Thursday, August 19, 2010

A Look at Derrek Lee's Cubs Career

Derrek Lee is a Cub that we'll never forget. He will be missed badly by all of the fans and everyone in the organization. Always a class act, always willing to talk to the meeting, always signing autographs, always has a smile on his face, always a joy to watch play the game... let's take a look at Lee's time with the Cubs.

October 2003
Lee, a member of the Florida Marlins, played a series that he talked about in his meeting with the media after the trade. He'll never forget the intensity and the fun of that set, especially the games at Wrigley. Even though the first baseman only his .188 in that set, Jim Hendry and the Cubs saw something they liked.

November 25, 2003
D-Lee was traded to the Cubs in a deal that sent Hee-Seop Choi and Mike Nannini to Florida.

April 5, 2004
The Cubs new first baseman goes 0-for-3 but does walk and score a run on Opening Day in Cincinnati. The Cubs won the game 7-4.

April 7, 2004
Derrek's first hit as a Cub is his first home run as a Cub. However, his solo blast was the only Cubs run in a 3-1 loss to the Reds.

July 12, 2005
D-Lee, a first time All-Star, is the clean-up hitter and first baseman for the National League. He goes 1-for-3 with a double but the American League wins the game at Comerica Park 7-5.

October 2, 2005
Lee goes 0-for-4 on the final day of the regular season, but his batting average is still a robust .335, good enough for the NL batting title.

November 2005
His great season is honored as Lee finishes third in MVP voting, wins the NL Silver Slugger at first base, and wins the NL Gold Glove at first.

March 2006
Lee was named to team USA for the World Baseball Classic. He hit a home run in the inaugural event. He was the first player ever to go deep for team USA in the WBC.

April 10, 2006
After 2005 NL batting champ signed a five-year $65 million extension with the Cubs.

April 20, 2006
Lee broke his wrist on a collision with Dodgers base runner Rafael Furcal. He missed 59 games due to the injury, which continued to irk him over the next few years.

May 19, 2007
The Cubs first baseman continued his great year with a pinch hit grand slam in the eighth inning of a game against the White Sox. The slam put the Cubs ahead and they went on to win it 11-6.

June 16, 2007
The usually calm and professional Derrek Lee threw a punch at Padres pitcher Chris Young after being hit in the head. The blow started a bench clearing brawl and resulted in Lee's ejection for the game. Derrek and Chris both ended up suspended five games.

July 10, 2007
D-Lee was a reserve for the National League All-Star team, his second appearance in the Mid-Summer Classic. He went 1-for-2 with an RBI off the bench in a 5-4 AL victory.

October 2007
Derrek's bat is hot in his first postseason series as a Cub. He went 4-for-13 in the three game set with the D'backs, but it was not enough as the Cubs suffered a sweep.

July 2, 2009
Lee crushed a 3-run homer and a grand slam in the same game for a total of 7 RBIs as the Cubs pummel the Brew Crew 9-5.

June 9, 2010
Lee launched his 300th career home run in a game against the Brewers.

August 18, 2010
The Cubs two time All-Star approves a deal and waives his no trade clause to go to the Atlanta Braves. The Cubs get three minor league pitchers and save some cash in the deal, but they lose their seven year team leader, who is a free agent at the end of the season.

The Braves are at Wrigley to start a three game series tomorrow!

Good luck in Atlanta D-Lee.

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