Baseball history unpacked, December 14

... 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*.

Today in baseball history:

• 1882 - At its first annual convention, the American Association establishes the first permanent staff of umpires in major league history. Previously, the National League and AA umpires were local men hired on game day by the home club. (3)
• 1916 - The Chicago Cubs swap OF Joe Kelly to the Boston Braves for coach Fred Mitchell, who will become Chicago’s new manager. (3)
• 1938 - Major league teams adopt several resolutions. The National League allows the Cincinnati Reds to play their season opener one day before other teams, as a way of honoring the 100th anniversary of baseball and of the 1869 Red Stockings being the first professional team. In other news, Will Harridge is re-elected as American League president and given a 10-year term. The AL permits the Cleveland Indians and Philadelphia Athletics to play night games. Finally, the major leagues agree on a standard ball but disagree on increasing rosters from 23 to 25 players. Judge Landis will eventually decide on 25. (3)
• 1948 - It’s a busy day for the Phillies as the team purchases pitcher Ken Trinkle from the Giants and trade pitchers Walter Dubiel and Dutch Leonard to the Cubs for first baseman Eddie Waitkus and pitcher Hank Borowy. Ruth Ann Steinhagen, a Chicago female fan totally obsessed with former Cub Waitkus, is very upset with the trade and will try to kill him upon his return to Wrigley Field with the Phillies. (1,3)
• 1950 - Major League owners choose Lou Perini (Braves), Phil Wrigley (Cubs), Del Webb (Yankees) and Ellis Ryan (Indians) to select a new Commissioner as soon as possible. In a close vote, 9-7, Happy Chandler’s contract was not renewed three days earlier to serve a third term as baseball’s leader. (3)
• 1985 - Former major league star Roger Maris dies from cancer at the age of 51. In 1961, Maris set a major league record by hitting 61 home runs. Considered an excellent all-around outfielder, Maris won two American League MVP awards during his career. (1,2,3)
• 1998 - Brant Brown, whose error on September 24th almost cost the Cubs a playoff spot, is sent to the Pirates in exchange for P Jon Lieber. (3)
• 2018 - The last vacant managerial slot in the majors is filled as the Orioles, coming off the worst season in franchise history which led to the firing of both GM Dan Duquette and manager Buck Showalter, announce that the job will go to Brandon Hyde, bench coach of the Cubs. (3)
• Cubs birthdays: Lefty Tyler, Harry Wilke, Les Bell, Bobby Adams, Sam Jones, Pete Whisenant, Bill Buckner, Rodrigo Lopez, Angel Guzman, Donn Roach. Also notable: Craig Biggio HOF.

Common 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 vet each item as much as time allows. Please let us know if an item is in error, especially if you have a source. Thanks for reading!