The nickname was given to Rick Sutcliffe by Harry Caray, because of intimidating presence (he was 6'7") and red beard. 82 of his 171 career wins came with the Cubs, including 16 in his Cy Young winning season of 1984.

He was almost unhittable that year as he led the Cubs to the NL East Division Championship. In 150 innings with the Cubs he struck out 155, walked only 39, had a 2.69 ERA, 7 complete games and three shut outs. Among his wins; the division clincher, and Game 1 of the NLCS.

After his great season in '84, he struggled through arm problems the next few years before bouncing back from '87-'89. In '87 he made the all-star team, led the league in wins, and finished second in the Cy Young voting. In '89, he made another all-star appearance and helped lead the Cubs back to the playoffs.

He finished his career with the Orioles and Cardinals, and won 32 more games, but he was doing it on guile alone by then.

Among his many accomplishments, the Red Baron holds the record for the most times facing Barry Bonds without letting up a home run.