"There is only one thing for the world's champions to do this year, and that is to repeat. We have taken two pennants straight with this team, and there is nothing to indicate we will not make it three in a row. We are now on top, and the others are doing the uphill fighting, so it looks like all the more certain for another world's pennant in Chicago." --Frank Chance.--Vicksburg Mississippi Spring Training Home of the Cubs.
If there ever was a carbon copy of previous season's team it is the 1908 Cubs. Not a single position looks to change from last years World Champions. The Cubs look to repeat their 107 win season. They put up a .704 winning percentage and so far this spring don't look to be any worse for the wear.
Offensively the Cubs led the league in doubles hitting a 162 two baggers last year. The Pitching was dominate. Cubs hurlers led the league in ERA with a 1.73 and shutouts with 32. Frank Chance will trot out the same nine day in day out in 1908 like he has for the past two season.1908 Likely Starting Lineup
1. J. Slagle, CF
2. J. Sheckard, LF
3. F. Shulte, RF
4. F. Chance, 1B
5. H. Steinfeldt, 3B
6. J. Evers, 2B
8. J. Kling, C
9. O. Overall, P
Home Ballpark:
West Side Park
- Left Field - 340 ft.
- Center Field - 560 ft.
- Right Field - 340 ft.
Interesting note:
Overall made a prediction in 1908, "I believe the new rule prohibiting a pitcher to soiling a glossy ball will greatly increase the hitting department of the game. You can't curve a glossy ball, and in my judgment there will be more pitchers knocked out of the box the coming season than ever before."
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