Cubs shortstop Shawon Dunston played game at a sprint

Part 2 of 3

The Chicago Cubs, on the heels of a division championship season in 1984, felt shortstop Shawon Dunston was ready for the big leagues in 1985.

Manager Jim Frey told Dave Anderson of the New York Times, “I think Dunston can be an outstanding player, because he’s a hitter at a defensive position.”

There had been some questions about the 22-year-old’s defense, but Frey was satisfied after seeing him execute “three big-league plays” in exhibition competitions.

“He dove in the hole for a ball and had the ball to first base in time, in the dirt, but in time. On a ball hit to the left of the second baseman, he made a double play that few shortstops can make; he’s got a shotgun of an arm, maybe the best arm of any shortstop around. And he dove for a ball behind second base and made the play.”

Dunston won the job out of spring training, beating out veteran Larry Bowa, and made his Wrigley Field debut on April 9, 1985…