Chicago Cubs: Remembering the lasting impact of Phil Cavarretta

Chicago Cubs: Home is where the heart is

Cavarretta would go on to play eight more seasons in the big leagues, six with the Cubs and his final two on the Southside with the Chicago White Sox. While still active as a player, Cavarretta took over managerial duties for the Cubs in 1952. It was the inaugural year an Italian-American managed a major league club for a whole season.

The club finished 77-77 that year and was recorded as the only non-losing season in 15 years. Shortly after that, Cavarretta was formally relieved of his managing duties and after declining to take a new spot, his time with the Cubs officially came to a close.

Chicago never formally retired Cavarretta’s No.44, instead choosing to do it as blasé as possible. To this day the only player who registered a longer career in Chicago than Cavarretta’s 20 years is Cap Anson.

When fans to this day think of the Cubs, the big names come to mind. However, Cavarretta embodied everything about what it was to be a Cub and will remain in the annals of team lore as one of the all-time greatest to ever don the blue and red.