Today in 1908 - Sweaty Cubs lose, naked umpires and unsexy bathing suits

A sweaty hot day in Chicago results in a 6-2 Cubs loss and lots of people in ugly bathing suits.

It was a sweltering hot day in the Windy City back in 1908 with temperatures hitting 96 degrees, and I'm guessing very little of the "windy" portion of the Windy City since the heat also unfortunately claimed five lives to boot.

Keeping in mind that there was no such thing as air conditioning, I imagine it felt very similar to when I go visit my Mom at her house every July ... hot, sweaty, and stagnant. Thankfully, the guest bedroom has a window unit, though the main living area does not. So basically that just results in many nights at 8 pm saying "YAAAAWWNN ... Well just look at the time! We simply MUST go to bed!!"

Sadly, there ain't no guest bedroom window unit in 1908, nor are there things like "Hey let's all wear shorts." Instead, everyone just sat around in three-piece suits and sweat themselves to death. Hooray!

I mean, even a bathing suit was hot and uncomfortable. Check out all these kids swimming in a public pool to cool down ...

That whole scene looks thoroughly unrefreshing.

Anyway on to the game, where the sweaty Cubs ran around in heavy wool uniforms and probably lost five pounds in water weight. Unfortunately, they also lost the game 6-2, as well as sole possession of first place. The heat got to pitcher Ed Reulbach almost instantly, giving two triples in the second and five runs in just three innings of work. Orval Overall and his dreamy good looks came in to stop the bleeding, but the Cubs couldn't take advantage of 11 hits, mustering only two runs.

Thanks to the heat, we did get to watch the umpire get naked. OK, we're talking about "1908 naked" here since he ... GASP ... took off his overcoat AND ... DOUBLE GASP ... his collar! But hey, that's 1908's version of gettin' sexy with it, so you go on with your bad self Jim Johnstone!

In summary, the Cubs loss drops them to 44-28 on the year. Pittsburgh beat New York 6-2 to move to a tie for first with the Cubs. A doubleheader against the Phillies tomorrow as the series rolls on.