Baseball history unpacked, December 2

... 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:

• 1887 - The International League disbands. The teams in Syracuse, Toronto, Hamilton, and Buffalo split off to form the International Association, while those in Newark, Jersey City, Wilkes-Barre, and Scranton become the nucleus of the Central League. (3)
• 1916 - Under pressure from the Players’ Fraternity, the National Commission orders that injured players shall get full pay for the duration of their contracts. The injury clause previously let clubs suspend players after 15 days pay. (2,3)
• 1943 - With only nine leagues operating during the season, the minor league convention in New York has an incipient revolt to oust longtime head William G. Bramham in favor of Frank Shaughnessy, president of the International League, who has five pledges. But Bramham rules that 15 non-operating circuits which have paid dues are eligible to vote. Five of the leagues have given proxies. A later appeal to Commissioner Landis fails. (3)
• 1957 - In the Pacific Coast League, some franchises are forced to relocate when the Dodgers and Giants confirm their long-rumored move to California for the 1958 season. The Hollywood Stars move from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City; the Los Angeles Angels move to Spokane, and the San Francisco Seals transfer to Phoenix. (3)
• 1961 - Major league clubs vote to curb bonuses. All first-year players not on major league rosters, except one minor leaguer, can be drafted by any other club for $8,000. Clubs are expected to be unwilling to pay large bonuses for players who will be subject to a draft for just $8,000. (3)
• 1963 - The major league rules committee bans the use of oversized catcher gloves, starting with the 1965 season. The larger catcher mitt was devised in 1960 by Orioles manager Paul Richards to help his backstops catch Hoyt Wilhelm’s knuckleball. (1,2,3)
• 1965 - The Cubs trade pitcher Lindy McDaniel and outfielder Don Landrum to the Giants for catcher Randy Hundley and pitcher Bill Hands. Chicago’s new acquisitions will both play a major role in rebuilding the ‘lovable losers’ into contenders later in the decade. (1,3)
• 1974 - At the Major League Winter Meetings in New Orleans, LA, the Rules Committee institutes several changes; among the changes is one permitting the use of cowhide, rather than just horsehide, in the manufacture of baseballs. (2,3)
• 1996 - The Cubs sign shortstop Shawon Dunston, bringing him back to Wrigley Field. (3)
• 2010 - Ron Santo, who played more games at third base than anyone in Chicago Cubs history, dies at age 70, a victim of bladder cancer. Also beloved as a broadcaster, Santo led a lifetime battle against diabetes that forced to have both of his legs amputated, but always maintained a positive attitude. He was a leading candidate for election to the Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee; he ‘fell short’ of the honor during his lifetime. (3)
• 2014 - Veteran major league umpire and crew chief Dale Scott openly acknowledges his homosexuality, as he is featured in a magazine article with his long-time life partner. Scott retired two years ago, due to complications from concussion. (3)
• Cubs birthdays: Deacon White (HoF), John Hibbard, Hal Leathers, Johnny Welch, Art Jahn, Andre Rodgers.

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.