Rick Sutcliffe
The Red Baron who powered the Cubs' 1984 pennant chase and won Cy Young.
Rick Sutcliffe remains a towering figure in Cubs history, synonymous with the 1984 season's surge of hope. Acquired at the trade deadline, he instantly anchored a young rotation and transformed contenders into champions overnight. For fans who lived through that summer, his tenure represents the closest the franchise came to breaking its curse in decades.
- Position
- Starting Pitcher
- Nickname
- The Red Baron
- Peak Season
- 1984
- Award
- National League Cy Young (1984)
- Cubs Tenure
- 1984–1987
Lore & Background
Sutcliffe’s arrival on June 15, 1984, shocked the league; Cleveland sent their All-Star ace to Chicago mid-season. He responded with a historic run, posting a 16-1 record that carried the Cubs to their first playoff berth since 1945. Although the NLCS ended in heartbreak against San Diego, Sutcliffe's regular-season dominance was absolute, capturing the city's imagination and proving the drought could finally end.
In Their Own Story
Under the summer lights at Wrigley, the wind often danced across the bleachers as Sutcliffe gripped the ball. With a sharp slider that broke late against the ivy-covered brick wall behind home plate, he struck out another batter. The roar from the North Side wasn't just for a win; it was for the belief that this time, the championship might actually be within reach.
Reader's Guide
Beyond his playing days, Sutcliffe is unique as the only pitcher to win a unanimous Cy Young Award after joining a team mid-season. His arsenal relied on a sharp slider that exploited Wrigley’s humidity and wind conditions. Fans also remember him for his longevity in the game; he transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting, serving as an MLB analyst for TBS and Fox for decades.
Did You Know?
- He won the NL Cy Young Award unanimously in his first season with the Cubs.
- His red hair and mustache earned him the nickname 'The Red Baron'.
- Sutcliffe later became a prominent television broadcaster for MLB on TBS and Fox.
- He helped lead the team to their first playoff berth since 1945.