Boys of Zimmer: 30th Anniversary Series - 2/12/1989

While recently blogging about a random Cubs pitcher, Pat Perry, I became immersed in articles from 1988 and 1989. This is the 30th anniversary of the 1989 Cubs "Boys of Zimmer," a team that reached the postseason after a five year hiatus. This daily series will look back at Chicago Tribune articles and columns from 30 years ago, day by day.

Dallas Green did great things for the Cubs in the 1980's, but the welcome wore off by the end of the decade. Green was pretty outspoken after the Cubs cut him loose as general manager. He was hired as the manager for the New York Yankees for the 1989 season.

Long-time Cubs minor leaguer Phil Stephenson was looking for a chance to make the big league club in spring training. Spoiler Alert: He would make the big league club and debut with the Cubs on April 5, 1989. He played in 17 games during the '89 season, and was dealt to the San Diego Padres as a player to be named later on September 5. It was in the trade that sent Darrin Jackson and Calvin Schiraldi to the Padres for Marvell Wynne and Luis Salazar.

Were the Cubs looking to push Ryne Sandberg to 3rd base in 1989 to rush first round draft pick Ty Griffin to the majors?