Blast from the Cubs' past: June 1908

One hundred years ago, Wrigley Field didn't exist. Fans weren't singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" in the seventh inning yet; it was a new hit song that debuted in 1908, written by Jack Norworth.

One hundred years ago, the Cubs were riding high as the defending World Champions, having beaten the Detroit Tigers, 4-0, in the 1907 World Series. That series included one tie game, which went 12 innings and had to be called because of darkness. One hundred years ago, they didn't have night baseball.

The Cubs have been on a roller coaster ride since that '08 season, and to mark the anniversary of the last world championship, we'll look at some of the highlights in Cubs history. It's been 100 years since the Cubs last won a World Series, but it's 100 years of hope. Baseball historian Ed Hartig did the research, and the series continues today with a look at how the 1908 Cubs did in June.

June 1908

Pittsburgh posted an impressive 22-8 mark in June to take over the National League lead on the last day of the month. The Giants, despite falling as many as 6 1/2 games out of first, finished 18-11 to move a half-game closer to first. The Cubs went 14-10 for the month and only 1-5 combined against the Giants and Pirates.

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June 2: Before a 12-6 loss to Pittsburgh, Heinie Zimmerman got into an argument with teammate Jimmy Sheckard, and threw a bottle of ammonia at him. The bottle hit Sheckard in the face and exploded in his eyes. Cubs personnel rushed Sheckard to nearby Cook County Hospital and were able to save his eyesite. Sheckard would be out of action for four weeks. Zimmerman was beaten by teammates, led by Frank Chance, and would be out of action for four weeks.

June 4: The Cubs and Braves battle to a 1-1, 17-inning tie in a game called because of darkness. Jack Pfiester went the distance for the Cubs, giving up nine hits.

June 6: The Cubs bats come alive, pounding out a 14-0 win over the Braves. The Cubs hit a season-high two -- yep, two -- home runs.

Other notes of interest: On June 1, John Krohn began a walk around the perimeter of the U.S., which took 357 days. On June 12, the Lusitania crossed the Atlantic in a record 4 days 15 hours. Boston's Cy Young no-hit the New York Highlanders (Yankees), 8-0, on June 30.