Synopsis
The book "Cubs: The Renewal Era, 1985-1990" by Eddie Gold and Art Ahrens offers a detailed chronicle of the Chicago Cubs' efforts to rebuild and revitalize the franchise during a transitional period in the late 1980s. It picks up from the disappointments of the 1985 season, including the firing of general manager Dallas Green, and follows the hiring of Jim Frey as the new leader who helped assemble an eclectic roster of players. Through a series of player and manager profiles, the authors trace the team's ups and downs on the field, highlighting key moments, roster changes, and the mix of veterans and unlikely contributors who brought renewed hope to Wrigley Field and its fans.
As the third installment in a popular series on Cubs history, the book focuses primarily on on-field performance and career trajectories rather than personal off-field stories. It captures the spirit of a team striving for competitiveness in the National League East, documenting the challenges, near-misses, and incremental progress that defined this "renewal" phase. With its straightforward narrative and emphasis on baseball specifics, the volume serves as an engaging update for longtime fans eager to relive the era's developments in a concise, 184-page hardcover format.