Ranking the top five Chicago Cubs leadoff hitters in history

Chicago Cubs: Bob Dernier

The fourth of best leadoff hitter in Cubs history goes to the first part of what was known as the “Daily Double,” Bob Dernier. Dernier hit in front of Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg during the 1984 season in which the Cubs won the National League East Division Title.

Dernier was a huge reason for the Cubs success during the 1984 season as he had the best year of his career. He posted a career-high .276 batting average to go along with 147 hits. Dernier was also a significant threat on the bases as he led the Cubs with 45 stolen bases.

The center fielder did a great job of setting the table for the Cubs offense as he got on base at a clip of .356 while scoring 93 runs. He had a great eye at the plate and rarely struck out. In 1984 he only struck out 60 times while he walked 63 times. He was also a huge part of what was known as the “Sandberg Game” as he went 3 for 5 with a double, two RBI and four runs scored. He drew a walk with two outs in the 10th inning before Sandberg hit his second game-tying home run in as many innings.

Dernier was much more of a contact hitter than a power hitter, as on the year he hit just three home runs. Despite that, Dernier led off the Cubs first postseason against the San Diego Padres with a solo home run on the second pitch he saw. The Cubs ended up winning that game 13-0 but wound up losing the series.