Top Ten Chicago Cubs Baseball Players of All TimeThe Chicago Cubs are one of America’s favorite baseball teams, with a rich history spanning over a century. Over that time, the Cubs have seen many legendary players grace their dugout, some of whom have gone on to become icons of the sport.
In this article, we will take a look at the top ten Chicago Cubs baseball players of all time, including their most significant achievements and statistics that defined their careers.
1.
Ernie Banks
Ernie Banks is widely considered the best Chicago Cubs player of all time, earning him the nickname “Mr. Cub.” Banks was a power-hitting shortstop and Gold Glove winner, who played for the Cubs from 1953 to 1971.
Early Career and Stats
Banks began his career as a shortstop in 1953 and saw his power develop over the years. He hit 40 home runs in 1955 and went on to lead the league in home runs for two consecutive seasons.
Over his career, Banks accumulated 2,583 hits, which ranks second in Cubs history, as well as 512 home runs, which is the second-most for the team.
MVP and All-Star Seasons
Banks was a two-time MVP winner in 1958 and 1959 and was an All-Star selection in 14 consecutive seasons. He was the first shortstop to win the MVP award in National League history, which was an exceptional achievement.
Chicago Icon and Records
Banks was an icon in Chicago, known for his sunny disposition and love for the game. He also holds the team record for the most extra-base hits, the most games played, and ranks among the top ten in numerous offensive statistics.
2. Greg Maddux
Greg Maddux is one of the most accurate pitchers in baseball history, with exceptional control over his pitches.
Maddux played for the Cubs from 1986 to 1992.
Superior Control
Maddux is famous for his ability to paint the corners of the plate with pinpoint accuracy, which led to his impressive win-loss record of 133-112 with a 3.61 ERA in his time with the Cubs. He was awarded the Cy Young Award in 1992 and also won four Gold Glove awards during his tenure with the team.
Chicago’s Best Pitcher
Maddux’s impact on the Cubs extended beyond his playing days. His pitching philosophy would go on to influence other pitchers on the team, and his legacy as one of the best pitchers in Cubs history is firmly cemented.
3. Cap Anson
Cap Anson was one of the best contact hitters in baseball history and was one of the game’s pioneers.
He played for the Cubs from 1876 to 1897.
Contact Hitter
Anson’s contact hitting ability led to him being a six-time Batting Champion, and he led the league in RBI seven times. He was one of the early stars of baseball and holds the record for most hits in Cubs history with 3,081.
League RBI Leader and Runs Scored
During his career, Anson was also the leader in league RBI and runs scored four times. For Anson, the game of baseball was all about strategy and technique, and he was a master of both.
4. Ryne Sandberg
Ryne Sandberg was known for his versatility as a player, showcasing a complete package of skills that set him apart from other second basemen.
He played for the Cubs from 1981 to 1994.
Five-Tool Player
Sandberg was a five-tool player, someone who could hit for power and average, run the bases well, throw accurately and play great defense. He won nine Gold Glove awards and seven Silver Slugger awards throughout his career.
Sandberg was the NL MVP in 1984 and 1990, and he led the league in home runs and RBI in 1990.
MVP and Fan Favorite
Sandberg’s incredible play on the field earned him many fans, and he was a favorite in Chicago, where he played for most of his career. His legacy as one of the greatest Cubs players is undeniable, and in 2005, the team retired his jersey number to honor his contributions to the team.
5. Sammy Sosa
Sammy Sosa was one of the most polarizing players in Cubs history.
Known for his massive home run power, he also brought with him a fair share of controversy. Sosa played for the Cubs from 1992 to 2004.
Home Runs and Controversy
Sosa hit a record 66 home runs in 1998, earning him the NL MVP award that year. He was also a six-time Silver Slugger Award winner and led the league in home runs twice.
However, Sosa’s career was tainted with controversy, with allegations of steroid use and a corked bat scandal.
Power Hitter and a Fan Favorite
Despite his controversies, Sosa was loved by many Cubs fans for his power hitting and his connection to the city of Chicago. During his time with the Cubs, he collected 1,636 hits, 545 home runs, and 1,414 RBI.
Today, he is still synonymous with the Cubs and remains one of their most popular players of all time. 6.
Fergie Jenkins
Fergie Jenkins was a complete pitcher who had a dominant career with the Cubs. He played for the team from 1966 to 1973 and again from 1982 to 1983.
Complete Games and Strikeouts
During his time with the Cubs, Jenkins tallied 167 complete games and over 2,000 strikeouts. He won three Cy Young Awards during his career and had a win-loss record of 167-132 with a 3.20 ERA with the team.
Ace Pitcher and Hall-of-Famer
Jenkins was undoubtedly the Cubs’ ace pitcher during his time with the team, and his outstanding career earned him a spot in the baseball Hall of Fame. Today, he is remembered as one of the best pitchers in Cubs history.
7. Mordecai Brown
Mordecai “Three Finger” Brown was a legendary pitcher who was known for his exceptional control and unique pitching style.
Brown played for the Cubs from 1904 to 1912.
Record ERA and World Series Champion
Brown’s record ERA of 1.80 still ranks as the best in Cubs history. He won a World Series championship with the team in 1907 and also threw a no-hitter in 1906.
He was a master of deception, using his unique pitching style to keep batters off guard.
Hall-of-Famer and Legend
Brown was inducted into the baseball Hall of Fame in 1949, and his legacy as one of the best pitchers in Cubs history remains intact today. His unusual grip on the ball was due to a farming accident that mangled his right index finger, which inspired his famous nickname.
8. Billy Williams
Billy Williams was an outfielder who hit for both power and average.
Williams played for the Cubs from 1959 to 1974.
Outfielder and Run Producer
During his time with the Cubs, Williams hit 392 home runs and drove in 1,475 RBI. He hit 2673 hits, second-most in Cubs history.
He was an All-Star six times and won four Gold Glove awards for his outstanding defense in the outfield.
All-Star and Hall-of-Famer
Williams was inducted into the baseball Hall of Fame in 1987 and continues to be remembered as one of the best Cubs outfielders. In recent years, the team has honored Williams by naming him an ambassador for the Cubs organization.
9. Ron Santo
Ron Santo was a hot corner third baseman for the Cubs known for his power hitting and All-Star caliber defense.
Santo played for the Cubs from 1960 to 1973.
Power Hitter and Gold Glove Defender
Santo hit over 300 home runs during his time with the Cubs and was also a nine-time Gold Glove award winner at third base. He had a career batting average of .277 and was a six-time All-Star for the Cubs.
Fan Favorite and Broadcast Icon
Santo’s charisma and talent on the field earned him many fans, and after his playing days, he went on to become one of the most beloved broadcasters covering the Cubs. He remained a big part of the Cubs family until his passing, and his memory is still revered by Cubs fans today.
10. Gabby Hartnett
Gabby Hartnett was a skilled catcher who was a driving force behind the Cubs’ success in the 1920s and 1930s.
Hartnett played for the Cubs from 1922 to 1940.
Catcher and MVP
Hartnett was a six-time All-Star selection and won the National League MVP award in 1935. He was an excellent catcher, known for his strong arm and ability to handle pitchers with skill and poise.
All-Star and Hall-of-Famer
Hartnett’s skill behind the plate and his excellent hitting made him an All-Star favorite in his time with the Cubs. His incredible career earned him a spot in the baseball Hall of Fame in 1955, and he remains one of the best catchers in Cubs history.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Chicago Cubs have seen many legendary players come through their organization over the years. Players like Ernie Banks, Greg Maddux, and Cap Anson created impressive legacies on and off the field, while others like Ryne Sandberg and Sammy Sosa were known for their electrifying personalities and power hitting.
Fergie Jenkins, Mordecai Brown, Billy Williams, Ron Santo, and Gabby Hartnett all made major contributions to the Cubs’ success, earning them Hall of Fame honors. As fans look to the future, one thing is certain these ten players will always be remembered as the best of the best in Chicago Cubs history.
3. Greg Maddux
Greg Maddux is one of the greatest pitchers in Major League Baseball history.
He played for the Cubs from 1986 to 1992, and during that time, he became a three-time All-Star and a four-time Cy Young Award winner.
Career Stats and Highlights
Maddux racked up many achievements over the course of his 23-year career in baseball. He finished with a career WAR of 106.8, which ranks 12th all-time for pitchers.
Maddux also finished with the most strikeouts of any Cubs pitcher in history, with 1,305, and he ranks second in the team’s history in games started, with 248.
Control and Accuracy
Maddux was known for his exceptional control and accuracy on the mound, which helped him earn 355 career wins. He had won at least 15 games in 17 seasons, and in 1995, he led the league with 19 wins and a microscopic 1.63 ERA.
Maddux’s ability to pinpoint his pitches with accuracy and throw strikes consistently made him a formidable opponent for hitters, and it also helped him rack up an incredible 18 Gold Glove Awards, the most for any player in history.
League Awards and Records
Maddux’s exceptional career on the mound earned him numerous awards and records. He won the National League Cy Young Award four consecutive times from 1992 to 1995, and in 1995, he became the first pitcher in history to win both the Cy Young and Gold Glove Award in the same season.
Maddux led the league in ERA four times, and he finished with a career ERA of 3.16, which ranks 68th all-time. Maddux’s impressive performance on the mound led to his induction into the baseball Hall of Fame in 2014, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in Cubs history.
4. Cap Anson
Adrian Constantine Anson, better known as Cap Anson, was one of the most productive and influential players in baseball history.
He played for the Cubs from 1876 to 1897, leading them to great heights and becoming their first true superstar.
Early Years and Debut with the Cubs
Anson was born in 1852 in Marshalltown, Iowa, and began playing baseball professionally in his early 20s. He made his debut with the Cubs in 1876, and immediately made a splash by hitting .358 in his first season.
Over the course of his career with the Cubs, he spent most of his time playing first base, though he did see some action in other positions as well.
Batting and Run Producing Stats
Anson was a contact hitter who became known for his ability to get on base and produce runs. He won six batting titles throughout his career and led the league in RBI seven times.
He was among the league leaders in hits almost every season, with a career total of 3,081, which is still the most in Cubs history. Anson’s ability to hit for a high average and drive in runs made him one of the most feared hitters of his time.
Franchise Records and Hall of Fame Induction
Anson holds numerous Cubs franchise records, including most hits, runs scored and doubles. He was also inducted into the baseball Hall of Fame in 1939, cementing his status as one of the greatest players of all time.
Anson’s influence extended beyond his playing days; he was also a respected manager and was credited with helping to shape the game of baseball into what it is today. Despite his many accomplishments, Anson’s legacy has been somewhat complicated by his role in perpetuating baseball’s segregation policies.
He was a vocal opponent of allowing players of color to participate in the sport, famously refusing to play against a team that included black players in 1883. While this aspect of his legacy is certainly troubling, it is also a reflection of the broader societal norms of the time and should be considered alongside his many on-field accomplishments.
Today, Anson is remembered as one of the greatest players in baseball history and as one of the key figures in helping the game reach its current stature. Ryne Sandberg is one of the most complete players in the history of Major League Baseball.
He played for the Cubs from 1981 to 1994, during which time he became a nine-time Gold Glove winner and a seven-time Silver Slugger award winner. Sandberg also won the Home Run Derby in 1990 and was named the National League (NL) MVP in 1984, highlighting his successes on and off the field.
Five Tool Player and Defensive Skills
Sandberg earned a reputation as a world-class defender at second base during his playing days. He had excellent range and a quick glove, which helped him win a total of nine Gold Glove awards throughout his career.
Sandberg was also a menace on the basepaths, stealing over 300 bases and establishing himself as one of the best baserunners in the league. Sandberg’s defensive skills and base stealing ability combined to make him one of the most dynamic players of his era, earning him recognition as a five-tool player who excelled in every aspect of the game.
Batting Success and Awards
In addition to his defensive and baserunning prowess, Sandberg was also an exceptional hitter. He finished his career with a batting average of .285 and 282 home runs.
Sandberg was also a seven-time Silver Slugger award winner and was the unanimous winner of the NL MVP Award in 1984, thanks in part to his league-leading 200 hits, 36 doubles, and 19 home runs. Sandberg was also a participant in ten All-Star games and was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in his third year of eligibility, cementing his place among the greats of the game.
Franchise Rankings and Highlights
Sandberg’s exceptional play helped him establish himself as one of the greatest Cubs players of all time. He ranks fourth in the team’s history in games played, with