What Is 1917 Chicago Cubs baseball team

Overview

The 1917 Chicago Cubs were a Major League Baseball team competing in the National League during the early 20th century. Playing at Weeghman Park, the franchise was still years away from adopting the iconic Wrigley Field name but already established as a staple of Chicago sports.

The season was marked by moderate performance, failing to reach postseason contention but showcasing emerging talent and consistent home-field presence. Despite missing the World Series, the team maintained a loyal fan base and contributed to the evolving legacy of one of baseball’s oldest franchises.

• Record: The Cubs finished the 1917 season with a 74-80 win-loss record, placing them below .500 for the year.
• League Standing: They placed 6th in the National League, trailing the first-place New York Giants by 25.5 games.
• Manager:Johnny Evers, a Hall of Fame second baseman, managed the team throughout the entire season.
• Ballpark: The Cubs played home games at Weeghman Park, which opened in 1914 and was renamed Wrigley Field in 1927.
• Attendance: Exact attendance figures are unavailable, but the ballpark held approximately 15,000 fans during that era.

Key Players and Performance

The 1917 roster featured several notable contributors who shaped the team’s on-field identity. While not a championship contender, the Cubs relied on consistent infield play and a developing pitching rotation.

• Charlie Hollocher: The shortstop led the team with a .270 batting average and played in 128 games, serving as a defensive anchor.
• Heinie Zimmerman: Despite a .243 average, Zimmerman drove in 55 runs, the most on the team.
• Hub Perdue: The top pitcher recorded 13 wins and a 2.94 ERA over 215 innings pitched.
• Lefty Tyler: A veteran presence, Tyler contributed 11 wins and maintained a solid 2.88 ERA.
• Bill Killefer: The catcher also served as a player-manager at times, showcasing leadership behind the plate.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 1917 Cubs compared to other National League teams in key statistical categories:

The table illustrates the Cubs’ mid-tier performance in the 1917 season. While they outperformed only the last-place Brooklyn Robins and Philadelphia Phillies, their 74 wins were respectable in a league dominated by the powerhouse Giants. The gap between the Cubs and the top of the standings highlights the competitive imbalance of the era, yet their consistency kept them from falling into complete mediocrity.

Why It Matters

The 1917 season is a snapshot of the Cubs during a transitional phase in baseball history, reflecting both the challenges and continuity of early 20th-century professional sports. Though not a championship year, it contributed to the long-term narrative of a storied franchise.

• Historical Context: The season occurred during World War I, which impacted player availability and public interest in baseball.
• Ballpark Legacy: Weeghman Park’s use in 1917 laid the foundation for what would become Wrigley Field, a National Historic Landmark.
• Managerial Influence: Johnny Evers, part of the famed Cubs infield trio of the 1900s, continued shaping team culture.
• Player Development: Young talents like Hollocher signaled a shift toward long-term roster building.
• Statistical Record: The season is preserved in MLB archives, contributing to historical analytics and fan research.
• Fandom Growth: Mid-tier performances kept the Cubs relevant, helping sustain Chicago’s baseball culture through lean years.