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*.

Today in baseball history:

• 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)
• 1952 - Commissioner Ford Frick plans to take action against Jackie Robinson for the comments the infielder made two days ago on the NBC show, Youth Wants to Know. In response to a high schooler’s question about prejudice in baseball, the Brooklyn second basemen called the Yankees organization racist for its failure to promote a black to the parent club. (1)
• 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)
• 1965 - Chicago Cubs P Lindy McDaniel and OF Don Landrum are traded to the San Francisco Giants for C Randy Hundley and P 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)
• 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 him to have both of his legs amputated in recent years, but he always maintained a positive attitude. (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. The reaction from baseball circles is overwhelmingly positive. (3)
• Cubs birthdays: Deacon White HOF, John Hibbard, Art Jahn, Hal Leathers, Johnny Welch, Andre Rodgers,

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!