Baseball history unpacked, June 23

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

Today in baseball history:

• 1917 - Babe Ruth, after walking leadoff man Ray Morgan, the only batter he faces, is ejected by home plate umpire Brick Owens when their shouting match concerning called ball and strikes digresses into a physical confrontation. Red Sox reliever Ernie Shore comes into the Fenway Park contest, retiring 26 consecutive batters, with Morgan thrown out trying to steal second on his first pitch, in the team’s 4-0 victory over the Senators, in a game considered baseball’s first combined no-hitter. (1,4)
• 1946 - At the Polo Grounds, Eddie Waitkus and Marv Rickert hit back-to-back inside-the-park home runs in the fourth inning. The Cubs, however, still lose to the Giants, 15-10. (1,4)
• 1961 - Ernie Banks voluntarily takes the bench as a sore knee brings his 717 consecutive games played streak to an end. The streak started August 26, 1956. The Banks-less Cubs still win, 5-3, over the Braves at Wrigley Field. Joe Adcock, who applied the hidden ball trick last August 31st to George Altman, nabs another Cub, Billy Williams, in the eighth. (2,3,4)
• 1963 - After taking Phillies right-hander Dallas Green deep, Jimmy Piersall runs around the bases in the correct order, but backward, to celebrate his 100th career home run. The Mets’ outfielder, who thought of the stunt after being disappointed by the lack of attention Duke Snider’s 400th round-tripper received, will be released two days later by manager Casey Stengel. (1,4)
• 1984 - In a game best remembered for Ryne Sandberg’s two late-inning game-tying home runs, Willie McGee hits for the cycle in St. Louis’ 12-11 loss in 11 innings to the Cubs. With his triple in the second inning, a fourth-frame single, a sixth-inning home run, and an RBI double in the tenth, the Cardinals center fielder drives in six runs in the Wrigley Field contest. (1,4)

• 2003 - Stealing second base at Pacific Bell Park in the 11th inning, Barry Bonds becomes the first player to hit 500 homers and steal 500 bases in his career. The Giants’ left fielder may not only be the charter member of the 500-500 club, many believe, including him, he will most likely be its only member, as no one else may ever reach this plateau. (1,3)
• 2007 - During a Double-A Southern League contest against the Montgomery Biscuits, Mobile BayBears right-hander Matt Elliott is unable to return to the mound to pitch the ninth inning when he locks himself inside a Riverwalk Stadium bathroom. The relief pitcher, who broke the lock after he angrily slammed the door, upset about giving up the tying run on a sac fly in the previous inning, will be stuck in the restroom for 47 minutes, missing the rest of the game. (1, 3)
• 2020 - Following protracted negotiations there is now agreement to start an abbreviated 60-game season on July 23rd or 24th after the Players Association ratifies the proposed safety protocols. Players are to report to their team’s home city on July 1st to resume “spring” training. (3)

Cubs birthdays: Jack Hardy. Also notable: Jim Deshaies.

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.