Daryle Ward's Epic 2007 Grand Slam Lifts Cubs to NL Central Lead

A single photo uncovers the story behind a pivotal moment in Cubs history.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:43pm

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A chance discovery of a photo featuring Daryle Ward, Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez, and Jacque Jones has uncovered the story behind Ward's memorable grand slam at Wrigley Field in 2007. The grand slam, which came in a crucial August game against the Cardinals, helped propel the Cubs to the NL Central division title that season.

Why it matters

Ward's grand slam was a key moment in the Cubs' 2007 campaign, which saw them win the NL Central and make the playoffs. The photo and the story behind it provide a window into an important, yet often overlooked, part of Cubs history and the team's identity during that era.

The details

The photo, shared by a Bleed Cubbie Blue reader, features the four Cubs players and provides clues that date it to the 2007 season. That year, the Cubs had briefly removed player names from their jerseys before reversing the decision, a move that impacted merchandise sales. Identifying the fourth player as Daryle Ward led to the discovery of his grand slam against the Cardinals on August 18, 2007, a game-changing moment that helped the Cubs secure the division title.

  • On August 18, 2007, Daryle Ward hit a grand slam in the bottom of the third inning against the St. Louis Cardinals.
  • The Cubs went on to win the NL Central division title that season.

The players

Daryle Ward

A part-time outfielder and pinch-hitter for the 2007 Cubs, Ward hit a memorable grand slam that helped the team secure the NL Central division title.

Derrek Lee

The Cubs' starting first baseman in 2007, Lee was one of the team's key offensive contributors that season.

Aramis Ramirez

The Cubs' starting third baseman in 2007, Ramirez was a consistent power hitter and run producer for the team.

Jacque Jones

An outfielder who played for the Cubs in 2006 and 2007, Jones' presence in the photo helps date it to the 2007 season.

Al Yellon

The managing editor of Bleed Cubbie Blue since 2005, Yellon is an expert on Cubs history and the author of the book "Chicago Cubs Firsts".

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What they’re saying

“Ever wondered what it takes to uncover a piece of baseball history hidden in plain sight?”

— Al Yellon, Managing Editor, Bleed Cubbie Blue

What’s next

Fans can watch the video of Daryle Ward's grand slam to relive the moment and discuss whether his performance that season was underappreciated or a product of the team's strong dynamic.

The takeaway

This story highlights how a single photo can reveal important, yet often overlooked, moments in a team's history. Daryle Ward's grand slam was a key part of the Cubs' 2007 division-winning season, and the discovery of this photo provides a unique window into that era of Cubs baseball.