Ever wondered what it takes to uncover a piece of baseball history hidden in plain sight? Join us as we dive into a fascinating tale of Cubs lore, where a single photo reveals a grand slam moment—literally. But here's where it gets intriguing: the story behind this image is as much about detective work as it is about baseball glory. And this is the part most people miss—how a jersey detail, a player’s tenure, and a specific game all align to tell a story that’s both nostalgic and controversial.
Al Yellon, the mastermind behind Bleed Cubbie Blue and its managing editor since 2005, is no stranger to Cubs history. His latest book, Chicago Cubs Firsts, is a testament to his passion for the team. You can also find him on Bluesky at @bleedcubbieblue.bsky.social. Today, we’re exploring a photo he shared, featuring three familiar Cubs faces: Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez, and Jacque Jones. But the real mystery? The fourth player, whose grand slam at Wrigley Field is the centerpiece of this story.
The full photo, sent by BCB reader Clark Addison, holds more clues than meets the eye. Jacque Jones is the key here—his two-year stint with the Cubs (2006-2007) narrows down the timeline. But here’s where it gets controversial: In 2006, the Cubs decided to remove player names from the backs of their jerseys to look “traditional,” only to reverse the decision in 2007 after realizing it hurt merchandise sales. This small detail places the photo squarely in 2007. Yet, some fans argue whether this decision truly impacted team identity—what do you think?
Identifying the fourth player didn’t take long. With limited Black players on the 2007 roster besides Lee and Jones, the spotlight fell on Daryle Ward. On August 18, 2007, Ward hit a grand slam in the bottom of the third inning against the Cardinals, propelling the Cubs to a 5-3 victory. This win was pivotal, pushing the Cubs to a 63-59 record and first place in the NL Central—a position they held for the rest of the season, ultimately winning the division title. (Of course, the postseason that year was a different story altogether.)
Ward’s 2007 season was remarkable, batting .327/.436/.527 in 93 games as a part-time outfielder and pinch-hitter. Interestingly, this grand slam was one of only three home runs he hit that year, making it all the more memorable. But here’s a thought-provoking question: Was Ward’s performance underappreciated, or was he simply a product of a strong team dynamic? Let us know in the comments!
For a trip down memory lane, check out the video of Ward’s grand slam. It’s a reminder of how a single moment can define a season—and how a keen eye for detail can bring history back to life.
