The prior year was miserable
With 91 loses
Lee Elia was fired
The Tribune now owned the Cubs
They created a new slogan
Of Building a New Tradition
But the Cubs had not seen the playoffs
Since Eisenhower commanded the Allies
They brought in a new GM
The fiery Dallas Green
He hired Jim Frey as skipper
The offseason didn’t provide much excitement
Only the signing of Scott Sanderson
Spring Training started awfully
I figured here we go again
They lost 11 straight
Sporting a record of 3-18
Green responded
He traded for Gary Matthews and Bob Dernier
The trade seemed to start of something
They went 10-10 in April
Then 16-11 in May
They sent Bill Buckner to Boston
In return for Dennis Eckersley
Who provided valuable innings as a starter
I was thrilled that the Cubs had a winning record
As the Summer months began
June was a special month
They traded Joe Carter for Rick Sutcliffe
Who proceeded to go 16-1 and win the Cy Young
The team posted a 20-9 record
The best part of June was the Sandberg game
He hit two homers late in the game
One to tie, the second to win
Both off former Cub Bruce Sutter of the Cards
What a game
Ryno went on to win the MVP
He was always my favorite Cub
I couldn’t wait to watch each day
The mood at Wrigley seemed to get better by the inning
Wrigley was stunning with everything green
But still smelled of Old Style
July was outstanding, too
Dernier and Sandberg were coined the Daily Double
Davis, Durham, Cey, Matthews, Bowa, Moreland
All contributed to the cause
Lee Smith locked down the back end saving 33
As school started, I could not wait to get home
I loved flipping on WGN
And hearing Van Halen’s “Jump”
Harry and Steve were at the epicenter
This was must see TV
This is what Fall baseball is all about
I thought to myself
The NLCS began against the Padres
I was ecstatic about the possibilities
Wrigley was not wearing jewels
So daytime playoff baseball was in order
With the first two at home
The Cubs won both
My mind began to look ahead
It was not to be
The Cubs lost all three in San Diego
Series over
Season over
Dream over