This fascinating piece is an original bank statement from April 1919 for the Chicago Cubs, issued by Lake View State Bank in Chicago. It’s an incredible glimpse into the financial operations of one of baseball’s most historic franchises just after World War I and right before the roaring 1920s changed the face of America. At the time, the Cubs were playing at what was then known as Weeghman Park—later renamed Wrigley Field—just five years after it opened. The ledger lists canceled checks, deposits, and outstanding balances, offering a rare look at how a professional ballclub managed its finances a century ago. A cool fact: In 1919, the Cubs were managed by Fred Mitchell, and even though the infamous Black Sox scandal rocked baseball that fall, the Cubs themselves were fighting hard to stay competitive in the National League. Artifacts like this not only connect us to the game’s early business side but also remind us that behind the players on the field, the team’s survival depended on careful financial management—even back then!
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