Uncovering the Cubs' Hidden History: A Grand Slam Mystery Solved
Ever wondered what stories lie behind a single baseball photo? Let’s dive into a fascinating piece of Chicago Cubs history that’s as thrilling as a walk-off home run. Al Yellon, the mastermind behind Bleed Cubbie Blue and its managing editor since 2005, recently shared a photo that sparked a detective-worthy investigation. His latest book, Chicago Cubs Firsts, is a must-read for any die-hard fan, and you can follow him on Bluesky at @bleedcubbieblue.bsky.social for more gems like this.
In the spotlight are three familiar Cubs faces: Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez, and Jacque Jones. But here’s where it gets intriguing—the photo captures a moment just after a grand slam at Wrigley Field, with the fourth player, the only one whose face is visible, taking center stage. And this is the part most people miss: the clues hidden in the details.
The full photo, generously shared by BCB reader Clark Addison, holds the key. Jacque Jones is the standout clue here. Why? Because his tenure with the Cubs was brief—just 2006 and 2007. But there’s a twist: in 2006, the Cubs decided to go “traditional” by removing player names from the backs of their jerseys. Controversial move? Absolutely. It backfired when jersey sales plummeted, and names returned in 2007. This detail alone dates the photo to 2007.
With that clue in hand, identifying the player didn’t take long. The Cubs had few Black players in 2007 besides Derrek Lee and Jacque Jones, narrowing it down to one standout moment: Daryle Ward’s grand slam in the bottom of the third inning against the Cardinals on August 18, 2007. This wasn’t just any home run—it was the highlight of a five-run inning that sealed a 5-3 victory over St. Louis. You can relive the excitement here: game details.
That win pushed the Cubs to a 63-59 record, securing first place in the NL Central by half a game over the Brewers. They held onto that lead for the rest of the season (except for two brief days) and clinched the division title. But here’s where it gets controversial: while the regular season was a triumph, the postseason that year? Let’s just say it’s a story for another day.
Daryle Ward had a standout 2007 season as a part-time outfielder and pinch-hitter, batting an impressive .327/.436/.527 in 93 games. This grand slam was one of just three home runs he hit that year, making it all the more memorable. Watch the slam in action [here].
So, what do you think? Was the Cubs’ decision to remove names from jerseys in 2006 a bold tradition or a marketing misstep? And how does this grand slam moment rank among your favorite Cubs memories? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
