Cubs of Yore: Steve Trout

Nickname: Rainbow, Trouser

Played for The Cub: '83 - '87

Random Write-up: The original Cub "Crafty Lefty", Steve Trout pitched and was often (always) photographed wearing a pair of tinted sunglasses and a pretty dope man-perm. Don't believe me? Then check out this, this, and this. Oh my Lord!

Steve was the son of Dizzy Trout, who was a former major leaguer and former 27 game winner for the Detroit Tigers. Steve was selected as the 8th overall pick in the 1976 draft by the White Sox. Steve was a pivotal cog in the Cubs rotation during the magical 1984 season, going 13-7 with a 3.44 ERA, and pitching 8-1/3 innings in a game 2 victory in the NLCS over the Padres. Before Ted Lilly this year, Steve was the last Cub lefty to start a post season game.

Perhaps a mediocre pitcher at best, he had some decent seasons, and posted career numbers of 88 winds wins and 92 losses, with a career ERA of 4.18, amassing 656 strikeouts in just over 1,500 innings of work.

What the hell?: Steve is the last Cub to throw back-to-back complete game shutouts, which he did in 1987, blanking the Padres and the Dodgers. Clearly he owned the state of California. Reggie Jackson once claimed that Steve was the toughest left hander that he ever faced.

Was very popular with all of his teammates (Sox, Cubs, Yankees, Mariners), and was known as an eccentric, fun-loving and zany guy. Allegedly challenged many of his Cub teammates to burrito eating competitions. Luckily this was before Hector Villanueva came along.

Also of Note: Has dabbled as a pitching coach in the minor leagues in the past, does charitable fundraisers, wrote a book about him and his father, and now focuses on his own business ventures over at SteveTrout.com. Be sure to check that out and sign up for his pitching clinic, where you can stay at his own home!! Oooooo-doggy!!!