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The Cubs struggled through a painful spring training, and then Dallas Green made a deal that defined the 1984 team.

The Cubs lost 91 games in 1983, two more than they had in 1982, the first year of “Building A New Tradition” under Tribune Co. and general manager Dallas Green. In fact, they had hovered around .500 as late as June 19, when they were 30-32, but went 41-59 the rest of the way, the worst record in the National League. That got manager Lee Elia fired.

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Continue Reading Today in 1984 Cubs history: The Gary Matthews/Bob Dernier trade changed everything