Baseball history unpacked, April 28

... 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:

“Maybe I called it wrong, but it’s official.” — Tom Connolly

• 1906 - It’s the only time two player-managers steal home on the same day, though not in the same game. Chicago Cubs pilot Frank Chance steals in the 9th inning to give Chicago a 1-0 win over the Cincinnati Reds, and Fred Clarke matches him in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 10-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. (2,3)
• 1930 - The first night game in the history of Organized Baseball is played in Independence, Kansas. The Muskogee Chiefs defeat the Independence Producers, 13-3, in a battle of Western Association rivals. (3)
• 1950 - Jim Martin, the Pampa Oilers’ catcher, is struck by lightning behind the plate during a Class C West Texas-New Mexico League contest played at Abilene’s Blue Sox Stadium. The 20-year-old backstop, who will return to the lineup the next day, is knocked unconscious by the bolt of electricity that propels his mask 20 feet beyond the pitcher’s mound. (1)
• 1956 - Cincinnati Redlegs rookie Frank Robinson hits the first of his 586 lifetime home runs at Crosley Field. The 20-year-old Robinson connects against Paul Minner of the Chicago Cubs, helping the Redlegs to a 9-1 victory. Cincinnati’s Wally Post hits four home runs in a doubleheader sweep for the Redlegs. (2,3)
• 1960 - At a night game against Cleveland, the White Sox unveil the ‘Monster,’ their new exploding scoreboard at the Comiskey Park. The $300,000 brainchild of Chicago owner Bill Veeck will produce fireworks and accompanying sound effects whenever a hometown player hits a home run. (1)

• 1961 - 40-year-old Warren Spahn becomes the second oldest man to pitch a no-hitter in major league history. The Milwaukee Braves’ ace masters the San Francisco Giants, 1-0, for his 290th career win, second no-hitter and 52nd shutout. Spahn strikes out nine batters and walks only two. Hank Aaron drives in the game’s lone run with a single in the 1st inning off loser Sad Sam Jones. (1,3)
• 1963 - Hall of Fame umpire Tom Connolly dies in Natick, Massachusetts, at the age of 90. Connolly served as an umpire for 34 years, working in both the American and National Leagues. Connolly once went 10 consecutive seasons without ejecting a player from a game. (3)
• 2010 - Major League Baseball announces a number of changes to the rules that govern the All-Star Game that have been agreed with the Players’ union: the designated hitter will now be used in all games, not just those played in American League parks; a pitcher who started a game on the last Sunday before the All-Star break will not be eligible to play in the game and will be replaced on the roster, although he will still be recognized as an All-Star (this will become known as the Sunday Starter rule); rosters are expanded to 34 players, adding one position player; one of the position players will be designated as being able to re-enter the game in case of injury - catchers are already allowed to do so in those circumstances. (1,3)

Cubs birthdays: Walt Woods, Luis Quinones, John Gaub. Also notable: Barry Larkin HOF.

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.

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.

Thanks for reading!