Al Yellon created Bleed Cubbie Blue and has been its managing editor since 2005. He's also written three books about the Cubs, the latest is "Chicago Cubs Firsts."
The Cubs changed managers in 1926, hiring Joe McCarthy, who had previously managed at Louisville (American Association).
Whether it was McCarthy or his players or both, the team immediately improved over a poor 1925 showing. In contention early, an 11-17 June took them out of pennant play, but they still finished only seven games behind the pennant-winning Cardinals. That was their closest finish to the top spot since their pennant year in 1918.