The Cubs began June 23, 1984 in third place in the NL East, 1½ games behind the first-place Mets. Even this position was a bit surprising. The Cubs had losing records in 1982 and 1983, their first two years under Tribune Co. ownership, and had a poor Spring Training record in 1984 that included an 11-game losing streak. That streak prompted general manager Dallas Green to make the famous swap in which he acquired Gary Matthews and Bob Dernier from the Phillies just before Opening Day. The Cubs got off to a good start and held first place for much of May and early June, but had lost six of seven on the road before returning to Wrigley for a seven-game homestand against the Cardinals and Pirates.
Today in 1984 Cubs history: The Sandberg Game
