Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo – Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago Cubs have one of the longest and most distinguished histories in baseball and the list of greatest home run hitters in franchise history include several Hall of Fame players.
From their days as the Orphans to the modern day Cubs, the franchise has 21 players that hit at least 100 home runs while with the team. Eight players have more than 200, and two players have topped the 500 home run mark.
Since 1901, the organization has 12,731 round trippers, the sixth most in the Major Leagues. In those years, 727 players hit at least one home run for the franchise.
The Cubs have an incredibly rich history, with some of the game’s truly great players. While not all of them were home run hitters, most of the franchise’s greatest stars are on this list.
Let’s take a look at the most prolific long ball hitters in Chicago Cubs history!
Anthony Rizzo
1B, 133
Five Seasons – 2011-Present
Chicago Cubs Top Home Run Hitters – Number Sixteen: Anthony Rizzo
Anthony Rizzo is the only current player to make this prestigious list, and amazingly, he accomplished the feat in just five seasons with the Cubs.
In his last three seasons, Rizzo has 95 homers, hitting a career high 32 in both 2014 and 2016. That mark was good for second in the National League in 2014.
There is more good news for the Cubs. The three-time All-Star is signed through 2021, including team friendly team options the last two years of that contract.
If Rizzo remains with the club for those five years and can match his pace of the last three seasons, he may be able to work himself into the top five all-time Cubs’ power hitters.
Here is how Rizzo ranks among other Cubs:
Considering he is only 27 years old, there is no reason to think he can’t become a Cubs legend in time.
CHICAGO, IL – CIRCA 1984: Leon Durham
Leon Durham
1B & OF, 138
Eight Seasons – 1981-1988
Chicago Cubs Top Home Run Hitters – Number Fifteen: Leon Durham
Leon Durham was a two-timeAll-Star while with the Cubs and won the Silver Slugger Award in 1982. While he wasn’t a prolific power hitter, he was very consistent.
In his six full seasons with the Cubs, Durham hit twenty or more homers five times, setting a career high in 1987 with 27. He also had 30 or more doubles three times.
He was a feared hitter in his day, as was proof of his 24 Intentional Walks in 1985, a number that led the league. He was intentionally walked 94 times as a Cub.
As a Cub, he ranks:
These numbers easily make him one of the top 50 hitters ever to don a Cubs’ uniform.
Mark Grace of the Chicago Cubs (Photo by Sporting News via Getty Images)
Mark Grace
1B, 148
Thirteen Seasons – 1988-2000
Chicago Cubs Top Home Run Hitters – Number Fourteen: Mark Grace
Mark Grace was never much of a power hitter, but he did so many things well. Maybe the most amazing thing about him was his consistency, which he made an artform.
In his 13 seasons with the Cubs, Grace never hit more than 17 home runs and only hit less than eight once. He hit at least nine homers ten times.
He carried that consistency into other categories as well. He hit at least 28 doubles every year but two, and never fewer than 23. He only batted less than .300 three times, and never lower than .273.
He was a three-time All-Star and a four-time Gold Glove winner. He played in at least 142 games every season but two – his rookie season, and 1994 when he was limited to just 106 games due to injury. Those were also the two seasons that were below his usual numbers in homers and doubles.
Grace ranks high in several categories.
Clearly, Mark Grace is one of the top ten hitters in Cubs history, despite his rather modest home run power. Still, Grace hit enough homers to make this list!
Chicago Cubs Andre Dawson (8) – CREDIT: John Iacono (Photo by John Iacono /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images) (Set Number: X42797 )
Andre Dawson
OF, 174
Six Seasons – 1987-1992
Chicago Cubs Top Home Run Hitters – Number Thirteen: Andre Dawson
His total numbers would suggest he played in Chicago longer than six years, but that was not the case. He was excellent as a Cubs player and easily is one of the best home run hitters in club history.
In fact, he is one of the top long ball hitters in the history of TWO franchises (Washington/Montreal the other).
He had the best season of his career with Chicago in 1987, his first with the Cubs. He bashed a Major League-high 49 home runs and drove in 137 runs, which also led the Majors. Not surprisingly, he was the National League MVP that year.
As a Cub, he never hit less than 21 homers, and he knocked in 100 or more runs three times. He was an All-Star five times, won two Gold Gloves, and a Silver Slugger.
His team rankings:
The only regret is that Andre Dawson didn’t play for the Cubs longer. He made such an impact in such a short time. This Hall of Famer should be remembered fondly as a Chicago Cub star.
Chicago Cubs Derrek Lee (25) – CREDIT: John Biever (Photo by John Biever /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images) (Set Number: X84268 TK1 R3 F275 )
Derrek Lee
1B, 179
Seven Seasons – 2004-2010
Chicago Cubs Top Home Run Hitters – Number Twelve Derrek Lee
One of the more surprising names on this list is Derrek Lee. He had a magnificent career as a Cub, producing some fantastic numbers in his time in Chicago.
He produced five seasons with 20 or more home runs, including 46 in 2005. In that monstrous season, he led the majors with 199 hits, 50 doubles, .335 Batting Average, .662 OPS, and 393 Total Bases.
Somehow, he finished third in the National League MVP balloting.
As a Cub, he went to two All-Star games, won two Gold Gloves, and a Silver Slugger.
He ranks relatively high in several areas.
These numbers indicate that Lee is one of the better offensive players in team history and that he was no slouch with the glove either.
DENVER, CO – JULY 19: Alfonso Soriano
Alfonso Soriano
LF, 181
Seven Seasons – 2007-2013
Chicago Cubs Top Home Run Hitters – Number Eleven: Alfonso Soriano
For seven seasons Alfonso Soriano roamed left field for the Cubs, knocking balls over the ivy with regularity.
In his six full seasons with the club, he never hit fewer than 20 homers and never more than 33. Even though his most productive years were behind him when he joined the Cubs, he still performed at a high level, making it to two All-Star games.
Soriano also could hit a gap. He legged out 218 doubles in Chicago and produced a Slugging Percentage of .495.
He ranks high in several offensive categories.
He may not have been the all-around hitter that Mark Grace and Derrek Lee were, but he edged them both out in home runs. He just missed the top ten, but number eleven is pretty impressive.
Photo shows Hack Wilson, home run king of the ChicagoCubs – Credit: Getty Images
Hack Wilson
OF, 191
Six Seasons – 1926-1931
Chicago Cubs Top Home Run Hitters – Number Ten: Hack Wilson
Hack Wilson was one of the earliest home run hitting superstars of the game. He was a contemporary of Babe Ruth‘s, and he produced some legendary seasons with the Cubs.
While with Chicago, he led the Majors in round trippers four times, including 56 in 1930. From 1927 through 1930, Wilson smacked 156 home runs.
He also led the Majors in RBI twice as a Cub, including an incredible 191 in 130. His 191 RBI in 1930 is still the Major League record to this day. His 159 RBI in 1929 ranks 22nd all-time in a single season.
In fact, Wilson’s two-year stretch in 1929 and 1930 may very well be the greatest two back-to-back seasons by one player in baseball history. He clubbed 95 home runs and drove in 350 runs. Also, he had 406 hits, 281 runs scored, and batted .350.
Amazingly enough, he never won the Most Valuable Player Award. Because of financial reasons, there was not a vote in 1930, but the BBWAA would have voted him as MVP, according to the Baseball Almanac.
Here is how he stacked up with other Cubs:
Wilson only played in 850 games for the Cubs, the second-fewest of any player on this list other than Anthony Rizzo, which makes his ranking so unbelievable. He has to be considered one of the great Cubs of all-time.
Another interesting fact about Wilson was that he was just 5’6″, 190 pounds, or the same height as Jose Altuve but stockier of build.
Chicago Cubs fans hold up “W” flags – Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Hank Sauer
OF, 198
Seven Seasons – 1949-1955
Chicago Cubs Top Home Run Hitters – Number Nine: Hank Sauer
Hank Sauer was an incredibly consistent hitter for the Cubs in the early fifties. In the four seasons in which he played at least 140 games, he hit at leat 30 home runs and at least 89 RBI.
In 1952, Sauer led the Majors in home runs with 37 and RBI with 121 and was the National League MVP. Two years later, he smashed 41 homers and knocked in 103, yet finished an amazing 26th that year in the MVP balloting.
Another interesting fact was Sauer never struck out 100 times. In fact, the only time he whiffed more than 77 times was in his MVP season when he had 92. To show what a different time it was, he led the Majors strikeouts in 1948, while with the Reds with 85.
As a Cub, he ranks well in several categories.
Sauer also made two All-Star appearances while with the Chicago Cubs.
His years with the Cubs were clearly the most productive of his career.
Fans line up outside Wrigley Field before a game between the Chicago Cubs – Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Bill Nicholson
RF, 205
Ten Seasons – 1939-1948
Chicago Cubs Top Home Run Hitters – Number Eight: Bill Nicholson
Bill Nicholson was the Cubs’ star in the early Forties. A case could be made that he succeeded against sub-par competition since his best seasons came when many major leaguers were away for military service for World War II.
From 1940 through 1944, Nicholson was an All-Star four times. He averaged 27 home runs, 105 RBI, and 89 Runs Scored.
He led the Majors in homers and RBI in both 1943 and 1944, and in 1944, he also had the most runs and total bases.
He finished third in the MVP balloting in 1943, and second a year later. He narrowly lost out on the MVP that season to Marty Marion (by one point), whose stats were significantly worse across the board.
After the war, he hit more than 19 homers just once. He batted .289 before the 1945 season but hit just .243 after 1944.
Still, Nicholson ranks among the best Cubs ever in many key categories.
Whether or not Nicholson padded his numbers against a diluted opposition, he still was a star at a time fans needs a diversion.
He was a great player for the Cubs in his heyday and earned his way onto this list.
Gabby Hartnett, catcher of the Chicago Cubs, probable National League pennant winners. Credit: Getty Images
Gabby Hartnett
C, 231
Nineteen Seasons – 1922-1940
Chicago Cubs Top Home Run Hitters – Number Seven: Gabby Hartnett
This long-time Cub was one of the greatest catchers of his era. Gabby Hartnett was named to each of the first six All-Star games, starting in 1933.
He finished in the top 20 in MVP voting nine times, not including in 1930, when there was no vote. He won the MVP in 1935 win he hit .344 and drove in 91 runs.
Hartnett wasn’t a pure or consistent home run hitter. He only hit more than 24 once, and more than 16 three times. Nine years, he finished a season with between ten and 16 dingers.
His best season was in 1930, the same campaign as Hack Wilson’s behemoth year. Hartnett set careers highs in home runs (37) and RBI (112) that season, giving the Cubs an incredible one-two punch.
There can be no doubt Harnett is one of the all-time greatest Cubs’ hitters.
Hartnett is also seventh all-time in games played for the Chicago Cubs and ninth in Plate Appearances. The fact he was the catcher in almost all of these games is amazing (he played first base just 33 times in his career).
CHICAGO, IL – SEPTEMBER 07: Aramis Ramirez
Aramis Ramirez
3B, 239
Nine Seasons – 2003-2011
Chicago Cubs Top Home Run Hitters – Number Six: Aramis Ramirez
Aramis Ramirez was one of the most consistent home run hitters ever to don a Cubs uniform. Chicago acquired him midway through the 2003 season, and other than an injury-shortened campaign in 2009, Ramirez raked!
In those other seven seasons, he hit at least 25 dingers, and he knocked in at least 83 runs. He smashed more than 30 homers three times and drove in more than 100 runs in four seasons.
Rameriz went to two All-Star games and won the Silver Slugger once. He also pounded at least 30 doubles six times. He wasn’t just about the long ball either. He hit over .300 five times while with the Cubs.
Ramirez won’t ever be a member of the Hall of Fame, but he had a tremendous career with the Cubs. He and Derrek Lee anchored the corner infield spots for several years and were are a powerful duo.
Chicago Cubs hall of fame infielder Ryne Sandberg – Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Ryne Sandberg
2B, 282
Fifteen Seasons – 1982-1997
Chicago Cubs Top Home Run Hitters – Number Five: Ryne Sandberg
Ryne Sandberg played nearly his whole glorious career with the Chicago Cubs and helped redefined his position.
No longer did second basemen need to be light hitting slap hitters with great gloves. Sandberg proved a second baseman could be a productive hitter with power and still play great defense.
After playing in just 13 games and getting six at-bats for the Phillies, the Cubs traded for him in what may be the greatest trade in franchise history.
Sandberg hit 14 or more home runs in nine straight seasons, including a career and Major League-high 40 in 1989. He drove in 100 runs twice, and lead the Majors in Runs Scored three times.
He also had speed; Sandberg stole at least 15 bases 11 straight years. He swiped more than 30 bags five times.
He could play a little defense as well. He won an amazing nine straight Gold Gloves at one point. He went to ten All-Star games, won seven Silver Slugger Awards, and the NL MVP in 1984.
He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2005, inexplicably on his third year of eligibility.
He is a Cubs legend and rightfully so.
In a time when middle infielders seldom showed consistent power, and few were offensive stars, Ryne Sandberg stood out. He was a true five-tool player who was the franchise player a decade and a half.
CHICAGO, IL – CIRCA 1970’s: Third Baseman Ron Santo
Ron Santo
3B, 342
Fourteen Season – 1960-1973
Chicago Cubs Top Home Run Hitters – Number Four: Ron Santo
One of the most inspiring players in baseball history, Ron Santo put together his incredible career while suffering from Type One Juvenile Diabetes.
Despite battling this disease on a daily basis, and keeping it private for most of his career, Santo played in at least 154 games 11 straight seasons. He played in at least 160 games seven times in his career. Between his rookie campaign in 1960 and his final season in 1974 (playing for the White Sox), he hit the field for at least 133 games every year.
He consistency was truly incredible. He had eight consecutive seasons with at least 25 homers but no more than 31, 11 straight seasons with at least 83 RBI, seven straight with no fewer than 83 Runs Scored. He even drew walks consistently, going seven consecutive seasons with at least 86 walks but no more than 96.
He led the Majors in walks four times, On Base Percentage twice, and sacrifice flies three times. He was a nine-time All-Star and finished in the top 20 in MVP voting on six occasions.
The fact Santo was able to play at such a consistently high level for so long while battling diabetes is a terrific testament to his heart and love of the game.
Santo took his rightful place in Cooperstown when the Veteran’s Committee voted him in posthumously in 2012.
He carried that love into the broadcast booth where he was a staple for 20 years. This man loved the Cubs, and it is impossible not to admire Ron Santo.
Former Chicago Cubs star Billy Williams – Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Billy Williams
LF & 1B, 392
Sixteen Seasons – 1959-1974
Chicago Cubs Top Home Run Hitters – Number Three: Billy Williams
How would you like to go to the ballpark on any given day and know you are going to see Ron Santo, Ernie Banks, and Billy Williams in the lineup? That was the luxury Cubs’ fans had in the Sixties.
Just like his star teammates, Williams could be counted on to take the field every day and produce like a champion. In one fifteen-year stretch, he never hit fewer than 20 homers. In that same period, he never produced fewer than 84 RBI.
Two seasons standout for Williams. In 1970, he hit 42 home runs and drove in 129, both career highs. He led the league in hits with 205 and runs with 137. He finished second in the MVP voting.
In 1972, he belted 37 dingers and knocked in 122, the second best totals of his career. He topped baseball in Batting Average, Slugging Percentage, OPS, and Total Bases. He again came in second for the MVP.
Williams won the Rookie of the Year Award in 1961, then went on to play in six All-Star games. As a Cub, he never hit less than .276, and he batted over .300 five times.
His durability and his ability to be productive well into his thirties make him easily one of the top five offensive players ever to play for the Cubs.
Williams was voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1987, in his sixth try.
Billy Williams is in the top 100 all-time in baseball history in Games, At Bats, Plate Appearances, Home Runs, Hits, Runs, Runs Batted In, plus in other categories as well.
The Cubs are fortunate Williams is a part of the franchise’s history.
Chicago Cubs Ernie Banks (14)- (Photo by Walter Iooss Jr./Sports Illustrated/Getty Images) (SetNumber: X14118 TK2)
Ernie Banks
SS & 1B, 512
Nineteen Seasons – 1953-1971
Chicago Cubs Top Home Run Hitters – Number Two: Ernie Banks
Few players in Major League History were as good as Ernie Banks. He played his entire career with the Cubs and generated some phenomenal career stats.
His 512 home runs are not only the second best total for any Chicago Cubs player, but it is the 23rd highest mark in baseball history.
Except for his brief ten-game stint with the club in 1953 and his fade away season in 1971, Banks never hit fewer than 12 dingers.
From 1957 through 1960, he had one of the greatest four-year runs any player has ever put together. In that stretch, he blasted 176 home runs, knocked in 491, scored another 423, pounded 114 doubles, hit .293, and slugged .586.
That is a great career for many players!
The fact he was a power hitting shortstop, in an era in which that was very rare, is just another reason he is an all-time great. His biggest power years, including his MVP seasons, came as a shortstop
Like his teammates Santo and Williams, you could count on Banks to play every day. Until his last two seasons, Banks never played less than 130 games, and he played over 150 games in 12 campaigns. He led the league in games played six times.
He produced at least 41 homers five times and had more than 100 RBI eight times.
He was named to 11 All-Star games, and he won the NL MVP in 1958 and 1959. He finished in the top five vote getters for that award on for other occasions.
Banks is in the top 50 all-time in Games, At Bats, Total Bases, Home Runs, and Runs Batted In. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1977, in his first year of eligibility, gaining 83.8 percent of the votes.
Arguments could be made between five players as to who was the greatest Chicago Cub, but it is hard not to consider Banks the very best. He put together an amazing career and will be forever Mr. Cub.
Sammy Sosa of the Chicago Cubs – (Photo by Sporting News via Getty Images)
Sammy Sosa
RF, 545
Thirteen Season – 1989-2004
Chicago Cubs Top Home Run Hitters – Number One: Sammy Sosa
Sammy Sosa was one of the most prolific home runs hitters of all-time. Few can match his massive run production during his peak years. Simply put, Sosa was a beast!
From 1998 through 2002, Sosa was just unworldly. In those five seasons, he crunched 292 home runs, an average of 58 a year. He drove in 705, scored 622 more, batted .306, and slugged .649.
In one nine-year stretch, Sosa hit 40 or more homers and drove in triple-digit runs every season. He led the Majors in home runs and RBI twice, runs three times, games three times, total bases three times, and strikeouts three times.
He went to seven All-Star games, won six Silver Sluggers Awards, and the MVP once. He finished second one other season. He was in the top five vote getters five other years.
He certainly made his imprint on Cubs history.
Few people who witnessed the assault on Roger Maris‘ home run record in 1998 between Sosa and Mark McGwire will ever forget it. It was one of the most memorable moments in recent baseball history. Sosa finished that season with 66 dingers, second to McGwire’s 70.
Sosa’s 609 career home runs are the eighth most all-time and his 1,667 RBI the 29th most ever. He certainly carved out a niche with the Cubs as he is the top home run hitter in the long history of this storied franchise.
Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant (17) – Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
What current slugger could soon make this list?
While Anthony Rizzo will undoubtedly climb this list quickly, two other young sluggers from the current may make this list soon.
Kris Bryant is currently ranked 39th all-time with the Cubs with 65 home runs. The amazing thing is he hit that number in just two seasons. If his current pace, he could enter this list within three years.
More from Cubbies Crib
Another young Cubbie to watch is Kyle Schwarber. He hit 16 homers in his rookie season last year and already hold the franchise record for round trippers in post season play. If he can bounce back
Other sluggers that played for the Cubs but not long enough to make this list include Al Kaline, Moises Alou, and Dave Kingman.
Other players like Phil Cavarretta, Billy Herman, Frank Chance, Johnny Evers, Bill Buckner and Shawon Dunston played key roles for the Cubs over the decades but weren’t power hitters.
The list of top power hitters in Chicago Cubs history includes many Major League greats. Cubs fans are proud of their heritage.
The fact the Cubs had three players like Santo, Williams, and Banks all playing together for most of a decade is incredible. The fact they never won a pennant with those players is almost unbelievable.
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It will be fun to watch youngest like Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant to see how high on this list they will climb in the upcoming seasons. The Cubs just may have another couple of greats on their current roster!
Special thanks to Fangraphs and Baseball-Reference for all of their great stats and easy-to-use tools that make writing historical pieces so much fun.
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