Baseball history unpacked, May 20

The simCubs embarked on the eastern leg of their trip and probably would have rather stayed home as their good ship was scuttled and they were pounded by Pirate first baseman Josh Bell to the tune of three home runs and nine runs batted in.

There were some highlights early — Anthony Rizzo blasted a cannonball into the seats for a solo shot and Javier Baez whacked a two-run deep fly, but it was all over after Bell’s second home run.

The Pirates then got busy after the game and will look a bit different tomorrow — Chris Archer and Jarrod Dyson were shipped off to the Yankees for SP Domingo German, 3B Miguel Andujar, and minor-league CF Jasson Dominguez. Then they packed a trio of young prospects off to the Indians for CF Bradley Zimmer and SS Chris Campos. Andujar and Zimmer will be in the lineup today.

Not long ago, the Pirates sent Jameson Taillon, who was faltering badly, for Kyle Freeland and a couple of prospects. They seem determined to get younger and cheaper, if not better, as quickly as possible.

Today Mitch Keller (0-6, 7.71) will defend against Tyler Chatwood (2-0, 3.20), who has been pitching well lately. The Cubs have pounded Keller this year. Al will have more in the game post (at 2:30 p.m. CT, for our 3 p.m. start). I’ll drop the specific URL to the contest in the game thread, but you can lurk at the BCB Media Center and catch it there as well. All past games and highlights reels are available there too, if you want the full #simCubs experience.

... 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 hand-picked scenes from the rich tapestry of Chicago Cubs and Major League Baseball history*.

Today in baseball history:

• 1920 - The Chicago police, dressed as soldiers and farmers, raid the Wrigley Field bleachers, arresting two dozen Cub fans for gambling. All bets are off when Grover Cleveland Alexander blanks Philadelphia, 6-0. (1)

Bleacher Bums arrested.

• 1946 - Claude Passeau of the Chicago Cubs makes his first error since September 21, 1941, ending his streak with an all-time pitcher’s fielding record of 273 consecutive errorless chances. (2)
• 1958 - The Cardinals trade Alvin Dark to the Cubs in exchange for hurler Jim Brosnan. Both players will be productive on their new teams during the remainder of the season, with ‘Blackie’ hitting .297 in 114 games for Chicago, and the newest Redbirds’ right-hander will compile an 8-4 record for St. Louis. (1)
• 1962 - During the Cubs’ doubleheader sweep of the Phillies, Ken Hubbs strokes eight singles in eight trips to the plate at Connie Mack Stadium. The BBWAA will select Chicago second baseman as the National League’s Rookie of the Year. (1)
• 2006 - After barreling over fellow catcher Michael Barrett in a play he considered hard but clean, A.J. Pierzynski is surprised when the Cub backstop shows his displeasure by punching him in the face. The incident ignites a bench-clearing brawl between the Windy City rivals that leads to a 15-minute delay and four ejections during the White Sox’ 7-0 victory at U.S. Cellular Field. (1)

• 2011 - The Chicago Cubs make their first visit to Fenway Park since the 1918 World Series, but the Red Sox prove to be poor hosts, whacking them, 15-5. The Cubs commit four errors and give up 19 hits, while the Sox take advantage of the Green Monster to launch six doubles and a pair of homers in its direction. Adrian Gonzalez has four hits and four RBI in Boston’s seventh straight win. (3)
• Cubs birthdays: George Grantham, Bobby Murcer, Brian McNichol. Also notable: Hal Newhouser 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, and please drive home safely.