Nov 2, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the marquee after game seven of the 2016 World Series against the Cleveland Indians outside of Wrigley Field. Cubs won 8-7. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago has always been a sports city. Some may argue that Chicago is perhaps the greatest sports city in the United States, based on their successes of some of their franchises and the loyalty of their sports fans, which includes the until recently lovable losers in the Chicago Cubs.
The Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Blackhawks have been the city’s most successful franchises, winning six championships each. A large part of the Blackhawks’ success came recently, winning three Stanley Cups over the last six years. The Chicago White Sox hold three World Series trophies of their own, going through a massive drought after their second title win before picking up their third in 2005. The Chicago Bears, in theory, have been the least successful Chicago team, only winning one Super Bowl. Up until this season, however, all of these Chicago franchises have one thing in common: they have all held titles more recently than the Cubs.
With 17 National League pennants, you would think the Chicago Cubs would be an all-time great franchise. Sadly, that is not the case. The Cubs went through a nice run in the early 1900s. The team set the MLB record for most wins in a season in 1906 with 116 victories. In 1907, the Cubs won their first World Series, and they followed up in 1908 by winning their second. This year, the Cubs finally put their stamp on history. The Cubs clinched their 17th National League pennant with an NLCS victory against the Dodgers, then followed up by coming back from a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Indians in the World Series.
Several Cubs players have dedicated their pennant victory to former members of the team. Those players were all-time Cubs greats that were never able to win the big one. However, these Cubs greats should not go unnoticed because of the impact they had in the sport of baseball. Some of these Cubs greats represent the Cubs Hall of Fame, as well as the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Mar 5, 2015; Mesa, AZ, USA; Detailed view of the number 14 on a Chicago Cubs hat as a tribute to the memory of Ernie Banks during their game against the Oakland Athletics during a spring training baseball game at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Ernie Banks
Mr. Cub himself, Ernie Banks is a perfect representation of the sport of baseball. Banks was a true professional, and the face of this organization for nearly 20 years. The 14-time All-Star played the most games for any Cub in history, appearing in 2,528 of them. The shortstop-turned-first baseman hit over 500 home runs, while driving in over 1,600 runs.
Banks is a two-time NL MVP and a former Gold Glove winner, leading the NL in home runs and runs batted-in twice. He is a member of the MLB All-Century Team. Most importantly, Banks won the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award in 1968 based for his leadership abilities and respect for the game. With all of his attributes, there is no doubt that Ernie Banks is an all-time Cub great.
Final CHC stats: .274 BA/512 HR/1,636 RBI/1,305 R/.330 OBP/.500 SLG/2,583 H
Oct 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A fan takes a photo of the Chicago Cubs former player Ron Santo statue outside Wrigley Field before game three of the 2016 World Series against the Cleveland Indians. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Ron Santo
Ron Santo always loved being a member of the Chicago Cubs, no matter what role he was given. He will always be remembered by Chicago fans for his two careers; One as a Gold Glove-winning third baseman, and the other as a broadcaster. Santo spent nearly all of his career in Cub pinstripes, becoming one of the iconic figures in Chicago baseball. He appeared in 2,126 games, winning five Gold Glove Awards while being selected to nine All-Star Games.
Santo was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2012, and will always be remembered for his perseverance. He appeared in every Cubs game from April 19, 1964 through May 31, 1966, while also turning an NL record 369 double plays. Despite not wanting to leave the Cubs, the team traded Santo to the White Sox to finish out his career. He retired shortly thereafter, but his legacy as a Cub lives on.
Final CHC stats: .279 BA/337 HR/1,290 RBI/1,109 R/1,071 BB/.366 OBP
Nov 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs former left fielder and hall of fame member Billy Williams during the World Series victory rally in Grant Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Billy Williams
In the 1960s, the Chicago Cubs possessed a star-studded roster led by Ernie Banks, Ron Santo, and Fergie Jenkins. Also a part of this team was outfielder Billy Williams, and Williams certainly made his presence known in Chicago. Williams appeared in the third-most games in Cubs history, becoming a staple among Cub fans. Williams is a former Rookie of the Year, a former NL Batting Champion, and a six-time All-Star.
In 1987, Williams was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame for his work in the Cubs organization. Following his retirement, Williams began working for the Baseball Hall of Fame as a representative of the Golden Era Committee. As a longtime Cub, Williams is best remembered for his consistency and lineup presence which helped the team to moderate success.
Final CHC stats: .296 BA/.364 OBP/392 HR/1,353 RBI/1,306 R
Oct 30, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs former player Ryne Sandberg throws out the ceremonial first pitch before game five of the 2016 World Series against the Cleveland Indians at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Ryne Sandberg
The Ryno began his career as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies. However, Ryne Sandberg‘s sophomore season and beyond were played with the Chicago Cubs. Sandberg played in the fourth-most games in Cubs history, and established himself as one of the greatest all-around second basemen of all-time.
Sandberg was a nine-time Gold Glove Award winner and a seven-time Silver Slugger Award winner. His success led to ten All-Star appearances, with all of them coming as a Cub. Sandberg won the 1990 Home Run Derby in Chicago, and it wouldn’t be until 2015 where the hometown player won the Derby in his home stadium. Sandberg won the 1984 NL MVP, and led the NL in home runs in 1990. In addition, Sandberg was the all-time home runs leader among second basemen, holding the record until Jeff Kent surpassed him. These accomplishments earned Sandberg a spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Final CHC stats: .285 BA/.344 OBP/282 HR/1.061 RBI/1,316 R
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