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Today in Cubs history: An Opening Day for the ages

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

Monday, April 12, 1965 was the season opener for the Cubs and Cardinals at Wrigley Field.

When it began, both teams’ records were, of course, 0-0.

And when it ended, those records were... the same.

Let me explain.

Larry Jackson had an outstanding 1964 season — 24-11, 3.14 ERA, 6.0 bWAR, second place in Cy Young voting and likely would have been the NL winner if there had been awards for both leagues back then.