Dickie Noles was a run-of-the-mill Cubs pitcher from 1982-84 and again in 1987. He’d probably not be much remembered at all if not for this little quirky event near the end of the 1987 season that resulted in him being traded for himself.
First, a bit of background. When Dallas Green took over as Cubs GM in late 1981, he set out to create what many termed “Phillies West.” He brought over coaches and players and even the next Cubs manager, Lee Elia, from Philadelphia. (We should be eternally thankful that one of the men he insisted come to the Cubs was Ryne Sandberg.