Customer Reviews

Cubs by the Numbers: A Complete Team History of the Cubbies by Uniform Number

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My antitrust law professor - one of the lawyers involved in Flood v. Kuhn - took our antitrust law class to the bleachers of Wrigley Field for "field work" in antitrust law. And so, in the middle 1970's began my hopeless addiction to the Chicago Cubs. I have a virulent case. And one symptom is my near-daily participation in Al Yellon's "Bleed Cubbie Blue" Cubs' blog. Al's Cubs' addiction makes mine look mild. But he has turned it to more useful and, I hope, profitable purposes.

Al is one of the co-authors of this amazing book. Every player since 1932 is organized by uniform number, and the better players for each jersey number are discussed in some detail. And there's usually a note on the most obscure Cubbie to wear a given number.

As an approach to organizing the history of the Cubs, it's excellent. As a research effort, it is very, very impressive. As a read, it is simply delightful. While Al and his fellow authors are serious Cub fans, the book is light-hearted and very well-written. Packed with anecdotes, insights and trivia, it manages to celebrate the team without the self-flagellation that afflicts too many Cubs authors.

The book works as both a read and a reference. It's also good fun; the Cubs have had more than their share of characters over the years. My very highest recommendation for any Cubs fan.

I never realized Cub players didn't wear numbers until 1932, which is a among the trivia tidbits. The book seems to have them all with the greats -- Ernie Banks is the ninth and presumably last Cubbie to wear #14 -- and the forgettables - Ernie Broglio anyone? This takes the reader on a pleasant guided tour through the eras.....

It's just too bad jersey numbers don't go back to the days of Cap Anson.