The Chicago Cubs are one of the biggest clubs in baseball, and they have the fan base to match it. Since its establishment, this baseball club has won 3 World Series titles, the latest being its 2016 championship. Additionally, the cubs have six Central Division Titles under their belt, as well as 17 NL Pennants and 1 NA Pennant. Although the franchise goes back 140 years, the team hasn’t always been the most successful throughout history.
That notwithstanding, there have undoubtedly been several exceptional players in the Cubbie blue. Some of these legends played for the club before the TV’s invention and even before punters could wager on their favorite MLB teams on online bookmakers like casino red. Thankfully, their numbers speak for themselves.
Most of the players in this article helped the club reach significant milestones in pro baseball history, earning their place in the club’s lore. Although ranking the best players for a 140-year-old establishment is not easy, this article covers some of the greatest Chicago Cubs of all time.
The Best Chicago Cubs to Ever Play
Ernie Banks
Most great players in this list can be replaced or swapped, but the greatest Chicago Cubs player spot is exclusively reserved for Ernie Banks. Famously known as “Mr. Cub”, he is the best player in this club’s history, and his numbers are awe-inspiring.
Banks, a Hall of Famer, played for the Chicago Cubs for 19 of his career seasons. During these seasons, he was also an All-Star 14 times. He won his MVP awards back-to-back in 1958 and 1959. Besides being the best player to ever play for the Cubs, he is also one of the greatest Major League players in history.
He played in 2,528 games for the Cubs, the highest of all time. Donning the Number 14, he also holds most of the club’s records, including most at-bats, most total bases, most extra-base hits, and most plate appearances. Although he had a few failures during his stint, as every other baseball player does, Ernie Banks should be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the Chicago Cubs.
Embed from Getty Images
Ryne Sandberg
Sandberg is another one of the greatest Cubs, having been with the club for 15 seasons. He was an All-Star for 14 seasons, a 9x Gold Glove winner, and a Silver Slugger 7 times. As if these accomplishments aren’t already monumental, he was also the National Baseball League’s MVP in 1984.
Sandberg was at the forefront of leading the Cubs to the NLCS. Unfortunately, his team was upset in a classic 5-game series. He is, by far, the second-best player to don the Cubbie blue.
Billy Williams
During his 16 seasons with the Chicago Cubs, Billy Williams posted a batting average of .296, having bagged 392 home runs and battled 1,353 runs. Although he didn’t have groundbreaking stats like these previous two, he was a consistent fixture and performed at high levels throughout his time at the Chicago Cubs.
Sammy Sosa
The entire MLB fraternity absolutely loved 1998’s home run chase between Sosa and McGwire, and everyone knew what was happening. This home run is one of the greatest MLB moments to have graced the screens and perhaps one of the most publicized.
After the 1994 strike in Major League, baseball was in trouble, but when things looked bleak, along came Mark, Barry, and Sammy. The 1998 season, without a doubt, saved baseball. During this season, Sosa drove in 158 runs and hit an impressive 66 home runs.
Sammy Sosa became 1998’s MVP while he still led his club to the playoffs. Between 1998 and 2002, Sosa consistently hit above 49 home runs per season.
Ron Santo
Ron Santo collected 2,171 hits when playing for Chicago Cubs and 337 runs. He was inducted into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame and became a fan favorite at Wrigley. Santo won 5 Gold Gloves during his professional career.
Fergie Jenkins
Fergie is by far the greatest starting pitcher in the Chicago Cubs history. During his ten years at the club, he garnered a 3.20 ERA, winning 167 games. In 1971, Jenkins was named the Cy Young winner. During this same season, he completed 30 of his total 39 starts. What a powerhouse!
Hack Wilson
Wilson played a significant role during his six seasons at the Chicago Cubs. For instance, in 1930, he led the Major League with 191 runs and an impressive 56 home runs. As a Cub, Wilson averaged 34 home runs annually with 141 RBIs.
Frank Chance
Chance helped anchor the Cubs to 4 World Series; they actually won 2 of those! He is often ranked as one of the top ten greatest players to ever play for Chicago Cubs. During his 15 seasons at the club, Frank recorded an OBP of .394.
Conclusion
Being one of the greatest players in baseball is no easy feat. The Major League is one of the most-watched leagues worldwide, and as a fan, it is essential to be familiar with the history of significant players in your favorite club. These are just some of many great Cubs to play for the club over the years.
