First published in 1946, Warren Brown’s history of the Cubs, like Frederick G. Lieb’s history of the St. Louis Cardinals, was commissioned by G. P. Putnam’s Sons. Brown begins with the founding of the National League—with the Cubs as a charter member—in 1876 and continues through the 1945 World Series, which the Cubs lost to the Detroit Tigers.
Brown, of course, covers the Hall of Fame Cub infield of (Joe) Tinker to (Johnny) Evers to (Frank) Chance, the most memorable double-play combination in the history of baseball. Other legendary Cubs and their illustrious opponents include Grover Cleveland Alexander, Adrian C. “Cap” Anson, Phil Cavaretta, Ty Cobb, Mickey Cochrane, Rip Collins, Kiki Cuyler, Dizzy Dean, Joe DiMaggio, Jimmie Foxx, Lou Gehrig, Hank Greenberg, Charlie Grimm, Lefty Grove, Stan Hack, Gabby Hartnett, Rogers Hornsby, Pepper Martin, Babe Ruth, Tris Speaker, Pie Traynor, and Hack Wilson.
In his final chapter, Brown discusses and compiles what he calls the “All-Time Chicago National League Baseball Squad,” with two to five players listed for each position (more for pitchers). Brown also includes Cubs “statistical addenda,” such as home run leaders, leading pitchers, World Series records, and the Cubs versus White Sox “city series” records. The book is illustrated with twenty-two photographs.
