{"id":168179,"date":"2026-03-23T11:21:16","date_gmt":"2026-03-23T11:21:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=168179"},"modified":"2026-03-23T11:21:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T11:21:16","slug":"%f0%9f%9a%a8breaking-news-chicago-cubs-history-unpacked-march-23-as-the-cubs-gear-up-for-the-new-season-fans-are-taking-a-trip-down-memory-lane-to-revisit-the-rich-history-of-this-iconic-franchise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=168179","title":{"rendered":"\ud83d\udea8BREAKING NEWS: CHICAGO CUBS HISTORY UNPACKED, MARCH 23! As the Cubs gear up for the new season, fans are taking a trip down memory lane to revisit the rich history of this iconic franchise. From legendary players to unforgettable moments, March 23 marks a day to reflect on what made the Cubs one of the most storied teams in MLB history."},"content":{"rendered":"

Chicago Cubs History Unpacked: March 23<\/strong><\/p>\n

Key Moments in Cubs History: Trades, Rules, and Legacy<\/strong><\/p>\n

March 23 has seen its fair share of significant moments in Chicago Cubs history<\/strong>, from trades that shaped the team’s future to groundbreaking events in baseball and beyond. Let’s take a look at some of the important moments that have marked this date in Cubs history.<\/p>\n

\"Chicago<\/p>\n

1938 \u2013 A Big Move in the Farm System<\/strong><\/p>\n

In 1938<\/strong>, Commissioner Landis<\/strong> freed 74 St. Louis Cardinals minor leaguers<\/strong>, including Pete Reiser<\/strong>, in a bid to halt the farm system cover-up<\/strong>. Brooklyn Dodgers<\/strong> GM Larry MacPhail<\/strong> and St. Louis Cardinals<\/strong> GM Branch Rickey<\/strong> made a deal to take Reiser<\/strong> in and then trade him back later. However, Reiser\u2019s exceptional ability<\/strong> quickly became apparent, and he was no longer someone who could be hidden away in the minors.<\/p>\n

This event was a significant part of baseball\u2019s changing landscape, where teams were beginning to understand the true value of their farm systems, a concept that would later revolutionize baseball recruitment and talent development.<\/p>\n

1968 \u2013 The “Lip Pass” Incident<\/strong><\/p>\n

In 1968<\/strong>, during a spring training<\/strong> game, Chicago Cubs pitcher Jim Ellis<\/strong> invented what would be known as the \u201cLip Pass\u201d<\/strong>. On a 3-1 count<\/strong>, Ellis went to his mouth to issue an intentional walk, which led to a warning from Cubs manager Leo Durocher<\/strong>. Durocher, who opposed the newly enforced rule preventing pitchers from going to their mouths while on the rubber, was told not to repeat the action or face a fine. He didn\u2019t repeat it, and in the end, the rule was relaxed. This quirky moment marked an important chapter in the game\u2019s history regarding pitchers’ behavior on the mound.<\/p>\n

1974 \u2013 Cubs Trade All-Star Jim Hickman<\/strong><\/p>\n

In 1974<\/strong>, the Cubs traded All-Star outfielder Jim Hickman<\/strong> to the St. Louis Cardinals<\/strong> in exchange for pitcher Scipio Spinks<\/strong>. While Hickman had provided solid contributions to the Cubs, the trade was a reflection of the team\u2019s need for more pitching depth, a move that would influence the Cubs’ roster decisions in the years to come.<\/p>\n

2000 \u2013 Cubs Acquire Gary Matthews Jr.<\/strong><\/p>\n

In 2000<\/strong>, the Cubs<\/strong> sent relief pitcher Rodney Myers<\/strong> to the San Diego Padres<\/strong> in exchange for outfielder Gary Matthews Jr.<\/strong>. Matthews, known for his speed and defensive skills, had a productive time with the Cubs, though he is most remembered for his work with other teams in his career. The deal marked one of the many moves in the Cubs\u2019 ongoing effort to strengthen their lineup during the early 2000s.<\/p>\n

2015 \u2013 Louisville Slugger Brand Sells to Wilson Sporting Goods<\/strong><\/p>\n

In 2015<\/strong>, Hillerich & Bradsby<\/strong>, the company behind the iconic Louisville Slugger<\/strong> baseball bat, sold the brand to Wilson Sporting Goods<\/strong> for $70 million<\/strong>. The Louisville Slugger Museum<\/strong> continued to operate, and the bats were still produced in Louisville, KY<\/strong>, but the deal marked the end of an era for the legendary bat brand that has been a staple in the game of baseball for over 130 years.<\/p>\n

2016 \u2013 Matt Bush Makes a Stellar Return<\/strong><\/p>\n

In 2016<\/strong>, former Number One pick in the 2004 MLB draft<\/strong>, Matt Bush<\/strong>, made his first professional pitching appearance after serving 51 months<\/strong> in prison for driving under the influence and causing grievous bodily injury. In his return, he flashed a fastball that hit 98 mph<\/strong> and a devastating curveball, pitching two hitless innings<\/strong> for the Texas Rangers<\/strong> against the Cubs. His redemption story became a feel-good moment for baseball fans, showing how second chances can lead to a fresh start.<\/p>\n

2018 \u2013 “Save America\u2019s Pastime Act” and MLB Labor Changes<\/strong><\/p>\n

In 2018<\/strong>, the Save America\u2019s Pastime Act<\/strong> became part of a $1.3 trillion spending bill<\/strong> passed by Congress, which exempted Major League Baseball<\/strong> from certain provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act<\/strong>. The law meant that minor league players<\/strong> would no longer be paid for spring training<\/strong>, off-season workouts<\/strong>, or overtime<\/strong> during the season. The law was passed after MLB lobbying<\/strong> to preempt a lawsuit filed by former minor league player Garrett Broshuis<\/strong>. This controversial act significantly impacted the livelihood of minor leaguers, and the debate continues to spark conversations about fair treatment and compensation in professional baseball.<\/p>\n

Cubs Birthdays: Celebrating Cubs Legends<\/strong><\/p>\n

March 23 also marks the birthdays of several notable figures in Cubs history, including Peaches Graham<\/strong>, Cy Slapnicka<\/strong>, Johnny Moore<\/strong>, Pat Bourque<\/strong>, Mike Remlinger<\/strong>, and Joel Peralta<\/strong>. These individuals made contributions to the Cubs organization and are remembered by fans for their roles in shaping the team\u2019s legacy over the years.<\/p>\n

Other Historical Events on March 23<\/strong><\/p>\n

While the Cubs have their own rich history on this day, March 23 has seen significant events in global history as well. Here are some notable moments:<\/p>\n