball rivalry and added to the sport's storied history.This game not only showcased the skills of these two baseball legends but also brought together a group of future baseball icons. Zach Wheat, with his exceptional batting skills, and Casey Stengel, known for his managerial prowess, were part of this historic encounter. Max Carey and Hal Chase also left their mark on the game, adding to its significance. The outcome of this game became a part of baseball folklore and is still remembered by fans today.

1962: The Return to a Single All-Star Game

In 1962, major league officials and player representatives reached an agreement to return to a single All-Star Game in 1963. This decision was a significant one as it had implications for the players' pension fund. The players' pension fund was set to receive 95 percent of the proceeds from the one game, rather than 60 percent of two games. This move showed the importance of supporting the players and ensuring their financial security.The return to a single All-Star Game was a step towards unifying the baseball community. It allowed fans and players alike to come together and celebrate the sport on a grand scale. The increased proceeds for the pension fund also demonstrated the commitment of the baseball industry to take care of its players. This event marked a turning point in the history of the All-Star Game and had a lasting impact on the sport.

1971: The Cubs' Trades that Shaped the Game

In 1971, the Cubs made three blockbuster trades that had a significant impact on the baseball landscape. The Cubs traded P Ken Holtzman to the A's for OF Rick Monday. This trade brought a talented outfielder to the Cubs and added depth to their lineup.The Giants also made a major trade by sending P Gaylord Perry and SS Frank Duffy to the Indians for P Sam McDowell. This trade brought different pitching talents to both teams and had implications for their respective seasons.The Reds, on the other hand, traded 1B Lee May, 2B Tommy Helms, and OF Jimmy Stewart to the Astros for 2B Joe Morgan, OF Cesar Geronimo, and P Jack Billingham. This trade was criticized in the Cincinnati press at the time but has since been recognized as one of the best in Reds history. Joe Morgan, a future Hall of Fame member, went on to win two MVP Awards with the team and played a crucial role in the development of the "Big Red Machine."These trades not only changed the rosters of the teams involved but also had a ripple effect on the baseball world. They demonstrated the dynamic nature of the sport and how trades can shape the future of a team.

1990: The Future of the Montreal Expos

In 1990, a consortium of Canadian investors led by Montreal Expos president Claude Brochu agreed to buy the club from Charles Bronfman for a reported $85 million. This decision ensured that the team would remain in Montréal, QC, and gave hope to the fans of the city.The purchase of the Expos by the Canadian investors was a significant moment for baseball in Canada. It showed the growing popularity and importance of the sport in the country and paved the way for future developments. The Expos became a symbol of Canadian baseball and continued to play a vital role in the sport's history.

Cubs Birthdays and Notable Figures

The Cubs have a rich history of talented players, and their birthdays are a reminder of the greats who have worn the uniform. Harry Pyle, Jake Weimer, Tom Hughes, Carter Elliott, Irv Noren, Dan McGinn, Howard Johnson, and Francis Beltrán have all made their mark on the Cubs.Notable figures like Minnie Miñoso, a Hall of Famer, and Mariano Rivera, another baseball legend, also add to the Cubs' legacy. These players have left an indelible mark on the sport and are remembered by fans around the world.

Other Moments in Baseball History

In 1877, US inventor Thomas Edison demonstrated his hand-cranked phonograph for the first time. This invention revolutionized the way people listened to music and had a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.In 1929, American aviator Richard E. Byrd sent a message indicating that he had reached the vicinity of the South Pole. This achievement was a significant milestone in aviation history and demonstrated the courage and determination of the aviators.In 1934, the Chicago Bears beat Detroit with a score of 19-16 in the first NFL game broadcast nationally. This game marked the beginning of national television coverage of professional football and had a profound impact on the sport.In 1948, the puppet TV show "Kukla, Fran, & Ollie" starring Fran Allison debuted on NBC's WNBQ in Chicago, Illinois. This show became a beloved part of television history and entertained audiences for many years.Common sources provide the information for these events, but some items may spread from site to site without being verified. That's why we ask for reputable sources if you have differences with a posted factoid. We strive to set the record straight as much as possible, but it isn't always easy.Also, the 'history' segment is 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 on baseball history.Thanks for reading and joining us on this journey through the Cubs' and baseball's past.