On February 14, 1887 — For a record price of $10,000, the Cubs, then known as the White Stockings, sell current National League batting champ and future Hall of Famer Mike King Kelly to the Beaneaters. The popular box office draw, who will earn his nickname King while playing in Boston, will continue to be productive, hitting .311 for a three-year span during his first tenure with the team. He earned a second nickname with the contract and bonus, Kelly is dubbed a “$15,000 Beauty.”
Kelly, who is often credited with popularizing the hit-and-run, will win election to the Hall of Fame in 1945.
