Baseball history unpacked, November 28

A wildly popular Cubs-centric look at baseball’s past. Here’s a handy Cubs timeline, to help you follow along as we review select scenes from the rich tapestry of Chicago Cubs and Major League Baseball history.

Today in baseball history:

• 1927 - The Pittsburgh Pirates trade future Hall of Fame outfielder Kiki Cuyler to the Chicago Cubs for infielder Sparky Adams and outfielder Pete Scott. Cuyler, who had drawn the wrath of manager Donie Bush for his failure to slide in a game, will hit only .285 next season, well below his lifetime average of .321. He became expendable after rookie Lloyd Waner became a starter, but will be a great addition to the Cubs. Adams will have two seasons in Pittsburgh before going to the Cardinals. (3)

Kiki Cuyler bio.

• 1955 - Monte Irvin’s tenure with the Giants ends when the former Negro League standout is claimed in the Rule 5 draft by the Cubs. The future Hall-of-Fame outfielder will retire after playing one season in Chicago, finishing his brief eight-year major league career with a .293 batting average. (1)

Irvin bio.

• 1979 - Right-hander Rick Sutcliffe, who compiled a 17-10 record on a losing Dodger team, is named on 20 of 24 writers’ ballots to win the National League Rookie of the Year Award. Outfielders Jeffrey Leonard of the Astros and Scot Thompson of the Cubs garner the remaining four votes. (1)

The Red Baron is still a favorite of some.

• Cubs birthdays: Russ Meers, Carlos Villaneuva, Taylor Davis.

Sources:

• (1) — The National Pastime.
• (2) — Today in Baseball History.
• (3) — Baseball Reference.
• (4) — Society for American Baseball Research.
• (5) — Baseball Hall of Fame.

Thanks for reading. #Cubsnews