Thirty years ago today, the Chicago Cubs dealt 32-year-old pitcher Dennis Eckersley to the Oakland Athletics, as well as infielder Dan Roan, for three minor leaguers. The 2004 baseball hall-of-fame inductee went on to become one of the greatest closers of all-time after spending the early part of his career as a starter.
"Eck" helped the Cubs to the NL East title in 1984 after he came over to Chicago in a trade with Boston for one Bill Buckner. When Oakland closer Jay Howell got hurt early in the 1987 season, A's manager Tony LaRussa converted Eckersley to closer and he went on to becoming the dominant closer of his time. Eckersley recorded a league-record 45 saves in 1988, and then helped the A's win the 1989 World Series (after losing the 1988 World Series).
Eckersley wasn't the only future star the Cubs lost that season. Just a day earlier, on April 2nd, the Cubs designated Rafael Palmeiro for assignment. He went on to hit 569 career home runs with the Rangers and Orioles; though steroid use and allegations have plagued his hall of fame candidacy.
Happy Opening Day!