Looking Back at '84: Cubs Acquire Dernier and Matthews

On March 27, 1984 Dallas Green orchestrated a trade with his former organization that would help define the '84 Cubs. The Cubs' GM traded pitcher Bill "Soup" Campbell along with catcher Mike Diaz to the Philadelphia Phillies for Bob Dernier, Gary Matthews and Porfi Altamirano.

Bob Dernier and Ryne Sandberg became the 'Daily Double' and many have credited 'the Sarge' over the years with taking control of the clubhouse and leading the team to the National League Eastern Division crown...the organization's first trip to the post-season since 1945.

Bob Dernier put together a career year in 1984. He hit .278 with a .356 OBP in 143 games. Dernier, along with Ryne Sandberg, helped fuel the Cubs offense. Dernier hit 26 double, 5 triples, stole 45 bags and scored 94 runs.

Gary Matthews hit .291 for Jim Frey in 1984 with a .410 OBP and a .428 SLG. Matthews added 14 home runs, 21 doubles, scored 101 runs and drove in 82.

Without the late spring additions of Bob Dernier and Gary Matthews the Summer of 1984 would have not been as special and the Chicago Cubs as we know it today would not exist.

This season marks the 25th Anniversary of an incredible summer and from time to time the CCO will remind the Faithful of the more memorable dates and games from a quarter of a century ago.

Cubs Fever...Catch It!

Joe S. (San Diego)

What a flash back!! This was one of my first years as a Cubs fan! I remember that season like it was yesterday.

Although I'm confused....you say this is the 25th anniversary, but I've only aged 12 years....somebody's math is off.

I agree with Jim C that this was a key trade for the season, and of course the Sutcliffe trade was the clincher. I often wonder though what Joe Carter would have done in a Cubs uniform.

Of course the other big trade that was sandwiched in between those two was the Dennis Eckersley for fan favorite Bill Buckner.

One of my favorite memories that year was the video the Cubs made...Men In Blue...with Keith Moreland, Jody Davis, Leon Durham, Rick Sutcliffe and I think Gary Woods.

I will also never forget that night in Pittsburgh with Rick Sutcliffe on the mound and Joe Orsulak striking out to win the division!

Great Memories!!

Jim C (Tinley Park)

Without this trade, this was a sub .500 team. The addition of Matthews and Dernier alowed the cubs to deal Mel Hall(and others) for Rick Sutcliffe, George Frazier and Ron Hassey, This team along with the gentrifcation of lake view area and the advent of the superstation (WGN)put the Cubs and Wrigley Field into the stratosphere!