Baseball history unpacked, April 27

Last episode, we discussed the White Stockings’ first game; Don Zimmer, manager; Monday, Monday; the immortal Herman Segelke; and other such factoids, with links, illustrations and footnotes. Today we have just a few things that are either momentous or Cubs-related, and we’ll get some information about a couple of them.

Today in baseball history:

Here’s a handy Cubs timeline.

• 1909 - The White Sox, scoring just three runs during the three-game game series, sweep St. Louis. Chicago blanks the Browns by identical 1-0 scores in all three South Side Park contests. (1)

More information about South Side Park: Chicagology.

• 1961 - The expansion Angels play their first home game, bowing to the Twins at Wrigley Field in Los Angeles, 4-2. The 74 year-old baseball legend Ty Cobb, in his last-ever visit to a ballpark, throws out the ceremonial first pitch. (1)

More information. Still more. More still.

This song was on the charts:

• 1971 - Curt Flood jumps the Senators after 13 games and departs for Denmark, ending his playing career. Flood batted .293 and won seven Gold Glove Awards during his 15-year tenure in the major leagues. He will continue his antitrust suit, which will eventually reach the Supreme Court. (3)

1. Good Curt Flood bio.
2. A news report from that time.
3. A remembrance.
4. Another good bio piece.

• 1977 - The Cardinals snap a three-game losing streak, routing the Cubs at Wrigley Field, 20-3. Redbirds’ shortstop Garry Templeton crosses home plate five times, a team record. (2)
• Cubs birthdays: Fritz Clausen, Irv Higgenbotham, Hack Wilson*, Ron Northey, Bob Zick, Curt Wilkerson, Kosuke Fukodome,

*Good bio of Hack Wilson.

Wilson’s best season.

The case for Hall of Fame induction, from before Wilson was inducted.

• (1) — The National Pastime.
• (2) — Today in Baseball History.
• (3) — Baseball Reference.
• (4) — SABR.

That should keep you for a minute or two. Enjoy immoderately.