How Alexander Does Change
Clare Briggs
Clare Briggs is a famous cartoonist who lived from 1875 to 1930. Poems by Wilbur Nesbitt.
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Comics
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March 28, 2025
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They’re Acting Queer in Cleveland
March 27, 2025
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A Loaf of Bread, a Container of Milk, and a Stick of Butter
March 26, 2025
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Bowling — Balling Up the Score
March 25, 2025
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on Open Mic for the week of 3/24/25
on Open Mic for the week of 3/24/25
on Open Mic for the week of 3/24/25
Best guess about what this cartoon refers to:
On August 9, 1910, the White Sox were in seventh place in the eight-team American League. The Red Sox were in second. The White Sox then swept a four-game series with the Red Sox, allowing the Bostonians only two runs per game. The White Sox’ next opponent were the New York Highlanders, who were now three games behind the post-sweep Red Sox.
No idea what “Little Alexander” refers to.Report
According to ChatGPT:
“Little Alexander” refers to Alexander J. “Little Alec” MacLean, a team owner and vice president of the Chicago White Sox in the early 20th century. He was known for his significant contributions to the team and his influence in baseball management. MacLean was a close associate of Charles Comiskey, the primary owner of the White Sox, and was often involved in the day-to-day operations of the team .Report
Thank you!Report
That “Little Alexander” is Edward Harrison “Dutch” Zwilling, a short, stocky (in the vernacular of the day, fat) outfielder who played for the White Sox and Cubs, and was nicknamed “Little Alexander.” He was a hot head, but not a very good player, with the White Sox (allegedly because he was out of shape). He went on to be a serviceable hitter for the Cubs for a couple seasons.
A fun little article about him (you’ll have to get through the equally fun anecdote about the White Sox fans at church):
https://www.coloradohistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=LML19110512.2.67&dliv=none&srpos=1
And his stats:
https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/z/zwilldu01.shtmlReport
Man Beats Machine !!!
Well done.Report
Thanks!
Now it gets interesting…Zwilling played only one game against the Red Sox (August 29). The White Sox lost that game 10-3, and Zwilling was benched mid-game after striking out in both at bats.
So…what did he do that makes sense in the context of this cartoon?Report