Today in Cubs History
Today in Cubs History: 12-23
Not too much happens, generally, the closer we get to Christmas. But here's one gem:
12-23-1997 - Traded Doug Glanville to the Philadelphia Phillies. Received Mickey Morandini.
I believe there will be at least one detailed article, perhaps more, posted today and tomorrow. So feel free to use this as an open-thread, while the articles stay more on-topic.
Today in Cubs History: 12-19
12-19-2003 - Traded Wilton Chavez to the Montreal Expos. Received Jose Macias.
12-19-2000 - Signed Todd Hundley as a free agent.
Think this is bad? Tomorrow isn't any better.
Today in Cubs History: 12-16
12-16-1992 - The Giants name Dusty Baker as manager to replace Roger Craig. (taken from Baseball Library)
12-16-1985 - Traded Billy Hatcher and a PTBNL (Steve Engel) to the Houston Astros. Received Jerry Mumphrey.
Today in Cubs History: 12-15
12-15-2003 - Traded Damian Miller and cash to the Oakland Athletics. Received Michael Barrett.
12-15-1997 - Drafted Roosevelt Brown from the Florida Marlins in the 1997 minor league draft.
12-15-1912 - Traded Joe Tinker, Harry Chapman and Grover Lowdermilk to the Cincinnati Reds. Received Bert Humphries, Red Corriden, Pete Knisely, Art Phelan and Mike Mitchell.
Today in Cubs History: 12-14
12-14-2000 - Signed Tom Gordon as a free agent.
12-14-1998 - Traded Brant Brown to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Received Jon Lieber.
12-14-1990 - Traded Greg Smith to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Received Jose Vizcaino.
12-14-1987 - Signed Vance Law as a free agent.
12-14-1948 - Traded Hank Borowy and Eddie Waitkus to the Philadelphia Phillies. Received Monk Dubiel and Dutch Leonard.
Today in Cubs History: 12-13
12-13-1999 - Traded Richard Negrette to the Baltimore Orioles. Received Augie Ojeda.
12-13-1996 - Signed Kevin Tapani as a free agent.
12-13-1995 - Signed Rob Dibble as a free agent.
Today in Cubs History: 12-12
12-12-1999 - Traded a PTBNL (Brian Stephenson), Terry Adams and Chad Ricketts to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Received Ismael Valdez and Eric Young.
12-12-1999 - Traded Manny Alexander to the Boston Red Sox. Received Damon Buford.
12-12-1997 - Traded Miguel Batista to the Montreal Expos. Received Henry Rodriguez.
12-12-1903 - Traded Jack Taylor and Larry McLean to the St. Louis Cardinals. Received Mordecai Brown and Jack O'Neill.
Recent comments
CubbyBlue (view)
Incredible moment. Huge part of the fun of working there is when something magic like that happens, and you get to interact with baseball fans.
TarzanJoeWallis (view)
That bear hug was indeed awesome. Word is that Dansby has become an outstanding clubhouse leader and that moment really demonstrated it. That reaction was one of a proud coach/mentor who’s student just excelled. I’m not even sure who was more overjoyed, Dansby or PCA. A veteran expressing that kind of unabashed support and enthusiasm for a struggling rookie is beyond fantastic to see.
CubbyBlue (view)
BAHAHA! I've actually not seen a single fight, but can't wait to see 70 degrees for sure!
crunch (view)
next time i roll up into wrigley i'll try to start a fist fight and maybe we'll meet.
be prepared. i'm gonna make you earn your money.
seriously, though...that's a cool as hell "retirement" assignment. i imagine it will be better with warmer nights.
Cubster (view)
I was there for the PCA homer as well. 50 degree baseball is no longer fun when sitting in the shade (knit hats, scarves and gloves are football gear) but I agree it’s one of those really cool moments. I loved the bear hug given by Swanson at home plate and of course the added impact that the PCA homer became a game winner.
Cubster (view)
Holy Screaming Bananas
CubbyBlue (view)
In honor of dispatching with the Astros, this painting is titled “The Sweep”.
I retired a couple years ago, and took a job at Wrigley as a security guy. SO cool having Wrigley as your office. SO cool being there when PCA got his first hit.
“The Sweep” happens at the end of every game - the security staff sweeps through the ballpark making sure it’s empty.
(Hopefully I’ll be putting this painting up often this year.)
Lastly, because working for the Cubs, they understandably don’t want you voicing opinions on social, which is why I’m only painting the banners here.
First.Pitch.120 (view)
Honorable mention to Jim Bullinger via BleedCubbieBlue:
Bullinger, a converted shortstop, had pitched in three games before he came to the plate. He had entered the game to relieve starter Shawn Boskie after four innings, and came to the plate to lead off the fifth, and hit Rheal Cormier's first pitch over the left-field wall to give the Cubs a 1-0 lead; they eventually won the game 5-2 in 14 innings. Of the 129players to homer in their first MLB at-bat, Bullinger is one of just 32 to hit that blast on the first big-league pitch he saw (including Contreras) and one of just six pitchers to do so.
TarzanJoeWallis (view)
Most of this activity will lead nowhere, of course, but it is fantastic that they’re looking for talent in every nook and cranny. You never know where that can lead, and virtually nothing is lost if if leads nowhere, as long as no one of superior talent and potential is losing an opportunity.
First.Pitch.120 (view)
Fun 1st Hit / HR Fact…
Recent Cubs players to have HR as 1st MLB hit:
PCA
Morel
Happ
Contreras
Baez
Soler
Castro