Holy Cow! The 1984 Cubs

[Nick Soulis]

Take a ride with me with my most beloved team in the games history. A time where the Cubs has not seen a post season game in 39 years and out of nowhere a group of inspired players found a way to captivate a summer and a city. Hopefully the ending will be different....

Real transactions are on. Now, lets tune in to Harry and Steve on WGN....

[Nick Soulis]

Hello Everybody...this is Harry Carry along with Steve Stone returning from Mesa Arizona as the Cubs get ready to open the 1984 season....





Here is a closer look at the ballclub...

🔹 Starting Pitchers (SP)

# Name Age B/T OVR POT Salary Notes
24 Scott Sanderson 27 R/R 3.0 3.0 $350,000 Reliable mid-rotation arm
34 Steve Trout 26 L/L 2.5 2.5 $280,000 Lefty with solid depth
47 Rick Reuschel 34 R/R 2.5 2.5 $83,000 Veteran presence
44 Dick Ruthven 33 R/R 2.5 2.5 $70,000 Veteran, innings-eater
30 Chuck Rainey 29 R/R 2.5 2.5 $95,000 Spot starter, swingman

🔹 Relief Pitchers (RP)

# Name Age B/T OVR POT Salary Notes
42 Rich Bordi 24 R/R 2.5 2.5 $90,000 Tall righty
49 Tim Stoddard 31 R/R 2.5 2.5 $65,000 Veteran reliever
41 Warren Brusstar 32 R/R 3.0 3.0 $81,000 Dependable setup man
38 Ron Meridith 27 L/L 2.0 2.0 $40,000 Lefty specialist

🔹 Closer (CL)

# Name Age B/T OVR POT Salary Notes
46 Lee Smith 26 R/R 4.0 4.0 $300,000 Dominant closer

🔹 Catchers (C)

# Name Age B/T OVR POT Salary Notes
7 Jody Davis 27 R/R 2.5 2.5 $550,000 Solid starter
16 Bill Hayes 26 R/R 1.5 1.5 — Backup catcher

🔹 Infielders

# Name POS Age B/T OVR POT Salary Notes
10 Leon Durham 1B 26 L/L 3.5 3.5 $800,000 Key power hitter
22 Bill Buckner 1B 34 L/L 2.5 2.5 $600,000 Veteran hitter
23 Ryne Sandberg 2B 24 R/R 4.0 5.0 $480,000 Franchise cornerstone
17 Dan Rohn 2B 28 L/R 2.0 2.0 $40,000 Bench depth
11 Ron Cey 3B 36 R/R 3.0 3.0 $750,000 Veteran leader
18 Richie Hebner 3B 36 L/R 2.5 2.5 $79,000 Backup corner infielder
1 Larry Bowa SS 38 S/R 2.0 2.0 $180,000 Veteran defense-first

🔹 Outfielders

# Name POS Age B/T OVR POT Salary Notes
36 Gary Matthews LF 33 R/R 3.5 3.5 $1,320,000 Veteran slugger
25 Gary Woods CF 30 R/R 2.5 2.5 $180,000 Role player
20 Bob Dernier CF 27 R/R 3.0 3.0 $150,000 Speed, defense
21 Jay Johnstone RF 38 L/R 2.0 2.0 $114,000 Veteran bench bat
27 Mel Hall RF 23 L/L 2.5 3.5 $40,000 Young bat with upside
6 Keith Moreland RF 29 R/R 2.5 2.5 $550,000 Everyday contributor

🧾 Roster Notes

Average Age: ~29 years

Top Star Players: Ryne Sandberg, Lee Smith, Leon Durham, Gary Matthews

Prospect with Most Upside: Mel Hall (3.5-star potential)

Veteran Core: Cey, Bowa, Buckner, Johnstone, Reuschel

Strong Bullpen: Lee Smith and Brusstar were major bullpen assets

Scout Accuracy: Mostly average, with some players noted as “high” or “very high” for scouting confidence[/FONT]

[jksander]

Excited to read this one ... I was two at the time, I didn't really fall in love with the Cubs until I got the Complete Fleer 90 set for Christmas when I was eight.

[Edster007]

WGN became part of my cable package in NY in '82. At the time I was working at a baseball camp and got home usually with the Cub games in the 2nd inning. I became a fan of the Cubs, and Harry (who was with Milo Hamilton at the time). So I will be following along.

I did one replay of that season about 25 years using APBA's computer version. It ended as the most disappointing replay I have ever done. So bad I never tried it again. Even worse than Gatorade on Durham's glove. Lost 3-2 in the bottom of the 9th, game seven of the world series on a Tom Brookens pinch hit two out three run HR off Lee Smith.

Good luck with the replay

[jksander]

I've never done a strict "replay" ... I always pick a historical starting spot and then let the OOTP development take over so it becomes an alternate universe. But I like reading the stuff by true replayers.

[Nick Soulis]

Opening Day

Chicago Cubs at San Francisco Giants



Sarge Leads Charge On Opening Day
Incredible Debut For Matthews Who Goes 5-5



April 3, 1984 | Candlestick Park – San Francisco, CA

Opening Day at Candlestick Park delivered all the drama fans could ask for as the Chicago Cubs outlasted the San Francisco Giants 5–4 in a 10-inning showdown to kick off the 1984 Major League Baseball season. It was a game defined by timely hitting, clutch pitching, and a standout performance from Cubs left fielder Gary Matthews, who went a perfect 5-for-5 and delivered the game-winning RBI in the top of the tenth.

The Cubs, now 1–0, put up 15 hits but struggled to bring runners home early, leaving 15 men on base. But persistence paid off. Matthews’ tenth-inning single off Giants reliever Greg Minton (0–1) scored Ryne Sandberg and proved the difference. “Exciting game to play in,” Matthews said postgame. “Getting the win makes it even better.”

Chicago broke through first in the fourth inning with a solo home run from Jody Davis, and added single runs in the fifth, seventh, and eighth to build a 4–2 lead. But the Giants (0–1) wouldn't go quietly.

San Francisco responded with a pair of runs in the sixth off starter Dick Ruthven, with Al Oliver driving in two. Solo home runs from Jack Clark in the eighth and Chris Brown in the ninth – both off reliever Lee Smith, who blew the save – tied the game at 4–4 and electrified the 32,058 in attendance.

Smith (1–0) stayed in to pitch through the ninth and picked up the win despite the blown save, while Rich Bordi locked things down in the tenth for his first save of the season. Bordi navigated a leadoff walk and a pinch-hitter in the bottom of the inning to seal the deal.

Despite the loss, the Giants had several bright spots. Johnny LeMaster tripled and reached base three times, and Dusty Baker added a pinch-hit single. Al Oliver led the team with two RBIs, and the Giants racked up 11 hits of their own.

On the mound, Mark Davis started strong for San Francisco, throwing 5.2 innings of two-run ball, but a taxed bullpen couldn’t hold down the Cubs’ relentless offense. Chicago saw strong relief from Tim Stoddard and Bordi, offsetting Smith's shaky outing.

Both teams showed flashes of offensive firepower and defensive polish – the Cubs turned two double plays and committed no errors, while the Giants matched them in the field but couldn’t outpace Matthews’ bat.

Notable Performances:

Gary Matthews (CHC): 5-for-5, 2 RBI, 1 SB, 1 2B – Player of the Game

Jody Davis (CHC): 2-for-5, HR, 1 RBI

Jack Clark (SF): Solo HR (8th), 1 RBI

Chris Brown (SF): Solo HR (9th), 1 RBI

The Cubs will look to carry the momentum into the rest of the series, while the Giants will aim to bounce back and even the score.

Game Time: 3 hours, 33 minutes
Weather: Partly Cloudy, 56°F, wind blowing out to center at 12 mph
Attendance: 32,058

**League News**
Lonnie Smith of the Cardinals drives in six runs as St. Louis embarrases the Dodgers 10-0.

[pstrickert]

I always liked the '84 Cubs. Good luck!

[Nick Soulis]

The Lead Off Man



Hi Everyone this is Steve Stone with the Lead Off Man Show. We are all flying over the moon after the Cubs won that thrilling extra inning ball game against the Giants yesterday to open the season. The star of the game had to be Gary Mathews who went 5-5 including driving in the winning run in the 10th inning. Today out guest is Mathews, Gary welcome to the show.



Describe yesterdays performance in your first game in a Cubs uniform.
Super excited. You always want to get off on the right start. When Dallas Green brought me and Bobby Dernier to this team in the off season who feel appreciated. I wanted to show my best for the faith they showed to me. Five for five doesnt happen very often.

What do you see yourself bringing to this team?
Energy. Its a long season and we have alot of young guys on the team. I want them to come to the park everyday with the right attitude and with myself and guys like Ron Cey who have won before, we can bring that vibe to this team.

Can this team be competitive in 1984?
Come on, that's like asking if the Sarge is a handsome man (laughs). Of course we can compete and we have one objective, and thats to win this division and compete for more. Look out for the Cubs this year.

Its a long road trip to start the season, are you looking forward to your first game in front of the Cubs fans?
Absolutely. Also playing on the grass at Wrigley Field will be a pleasure. I know how loyal Cubs fans are, and it is my duty to show them the best by hustling and bringing energy everyday.

Thank you Sarge! Go get them today.

[Nick Soulis]

Game #2

Chicago Cubs at San Francisco Giants



Durham Powers Cubs Past Giants in 11-7 Slugfest
Chicago stays perfect behind first baseman’s five-RBI night



By Paul Sullivan
Chicago Tribune Staff Writer

SAN FRANCISCO — The wind was blowing out at Candlestick Park, and so were the Chicago Cubs' bats.

Led by a thunderous performance from Leon Durham, who drove in five runs and fell a triple shy of the cycle, the Cubs surged past the San Francisco Giants, 11-7, on Thursday night to move to 2-0 on the young season.

Durham went 4-for-5 with a two-run homer, a double, and a pair of singles, tormenting Giants pitchers at every turn. His biggest blow came in the eighth inning, when he launched a two-run shot to center field off reliever Bill McLaughlin, part of a four-run Cubs rally that put the game out of reach.

“This is a confident group,” Durham said in the clubhouse afterward, smiling through eye black and sweat. “We’ve got guys up and down the lineup who can hurt you. Tonight just happened to be my turn.”

The Cubs trailed 3-0 entering the top of the fifth before erupting for five runs. Mel Hall’s two-out, two-run single off San Francisco starter Mike Krukow gave Chicago its first lead at 4-3. Moments later, Durham added a clutch RBI single to cap the inning.

“Nice to put this one in the win column,” Hall said. “We were just looking for one good swing to get us going, and from there the dugout came alive.”

Chicago added two more in the sixth on doubles from Bob Dernier and Durham. After the Giants clawed back with two in the seventh and two more in the eighth—highlighted by a home run from Jack Clark—Durham’s blast and a bases-clearing double from Ryne Sandberg helped the Cubs pull away.

Starter Chuck Rainey earned the win despite a rocky beginning, giving up 10 hits and four earned runs over 6 1/3 innings. He settled in long enough to notch the victory, with relievers Dickie Noles and Rick Patterson combining to hold the Giants scoreless over the final 1 2/3 innings.

Krukow (0-1) took the loss for San Francisco, yielding five runs on eight hits in five innings.

Offensively, the Giants collected 16 hits but failed to capitalize on several opportunities, stranding nine runners. Clark finished with two hits and three RBI, while veteran Al Oliver and Jeffrey Leonard each tallied three hits.

“We hit the ball, sure,” said Giants manager Frank Robinson. “But you don’t win giving up 11 runs, no matter how many hits you get.”

The Cubs turned two crisp double plays on the night and were flawless in the field. Meanwhile, the Giants’ outfield recorded one assist, nailing Hall at third base in the fifth, but it was too little too late.

With the win, the Cubs are off to a strong start under manager Jim Frey, showing both offensive depth and resilience in the face of early deficits.

NOTES:

Durham was named Player of the Game.

Game time was 3 hours flat under clear skies and 54-degree temperatures.

Attendance was 23,063 at Candlestick Park.

Chicago heads to San Diego to start series on Friday before heading to Los Angeles to face the Dodgers.

[Nick Soulis]

Game #3

Chicago Cubs at San Diego Padres



Cubs Clipped in San Diego as Garvey, Padres Stay Hot
By Paul Sullivan | Tribune Staff Writer



SAN DIEGO — Steve Garvey and the San Diego Padres spoiled the Cubs’ perfect start to the season Friday night, using a pair of big innings and timely hitting to claim a 7-5 victory under the lights at Jack Murphy Stadium.

The veteran first baseman went 3-for-4 with two doubles and three RBI—including the game-winning, two-run single with two outs in the sixth—to pace a 12-hit Padres attack that kept their early momentum alive. San Diego improved to 3-0 on the season, while the Cubs dropped to 2-1.

“Steve showed up tonight,” Padres manager Dick Williams said with a grin postgame. “We needed a hit there, and that’s why we lean on him.”

The Cubs opened strong, jumping ahead 2-0 in the first on a two-run blast to left by center fielder Gary Woods, who finished 3-for-5 with two RBI and a team-high six total bases. But starter Scott Sanderson couldn’t hold the lead, yielding three in the home half of the inning, highlighted by Garvey’s first double.

Chicago clawed back with two in the fourth to tie the game at 4-4—Woods again delivering in a two-out spot—and briefly took the lead in the sixth when pinch hitter Larry Bowa lofted a sacrifice fly to plate Billy Buckner. But once again, the Padres responded.

Sanderson (0-1) departed after five shaky innings (9 H, 5 ER), and reliever Rich Bordi was greeted rudely by the heart of San Diego’s lineup. After loading the bases, Bordi was tagged for Garvey’s clutch two-run single, giving the Padres a 7-5 lead they wouldn’t relinquish.

Padres catcher Terry Kennedy also contributed three hits and three RBI, while Tony Gwynn scored three runs and stole a base.

Trailing late, the Cubs had opportunities but couldn’t cash in. In the eighth, pinch-hitter Mel Hall reached on a single, but San Diego’s bullpen slammed the door. Goose Gossage struck out the side in the ninth—Ron Cey, Keith Moreland, and Jody Davis—in dominant fashion to earn his first save of the year.

“We had our chances,” Cubs manager Jim Frey said. “When you score five runs and bang out 11 hits, you should be in it. But we let a few get away on the mound.”

Despite the loss, there were bright spots for the North Siders. Woods is now hitting .600 through three games, while Gene Matthews doubled and drew a walk. Tim Veryzer added two hits and a stolen base from the eighth spot.

San Diego starter Tim Lollar wasn’t sharp (6 IP, 9 H, 5 ER, 3 BB), but he picked up the win thanks to the Padres' bats and a shutdown bullpen trio of Craig Lefferts, Luis DeLeon, and Gossage.

Game Notes:

The Cubs were 3-for-12 with runners in scoring position and left eight on base.

Moreland remains hitless (0-for-11) to start the season.

Attendance at Jack Murphy Stadium was 29,104 under clear skies and 60-degree weather.

The game lasted 2 hours and 52 minutes.

Up Next:
The Cubs will try to even the series Saturday evening with Dick Ruthven expected to take the mound against Padres right-hander Ed Whitson.

[jksander]

Sounds like it's about time for "Go Cubs Go" to start making its appearance ... c'mon Cubbies!

[Nick Soulis]

Game #3

Chicago Cubs at San Diego Padres



Whitson Silences Cubs Bats in 3-2 Padres Victory



By Dan Sheridan | Tribune Staff Writer

SAN DIEGO — The Chicago Cubs' West Coast road trip hit a snag Saturday night as they ran into a red-hot San Diego Padres team and an even hotter right arm in Ed Whitson. The Padres remained undefeated on the young season, edging the Cubs 3-2 at Jack Murphy Stadium behind eight strong innings from their veteran right-hander.

Whitson (1-0) stifled the Cubs offense, allowing just two runs on seven hits while striking out three and walking none. Goose Gossage slammed the door in the ninth to earn his second save of the season.

The Cubs, now 2-2, had little answer for San Diego’s early offensive burst. Steve Trout (0-1), making his first start of the season, was tagged for three runs in a rough first inning that proved to be the difference.

“I let the game get away from me early,” Trout said. “Against a team like that, you can’t afford to fall behind. They make you pay.”

The damage came quickly. After a leadoff walk to Luis Salazar and a single by Alan Wiggins, Tony Gwynn drove a two-run triple into the right-field gap. Steve Garvey followed with a double down the line to plate Gwynn and give the Padres a 3-0 cushion just four batters into the game.

Trout settled in after the first, but the Cubs offense couldn’t recover. Chicago’s only runs came in the fourth when Ron Cey launched a two-run homer into the left-field bleachers off Whitson, scoring Bill Buckner.

Despite a few scattered hits—including two from Gary Matthews—the Cubs never truly threatened again. They stranded six runners and failed to capitalize on multiple opportunities with men in scoring position.

Cey’s blast was his first of the season, and though it briefly energized the Cubs dugout, Whitson returned to form and retired 12 of the final 15 batters he faced.

“He mixed his pitches well and hit his spots,” Cubs manager Jim Frey said of Whitson. “We had a couple chances, but just couldn’t get the big hit.”

Meanwhile, Gwynn led the way for the Padres, going 3-for-4 with a triple, two RBIs, and a run scored. Garvey added a double and an RBI, raising his season average to .562.

Relievers Rich Bordi and Tim Stoddard kept the Cubs in the game with three scoreless innings of relief, but the damage was done early. Gossage worked a clean ninth despite a one-out single from pinch-runner Bob Dernier, who stole second but was stranded when Larry Bowa and pinch-hitter Keith Moreland both failed to bring him home.

The Cubs will look to salvage the series Sunday afternoon with Dick Ruthven scheduled to take the mound against San Diego’s Andy Hawkins.

Game Notes:

Player of the Game: Ed Whitson (8 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K)

Attendance at Jack Murphy Stadium was not announced.

The Padres outhit the Cubs 11-8 and left 10 runners on base.

Goose Gossage threw 15 pitches, 11 for strikes, in the ninth.

The game lasted 2 hours and 30 minutes under partly cloudy skies and a light breeze.

Next Game:

Sunday, April 8 – Cubs (2-2) at Padres (4-0), 1:05 p.m. PT

League Notes

Jack Morris throws a three hit shutout to beat the White Sox.

[Nick Soulis]

Game #5

Chicago Cubs at San Diego Padres



Cubs Blanked, Broomed in San Diego
Show Dominates as Padres Complete Sweep with 9-0 Rout

By Paul Sullivan
Tribune Staff Writer



SAN DIEGO — The sun shone brightly over Jack Murphy Stadium on Sunday, but for the Chicago Cubs, the three-game set in San Diego ended under a dark cloud. Right-hander Eric Show put on a clinic on the mound, tossing a two-hit shutout and striking out nine as the Padres steamrolled the Cubs, 9-0, to complete a resounding sweep.

Show, working with surgical precision, needed just 123 pitches to dismantle the Cubs' lineup. He allowed only five baserunners on the afternoon—two hits and three walks—while recording his second win of the season without yielding a single earned run.

“We barely made him work at all,” Cubs manager Jim Frey said after the game. “San Diego could probably pitch him again tomorrow if they wanted.”

The Cubs (2-3), who opened the season with some promise, now limp home under .500, reeling from a weekend in which they were outscored 19-7 and out-hit 40-21. Sunday’s finale was the worst of the bunch. Chicago never mounted a serious threat and went hitless through the first five innings before Gary Matthews doubled in the ninth.

Their offensive struggles were compounded by another shaky outing from veteran starter Dick Ruthven (0-1), who lasted just four innings while surrendering six earned runs on 10 hits. Ruthven was torched early, giving up a solo homer to Graig Nettles in the first, and a four-run outburst in the fourth inning sealed his fate.

San Diego (5-0) looked every bit the National League’s hottest team, pounding out 17 hits and getting major contributions from up and down the lineup. Alan Wiggins led the charge, going 4-for-5 with three runs scored and two RBIs. Nettles added four hits and three RBIs, while Steve Garvey collected three hits of his own, including a two-run single in the fourth.

“We’re just clicking right now,” Nettles said. “We’ve got a lot of guys seeing the ball well, and Show was just incredible today. Makes it easy to relax and play loose.”

The Cubs’ defense didn’t help the cause, committing one error and grounding into two double plays. Only Leon Durham and Matthews recorded hits, and no Cub advanced past second base.

The series underscored the early-season inconsistency for the North Siders, who must now regroup quickly with a homestand beginning Tuesday against Philadelphia. The bullpen was once again overworked, as relievers Rich Patterson and Ron Meridith were forced to eat innings after Ruthven’s early exit.

Frey wouldn’t point fingers but acknowledged the urgency.

“We’ve got to flush this one and move forward,” he said. “Five games in, there’s no reason to panic—but we do need better effort, especially at the plate. We’re just not competing in at-bats.”

Meanwhile, the Padres are riding high, and Show’s masterful performance only adds fuel to the fire of a surging start. San Diego, who has outscored opponents 39-11 through five games, now heads to Atlanta with a full head of steam.

Player of the Game: Eric Show (9.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 9 K, 5 BB)

Game Notes:

Time: 2:32

Attendance: 25,004

Weather: Clear skies, 68 degrees

Wind: 6 mph out to center

[Nick Soulis]

Cubs Schedule This Week

[Nick Soulis]

Game #6

Chicago Cubs at Los Angeles Dodgers



Dodgers Knock Off Cubs Despite 13-Hit Attack
Brewer’s blast, Reuss’ arm bury Chicago in 5-2 loss

By Paul Sullivan
Tribune Staff Writer



LOS ANGELES — The Cubs did just about everything right Monday night at Dodger Stadium—except push runners across the plate.

Despite out-hitting the Dodgers 13 to 8 and seeing Leon Durham fall just a homer shy of the cycle, the Cubs stranded nine men on base and dropped a frustrating 5-2 decision to Los Angeles. The loss dropped the Cubs to 2-4 on the young season.

The difference-maker came in the bottom of the seventh, when Dodgers pinch-hitter Tony Brewer launched a go-ahead solo homer off reliever Tim Stoddard—his first big-league blast of the season—that gave Los Angeles a 3-2 lead it would never relinquish.

Cubs starter Chuck Rainey held the Dodgers to two runs over six innings in a solid but unspectacular outing. He turned things over to Stoddard (0-1), who was tagged with the loss after surrendering three runs in just over an inning of work.

“I thought Chuck did his job,” said manager Jim Frey. “We just didn’t get the big hit when we needed it.”

The Cubs struck in the fourth inning when Durham crushed a two-run double with two outs off Dodgers starter Jerry Reuss, briefly tying the game at 2-2. Durham earlier tripled in the second, finishing the night 2-for-4 with five total bases and both Cubs RBIs.

But that would be all the scoring Chicago could muster.

Reuss (1-0) settled in nicely after the fourth, scattering 13 hits across seven innings with no walks and six strikeouts. He wriggled out of multiple jams, including a bases-loaded threat in the fifth.

“This was a team win,” said Reuss, who lowered his ERA to 2.57. “When Brewer came through like that, it gave us all a shot in the arm.”

The Cubs had a chance to answer in the eighth, but a pair of caught stealings—one by Ryne Sandberg and another by pinch-runner Bob Dernier—snuffed out a potential rally. Sandberg, who went hitless in five trips, continues to scuffle early in the season, his average now down to .125.

Los Angeles added two insurance runs in the bottom of the eighth, with Mike Scioscia driving in one on a sacrifice fly and Greg Brock adding another with a sac fly of his own.

Tom Niedenfuer closed the door with a shaky but effective ninth to record his first save of the season. He gave up three singles but escaped unscathed, getting Bill Buckner to fly out to end it.

The Cubs wasted strong offensive nights from Durham, Gary Matthews (3-for-4), and Jody Davis (2-for-4), while also failing to capitalize on two Los Angeles errors and a sluggish start from the Dodgers' offense.

“We had the chances, no question,” Durham said. “It just came down to not cashing in.”

Game Notes:

Player of the Game: Jerry Reuss

Weather: 62°F and partly cloudy with a 7 mph breeze blowing out to left

Attendance: Not announced

Time of Game: 2 hours, 34 minutes

[jksander]

These articles are even more detailed than mine lol ... love it!

[Nick Soulis]

Game #7
Wednesday April 11

Chicago Cubs at Los Angeles Dodgers



Honeycutt Sharp Cubs as Dodgers Cruise to 4-1 Victory
Chicago Loses 5 In A Row To End Road Trip

By Paul Sullivan, Tribune Staff Writer



LOS ANGELES — Rick Honeycutt turned Dodger Stadium into his personal canvas Wednesday night, painting a masterpiece that left the Cubs bats all but invisible in a 4-1 Los Angeles victory. For a struggling Chicago club still trying to find its rhythm in this young season, the loss drops them to 2-5 and adds another frustrating chapter to their early April road woes.

Honeycutt, the Dodgers’ steady left-hander, baffled the Cubs with a complete-game gem. He allowed just four hits, walked two, and struck out a pair on 99 pitches. Save for a third-inning RBI single by leadoff man Henry Cotto, Chicago never truly threatened.

"It was one of those nights where he was just in control," said Cubs manager Jim Frey. "We didn’t get much going after that third inning. We need to put more pressure on pitchers like that, especially with men in scoring position."

The Cubs had their lone shot in the top of the third when Larry Bowa grounded out, moving Leon Durham to third. Cotto came through with a two-out single to center to briefly give Chicago a 1-0 lead. But the Cubs stranded runners in both the fourth and fifth innings and went quietly the rest of the night.

The Dodgers responded quickly in the fifth, roughing up Cubs starter Scott Sanderson for four runs. After a double by Bill Russell and a single by Mike Scioscia, leadoff man Steve Sax drilled a two-run double to left-center. Kenny Landreaux followed with an RBI single, and Scioscia capped the frame with a sharp RBI knock of his own.

Sanderson (0-1) labored through six innings, surrendering 10 hits and four earned runs, though he avoided issuing a walk. His pitch count climbed to 101 before giving way to Dickie Noles and Rich Bordi, who each pitched a scoreless frame.

"We let that one inning snowball a bit," Sanderson said. "That’s what stings. Otherwise, I thought I had decent command. But you can’t make mistakes over the plate with that lineup."

Meanwhile, Honeycutt was surgical. Only Gary Matthews managed an extra-base hit for the Cubs — a double in the fourth — but even that didn’t lead to any damage. The Cubs mustered just four baserunners over the final six innings, and none reached second base.

Ron Cey, facing his former team, went 0-for-3 with a walk in a return to Dodger Stadium that lacked the spark many anticipated. Keith Moreland and Jody Davis also struggled, combining to go 0-for-7, with Moreland grounding into a double play to end the sixth.

The Cubs now limp out of Los Angeles hoping a change of scenery will yield better results. They'll travel to Chicago and Wrigley Field for opening day on Friday in front of their home fans.

As for the Dodgers, they improve to 2-5 themselves and may have found their stride behind Honeycutt's efficient performance. "That was a darn good win," Dodgers skipper Tommy Lasorda said postgame, beaming in the dugout.

Game Notes:

Player of the Game: Rick Honeycutt (LAD)

Time: 2:18

Weather: 57° F, partly cloudy, wind in from left at 9 mph

Cubs LOB: 4

Dodgers LOB: 4

[Nick Soulis]

The Leadoff Man



Welcome to the Leadoff Man everyone, this is your host Steve Stone and we are here at beautiful Wrigley Field as we prepare for the home opener. Our guest today is Cubs manager Jim Frey.

Welcome Jim. I am sure it is good to be home after a long road trip. It was a bit of a hard trip for the club, tell us where the club is right now a week or so into the season.
It sure is good to be home, no doubt about it. Well the season started off quite well for us in the bay against the Giants but we obviously sputtered the rest of the trip. One thing i have learned, it is a long season and we have to concentrate on playing good baseball on this home stand and pitch it a little better and we will be fine.

Ryne Sandberg and Ron Cey have really started off the year slow. Any thoughts on their struggles?
I am not worried about those guys. Ryno is usually a slow starter so we will see him get comfortable and produce. As for the penguin he may be pressing a bit too much, but he is determined to turn things around.

You will be facing a 19 year old Dwight Gooden out there today. Any thoughts on what to expect from such a highly touted prospect?
Well I will tell you this much, that kid has some incredible stuff and we will have to be aggressive at the plate. The Mets have some really good talent with Gooden and of course Strawberry who both may be the future of the league. Hopefully the wind will be blowing out today.

Do you think you depend too much on the long ball as a team and maybe you need to change approaches?
It is April 13th, we are not changing an approach. We just need to settle down and I think playing here at home is a great way too do that. I am confident we have a great group of guys for the 1984 season.

Cubs Statistics

[Nick Soulis]

Game #8
Friday April 11

New York Mets at Chicago Cubs



Opening Day at Wrigley Spoiled by Mets’ Rookie Ace
Gooden Strikes Out 15 in Dominant Debut as Mets Top Cubs



By Paul Sullivan | Tribune Staff Writer



CHICAGO — On a chilly, cloud-covered Opening Day at Wrigley Field, the ivy was dormant, the bats mostly frozen, and the Cubs' offense rendered utterly helpless—courtesy of a 19-year-old phenom from Tampa named Dwight Gooden.

In just his second major league start, Gooden stole the show and shattered Chicago’s homecoming hopes with a dazzling 15-strikeout performance over eight commanding innings, leading the New York Mets to a 7-3 victory Friday afternoon.

“He threw like he belonged here for years,” said Mets manager Davey Johnson. “That was something special.”

Gooden Overwhelms Cubs Lineup

Gooden (1-1) put on a clinic in front of 35,214 bundled-up fans, striking out at least one batter in every inning and retiring 13 Cubs in a row during one stretch. The right-hander allowed just three hits, walked none, and permitted only one run until his departure before the ninth.

Even veteran Cubs slugger Leon Durham, who homered off Gooden in the second, tipped his cap: “The kid’s the real deal. His fastball moves, and that curve—man, it’s sharp.”

Gooden used both to baffle Chicago hitters. Ron Cey, Larry Bowa, and Mel Hall each struck out twice, as did Durham. In all, the Cubs fanned 17 times—including two more against reliever Jesse Orosco in the ninth.

Trout Outdueled Again

Chicago starter Scott Sanderson Trout (0-2) was serviceable but couldn’t match the electricity on the other side. The Mets touched him up for nine hits and four runs over seven innings, including a thunderous two-run homer by George Foster in the first and a solo shot from Keith Hernandez in the fifth.

Hernandez also drove in a run with a sacrifice fly, and New York’s late-inning outburst—three runs in the top of the ninth off Tim Stoddard—sealed the deal.

“Against a guy like Gooden, you can’t afford to fall behind early,” said Cubs manager Jim Frey. “We were playing catch-up from the first inning.”

Bright Spots Dimmed

There were few offensive highlights for Chicago. Bob Dernier doubled and scored in the third. Ryne Sandberg tripled and plated a run in the ninth. But the lineup was otherwise lifeless, going 4-for-31 overall with just one hit in the middle six innings.

The Cubs grounded into two double plays and stranded just three baserunners all game.

“We’ve got to be better,” said Sandberg, who is off to a slow start at .156. “Opening Day is supposed to be about energy and optimism. Today, we just got flat-out dominated.”

Brooks, Chapman Spark Mets Late

For New York, third baseman Hubie Brooks collected three hits and scored twice. In the ninth, pinch-hitter Keith Chapman delivered a dagger—an RBI double off Stoddard that pushed the lead to 6-2.

Jesse Orosco, despite walking two and allowing a run, closed things out with minimal drama to secure the Mets' third win of the young season.

A Chilling Start, in More Ways Than One

Wrigley’s infamous early-spring chill added to the home fans’ discomfort. Game-time temperature hovered at 47 degrees with a biting wind blowing from right to left at 11 mph. The only real heat came from the right arm of Dwight Gooden.

“If this is how Opening Day starts,” said Mets catcher Joe Gibbons, “I can’t wait to see what Doc does in July.”

[Nick Soulis]

Game #9
Saturday April 12

New York Mets at Chicago Cubs




Cubs Silenced by Mets, Blanketed 6-0 at Wrigley
Seventh Consecutive Loss Baffles Club

By PAUL SULLIVAN
Chicago Tribune Staff Writer



CHICAGO — Under a cool, gray sky at Wrigley Field on Saturday afternoon, the New York Mets handed the struggling Chicago Cubs their second straight shutout loss, riding the right arm of Tim Leary to a decisive 6-0 win.

Leary, making just his second start of the season, baffled Cubs hitters for 5 2/3 innings, allowing only two hits and four walks while striking out three to earn his first victory. Three Mets pitchers combined to hold the Cubs scoreless for the full nine innings, with Dick Tidrow and Wes Gardner finishing the job cleanly from the bullpen.

The Cubs, now 2-7 on the young season, managed just four hits—two of them coming off the bat of catcher Jody Davis—and never advanced a runner past second base.

“We’ve got to get some momentum going, and right now we’re stuck in neutral,” said Cubs manager Jim Frey. “Leary was sharp, but we also didn’t help ourselves.”

The Mets broke the scoreless deadlock in the third inning, when Cubs starter Dick Ruthven loaded the bases with no outs. Keith Hernandez, who later homered in the ninth, forced home the first run with a bases-loaded walk, and George Foster followed with an RBI single. Darryl Strawberry capped the rally with a sharp RBI double to right, staking Leary to a 3-0 cushion.

The Mets tacked on two more in the sixth. Wally Backman doubled in a run with two outs and then came around to score himself on Foster’s second hit of the day. Hernandez added the finishing touch in the ninth, lifting a solo shot off reliever Rich Patterson into the bleachers—a rare blow on a day when the wind was blowing stiffly in from center.

For the Cubs, it was another long afternoon. Ruthven (0-2) went seven innings, allowing ten hits and five earned runs while walking three and uncorking two wild pitches. Patterson surrendered the final run in two innings of relief.

Chicago's offense remained lifeless, going 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position and grounding into one double play. The middle of the order—Gary Matthews, Leon Durham, and Ron Cey—combined to go 1-for-10 with three strikeouts.

The loss, in front of a chilly crowd at Wrigley, dropped the Cubs to the bottom of the National League East standings.

Meanwhile, New York improved to 4-5, buoyed by multi-hit games from Foster (3-for-5), Gardenhire (3-for-5), and Leary himself (2-for-3).

“We’re starting to click a little,” said Mets skipper Davey Johnson. “Tim throwing strikes, pounding the zone—that’s exactly what you want to see.”