34 years ago today the Cubs traded for a Hall of Famer

Cubs fans have plenty to be excited about this offseason. The team has brought in some big names that could position the team for a World Series run. But 34 years ago Wednesday, the Cubs made arguably the biggest trade in franchise history.

On January 27, 1982, the Cubs traded away shortstop Ivan de Jesus for an aging All-Star and a young prospect.

Bowa would spend a little over three mediocre seasons with the Cubs but the other part of the trade, Ryne Sandberg, had quite a future ahead of him.

From his first season with the Cubs in ’82, Sandberg was clearly something special. However, it wasn’t until the ’84 season that the second baseman exploded onto the national scene. Sandberg started his decade long All-Star run along with winning a Golden Glove, Silver Slugger and the MVP.

Since ending his playing career, Sandberg has spent time as a minor league coach with the Cubs before taking over as the Phillies manager. Earlier in the month, Sandberg returned to the Cubs, hired on as an ambassador.