Today’s Almanac-September 27, 2010
Most of the members of this 1880 Chicago White Stocking championship team were back for another romp through the National League in 1881.
On September 27, 1881 the Chicago White Stockings (now known as the Chicago Cubs) played a game before the smallest “crowd” in their long history-12. Which was strange. Under legendary player/coach Cap Anson the Chicago Nine had been to top professional team for some time and dominated the early seasons of the National League. On that Tuesday afternoon in Troy, New York, the team was coasting to another pennant with an eight game lead.
Perhaps it was because the Troy Trojans-you didn’t expect any other nick name did you-were a lousy team. They struggled in 5th place and finished the season 39-45, 17 games behind Chicago. But the White Stockings were so laden with talent that they were a draw everywhere, even when the host teams were certified mopes. The Trojans would be disbanded after the next losing season. More than half of their players jumped to a brand new franchise in New York City, the Gothams-later known as the Giants.
Perhaps the low attendance was due to the weather. My attempts to ascertain conditions that day in Troy have been unsuccessful. But it can get a mite nippy and/or rainy and raw in Upstate New York. My guess is that is what kept the crowd below the combined number of players on the field.
The Cubs would go on to have their own attendance problems, even in beautiful Wriggly Field when they seemed mired in particular futility in the early 1950’s. But they have gone on to become one of the most successful teams in baseball in terms of selling tickets. Until this year’s dismal and depressing turn out, home games have routinely been sold out. And even this year, hand wringing about dipping attendance usually meant that a few scattered seats here and there and in the upper deck corners were unfilled. Compared to the nearly empty stadiums you see on television for some teams, they are the envy of baseball. And with an enormous national fan base, they draw just as well on the road.
Oh, by the way, the White Stockings won that game in Troy 10-8.