Cubs History

The 1800's


In 1876, the Chicago White Stockings become one of eight charter members of the National League led by their president William A. Hulbert, who was also the owner of the Chicago club. A.G. Spalding is the manager when the team plays its first game in the history of the Chicago National League Ball Club that takes place on April 25. Spalding doubles as the pitcher and records the first NL shutout, a 4-0 win over Louisville. The first run in team history is scored by center fielder Paul Hines on a throwing error in the second inning.
The White Stockings go on to win the inaugural National League championship. Using nicknames such as the "White Stockings," "Colts," and Orphans," the team plays in five different locations in the 1800s. The fledgling league thrived, as did the Chicago organization, becoming one of the sport's first dynasties, winning six of the first 11 titles.
There were many players worthy of recognition, but the most enduring fixture from this era is Adrian "Cap" Anson,, who set the franchise record for career hits (2,995) and managed the club for 19 years, earning him the nick name "Cap," which was short for captain.

1900 - 1909


March 27, 1902: Chicago Daily News becomes first-known entity to pen "Cubs" nickname as team moniker.
September 15, 1902: Tinker-to-Evers-to-Chance trio records first double play in 6-3 win vs. Reds.
July 1, 1905: Cubs win 13-5 vs. Reds in Frank Chance's first official game as manager.
June 2, 1906: Cubs acquire Cincinnati's Orval Overall, who goes 12-3 down stretch to lead Cubs to NL pennant.
October 12, 1907: Cubs claim first World Series title, beating Tigers 2-0 behind pitching of Mordecai "Three Fingers" Brown.
September 26, 1908: Ed Reulbach becomes only pitcher to toss two complete-game shutouts on same day, vs. Dodgers. A few weeks later, on October 14, the Cubs become the first team to win back-to-back World Series when they defeat Detroit, four games to one.

1910 - 1919


June 11, 1911: Heinie Zimmerman tallies Cubs-record nine RBIs in 20-2 win vs. Braves.
December 31, 1913: Charles Weeghman signs deal to lease property for ballpark at Clark and Addison streets.
June 17, 1915: Zip Zabel pitches 18.1 relief innings in 19-inning 4-3 win vs. Brooklyn.
October 3, 1915: Cubs play their last game at West Side Grounds, beating St. Louis 7-2.
January 20, 1916: Charles Weeghman and nine investors purchase Cubs from Charles Taft. Three months later, on April 20, the Cubs beat the Reds, 7-6, in the first NL game at Weeghman Park, which was renamed Cubs Park in 1920 and eventually Wrigley Field in 1926.
May 2, 1917: Cubs' Hippo Vaughn combines with Fred Toney for baseball's only nine-inning double no-hit game, eventually won by Reds 1-0 in 10th inning.
September 11, 1918: The Cubs lose the World Series to the Boston Red Sox four games to two behind pitching sensation Babe Ruth.

1920 - 1929


In 1920, Weeghman Park becomes known as Cubs Park, after chewing gum magnet William Wrigley buys out the remainder of Charles Weeghman's share of the club. The park would undergo yet another name change in 1926 when it becomes Wrigley Field. That same year, plans are revealed to add a second tier, which increases capacity to 40,000. In 1929, under Hall-of-Fame manager Joe McCarthy, the Cubs win the National League pennant by more than 10 games. Nearly 1.5 million people pack Wrigley Field to marvel at the hitting exploits of future Hall of Famers Rogers Hornsby (the year's NL MVP), Hack Wilson, Gabby Hartnett and Kiki Cuyler. Despite all of the firepower, the Cubs lose the World Series to the Philadelphia A's, four games to one. During the decade, Wilson and Grover Alexander lead the team at the plate and on the mound. Wilson finished the period with 121 home runs and 517 RBIs while the right-hander Alexander lead with 110 Ws and a 3.02 ERA.

August 25, 1922: Cubs beat Phillies 26-23 in highest-scoring game in major-league history.


May 8, 1923: Gladys is born.

April 14, 1925: With Quin Ryan at the mike, WGN Radio broadcasts its first regular-season Cubs game, as Chicago defeats Pittsburgh by an 8-2 margin in Charlie Grimm's Cubs debut.
November 16, 1926: Plans announced to double-deck Wrigley Field, increasing seating to 40,000.


1927: Gladys attends her first Cubs game at age 4.

October 8, 1929: Cubs fall 3-1 to Philadelphia in first World Series game at Wrigley Field.

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