Baseball history unpacked, March 19

... on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, Bleed Cubbie Blue brings a you a Cubs-centric look at baseball’s past. Here’s a handy Cubs timeline, to help you follow along as we review select snapshots from the big picture of Chicago Cubs and Major League Baseball history.

Today in baseball history:

• 1951 - In an interview with the Detroit Free Press, Fred Hutchinson, the American League player representative, says the players should have input in the selection of the new commissioner replacing A. B. Happy Chandler, who was recently ousted by the owners. The Tigers right-hander suggests that the major leaguers, if not given input, would be inclined to hire and pay their own commissioner, with Chandler being their first choice. (1,3,4)
• 1955 - The Chicago Cubs sell pitcher Dave Cole to the Philadelphia Phillies. Apprised of the sale, Cole remarks, “That’s too bad. They’re the only team I can beat.” (3)
• 1965 -At age 38, Chicago Cubs radio announcer Jack Quinlan dies in an auto accident during Cubs spring camp in Arizona. Quinlan was returning from a golf outing. (3)

• 1965 - Henry (Pop) Lloyd dies in Atlantic City, New Jersey, at the age of 80. Considered one of the best black players of the deadball era, Lloyd was a line drive hitter whose extraordinary skills at shortstop drew favorable comparisons to Honus Wagner. From 1906 through 1931 he played for 12 Negro League teams, primary with the New York Lincoln Giants. Lloyd later became a player-manager, and was given the affectionate nickname, “Pop,” by the young players he mentored. Lloyd will be elected to the Hall of Fame by the by Negro Leagues Committee in 1977. (3)
• 1984 - Denny McLain, the last major league pitcher to achieve a 30-win season, is indicted on various charges of racketeering, loan-sharking, extortion, and cocaine possession. (2,4)

Cubs birthdays: Richie Ashburn HOF, Paul Smith, Garry Jestadt, David Ross.

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.

Thanks for reading!

There is a very active baseball history community and there are many facets to their views. We strive for clarity. Please let us know (nicely) if you feel that an item is in error and we will address that issue to the originator(s), if at all possible.