On May 6, 1998, Chicago Cubs rookie Kerry Wood ties a major league record by striking out 20 batters in a 2-0, 1 hit shutout of the Houston Astros. Wood’s performance sets a new National League record for a nine-inning game, while tying Roger Clemens’ mark for most K’s in a nine-inning game. Roger…
In Chicago, the Cubs erupt for 21 hits in clubbing the Padres, 16 – 7. Sammy Sosa goes 4 for 4 with a career-high six RBIs. Brian McRae also has four hits for the Cubs.
During a WGN pregame radio broadcast at Wrigley Field, Cubs announcer Harry Caray remarks to the team’s skipper Jim Riggleman, “Well, my eyes are slanty enough, how ’bout yours?”, referring to Hideo Nomo, the Japanese rookie hurler scheduled to start for the Dodgers. The veteran announcer, known for not backing off for his on-the-air off-handed comments, does issue an apology, calling the incident “unfortunate.”
On April 4, 1994, journeyman outfielder Karl “Tuffy” Rhodes of the Chicago Cubs blasts three home runs on Opening Day. Victimizing New York Mets right-hander Dwight Gooden, Rhodes becomes the first player in history to hit home runs in his first three at-bats of the season. In spite of Rhodes’ unexpected home run barrage, the Cubs lose the game, 12-8…
In his first start at Wrigley Field since his announcement that he’s leaving Chicago, Greg Maddux beats the Pirates, 3 – 2. In the 8th inning, the Wrigley faithful give the ace pitcher a standing ovation.
Atlanta SS Jeff Blauser hits three home runs in a 7 – 4 win over the Cubs. Blauser had hit only 39 round-trippers in the previous six seasons. He becomes only the 4th SS ever to hit three homers in a game, joining Ernie Banks, Barry Larkin and Freddie Patek.
1990 – Andre Dawson of the Chicago Cubs steals his 300th base in an 11 – 5 loss to the New York Mets, becoming only the second player in major league history with 300 home runs, 300 steals and 2,000 hits. Willie Mays was the other.
5/28/1990: In the bottom of the third inning at Wrigley Field, Ryne Sandberg hit a two-run home run just inside the left field pole that third base umpire Bill Hohn ruled a fair ball. However, Giants manager Roger Craig came out and argued the call. After a discussion by the umpires, crew chief (and first base arbiter) Harry Wendelstedt overruled Hohn and called it a foul ball. Television replays clearly showed it to be a fair ball and a homer. Cubs manager Don Zimmer was ejected because of the changed call. Sandberg singled but the Cubs did not score in the frame but eventually won the game, 5-1.
White Sox utility player Steve Lyons plays all nine positions during an exhibition game against the Cubs at Wrigley Field. ‘Psycho,’ however, will not join the small list of players, that includes Bert Campaneris (1965 A’s) and Cesar Tovar (1968 Twins), who have accomplished the feat in a major league game.
4/9/1990: Lenny Dykstra of the Phillies had a home run washed out by rain in the first game of the season. It came off the Cubs’ Greg Maddux in the third inning at Wrigley Field.
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