(N)opening Day-- Part 6: From Cactus Worst to NL East Best and Then the Maddux Comes Back

1984--   They had a Cactus League worst 7-20 record and had released franchise legend Fergie Jenkins, so things didn't look promising, but come opening day, Dick Ruthven pitched 7 1/3 innings of two-run ball and then Keith Moreland hit a tie-breaking home run in the sixth inning as the Cubs won 5-3 over the Giants at Candlestick Park

The Cubs went on to finish the year 96-65 for their first National League East title  and first playoff appearance since 1945.  Then they lost to Steve Garvey and the Padres 3 games to 2 in the best-of-five NL Championship Series.

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APRIL 5, 1993--  In his first game with the Braves, former Cub Greg Maddux beat his former team 1-0 on a cold, blustery day at Wrigley.

From 1986 to 1992, he had won 95 games, including his Cy Young Award-winning 1992 when he won 20.

He won the Cy Young again in 1993, plus in the next two seasons.  During his 11 seasons with the Braves, they won ten division titles.

The Cubs Trading Better Is Like the Bears Trading or Drafting a Good Quarterback.  Ain't Gonna Happen.  --RoadDog