MESA, Ariz. -- When the Tribune Co. hired Dallas Green after the 1981 season to be the Cubs' executive vice president and general manager, Green had the same expectations that the current front office had when it took over. Green wanted to build a strong farm system, acquire some key players to augment that, and win a World Series.
Green did build a Cubs team that reached the postseason in 1984, a first for the franchise since 1945, but never got to the World Series. A true baseball man, Green died Wednesday at the age of 82.
"He had a vision, and knew what was going to happen," said Cubs coach Dave Martinez, who was drafted by the team in 1983.