Studio 1998: Some New Blood

After two seasons with the same five Cubs, some roster turnover led to three new faces. Gone from the 1996 and 1997 sets: Sandberg retired, McRae was traded, and Kieschnick was a bust (he would later resurface as a pitcher).

Studio gave the Cubs one more player, so we get six. The cards had and interesting item or two about each player in the write up.

Just to mix things up, I give you the facts first, then show you the players, and at the bottom I'll match the facts with the players. See how many you can guess.

The Players' facts:
...attempting to be the first lefty to lead the Cubs in HRs since 1976.

...hosts a charity golf tournament that raised $80,000

...first Cubs rookie to lead team in wins since Ken Holtzman did it in 1966.

...famous for his two finger salute.

...was a junior college teammate of Kirby Puckett

...two time All Big Ten selection



Mark Grace



Jeremi Gonzalez



Lance Johnson



Kevin Orie



Henry Rodriguez



Sammy Sosa


and now the answers...


Henry Rodriguez...attempting to be the first lefty to lead the Cubs in HRs for the first time since 1976.

Mark Grace...hosts a charity golf tournament that raised $80,000

Jeremi Gonzalez...first Cubs rookie to lead team in wins since Ken Holtzman did it in 1966.

Sammy Sosa...famous for his two finger salute.

Lance Johnson...was a junior college teammate of Kirby Puckett

Kevin Orie...two time All Big Ten selection