Cubs of Yore: Marvell Wynne

Nickname: Marvell-ous

Played for The Cub: 1989-1990

Random Write-up: What can you say about Marvell Wynne? Obviously from his baseball card shown, he has horrible bunting technique. C'mon, Marvell! You pinch the bat, not wrap your hand around it. That's how broken fingers happen. Maybe Marvell has an excuse though. You see, when he first tried out for a Major League job with The KC Royal, he tried out as a pitcher. Yeah, that's probably not a good sign. Marvell came to The Cub via a trade with The Padre and hit .188 with one homer. We gave up Calvin Schiraldi and Darrin Jackson for him and the wonderful Luis Salazar. I thought I remember the world shaking that day in 1989. But hey, he was on the team that walked into the NLCS buzzsaw against Frisco.

What the Hell?: It hasn't shaken out yet, but he may end up being the second most famous Marvell Wynne. His son, Marvell Wynne II, is a defender in the MLS, a former #1 draft pick of NY, currently playing for FC Toronto, and has garnered one CAP for the US Men's National Team. Young Marvell has a ways to go to top his dad in glory. On September 12, 1984, Doc Gooden K'd Marvell to set the all time season record for strikeouts by a rookie pitcher. As if that wasn't impressive enough, in 1987, Marvell, Tony Gwynn and John Kruk became the first major leaguers to hit three consecutive home runs to start a game. Top that, sonny boy!!

Also of Note: Had his "banner year" in 1984 for The Padre, ranking second in the NL in at bats, singles, caught stealings, and outs. Also ranked 4th in triples and 3rd in plate appearances. After his last MLB game for Chicago in 1990, he went on to play ball in Japan. Estimated career earnings: over $1.75 million. Estimated Cub fans missing Darrin Jackson: nil.