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The 1987 Chicago Cubs were not a good team
Notably, among the Cubs starting pitchers in 1987, Rick Sutcliffe registered a solid winning record, with 18 wins and 10 losses. Les Lancaster and Steve Trout were 8-3 and 6-3 respectively. During that same period, a young 21-year-old starter named Greg Maddox was 6-14 and the other two regular starters, Scott Sanderson and Jamie Moyer, had losing records.
It was a tough year for the Cubs but Dawson winning MVP basically saved 1987. He hit .287 with 49 homers and 137 RBI, both league-leading totals. Dawson also played a great right field, his fielding percentage was .986, second in the league among right fielders. The league average for right field in 1987 was .981.
Throughout his career Dawson combined strong defense with powerful offensive numbers. For comparison think of the defensive skills of Jason Heyward combined with the slashing bat of Nico Hoerner and the power of Patrick Wisdom. Put it altogether and you have a stellar ballplayer who was beloved by all Cubs fans.