Baseball history unpacked, December 19

Not much happening, but here it is: 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:

• 2001 - Free agent Moises Alou (.331, 27, 108) signs a $27 million, three-year deal with the Cubs. The former Astro All-Star’s presence in the Chicago line-up, along with Fred McGriff and Sammy Sosa, will give the team a fearsome 3-4-5 threesome. The Cubs sign also trade OF Michael Tucker to the Royals in exchange for a player to be named. (1)
• 2003 - Grant DePorter, the managing partner of the late broadcaster Harry Caray’s area restaurants, submits the winning bid of $106,600 to obtain the foul ball that Steve Bartman deflected, costing the Cubs a costly out during Game 6 of the NLCS. The plan is to have the ball destroyed as an act of exorcism during a worldwide toast to Harry on his birthday, February 26. (1)
• 2014 - The Cubs add back-up C David Ross. (3)
• Cubs birthdays: Tony Taylor, Rob Gardner, Geoff Zahn, Rafael Soriano. also notable: Al Kaline (HoF)

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