Cubs historical sleuthing: Bill Hands edition

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

Of this photo, Getty Images says only:

Chicago Cubs Bill Hands pitching in game against Expos.

Not much to go on, right?

More than you think. First. here’s the photo again:

It’s a cold, cloudy early season game — no leaves on the trees outside the ballpark.