Chicago Cubs acquiring infielders Ryne Sandberg and Larry Bowa from the Philadelphia Phillies for shortstop Ivan DeJesus

On January 27, 1982, the Chicago Cubs make one of their best trades in franchise history, acquiring infielders Ryne Sandberg and Larry Bowa from the Philadelphia Phillies for shortstop Ivan DeJesus. Bowa and DeJesús will have a few more productive seasons in the major leagues, but Sandberg, after starting out his career at third base, will become one of the best-hitting second basemen of all time. The winner of nine consecutive Gold Glove Awards from 1983 to 1991, in 1984 Sandberg will lead the Cubs to their first appearance in the postseason since 1945.

Dallas Green, the team’s new GM, had seen the potential of the future Hall of Fame second baseman while managing in Philadelphia.