Today in Chicago Cubs History: May 2

Published: 2^nd May 12 11:29 am

Kris Hughes
College Football Network Manager

RANT It!

Image Courtesy- Flickr (No Restrictions)

It goes without saying that no-hitters are a very rare thing.

Fans who attend pro baseball games consistently hope they will be able to see one in their lifetimes, much less watch two happen simultaneously on the same day.

This is exactly what happened on May 2, 1917, as Chicago Cubs starter Hippo Vaughn and Cincinnati Reds starter Fred Toney both recorded no-hitters after 9 innings of baseball.

From my research, this is the only time in the history of the MLB this has happened, and it’s reasonable to assume it’ll be a very long time before it ever happens again.

The game ended with Toney completing a 10-inning no hitter after Vaughn gave up a single hit and the one run in the 10th that led to a 1-0 Cincinnati victory at Weeghman Park in Chicago (what we know today as Wrigley Field).

A Weatherford, Texas native, James “Hippo” Vaughn went on to have a 13-year career in the majors, pitching for the Cubs until 1921. Vaughn finished with a lifetime win-loss record of 178-137, an ERA of 2.49 and a total of 1416 strikeouts. He also won the pitching Triple Crown in 1918 and posted a total of 5 20-win seasons before retiring in 1921.

Fred Toney pitched for the Reds until 1918, finishing his career with the New York Giants and St. Louis Cardinals, with whom he retired in 1923. Toney posted a lifetime 139-102 record with a 2.69 ERA and 718 total strikeouts.

May 2, 1917 was undoubtedly a shining moment in the careers of both men and one that is etched in the history of Wrigley Field.

—

Kris Hughes is the College Football Network Manager for Rant Sports. If you enjoy his takes, you can follow Kris on Twitter, check out his personal Facebook page, or stop by his personal Tumblr page.

Buy Chicago Cubs Tickets | Buy Chicago Cubs Apparel

Connect with Rant Sports