Sports History

Born August 12, 1880, in Factoryville, Pennsylvania, was Baseball Hall of Fame right-handed Pitcher Christy Mathewson. This legend, also known by the monikers of "Big Six", "the Christian Gentleman", "Matty", and "the Gentleman's Hurler," played the majority of his MLB career with the New York Giants along with a partial season at the end of his career with the Cincinnati Reds organization. As a Giant he won World Series titles in 1905 and 1921. His brilliant pitching earned him the Triple Crown 1905 and 08 as he became the National League wins leader 1905, 07, 08, 10. Mathewson also pitched two no-hitters during his MLB career. Christy still ranks in the all-time top 10 in several key pitching categories, including wins, shutouts, and earned run average. This baseball great was one of the first five to selected to enter the Baseball Hall of Fame at its inception.

Charles Leo Hartnett, better known as "Gabby" or "Old Tomato Face," etched his name in baseball history not just for his fierce determination and iconic nickname, but for his incredible talent and impact on the Chicago Cubs organization. Here's a glimpse into his remarkable MLB career:

-A Forceful Backstop (1922-1941):

Joining the Cubs at 21, Hartnett quickly established himself as an elite defensive catcher. His throwing arm was legendary, boasting multiple outfield assists and earning him the nickname "the Human Cannon."
Behind the plate, his masterful game-calling and leadership guided the Cubs pitching staff to numerous victories. He even set a National League record with 452 consecutive errorless chances.


While defense was his trademark, Hartnett didn't slouch with the bat. He wielded a powerful swing, racking up 236 home runs, including a then-record 24 for a catcher in 1925. His career batting average of .297 and 1,179 RBIs further solidified his offensive prowess.
Championship Glory and Leadership (1929-1938):

Hartnett was a central figure in the Cubs' 1929 World Series championship victory, hitting a crucial two-run double in the decisive Game 7.


He served as player-manager from 1938 to 1940, leading the Cubs to another World Series appearance in 1938 and further showcasing his well-rounded baseball acumen.


His on-field leadership and calm demeanor earned him the respect of teammates and fans alike, cementing his status as a true franchise icon.


-The "Homer in the Gloamin'" and Enduring Legacy (1938-1972):

Perhaps Hartnett's most iconic moment came in 1938, with the Cubs neck-and-neck with the Pittsburgh Pirates on September 28th. In the last inning, with two outs and the bases loaded, he launched a dramatic walk-off home run into the twilight sky, securing the pennant for the Cubs and etching the memory of "The Homer in the Gloamin'" into baseball lore.


Hartnett retired in 1941 with a legacy of dominance and leadership. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1955, further solidifying his place among the baseball greats.


-More Than Just Stats:

Beyond the impressive statistics, Hartnett's impact goes beyond the field. He was a beloved figure in Chicago, known for his humility, work ethic, and unwavering commitment to the Cubs. His passionate play and fierce determination became synonymous with the team's fighting spirit, inspiring generations of players and fans.

Born July 8, 1859, in Chicago, Illinois, was Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher/umpire/manager Hank O'Day. Hank worked as a National League (NL) umpire for 30 seasons between 1895 and 1927.This legend was the umpire in 10 World Series, second only to Bill Klem's total of 18 – including five of the first seven played, and was behind the plate for the first modern World Series game in 1903.. O'Day played on the 1889 World Series Champion New York Giants after a mid-season jump to the team from the Washington Nationals. O’Day made his major league baseball debut in 1884 as a pitcher for the Toledo Blue Stockings. In his seven-year career, O’Day went 73-110 with clubs like the Pittsburgh Alleghenys, Washington Nationals and New York Giants. He is largely known for his controversial decision in a pivotal 1908 game, a ruling that still causes debate today. He was working as the plate umpire in the game between the Cubs and the Giants, which ended when Al Bridwell's apparent walk-off single drove in the apparent winning run. However, baserunner Fred Merkle never advanced from first base to second, in keeping with the common practice of the era. When the Cubs produced a ball – not necessarily the game ball, which had been thrown into the crowd of fans walking across the field to exit the ballpark – and claimed a force play at second base, which would negate the run, the debate erupted.

Born August 4, 1890, in Havana, Cuba, was Baseball hall of Fame Pitcher, Dolf Luque. This legend was a member of the 1919 and 1933 World Series Champion teams of the Cincinnati Reds and New York Giants respectively. Dolf was MLB wins leader & MLB ERA leader 1923. Luque was enshrined in the Cuban Baseball Hall of Fame in 1957 and the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame in 1967, as well as in the Mexican Baseball Hall of Fame in 1985. Luque was not only the first Latino pitcher in MLB, but also the first to win a World Series victory and the first to lead the Leagues in wins and shutouts.

Born May 30, 1871, in Mooresville, Indiana, Was Baseball Hall of Fame Pitcher/Out Fielder Amos Rusie. They called by the nickname "The Hoosier Thunderbolt", as he was an American right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball during the late 19th century. The ten seasons of his illustrious MLB career were one season with the Indianapolis Hoosiers in 1889, eight with the New York Giants from 1890 to 1898, and one with the Cincinnati Reds in 1901. Amos was famous for the velocity he could put on his pitches, as he led the league in strikeouts five times, and won 20 or more games eight times.

Born August 23, 1870, in Cohoes, New York, was Baseball hall of Fame Shortstop and manager, George Davis. This legend famously played with the New York Giants and won a World Series in 1906 on the Chicago White Sox. George early on was an outfielder and a steady, dependable hitter for the Cleveland Spiders of the National League from 1890-92. He is ranked among the top 100 players of all time in several statistical categories. Davis was a switch hitter.

Born October 30, 1898, in Atlanta, Georgia, was Baseball Hall of Fame First Baseman, Bill Terry. This legend was a three-time MLB All-Star and won the National League Batting Title, hitting .401 in 1930. Terry was a member of the 1933 World Series Team. He played in Major League Baseball for the New York Giants from 1923 to 1936 and managed the Giants from 1932 to 1941. His career batting average was .341, having 2193 hits, and 154 HRs. Terry was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1954.

Born November 2, 1903, in Waldo, Arkansas, was Baseball Hall of Fame Shortstop Travis Jackson. This legend played in the MLB for the New York Giants from 1922 through 1936. He was part of the Giant 1933 World Series Championship and represented the NY in the MLB All-Star Game in 1934. He finished with a career batting average of .291 and had 135 HRs.

Born August 12, 1892, in Harvel, Illinois, was Baseball Hall of Fame Catcher, Ray Schalk. in Major League Baseball for 18 seasons, from 1912 to 1929. He played for the Chicago White Sox for most of his career, and also spent one season with the New York Giants.

Schalk was a master of the defensive side of the game. To his credit he was able to handle pitchers and many times made them have better performances on the mound. He led the American League in fielding percentage eight times and putouts nine times. He was also credited with catching four no-hitters, though one of those was later taken away.

Schalk was not a power hitter, but he was a reliable contact hitter. He had a career batting average of .253, with 11 home runs and 594 RBIs. He was also a good base runner, stealing 177 bases in his career.

Schalk was a key member of the White Sox teams that won the World Series in 1917 and 1919. He was also a player-manager for the White Sox in 1927 and 1928.

Ray Schalk's career highlights:

-Led the American League in fielding percentage eight times (1913, 1914, 1916, 1917, 1918, 1920, 1921, and 1925)
-Led the American League in putouts nine times (1913, 1914, 1916, 1917, 1918, 1920, 1921, 1923, and 1925)
-Caught four no-hitters (one was later taken away)
-Won two World Series championships (1917 and 1919)
-Played in 1,762 games
-Batted .253 with 11 home runs and 594 RBIs
-Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1955

Born May 8, 1893 in Oakland City, Indiana, was Baseball Hall of Fame Center Fielder, Edd Roush. Edd played in the MLB from 1913 to 1931, most prominently as a member of the Cincinnati Reds where he was a two-time National League (NL) batting champion and led the team to the 1919 World Series championship. He also played for the New York Giants, Chicago White Sox as well as the Newark Peppers and the Indianapolis Hoosiers of the Federal League.