On April 25, 1876, the Chicago National League Ball Club, Inc. played and won the first game in the history of the organization.
The team known as the White Stockings beat the Louisville Grays 4-0. Albert Spalding led his White Stockings over the Grays and not only did Spalding win the first game in franchise history he also threw the first shutout in National League history. The team that would be known as the Cubs 26 years later went on to win the National League pennant with a 52-14 record in 66 games.
Paul Hines scored the first run in franchise history on a wild throw in the second inning.
Albert Spalding led the way for the organization’s first pennant. Spalding posted a 47-12 record in 61 games, 60 starts. Spalding tossed 53 complete games but struck out only 39 batters with 26 walks in 528 2/3 innings. Spalding finished the 1876 season with a 1.75 ERA.
Follow ChicagoCubsOnline on Twitter: @TheCCO