Baseball history unpacked, December 18

... on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, Bleed Cubbie Blue brings a you a lighthearted 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*. Beware of rabbit holes.

Today in baseball history:

• 1885 - The Washington Nationals are admitted to the National League, in place of Providence. The Washington club was displaced in the American Association by the court’s decision that the Mets’ franchise could not be revoked. (3)
• 1980 - Ferguson Jenkins is convicted on cocaine possession charges in a Canadian court, but has the verdict immediately erased by Judge Gerald Young because of his years of “exemplary” conduct. (3)

Yep, there’s snow in Canada. The case for the defence. Local reaction. The big list of ‘linemen’ from the 80s. The 25 best athlete stoners of all time.

• 1992 - The Cubs sign free agent OF Willie Wilson to a two-year contract. (3)
• 2009 - The Cubs trade outcast Milton Bradley to the Mariners in exchange for starting pitcher Carlos Silva (1-3, 8.60), Seattle’s very costly and underachieving right-hander. Chicago suspended the outspoken and unpopular outfielder for his criticism of the atmosphere surrounding the team as being the reason the club hasn’t won a World Series since 1908. Among other things. (1,2,3)
• Cubs birthdays: Buddy Napier, Lance Richbourg, Coaker Triplett. Also notable: Ty Cobb (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.
• (6) — This Day in Chicago Cubs history.

*We try to vet each item. Please let us know if an item is in error, especially if you have a source.

Thanks for reading.