Expert
summary
The Chicago Cubs is a professional baseball team based out of
Chicago, Illinois. The team began in 1870 when they were known
as the White Stockings. After winning the final championship
of the National Association of Base Ball Players the White Stockings
became a charter member of the first all professional league
in 1871. Later after the formation of the National Baseball
League, the franchise established itself as one of the top professional
teams winning six National League pennants between '76 and '86.
The franchise boasts two World Championships and ten World Series
appearances from 1906 to 1945. However, the team has struggled
since then and has not made it to the World Series since 1945.
Chicago Cubs 2009 off season moves:
INF
Aaron Miles agreed to a two-year, $4.9 million contract
Free-agent
OF Milton Bradley agrees to a three-year, $30 million contract
Traded
RHP Jason Marquis to the Rockies for RP Luis Vizcaino
The
Chicago Cubs retired numbers are commemorated on pinstriped
flags flying from the foul poles at Wrigley Field, with the
exception of Jackie Robinson, the Brooklyn Dodgers player whose
number was retired for all clubs:
Ron
Santo
3B: 1960-1973
Retired
2003
Ernie
Banks
SS/1B: 1953-1971
Retired
1982
Ryne
Sandberg
2B: 1982-1997
Retired
2005
Billy
Williams
OF: 1959-1974
Retired
1987
Jackie
Robinson
Retired by MLB
Retired
1997
Upon
signing with the Cubs prior to the 2007 season, Ted Lilly
agreed to wear uniform number 30 rather than his usual 31
due to its imminent retirement. It has not been announced
if 31 would be retired in the name of Ferguson Jenkins,
Greg Maddux, or both.
There
is also a movement to retire the uniform shirt of Gabby
Hartnett. The Cubs first wore numbers on their shirts in
1932, and Hartnett wore three different numbers. Number
7 was initially assigned to Hartnett, but he was switched
to number 9 the next year. In 1937 he was switched to number
2, which he retained through his last season with the Cubs,
1940.
Home
field is Wrigley Field on the north side of Chicago.
Became
known as the Chicago Cubs in 1902.
Boasts
40 Hall of Famers.
Famous
players include Earnie Banks and Jackie Robinson.
Cubs
pitchers have garnered four Cy Young awards.
Minor league affiliations
AAA: Iowa
Cubs, Pacific Coast League AA: Tennessee Smokies, Southern League Advanced A: Daytona Cubs, Florida State League A: Peoria Chiefs, Midwest League Short A: Boise Hawks, Northwest League Rookie: AZL Cubs, Arizona League Rookie: VSL Cubbies, Venezuelan Summer League
