Baseball history unpacked, April 3

No sim-Game on the 2nd. I did run a Home Run Derby episode between Kyle Schwarber, Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, and Javier Baez. Lots of long balls!

Today, the sim-Cubs will open a series against the sim-Diamondbacks. It’ll be live at 3 p.m. CT. Al will post the game thread at 2:30 p.m. CT.

.. 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:

• 1923 - In Chicago, IL, two Black Sox sue the White Sox. Swede Risberg and Happy Felsch seek $400,000 in damages and $6,750 in back salary for conspiracy and injury to their reputation in the aftermath of the scandalous 1919 World Series court case. Their suit will be unsuccessful. (1,3)
• 1985 - A major league owners’ proposal is agreed to by the Players Association. The American and National leagues playoff formats are changed to best-of-sevens. The League Championship Series had been played as a best-of-five since its inception in 1969. (1,3)
• 1987 - 1987 - The Chicago Cubs trade starting pitcher Dennis Eckersley to the Oakland Athletics for three minor leaguers. Eckersley will emerge as the game’s dominant closer, saving 291 games over the next eight seasons. (1,3)
• Cubs birthdays: Alex Grammas, Koji Uehara, Bobby Hill. Also notable: Chris Bosio.

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.

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