This week in...

1929

The Cubs are in the midst of a pennant winning season.

*The Cubs beat the Phillies 5-3 at Wrigley Field thanks to homers from Hack Wilson, Riggs Stephenson and backup first baseman Chick Tolson. It was Tolson's only homer of the year. On the same day of Tolson's heroics, San Francisco Mayor Rolf proudly unveils the country's first pedestrian crossing light.


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1969

The Cubs are in the midst of one of their most memorable seasons.

*While Rod Laver is winning the US Open in New York (Sept 8), the Cubs are just a few miles away, losing both games in a short series to the Mets. They are clinging to first place by their fingernails. They will only be there one more day. By September 10th, the Mets will take over for good.


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1984

The Cubs are hoping to make the playoffs for the first time since World War 2.

*On the day that Rick Sutcliffe wins his 14th game for the Cubs against the Mets 6-0 (a dominating four hit, 12 strikeout complete game shutout), Martina Navratilova beats Chris Evert Mills in the U.S. Open.


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1989

The Boys of Zimmer are taking Chicago by storm.

*Greg Maddux wins his 17th game (a 4-3 win over the Expos at Wrigley Field) on the same day that Boris Becker beats Ivan Lendl to win the U.S. Open.

The Antelope

He hit exactly one home run in his Major League career, but he had some wheels on him. So much so, that he was once nicknamed "The Antelope."

Emil Verban hit that one home run for the Cubs on this date in 1948 against the Cincinnati Reds.

Bob Newhart

Actor.

Comedian.

Cubs fan.

80 years old today.

21 game winning streak

I know this is a once in a century sort of thing, but on this date in 1935, the Cubs won the first game of what became a 21 game winning streak. The winning pitcher for the Cubs was Larry French (photo).

When the streak began, they were in third place. They ended up winning the pennant by 4 games. Then they lost the World Series to the Detroit Tigers.

Is it possible they'll do it again this year? Stranger things have happened.*




*Um, but don't ask me to name any.

Gonzo & the Brat

The man the Cubs called Gonzo was born on this date in 1967. He had the game winning hit in the World Series, but of course, not for the Cubs.



The Brat was also born on this date (in 1916). He won many pennants in his career, but none with the team that brought him to the Majors, the Chicago Cubs.

Milt Pappas

On this date in 1972, Milt Pappas threw a no-hitter for the Cubs against the San Diego Padres.

Milt is famously still upset that it wasn't a perfect game. He walked the 27th batter he faced (San Diego journeyman outfielder Larry Stahl) on a borderline 3-2 pitch.

Lou Piniella

The Onion has at least one Cubs fan on their writing staff: "Lou Piniella Lauded For Not Getting Anyone's Hopes Up This Year"

Thanks to "RR" for pointing this one out.

Lee Smith debuts

On this date in 1980, Lee Smith made his Major League debut for the Cubs. He came in to relieve Dennis Lamp in the 5th inning. The first batter he faced was Dale Murphy, the future MVP of the league. Murphy grounded out.

That 1980 Cubs team was among the worst in Cubs history. And that's saying something.