Opening Day Roster:
Although they had no hardware to show for it, the Cubbies had strung together some decent years in the late 1960s and early 1970s. After posting 103 losses in 1966, they finished above .500 for the next 6 consecutive years - finishing in second and third place three times each. It was only in the mid-70s that their stock began to slide. It was no coincidence that this same period saw them part ways with stars like Ernie Banks, Fergie Jenkins, Billy Williams and Ron Santo. From 1973 to 1976, they finished below .500, but by 1977 they were back at 81-81, and it was only injuries to Bruce Sutter and others that had knocked them out of the race to stay. The big off-season acquisition for 1978 was Dave Kingman. He brought a career .291 Wrigley Field average to Chicago, and confidently predicted that he, Steve Ontiveros, Bill Buckner and Bobby Murcer would combine for 125 home runs. They were competitive most of the year, and were in first place by 2 games over the Phillies on June 23 when they went to Philadelphia for a 4-game series. The Phillies swept the series, and the Cubs never recovered in the standings. They were undone by sub-par years from a number of key players, and by a revolving door leading to the trainer's room. They finished slightly higher in the standings and fewer games back than in 1977, but wound up with a 79-83 record, good for third place, 11 games behind the Phillies.
The Cubs' minor league system featured a few young guys that would go on to varying levels of fame - Mel Hall was in the Gulf Coast Rookie League, Bill Caudill was at AAA Wichita and Lee Smith was at AA Midland.
The team was managed by Herman Franks for the second year. Franks' coaching staff included Cookie Rojas at 1st, Peanuts Lowry at 3rd, Jack Bloomfield in the bullpen, Joey Amalfitano on the bench, and Mike Roarke with the pitchers.
(during most of the 1970s, the Cubs didn't produce standard team photos, opting instead for collages of individual player pictures)
Ray Burris, SP:
After winning 44 games over the previous 3 seasons, Ray's performance declined significantly in 1978 (though he did spin a 2-hitter against the Cardinals on May 28). After losing 3 straight starts in July, and seeing his ERA balloon to 5.31, he was sent to the pen for the rest of July and most of August. He returned to the rotation in late August, and although he managed to lower his ERA a bit, and record another complete game win against St. Louis, the end result was still disappointing - a 7-13 record and a 4.75 ERA.
Woodie Fryman, SP:
The 38-year old veteran hurt his shoulder swinging a bat late in spring training, necessitating a cortisone shot. Whether lingering effects from that incident impacted his performance or not, he nevertheless got off to a bad start. He lost 3 straight starts in April and early May, and, after seeing his ERA rise to 5.18, was sent to the pen. After 4 relief appearances and a single spot start, none of which went particularly well, Woodie was traded to the Expos on June 9 for a player-to-be-named-later.
Dennis Lamp, SP:
Dennis won a spot in the rotation as a rookie largely on the strength of an outstanding turn against San Francisco in the last exhibition game of the spring. He was flummoxed by hard luck all year long - his ERA improved consistently during the second half, even as his record got worse and worse. He did manage to thrown a 1-hitter against the Padres on June 9, and added a shutout in San Francisco on July 28, but it couldn't help his overall W/L totals. The man who impressed many with his dead-on impersonations of teammates and opponents (Garvey - "who are you, Rich Little?") finished just 7-15, but with a 3.30 ERA, best among the starters.
Willie Hernandez, RP:
In his second year, the man who would be known by his given name of Guillermo in a few years, was kept on the sidelines for a while in spring training due to a sore shoulder. It didn't have an apparent impact on him once the season began, as in 59.2 relief innings, he posted an 8-2 record to go with 3 saves. Later, in the mid-80s, he was one of the most dominant closers in the game, anchoring the bullpen on the 1984 World Series champion Tigers.
Rick Reuschel, SP:
Coming off a 20-10 season in 1977, hopes were high for the star of the rotation. But, Rick was bothered by a sore elbow all year long. He had to leave a game in Cincinnati on June 12 where he had thrown 6 innings of 2-hit, shutout ball, and was forced to sit the next 12 days. He still wound up leading the Cubs in wins with a 14-15 record, in complete games (9) and strikeouts (115). He even stole the first base of his career, against the fairly decent battery of John Denny and Ted Simmons, on September 23 in St. Louis.
Mike Krukow, RP:
After getting hammered in his first 6 relief outings (including giving up 4 earned runs in 1/3 inning against Pittsburgh on April 15), Mike was sent to Wichita on May 13 to get straightened out. He made 7 starts there, earning a 2-3 record, and was recalled by the Cubs on June 26. According to catcher Dave Rader, when he returned, he was a different pitcher. Quickly inserted into the rotation, he hurled a 3-hit shutout against the Phillies on June 30. He won his next three starts as well, and finished the year with a 9-3 record, and an ERA of 3.90. Mike would win 20 games for the Giants in 1986.
Donnie Moore, RP:
24-year old Donnie was the work horse of the Cubs' bullpen in 1978. He led the relief corps in appearances (71) and innings (102.2) and posted a 9-7 record with 4 saves. He put in his best work on August 16 against the Braves - he picked up the win going 6 innings in relief of Dennis Lamp, giving up only 3 hits and a single run, while striking out 3. On offense, he was 2-for-2, including an RBI double, with 2 runs scored. His dark tragedy was 11 years away.
Paul Reuschel, RP:
Rick's big brother began the year by throwing 1/3 inning against the Mets on April 10 - he gave up 4 hits, including 2 HR, and 4 earned runs. After just one more relief appearance, he was forced to the DL with shoulder tendinitis on April 15. He returned to action on May 13, and made another 14 appearances, some of which were quite effecitve, before being claimed on waivers by the Indians on June 26.
Bruce Sutter, CL:
In his second year as the Cubs' closer, this future Hall of Famer rode his split-fingered fastball to 27 saves while posting a 8-10 record in relief. In 98.2 innings, he recorded 106 Ks against only 34 walks, and had a 3.19 ERA. He ran into trouble with his mechanics from mid-August on - his ERA rose more than a run, and his record was 1-6 with 3 saves from August 15 through the end of the year. He got a chance to make an appearance in the All Star Game in San Diego - in 1.2 innings, he retired all 5 batters he faced (including consecutive Ks of Jim Rice and Dwight Evans), and came away with the win.
Larry Cox, C:
As the club's back-up catcher in 1978, Larry appeared in 59 games. In limited action, he hit .281 with 18 RBI and 2 HR. Two fingers on his throwing hand were split open courtesy of an Ozzie Smith foul tip on July 23 in San Siego, and Larry was thereafter on the DL from July 24 through September 1.
Dave Rader, C:
Dave had been the Giants' starting catcher for much of the early 1970s. He was a key acquisition by the Cubs for 1978, given Steve Swisher had departed and George Mitterwald still hadn't signed (the latter wouldn't appear again in the majors). Given the starting job, Dave suffered a hip pointer in a plate collision with Jerry Royster on May 20, but continued to start. He began suffering from a sore hamstring later in the year and, combined with his weak offense (barely a .200 average with low power numbers), this led to him being replaced as starter by Tim Blackwell in mid-July. He spent the remainder of the year in a back-up role.
Bill Buckner, IF:
In 1978, Bill continued to shine as one of baseball's best hitters - he batted .323, by far the best on the team. Nominally the starting first baseman, he was forced to miss a number of games, including 13 in a row in May, due to a chronically sore left ankle. In early June he developed a swollen gland in his groin, and finally was forced to the DL on June 22 because of a strained groin. He returned on July 7. In 117 games, he hit only 5 HR and drove in 74 runs. At the end of the year, he was planning to take up either ballet or karate in the off season in order to strengthen his left leg.
Mick Kelleher, IF:
In 1978, Mick was the Cubs' general-purpose infield sub. Recognized as the best fielding infielder on the team, he got into 68 games, split between second, short and third, mostly as a late-inning defensive replacement. He started a number of games at third in September after Steve Ontiveros had gone out for the year.
Larry Biittner, IF:
Having played for the Senators, Rangers and Expos, the itinerant Biittner found a home in Chicago for several years in the late 1970s. In 1978, he gave the Cubs a reliable bit of insurance against those days when Bill Buckner couldn't play the field at first (50 starts), and he also started a couple dozen games in left. he had a 15-game hitting streak in June, and at the end of the year posted a .257 average with 4 HR and 50 RBI.
Ivan DeJesus, IF:
1978 saw Ivan in the second of five consecutive seasons as the Cubs' regular shortstop. He batted .278, behind only Buckner and Murcer on the team. For a team that seemed to have abandoned speed as a weapon in recent years, he astonishingly led the league with 104 runs scored, and recorded 41 stolen bases, the most by any Cub since Kiki Cuyler swiped 43 in 1929.
Rudy Meoli, IF:
Rudy had been a regular infielder for the Angels in the early 1970s, but had spent 1976 and 1977 at the Reds' AAA club in Indianapolis. Purchased by the Cubs at the end of the 1977 season, he entered 1978 sharing general infield reserve duties with Kelleher. On July 7, after getting into 33 games and posting a .115 average, he was demoted to Wichita to accomodate Bill Buckner's return from the DL. He was recalled in September, and got into another 14 games down the stretch.
Steve Ontiveros, IF:
In 1977, Steve led the Cubs in average (.299) and was a key offensive contributor all around. In 1978, not so much. The starting third baseman got off to a slow start (hitting .104 as of April 28), and missed a few games in April because of back problems. He managed to get his average up to .202 by June 19, but then had to miss another few games, this time to shoulder pain. In mid-July, he was forced into a platoon role, with Rodney Scott hitting against lefties, and finally he had to go on the DL with a shoulder injury on July 26. The problem was severe enough to require surgery, and Steve was out the remainder of the season.
Manny Trillo, IF:
In his 4th year as the Cubs' starting second baseman in 1978, Manny was trying to reduce his error totals. He had the most errors in the league at his position in 1977 (25), which was actually down from 29 just 2 years before. In 1978, he brought the total down to 19. Offensively, he hit .261 with 4 HR and 55 RBI. He was traded to the Phillies before 1979, and his fielding continued to improve to the point he was regularly among the leaders in fielding for his position. He was 3-time all star with the Phillies in the early 1980s, and was the second baseman on their 1980 World Series championship club.
Gene Clines, OF:
Gene was the first position player in camp, determined to win the starting center field job. When the season began, he was slated to platoon there with Greg Gross, but in the end he essentially served as an outfield reserve, covering all 3 positions as needed. When Franks came under media attacks late in the year for some of his moves, Clines was one of several players who openly had his back. In 109 games, Gene hit .258 with 17 RBI.
Greg Gross, OF:
Greg entered 1978 as one of the Cubs' many center field options, along with Clines, Cruz and Wallis. He entered the season playing only against righties, although for a lefty he had always hit lefties well. As the season wore on, he was allowed to hit more often against lefties, but Franks tried to stick with the percentages, and often hit switch-hitting Jerry White in his place. Greg was an outstanding contact hitter, striking out just 19 times all year. In 124 total games, he batted .265 with 39 RBI and 1 HR.
Bobby Murcer, OF:
Bobby was the Cubs' regular right fielder, although he also made 27 starts in center. His power numbers declined from 1977, but his average was up (.281), and he had the 3rd highest fielding percentage of major league right fielders. Like Clines, Bobby was vocal in his defense of Herman Franks when the criticism began coming down on him later in the year.
In-Season Moves:
Dave Roberts, SP:
Dave entered camp in 1978 trying to convince the Cubs he was the solution to their quest for a quality left-handed starter. He had knee surgery in 1976 and spent 1977 with a wobbly leg, but now felt better than he had in years. Because of a sore back, though, he started the year on the DL. He was activated on April 19, and began pitching out of the pen. He entered the rotation in May, threw a 7-hit shutout at the Cardinals on May 26, and was a key starter the rest of the way. In 35 total appearances, he went 6-8 with one save. Roberts, too, was a defender of Herman Franks when the carping began in the press. (1979 Topps)
Hector Cruz, OF:
The brother of Astros' outfielder Jose Cruz, Hector saw action in 30 games as a reserve outfielder, pinch-hitter and occasional third baseman before being traded to the Giants on June 15 for Lynn McGlothen.
Dave Kingman, OF:
After splitting 1977 between 4 clubs - Yankees, Mets, Padres and Angels - Dave began a stable, 3-year stint as the Cubs' regular left fielder in 1978. Despite his own bold predictions, he started off slow, hitting just .192 by May 9 and striking out about once for every three at-bats. He improved in May, upping his average by about 50 points, and on May 14, he hit 3 HR in Los Angeles. He had some disagreements with Franks during the course of the season, but the two had buried the hatchet by the time September rolled around. After hurting his hamstring making a running catch, he went to the DL from July 1 through July 26. In 119 games, he batted .266 with 28 HR and 79 RBI, both tops on the team.
Joe Wallis, OF:
Joe came to camp only recently having lost a limp from a fall motorcycle accident. He believed he was the best center field on the team, and expected management to play him there regularly. His cause was hurt by the fact he simply didn't get along with Franks or general manager Bob Kennedy. Although he led the team with a .471 spring average, he was threatened with starting the year at Wichita after walking away from the bench during the final exhibition. Despite being arguably the best fielding center fielder on the team, he was limited to a reserve role once the season started. In just 28 games, he posted a .309 average, before he was traded to the Indians on June 15 for Mike Vail (the Indians traded him that same day to the A's).
Dave Geisel, RP:
Dave was called up from Wichita on June 9 when Woodie Fryman was traded to the Expos. He made his major league debut on June 13, throwing a perfect inning of relief in a 1-0 Cubs' loss to the Reds. He made another 11 appearances, including one spot start, before being sent to Wichita on July 20 to make room on the roster for Ed Putman. Dave was recalled when rosters expanded in September.
Ken Holtzman, RP:
Ken was acquired in a trade with the Yankees on June 10, in exchange for minor leaguer Ron Davis. Ken had previously been a stalwart in the Cubs' rotation in the late 60s and early 70s, and had been a dominant lefty starter on each of Oakland's World Series championship teams of the mid-70s. He earned a save in his first appearance on June 12, but lost 3 of 4 starts when inserted into the rotation temporarily in late June. In 23 total appearances, he posted a 6.11 ERA, 2 saves and an 0-3 record.
Lynn McGlothen, RP:
Acquired from the Giants for Hector Cruz on June 15, Lynn quickly became a standout in the Chicago pen. Working 80 innings over 49 appearances, he struck out 60, walked only 39, posted a 3.04 ERA and a 5-3 record.
Mike Vail, OF:
Mike was acquired from the Indians on June 15 in the trade which sent Joe Wallis to Cleveland. He appeared in 79 games as an outfield reserve, often spelling Bobby Murcer in right. He batted .333 and drove in 33 runs. In late July, he had 6 consecutive pinch-hits.
Jerry White, OF:
Jerry was acquired on June 23 from the Expos to the complete the deal which had sent Woodie Fryman to Montreal back on June 9. He played both games of a double-header that same day, and during the second one suffered a separated shoulder colliding with the wall. He was placed on the DL the following day, June 24. He returned to the team on July 17, and appeared in 57 games the rest of the way as an outfield reserve, getting a fair number of starts in center where his defense was superb.
Rodney Scott, IF:
Rodney was called up from Wichita when Jerry White went to the DL on June 24. He pulled general duty as an infield and outfield reserve, but essentially took over the third base position full time when Steve Ontiveros went on the DL on July 26. In barely half a year with the club, Rodney stole 27 bases, and six times stole 2 bases in a single game.
Mike Gordon, C:
Mike was summoned from Wichita on July 1 when Dave Kingman went on the DL. He appeared in 4 games, including his final major league appearance on July 9 - he started behind the plate at Shea and went 1-for-2 in the Cubs' 4-1 victory. He was sent back to Wichita when Jerry White came off the DL on July 17.
Ed Putman, IF:
Ed was brought up from Wichita on July 20 when Dave Geisel was sent down. He stayed with the club until being sent back to Wichita on August 6 when the Cubs acquired Dave Johnson, and was recalled again in September when rosters expanded. He saw action in 17 games as an infield reserve.
Tim Blackwell, C:
Tim was called up from Wichita on July 24 when Larry Cox went to the DL. He started 38 games behind the plate the rest of the way, playing most of August in the #1 role, and sharing duties in September with Cox and Rader.
Dave Johnson, IF:
Dave came over on August 6 in a trade with the Phillies for a minor leaguer. He saw action in 24 games, primarily at third base, including his final major league appearance on September 29 as a pinch hitter against the Mets, the same team he'd manage to a World Series title just 8 years later.
Scot Thompson, OF:
Scot was called up when rosters expanded in September. He made his major league debut on September 3 against the Astros - coming in as a pinch hitter in the 7th, he singled off Joe Sambito, driving in Ivan DeJesus with the eventual game-winning run. He got into a total of 19 games before the season ended.
Manny Seoane, RP:
Called up when rosters expanded in September, Manny got into 7 games. His final major league appearance came on September 30 - he pitched 1.1 innings of relief against the Mets and got credited with the win. In 1982 Manny pled no contest to charges stemming from his participation with former Astros pitcher Mark Lemongello in the kidnapping and robbery of Lemongello's cousins. He got 7 years probation.
Mike Sember, IF:
A September call-up, Mike got into 9 games, including his final major league appearance on October 1 as a late-inning defensive replacement at third base.
Karl Pagel, OF:
Another September call-up, Karl appeared in 2 games as a pinch hitter, striking out each time. His first appearance, on September 21 against the Pirates, was his major league debut.
Cookie Rojas, IF:
First base coach Cookie Rojas, who was still just 39 and who had played just the year before for Kansas City, was activated by the Cubs on September 1. He never made it into a game.
Other 1978 Cubs Stuff:
Owner - William Wrigley, III
General Manager - Bob Kennedy
Minor League Affiliates:
Rookie: Gulf Coast League Cubs (GC League)
30-24, 3rd of 6
Manager: Randy Hundley
Future Star: Mel Hall
A (short season): Geneva Cubs (NY-Penn League)
51-20, 1st of 5
Manager: Bob Hartsfield
Future Star: Mark Gilbert
A: Pompano Beach Cubs (Florida State League)
72-69, 4th of 5
Manager: Jack Hiatt
Future Star: Jim Tracy
AA: Midland Cubs (Texas League)
70-65, 3rd of 4
Manager: Jim Saul
Future Star: Lee Smith
AAA: Wichita Aeros (American Association)
58-77, 4th of 4
Manager: Harry Dunlop
Future Star: Bill Caudill
Joe Amalfitano
Cubs' Coaches:
Wrigley Field
1060 West Addison St.
Chicago, IL
Summary of Roster Moves:
April 15 - Paul Reuschel to DL (active roster to 23)
April 19 - Roberts from DL (active roster to 24)
May 13 - Krukow to Wichita, Paul Reuschel from DL
June 9 - Fryman to Expos for PTBNL, Geisel from Wichita
June 10 - Holtzman from Yankees (active roster to 25)
June 15 - McGlothen from Giants for Cruz
June 15- Wallis to Indians for Vail
June 22 - Buckner to DL (active roster to 24)
June 23 - White from Expos as PTBNL (active roster to 25)
June 24 - White to DL, Scott from Wichita
June 26 - Reuschel to Indians, Krukow from Wichita
July 1 - Kingman to DL, Gordon from Wichita
July 7 - Buckner from DL, Meoli to Wichita
July 17 - White from DL, Gordon to Wichita
July 20 - Geisel to Wichita, Putman from Wichita
July 24 - Cox to DL, Blackwell from Wichita
July 26 - Kingman from DL, Ontiveros to DL
August 6 - Putman to Wichita, Johnson from Phillies
September 1 - Cox from DL
September 1 - Rojas activated
September Call-Ups: Geisel, Seoane, Meoli, Sember, Thompson, Putman and Pagel
Jack Bloomfield
Peanuts Lowrey
Cookie Rojas
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Mike Roarke
