Chicago Cubs History: Regaling the top five MVPs in franchise history

Chicago Cubs: Ryne Sandberg, 2B, 1984

Swinging the time pendulum a little closer to the present day, falling in third on this list is Ryne Sandberg and his 1984 campaign. Sandberg had been traded to Chicago in the winter of 1982, by Philadelphia. It certainly did no favors for Phillies fans as Sandberg hit and ran his way to the N.L. MVP award two years after the trade.

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Sandberg had been a consistent player in each of his first two years in Wrigleyville. He posted back-to-back 2+ WAR seasons and only missed a combined ten games. Parts of Sandberg’s play had not quite caught up in that first couple of years despite his impressive numbers on the base paths and back-to-back 30+ stolen base performances. Then 1984 happened.

Experiencing career highs in nearly every offensive facet, Sandberg came out of the gate on fire and did not let up. He ended up slashing .314/.367/.520 with 19 home runs, 84 RBI and 32 stolen bases. It was good enough for an 8 WAR season.

On top of his MVP winning season, Sandberg also managed to earn a Gold Glove, his second of what would go on to be nine straight. “Ryno” would go on to have many more exciting seasons, but, for Cubs fans, and Sandberg, the 1984 season is one which will always be remembered.