Al Yellon created Bleed Cubbie Blue and has been its managing editor since 2005. His latest book about the Cubs is "Chicago Cubs Firsts." Find him on Bluesky at @bleedcubbieblue.bsky.social
The Cubs had existed as a National League franchises for 76 seasons as the 1952 season began.
And in all that time, 1876-1951, they had been no-hit just three times. Chick Fraser of the Phillies did it in 1903, Hall of Famer Christy Mathewson of the Giants no-hit the Cubs in 1905, and Fred Toney of the Reds did it in 1917. The latter had been known for a time as the “double no-hitter” because Jim “Hippo” Vaughn of the Cubs had thrown nine no-hit innings that 1917 day, but allowed a hit in the 10th and the Cubs lost.