The 1939 Cubs: Spring Training in Catalina Paradise
This terrific newsreel features the 1938 National League Champions during spring training in 1939. Between 1922 and 1951 -- except for a few years -- the Cubs trained on this idyllic island paradise 22 miles off the coast of L.A.
William Wrigley Jr. had purchased a huge chunk of the island in 1919, and then built a miniature replica of Wrigley Field (the field dimensions were the same, the stands much, much smaller) for his players to work out on. They were housed and had a clubhouse at the Catalina Country Club & Golf Course. The country club still exists, as does the clubhouse; a plaque has been placed where the field was.
It was a glamorous setting where many films, like "Mutiny on the Bounty," were made, and many movie stars relaxed. A visitor to Cubs spring training might see Cary Grant, Clark Gable, or Errol Flynn while taking in a ball game.
The Cubs hadn't been all that impressive in winning the 1938 pennant -- they finished with just an 89-63 record and were swept by the Yankees in the World Series. In 1939 the club would win 84 games and drop back to fourth place. But they always had a sweet time in the spring.
Among the players featured here are Dizzy Dean, Gabby Hartnett, Gus Mancuso, Bill Lee, Larry French, Charlie Root, Phil Cavarretta, and Dick Bartell.
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