History of the Chicago Cubs 1876-1900

Book excerpt: The Chicago Cubs might not be the oldest team in MLB history (that honor belongs to the Cincinnati Reds) but they have a long, long history and an equally long, long story to tell. This team was first known as the White Stockings, and they dominated the field often during the first quarter century. The club featured Adrian "Cap" Anson, star batter and 1B who, sadly, was instrumental banning blacks from playing. Never the north-siders, Anson's teams played in some quaint parks located in downtown Chicago and on the city's south side! Note this: Babe Ruth's 29 HRs in 1919 broke the previous HR mark of 27 set by a Cubs (whoops, White Stockings!) infielder in 1884. Now that was an odd year: pitchers were finally allowed to throw the ball overhand, the owners instituted a salary cap, and 6 balls was a walk. By the way, the club's previous record for HRs in a season was four. So read on and enjoy!