Chicago Cubs: Looking back at impact offseason trades

Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports

March 26, 1984: Cubs got Gary Matthews, Bob Dernier and Porfi Altamirano from the Philadelphia Phillies for Bill Campbell and Mike Diaz.

In 1984, the Cubs went to the playoffs for the first time in 39 years. Gary “Sarge” Matthews and Bobby Dernier were huge contributors to the Cubs post-season push.

Dernier provided the Cubs with a speedy leadoff presence and a steady glove in center field. He stole 45 bases while consistently getting on base in front of Cubs’ sluggers like Ryne Sandberg and Leon Durham. He was a half of Harry Caray’s “Daily Double” (alongside Sandberg), causing baserunning headaches for opposing pitchers and catchers. His efforts in center earned him a Gold Glove award.

Meanwhile, Matthews spent the majority of the season hitting in the three-spot in the Cubs lineup. He scored 101 runs that season and ended up fifth in MVP voting. “The Sarge” was a key clubhouse leader, bringing a winning attitude to a team that had known nothing but losing for a long, long time.

While neither of those players made a huge impact on the Cubs long-term, they meant a great deal to the ’84 team. While the players the Cubs sent over to Philadelphia were never missed in Chicago.

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