Important Note
Note: I’m working on more Chicago Cubs research and updating my page. See http://WrigleyIvy.com/.
Besides its stunning architecture and beautiful skyline along Lake Michigan, Chicago is widely recognized for its sports teams, including the Bulls, the White Soc, and those perennial also-rans, the Chicago Cubs.
Although “world champions” is a name not often associated with the North Siders, more than a few ballplayers over the years have played on outstanding teams. In 1906 the Cubs won 116 games and lost only 36, still a major league record. The World Series winners of 1907 and 1908 featured baseball’s most celebrated double-play combination: Joe Tinker to Johnny Evers to Frank Chance.
Members of the 1929 team were among the most formidable in baseball. Behind players such as Charlie Grimm (first base), Rogers Hornsby (second base), Woody English (shortstop), Hack Wilson (outfielder), Kiki Cuyler (outfielder), Riggs Stephenson (outfielder), Guy Bush (pitcher), Charlie Root (pitcher), and Gabby Hartnett (catcher), the Cubs won the National League pennant by ten-and-a-half games over the Pirates. Additional pennants in 1932, 1935, and 1938 highlighted this “golden era” of the Wrigley Field wonders. (Pictured here are the four members of the Cubs’ 1929 “Murderers’ Row”: Riggs Stephenson, Hack Wilson, Rogers Hornsby, and Kiki Cuyler. All except Stephenson are in the National Baseball Hall of Fame, and Stephenson’s lifetime batting average of .336 is the highest of any eligible player not in the Hall.)
Chicago baseball in the thirties and forties featured first baseman and outfielder Phil Cavarretta, who led the National League in total hits (197) in 1944. The following year he helped bring another National League pennant home to Chicago, winning Most Valuable Player honors in the process.
I examine various aspects of Cubs history from 1929 through 1938 in the sub-categories of this “Every Three Years” section. (Mouseover the tab at the top.)
Important Note
Note: I’m working on more Chicago Cubs research and updating my page. See http://WrigleyIvy.com/.