36 years ago today: MVP Andre Dawson and Rick Sutcliffe threw themselves with Padres in brawl at Wrigley Field, originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
The 1987 Cubs were far from a memorable team, squandering high pre-season expectations before finishing in last place in the National League East with a 76-85 record, despite having the MVP. of the NL in their team.
36 years ago today, on a Tuesday afternoon, the Confines lost their friendliness on the court when eventual league MVP Andre Dawson was hit by a pitch from San Diego Padres starter Eric Show high and inside after homering in his previous game at bat.
As Dawson lay on the ground, visibly shaken after being hit, Cubs ace and clubhouse leader Rick Sutcliffe objected to the dive, sparking a brawl between the two teams, much to the delight of the Wrigley Field crowd.
Sutcliffe immediately left the dugout and went after Show, getting a few pushes before being separated from the San Diego starter.
The turmoil between the two sides continued and seemed to subside as Dawson remained on the ground as athletic trainers tended to him.
Suddenly, a switch flipped and Hawk rushed forward, rushing at Show in a desire for revenge, leading to the fight escalating once again.
Dawson, appearing to stumble in his sprint, made contact with a referee while shoveling through the crowd of players looking for Show.
As the physique picked up and began to move towards the Padres’ dugout, Show was quickly escorted into the visiting clubhouse by a referee.
As for the game itself, the Cubs would go on to win 7-5, with home runs from Paul Noce and Dave Martinez adding to Dawson’s long ball.
Despite the Cubs’ last-place finish in 1987, Dawson won the NL MVP title with 49 homers and 137 RBIs, the two brands leading all of MLB.
Rick Sutcliffe also had a great season, going 18-10 with a 3.68 ERA, pitching six complete games to go with 174 strikeouts in 237.1 innings of work.