Here are a couple of things you may not know about them....
All three of them started their careers at different positions. Frank Chance was a catcher. Joe Tinker a second baseman. Johnny Evers a shortstop/third baseman.
Before the poem, these three men had led the Cubs to two World Series Championships.
Frank Chance was so loud and hated by opposing ballplayers that he once was hit with a pitch five times during a double header.
Chance and Evers went on to become great Managers.
Their first year together, Evers took a cab to the ballpark leaving Tinker at the hotel without a ride. When Tinker arrived at the ballpark, they got in a fistfight.
Tinker and Evers did not talk to each other for 33 years following the fight.
Each were inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1946. There was a hugh controversy when it was announced. Although Frank Chance's numbers were Hall of Fame worthy, most thought that Tinker and Evers inclusion was due solely to the poem.
The poem was so popular at the time, that other sportswriters would add lines to it, or even personalize with their team after falling victims to the trio's talents.
In 1919, Babe Ruth led all American League outfielders in FIELDING. In 1920, he was at the bottom of the rankings. The only time that any fielder has gone from first to last in a fielding category.
Also in 1919, Eddie Cicotte made $6,000 pitching for the Chicago White Sox. His contract called for a $10,000 bonus if he were to win 30 games. Cicotte won 29 games and was benched till the World Series was to begin. Charles Comiskey, the owner of the White Sox was as tight fisted as 'Mr Crabs' and stated that Cicotte was 'being rested' for the Series.
During that 'rest', Cicotte would ultimately take $5,000 from a gambling kingpin to throw the '19 World Series in what became the 'Black Sox' scandal.
Rumors flew for months about the 'fix' of the '19 Series. As the 1920 pennant chase heated up, the White Sox chances were ruined when the team was forced to suspend the alleged players involved in throwing the '19 Series.
Later that year, after being acquitted in court, they were all banned from baseball.
Professional baseball started the same year that Custer led his cavalry into Little Big Horn.
1933 was the only year where both leagues had a triple crown winner.
Chuck Klein in the National League
Jimmy Foxx in the American League.
Where Are they Now?
In 1997, Nomar Garciaparra was the A.L. Rookie of the Year.
That same year, Jim Thome hit 40 homers for the Cleveland Indians.
In 2002, Barry Zito won 23 games and the Cy Young Award.
Miguel Tejada won the A.L. MVP.
And, the rally monkey was 'born'.
Now, each share the same fantasy relevance.
[ April 05, 2011, 12:35 PM: Message edited by: DOUGHBOYS ]
