The 2002 Chicago Cubs season was marked by historic individual achievements and the beginning of a new era at Wrigley Field, which saw the arrival of legendary broadcaster Harry Caray. Fans were treated to another sensational performance by Sammy Sosa, who earned an All-Star selection and a Silver Slugger Award while leading the team with 49 home runs and 108 RBIs. The year also featured the highly anticipated debut of top pitching prospect Mark Prior and a record-breaking pitching staff that set a major league mark for strikeouts in a single month. Despite a challenging win-loss record, the season saw the emergence of future Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg at third base and solid veteran leadership from Fred McGriff, providing a foundational glimpse of the competitive team that would emerge in the following years. A 2003 All-Star and former second overall pick, Mark Prior was a dominant but injury-plagued pitcher for the Chicago Cubs who recorded 42 wins and 757 strikeouts over a five-season Major League career.