What Is 1987 Chicago Cubs baseball team

Overview

The 1987 Chicago Cubs were a Major League Baseball team competing in the National League East. Despite high expectations following a strong 1986 season, they underperformed, finishing with a losing record of 76 wins and 85 losses.

Playing their home games at the historic Wrigley Field, the team struggled with consistency on both offense and defense. They ended the season in fourth place, 17 games behind the division-winning St. Louis Cardinals, and did not qualify for the postseason.

• Ryne Sandberg emerged as the team’s offensive leader, hitting 35 home runs and driving in 90 RBIs, both career highs at the time.
• The pitching staff was anchored by Greg Maddux, who made his MLB debut on September 10, 1987, at age 21, pitching 2.2 scoreless innings in relief.
• The Cubs’ home record at Wrigley Field was 43–38, but their road performance faltered at 33–47, contributing to their losing season.
• Manager Jim Frey led the team for the second consecutive year but was replaced after the season due to lackluster results and internal front-office changes.
• Attendance averaged 29,706 fans per game, reflecting continued strong fan support despite the team’s poor performance on the field.

Performance & Key Players

The 1987 season showcased both breakout performances and missed opportunities across the roster. While Sandberg led offensively, other key contributors shaped the team’s identity throughout the campaign.

• Ryne Sandberg: The All-Star second baseman recorded a .308 batting average and won his second consecutive Silver Slugger Award.
• Andre Dawson: Acquired before the 1987 season, Dawson hit 49 home runs, leading the National League and earning the NL MVP award.
• Lee Smith: The closer saved 39 games, setting a new Cubs single-season record and finishing third in Cy Young Award voting.
• Greg Maddux: Though he only pitched 7.2 innings in 1987, his debut signaled the arrival of a future Hall of Famer.
• Bob Dernier: The leadoff hitter posted a .346 on-base percentage and stole 21 bases, providing spark at the top of the lineup.
• Keith Moreland: Contributed 12 home runs and played multiple positions, including catcher and outfield, adding versatility.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1987 Cubs compared to other top National League teams in key statistical categories:

The Cubs ranked near the bottom in team ERA and wins, highlighting pitching struggles. While their offense, powered by Dawson and Sandberg, was competitive, poor road performance and inconsistent bullpen use limited their success. The Cardinals dominated the division, making the Cubs’ fourth-place finish a disappointment.

Why It Matters

The 1987 season was a transitional year that laid groundwork for future developments in Cubs history. Though they missed the playoffs, individual achievements and emerging talent provided hope.

• Andre Dawson’s MVP season was historic—he became the first Cub to win the award since 1945 and did so despite playing on a losing team.
• The debut of Greg Maddux marked the beginning of a Hall of Fame career that would later include 18 Gold Gloves and 355 wins.
• Lee Smith’s 39 saves set a franchise record and established the importance of the modern closer role in Cubs strategy.
• The team’s struggles led to a managerial change, with Don Zimmer replacing Jim Frey for the 1988 season.
• High attendance despite poor performance demonstrated the enduring loyalty of Cubs fans at Wrigley Field.
• The season underscored the need for stronger pitching development, influencing future farm system investments.

Ultimately, the 1987 Chicago Cubs serve as a reminder that individual excellence doesn't always translate to team success—but it can shape a franchise’s future trajectory.