Today in Baseball History: Cubs Make Moves and Other Notable Events
Baseball history is rich with intriguing trades, groundbreaking moments, and pivotal rule changes. Let’s dive into some of the most memorable events from this day in history.
1938: Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis made a bold move by freeing 74 minor leaguers from the St. Louis Cardinals’ system, including a young Pete Reiser.
This was part of an ongoing effort to dismantle the farm system cover-up. The Brooklyn Dodgers' GM, Larry MacPhail, struck a deal with St.
Louis’ Branch Rickey to acquire Reiser, but the outfielder's talent quickly became undeniable.
1968: During spring training, Chicago Cubs pitcher Jim Ellis introduced a quirky tactic known as the “Lip Pass.” On a 3-1 count, he went to his mouth to intentionally walk a batter, challenging the newly enforced rule against pitchers doing so while on the rubber. Cubs manager Leo Durocher was warned against repeating the act, but the incident led to a relaxation of the rule.
1974: The Cubs were at it again, trading All-Star outfielder Jim Hickman to the St. Louis Cardinals for pitcher Scipio Spinks. This move was part of a strategic reshuffle aimed at strengthening their pitching lineup.
2000: Another significant trade saw the Cubs sending relief pitcher Rodney Myers to the San Diego Padres in exchange for outfielder Gary Matthews Jr. This exchange was a tactical decision to bolster the Cubs' outfield options.
2015: A major business shift occurred as Hillerich & Bradsby sold the iconic Louisville Slugger brand to Wilson Sporting Goods for $70 million. Despite the change in ownership, the bats continue to be crafted in Louisville, KY, and the beloved Louisville Slugger Museum remains open to the public.
2016: Matt Bush made a remarkable return to professional baseball after serving 51 months in prison. In his first outing for the Rangers against the Cubs, Bush showcased his skills with a fastball clocking in at 98 mph and a sharp curveball, pitching two hitless innings.
2018: A significant legislative change impacted Major League Baseball as a few lines in a massive spending bill exempted MLB from certain Fair Labor Standards Act terms. This change, dubbed the “Save America’s Pastime Act,” meant that minor leaguers were no longer required to be paid for spring training, off-season workouts, or overtime during the season. This was a direct result of MLB’s lobbying efforts to counter a lawsuit filed by former minor leaguer Garrett Broshuis, which accused teams of labor law violations.
These events highlight the ever-evolving landscape of baseball, where trades, rule changes, and off-field decisions continue to shape the game we love.