Sad News for ex-Cub Luis Salazar

Last week, ex-Cub Luis Salazar, now a minor league manager in the Braves organization, was hit in the face by a batted ball while standing in the dugout during a spring training game. Unfortunately, as a result of this incident, Salazar will lose his eye. The "good" news is that he's OK otherwise and will be able to resume managing after a short recovery period.

Aside from giving everyone a chance to remember to be thankful for what we have, this news also gives me a chance to remember a happier time in Salazar's (and my) life. The date - September 9, 1989. The situation - Cubs vs. Cardinals at Wrigley Field, with the Cubs clinging to a half-game first place lead over St. Louis. The Cubs trailed 2-1 late, but with first place in the balance, Salazar would drive in the tying run in the 8th inning and then the winning run in the 10th inning, and the Cubs would never relinquish first place for the rest of the season. Watching Andre Dawson score the winning run (see below) remains one of my all-time favorite Cubs moments. Thank you, Luis Salazar, for this great memory, and best of luck to you in your recovery.