1989 Chicago Cubs season
Encyclopedia
The Chicago Cubs
season marked the last time the Cubs would win their division prior to the realignment to six divisions in which moved the Cubs to the National League Central
, in which they would not win until 2003
. Winning the division put the Cubs in the playoffs, which they would not return to until winning the NL Wild Card in 1998. They would, however, lose the NLCS against the San Francisco Giants
.
in Chicago, Illinois
in Chicago, Illinois
in San Francisco, California
in San Francisco, California
in San Francisco, California
The Giants made it to their first World Series
since 1962
with a 3-2 win over the Cubs to win the 1989 National League pennant, four games to one. The final game pitted Mike Bielecki
against a well-rested (due to his quick exit from Game 2) Rick Reuschel
. Reuschel made amends for his poor start in Game 2 by giving up only one run over eight innings. The one run Reuschel gave up was an unearned run the Cubs scored when Walton reached on an error by Mitchell and then scored on Sandberg's double. The Cubs held the 1-0 lead until the seventh inning when Will Clark
tripled and scored on Mitchell's sacrifice fly.
With two outs in the eighth, the Cubs appeared ready to perhaps send the series back to Chicago. But Candy Maldonado
pinch-hit for Reuschel and walked. Bielcki then proceeded the load the bases by walking both Butler and Thompson. Don Zimmer
sent for Mitch Williams to end the jam, but Clark drove home the pennant winning runs with a single to center that gave the Giants a 3-1 lead. Les Lancaster
got Matt Williams out to end the inning but the Cubs were finished.
They did rally, however, in the ninth with three straight singles that made it 3-2. But Sandberg grounded out and the Giants were in their first World Series
since 1962
. They, however, would go on to be swept by the Oakland Athletics
in four games. Clark's stellar performance earned him Most Valuable Player
honors for the Giants. Clark hit .650 with eight RBIs.
All-Star Game
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
season marked the last time the Cubs would win their division prior to the realignment to six divisions in which moved the Cubs to the National League Central
National League Central
The National League Central Division is one of Major League Baseball's six divisions. This division was created in 1994, by moving two teams from the Western Division and three teams from the Eastern Division of the National League...
, in which they would not win until 2003
2003 Chicago Cubs season
The Chicago Cubs' 2003 season was the 131st season for the Cubs. The Cubs went 88-74 during the season and won the National League Central Division for the first time since the division's formation in 1994, and the team's first division title since their 1989 NL East title...
. Winning the division put the Cubs in the playoffs, which they would not return to until winning the NL Wild Card in 1998. They would, however, lose the NLCS against the San Francisco Giants
1989 San Francisco Giants season
The 1989 San Francisco Giants season saw the Giants finish in first place in the National League West with a record of 92 wins and 70 losses. It was their second division title in three years. The Giants defeated the Chicago Cubs in five games in the National League Championship Series...
.
Offseason
- December 5, 1988: Rafael PalmeiroRafael PalmeiroRafael Palmeiro Corrales is a former Major League Baseball first baseman and left fielder. Palmeiro was an All-American at Mississippi State University before being drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 1985...
, Jamie MoyerJamie MoyerJamie Moyer is an American professional left handed baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. At the time of his last game to date , he was the oldest player in the major leagues and had the most wins, losses, and strikeouts of any active Major League pitcher...
, and Drew HallDrew HallAndrew Clark "Drew" Hall is a former Major League Baseball pitcher with the Chicago Cubs , Texas Rangers and Montreal Expos . He was born in Louisville, Kentucky, but grew up in Ashland, Kentucky and attended Paul G. Blazer High School. He then attended Morehead State University. He is most famous...
were traded by the Cubs to the Texas RangersTexas Rangers (baseball)The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
in exchange for Paul KilgusPaul KilgusPaul Kilgus , is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1987–1991 and 1993.-Fast Facts:* Kilgus won a career high 12 games for the Texas Rangers in...
, Mitch Williams, Curtis WilkersonCurtis WilkersonCurtis Vernon Wilkerson , is a former professional baseball player who played in the Major Leagues primarily as a utility man from -....
, Steve WilsonSteve Wilson (baseball)Stephen Douglas Wilson is a retired Canadian Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher...
, Luis Benitez (minors), and Pablo Delgado (minors). - December 7, 1988: Scott SandersonScott SandersonScott Douglas Sanderson is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for seven teams from 1978 to 1996.-Baseball career:...
was signed as a free agent by the Cubs. - December 8, 1988: Rolando Roomes was traded by the Chicago Cubs to the Cincinnati Reds for Lloyd McClendon.
- March 28, 1989: Rich GossageRich GossageRichard Michael "Goose" Gossage is a former Major League Baseball right-handed relief pitcher. During a 22-year baseball career, he pitched from 1972-1994 for nine different teams, spending his best years with the New York Yankees and San Diego Padres. The nickname "Goose" is a play on his surname...
was released by the Cubs.
Notable transactions
- August 24, 1989: The Cubs traded players to be named later to the Atlanta BravesAtlanta BravesThe Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
for Paul AssenmacherPaul AssenmacherPaul Andre Assenmacher is a former left-handed relief pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for fourteen seasons. Assenmacher pitched for the Atlanta Braves , Chicago Cubs , New York Yankees , Chicago White Sox and the Cleveland Indians...
. The Cubs completed the deal by sending Kelly MannKelly Mann (baseball)Kelly John Mann was a professional baseball catcher who played in the Major Leagues for the Atlanta Braves during 1989 and 1990.-External links:*...
and Pat GomezPat GomezPatrick Alexander "Pat" Gomez is former Major League Baseball pitcher. Gomez played for the San Diego Padres and the San Francisco Giants from to . He batted and threw left-handed.-External links:*...
to the Braves on September 1. - August 30, 1989: Calvin SchiraldiCalvin SchiraldiCalvin Drew Schiraldi is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He is best remembered as the losing pitcher of Game 6 and Game 7 of the 1986 World Series.-Amateur career:...
, Darrin JacksonDarrin JacksonDarrin "D. J." Jay Jackson is a former center fielder in Major League Baseball who played 12 years for the Chicago Cubs , San Diego Padres , Toronto Blue Jays , New York Mets , Chicago White Sox , Minnesota Twins and Milwaukee Brewers...
and a player to be named later were traded by the Cubs to the San Diego PadresSan Diego PadresThe San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
for Marvell Wynne and Luis SalazarLuis SalazarLuis Ernesto Salazar Garcia is a former third baseman and outfielder in Major League Baseball, a right-handed batter who played from 1980 to 1992....
. The Cubs completed the deal by sending Phil StephensonPhil StephensonPhillip Raymond Stephenson is a former Major League Baseball first baseman. He played all or part of four seasons in the majors, from until .- Amateur career :...
to the Padres on September 5.
Roster
1989 Chicago Cubs | |||||||||
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Roster | |||||||||
Pitchers |
Catchers Infielders |
Outfielders |
Manager Coaches |
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Game log
1989 Chicago Cubs Game Log | |
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Starters by position
Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At Bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting Average; HR = Home Runs; RBI = Runs Batted InPos | Player | G | AB | H | Avg. | HR | RBI |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C | 91 | 334 | 86 | .257 | 5 | 41 | |
1B | 142 | 510 | 160 | .314 | 13 | 79 | |
2B | 157 | 606 | 176 | .290 | 30 | 76 | |
3B | 130 | 408 | 96 | .235 | 7 | 42 | |
SS | 138 | 471 | 131 | .278 | 9 | 60 | |
LF | 109 | 343 | 111 | .324 | 9 | 52 | |
CF | 116 | 475 | 139 | .293 | 5 | 46 | |
RF | 118 | 416 | 105 | .252 | 21 | 77 |
Other batters
Note: G = Games played; AB = At Bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting Average; HR = Home Runs; RBI = Runs Batted InPlayer | G | AB | H | Avg. | HR | RBI |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
17 | 21 | 3 | .143 | 0 | 0 | |
Starting pitchers
Player | G | IP | W | L | ERA | SO |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
35 | 238 | 19 | 12 | 2.95 | 135 | |
Other pitchers
Player | G | IP | W | L | ERA | SO |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
37 | 146 | 11 | 9 | 3.94 | 86 | |
35 | 145.2 | 6 | 10 | 4.39 | 61 | |
Relief pitchers
Player | G | W | L | SV | ERA | SO |
---|
Game 1
October 4 at Wrigley FieldWrigley Field
Wrigley Field is a baseball stadium in Chicago, Illinois, United States that has served as the home ballpark of the Chicago Cubs since 1916. It was built in 1914 as Weeghman Park for the Chicago Federal League baseball team, the Chicago Whales...
in Chicago, Illinois
Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
San Francisco | 3 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 11 | 13 | 0 |
Chicago | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 8 | 1 |
W: Scott Garrelts Scott Garrelts Scott William Garrelts , is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the San Francisco Giants from 1982 to 1991... (1-0) L: Greg Maddux Greg Maddux Gregory Alan Maddux , nicknamed "Mad Dog" and "The Professor", is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He was the first pitcher in major league history to win the Cy Young Award for four consecutive years , a feat matched only by Randy Johnson... (0-1) S: None |
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HR: SF – Will Clark Will Clark William Nuschler Clark, Jr. is a former first baseman in Major League Baseball best known for his years with the San Francisco Giants from to .Will was known by the nickname of "Will the Thrill"... (1), (2), Kevin Mitchell Kevin Mitchell (baseball player) Kevin Darnell Mitchell is a former American Major League Baseball left fielder. He became widely known not only for his occasional brilliance on the field, but also for his unpredictable and sometimes volatile behavior off the field.-New York Mets:In Amazin, Peter Golenbock's oral history of the... (1) CHC – Mark Grace (1), Ryne Sandberg Ryne Sandberg Ryne Dee Sandberg , nicknamed "Ryno" is a former Major League Baseball second baseman. During a 16-year baseball career, he played from 1981–1994 and 1996–97, spending nearly his entire career with the Chicago Cubs. He was named after relief pitcher Ryne Duren, and is recognized as one of the best... (1) |
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Pitchers: SF – Garrelts, Brantley (8), Hammaker (9) CHC – Maddux, Kilgus (5), Wilson (8) | ||||||||||||
Attendance: 39,195 |
Game 2
October 5 at Wrigley FieldWrigley Field
Wrigley Field is a baseball stadium in Chicago, Illinois, United States that has served as the home ballpark of the Chicago Cubs since 1916. It was built in 1914 as Weeghman Park for the Chicago Federal League baseball team, the Chicago Whales...
in Chicago, Illinois
Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
San Francisco | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 10 | 0 |
Chicago | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | X | 9 | 11 | 0 |
W: Les Lancaster Les Lancaster Lester Lancaster , is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1987–1993 and is currently the manager of the Sioux City Explorers.... (1-0) L: Rick Reuschel Rick Reuschel Rickey Eugene Reuschel is a former professional baseball pitcher from the early 1970s into the early 1990s. His nickname was "Big Daddy" because of his portly physique... (0-1) S: None |
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HR: SF – Kevin Mitchell (2), Matt Williams (1), Robby Thompson Robby Thompson Robert Randall "Robby" Thompson is an American professional baseball coach and former college and professional player. He played his entire career in Major League Baseball as the second baseman for the San Francisco Giants from to . Thompson is the current bench coach for the Seattle Mariners... (1) CHC – None |
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Pitchers: SF – Reuschel, Downs (1), Lefferts (6), Brantley (7), Bedrosian (8) CHC – Bielecki, Assenmacher (5), Lancaster (6) |
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Attendance: 39,195 |
Game 3
October 7 at Candlestick ParkMonster Park
Candlestick Park is an outdoor sports and entertainment stadium located in San Francisco, California, in the Bayview Heights area. The stadium was originally built as the home of Major League Baseball's San Francisco Giants, who played there from 1960 until moving into Pacific Bell Park in 2000...
in San Francisco, California
San Francisco, California
San Francisco , officially the City and County of San Francisco, is the financial, cultural, and transportation center of the San Francisco Bay Area, a region of 7.15 million people which includes San Jose and Oakland...
Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chicago | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 10 | 0 |
San Francisco | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | X | 5 | 8 | 3 |
W: Don Robinson (1-0) L: Les Lancaster Les Lancaster Lester Lancaster , is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1987–1993 and is currently the manager of the Sioux City Explorers.... (1-1) S: Steve Bedrosian Steve Bedrosian Stephen Wayne Bedrosian, is an American former baseball player. Nicknamed "Bedrock", he played from 1981 to 1995 with the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants and Minnesota Twins... (1) |
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HR: CHC – None SF – Robby Thompson Robby Thompson Robert Randall "Robby" Thompson is an American professional baseball coach and former college and professional player. He played his entire career in Major League Baseball as the second baseman for the San Francisco Giants from to . Thompson is the current bench coach for the Seattle Mariners... (2) |
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Pitchers: CHC – Sutcliffe, Assenmacher (7), Lancaster (7) SF – LaCoss, Brantley (4), Robinson (7), Lefferts (8), Bedrosian (9) | ||||||||||||
Attendance: 62,065 |
Game 4
October 8 at Candlestick ParkMonster Park
Candlestick Park is an outdoor sports and entertainment stadium located in San Francisco, California, in the Bayview Heights area. The stadium was originally built as the home of Major League Baseball's San Francisco Giants, who played there from 1960 until moving into Pacific Bell Park in 2000...
in San Francisco, California
San Francisco, California
San Francisco , officially the City and County of San Francisco, is the financial, cultural, and transportation center of the San Francisco Bay Area, a region of 7.15 million people which includes San Jose and Oakland...
Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chicago | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 12 | 1 |
San Francisco | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | X | 6 | 9 | 1 |
W: Kelly Downs Kelly Downs Kelly Robert Downs is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues for the San Francisco Giants and Oakland Athletics from 1986-1993... (1-0) L: Steve Wilson Steve Wilson (baseball) Stephen Douglas Wilson is a retired Canadian Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher... (1-1) S: Steve Bedrosian Steve Bedrosian Stephen Wayne Bedrosian, is an American former baseball player. Nicknamed "Bedrock", he played from 1981 to 1995 with the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants and Minnesota Twins... (2) |
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HR: CHC – Luis Salazar Luis Salazar Luis Ernesto Salazar Garcia is a former third baseman and outfielder in Major League Baseball, a right-handed batter who played from 1980 to 1992.... (1) SF – Matt Williams (2) |
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Pitchers: CHC – Maddux, Wilson (4), Sanderson (6), Williams (8) SF – Garrelts, Downs (5), Bedrosian (9) | ||||||||||||
Attendance: 62,078 |
Game 5
October 9 at Candlestick ParkMonster Park
Candlestick Park is an outdoor sports and entertainment stadium located in San Francisco, California, in the Bayview Heights area. The stadium was originally built as the home of Major League Baseball's San Francisco Giants, who played there from 1960 until moving into Pacific Bell Park in 2000...
in San Francisco, California
San Francisco, California
San Francisco , officially the City and County of San Francisco, is the financial, cultural, and transportation center of the San Francisco Bay Area, a region of 7.15 million people which includes San Jose and Oakland...
Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chicago | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 10 | 1 |
San Francisco | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | X | 3 | 4 | 1 |
W: Rick Reuschel Rick Reuschel Rickey Eugene Reuschel is a former professional baseball pitcher from the early 1970s into the early 1990s. His nickname was "Big Daddy" because of his portly physique... (1-1) L: Mike Bielecki Mike Bielecki Michael Joseph Bielecki was a professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1984–1997.-Pittsburgh Pirates:... (0-1) S: Steve Bedrosian Steve Bedrosian Stephen Wayne Bedrosian, is an American former baseball player. Nicknamed "Bedrock", he played from 1981 to 1995 with the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants and Minnesota Twins... (3) |
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HR: CHC – None SF – None | ||||||||||||
Pitchers: CHC – Bielecki, Williams (8), Lancaster (8) SF – Reuschel, Bedrosian (9) | ||||||||||||
Attendance: 62,084 |
The Giants made it to their first World Series
1989 World Series
†: Game 3 was originally slated for October 17 at 5:35 pm; however, it was postponed when an earthquake occurred at 5:04 pm.-Game 1:Saturday, October 14, 1989 at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California...
since 1962
1962 World Series
The 1962 World Series matched the defending American League and World Series champions New York Yankees against the National League champion San Francisco Giants, who had won their first NL pennant since 1954 and first since moving from New York in 1958, defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in a...
with a 3-2 win over the Cubs to win the 1989 National League pennant, four games to one. The final game pitted Mike Bielecki
Mike Bielecki
Michael Joseph Bielecki was a professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1984–1997.-Pittsburgh Pirates:...
against a well-rested (due to his quick exit from Game 2) Rick Reuschel
Rick Reuschel
Rickey Eugene Reuschel is a former professional baseball pitcher from the early 1970s into the early 1990s. His nickname was "Big Daddy" because of his portly physique...
. Reuschel made amends for his poor start in Game 2 by giving up only one run over eight innings. The one run Reuschel gave up was an unearned run the Cubs scored when Walton reached on an error by Mitchell and then scored on Sandberg's double. The Cubs held the 1-0 lead until the seventh inning when Will Clark
Will Clark
William Nuschler Clark, Jr. is a former first baseman in Major League Baseball best known for his years with the San Francisco Giants from to .Will was known by the nickname of "Will the Thrill"...
tripled and scored on Mitchell's sacrifice fly.
With two outs in the eighth, the Cubs appeared ready to perhaps send the series back to Chicago. But Candy Maldonado
Candy Maldonado
Candido Maldonado Guadarrama is a former Major League Baseball outfielder from to for the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, Cleveland Indians, Milwaukee Brewers, Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago Cubs, and Texas Rangers. Chris Berman, a fellow ESPN analyst, called him the "Candyman"...
pinch-hit for Reuschel and walked. Bielcki then proceeded the load the bases by walking both Butler and Thompson. Don Zimmer
Don Zimmer
Donald William "Popeye" Zimmer is a former infielder, manager, and coach in Major League Baseball, currently serving as a senior advisor to the Tampa Bay Rays baseball organization...
sent for Mitch Williams to end the jam, but Clark drove home the pennant winning runs with a single to center that gave the Giants a 3-1 lead. Les Lancaster
Les Lancaster
Lester Lancaster , is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1987–1993 and is currently the manager of the Sioux City Explorers....
got Matt Williams out to end the inning but the Cubs were finished.
They did rally, however, in the ninth with three straight singles that made it 3-2. But Sandberg grounded out and the Giants were in their first World Series
1989 World Series
†: Game 3 was originally slated for October 17 at 5:35 pm; however, it was postponed when an earthquake occurred at 5:04 pm.-Game 1:Saturday, October 14, 1989 at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California...
since 1962
1962 World Series
The 1962 World Series matched the defending American League and World Series champions New York Yankees against the National League champion San Francisco Giants, who had won their first NL pennant since 1954 and first since moving from New York in 1958, defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in a...
. They, however, would go on to be swept by the Oakland Athletics
Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
in four games. Clark's stellar performance earned him Most Valuable Player
Most Valuable Player
In sports, a Most Valuable Player award is an honor typically bestowed upon the best performing player or players on a specific team, in an entire league, or for a particular contest or series of contests...
honors for the Giants. Clark hit .650 with eight RBIs.
Awards and honors
- Ryne SandbergRyne SandbergRyne Dee Sandberg , nicknamed "Ryno" is a former Major League Baseball second baseman. During a 16-year baseball career, he played from 1981–1994 and 1996–97, spending nearly his entire career with the Chicago Cubs. He was named after relief pitcher Ryne Duren, and is recognized as one of the best...
, National League Leader, Runs (104)
All-Star Game
1989 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The 1989 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 60th playing of the midsummer classic between the all-stars of the American League and National League , the two leagues comprising Major League Baseball. The game was held on July 11, 1989 at Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, California, the home of...
- Ryne SandbergRyne SandbergRyne Dee Sandberg , nicknamed "Ryno" is a former Major League Baseball second baseman. During a 16-year baseball career, he played from 1981–1994 and 1996–97, spending nearly his entire career with the Chicago Cubs. He was named after relief pitcher Ryne Duren, and is recognized as one of the best...
, Second Base, Starter - Andre DawsonAndre DawsonAndre Nolan Dawson , nicknamed "The Hawk", is an American former center fielder and right fielder. During a 21-year baseball career, he played for four different teams, spending most of his career with the Montreal Expos and Chicago Cubs .An 8-time National League All-Star, he was named the...
, Outfield, Reserve - Rick Sutcliffe, Pitcher, Reserve
- Mitch Williams, Relief Pitcher, Reserve