Chicago Cubs History – Rube Waddell

I wonder if the Cubs–then known as the Orphans– had any idea what they lost by suspending left-hander Rube Waddell late in the summer of 1901?

Just seven months earlier Chicago acquired the 24-year-old from Pittsburgh, who in turn led the club in wins (14), ERA (2.81) and finished second on the staff in strikeouts (168).

But with the Cubs finishing the 1901 season 33-games below .500, perhaps the entire team was viewed expendable, including the future HOF Waddell, who ended up in the CALIFORNIA League the following season.