Baseball history unpacked, May 6

Well, the simCubs took it on the chin as a parade of relievers frittered away Kyle Hendricks’ mfine effort, helped by a badly-time throwing error from Anthony Rizzo on a double-play try, and the Dodgers prevailed 6-4.

Still, the game was not without its highlights:

The Cubs will try again today, with Jose Quintana (1-1, 5.68) defending the hill against Clayton Kershaw (2-2, 3.77). Q threw the rock much better last time out, and his ERA shrinks each time out. Al will have more information about that game in the game post at 2:30 pm CT, Tuesday, 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:

• 1906 - At Pittsburgh’s Exposition Park, the Pirates become the first team to cover the grass to prevent it from getting wet during a rain storm. A canvas tarp is used to keep the infield dry for tomorrow’s contest against the Cubs. (1)
• 1915 - Babe Ruth, pitching for the Boston Red Sox, collects three hits, including his first major league home run when he connects off Jack Warhop of the New York Yankees at the Polo Grounds. (1,3)
• 1994 - The Cubs’ 10-1 victory over the Pirates ends Anthony Young’s 27-game losing streak as a starter and snaps Chicago’s record 14-game drought at home. The hard-luck pitcher, who set a major league record with 27 consecutive losses while pitching for the Mets, 14 in a starting role and 13 as a reliever, had also made 27 consecutive starts without a win, despite 13 quality starts among those game in which his teams posted a 4-23 record. (1)
• 1998 - Rookie Kerry Wood ties the major league record with 20 strikeouts in a nine-inning game, pitching a one-hitter to lead the Chicago Cubs over the Houston Astros, 2-0. The 20-year-old right-hander ties the record set by Roger Clemens of the Boston Red Sox against Seattle in 1986, and matched by Clemens against Detroit in 1996. Wood also breaks the National League record of 19 strikeouts in a nine-inning game, held by Steve Carlton, Tom Seaver and David Cone, and the rookie record of 18 held by Bill Gullickson. (1)

• 2010 - Robin Roberts dies at age 83 at his home in Temple Terrace, FL. He began his career in 1948 with the Philadelphia Phillies, with whom he had his best seasons. He was named to seven All-Star teams and went 286-245 in a career that stretched until 1966. He led the National League in wins four times, won 20 or more games during six consecutive seasons, but also gave up a then-major league record 505 home runs. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1976. (3)
• Cubs birthdays: Tom Baker, Bill Hands. Also notable: Willie Mays 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 safely.