Friday, November 09, 2012

Cubs 365, November 9

On this day in 1912, the Cubs put their Hall of Fame manager/first baseman on waivers (while he was in the hospital recovering from brain surgery).

The Cincinnati Reds couldn't believe their eyes when they saw a four-time World Series champion player/manager on the waiver wire, and immediately claimed him. Chance never did play or manage for the Reds, however. They put him on waivers again just a month later.

This time the Highlanders (now known as the Yankees) claimed him, and that's where he got the final 33 at bats of his big league career. He also managed the team to a 6th and 7th place finish in his two seasons at the helm.

Chance got one last chance to manage in Boston during the 1923 season. The Red Sox finished in 8th. Frank Chance passed away the following year at the very young age of 48.