Henry Roldán
Along with the Atlanta Braves, the Cubs are the longest-running organization in MLB, having been founded in 1986. Since then, they are the franchise that has seen the most ballplayers put on their uniform, with more than 2,600. However, some have dazzled more than others, as is normal, and here is a list of the five best players in the history of the Chicago team.
5.- Best players in Cubs history | Billy Williams
When you review Williams’ numbers, you probably won’t see the best numbers ever, but you will see a display of consistency in each of the 16 seasons that “Sweet Swingin” played for the Cubs.
In 1961 Williams won the National League Rookie of the Year award, while in 13 consecutive campaigns he never played less than 140 games. In 1972, he was crowned batting champion with a .333 average, his 881 extra bases with the Cubs are the second-best mark in the franchise, and he twice finished second in the MVP voting.
He participated in six All-Star Games, his number 26 is retired by the organization, and in 1987 he was inducted into the Cooperstown Hall of Fame.
4.- Best players in Cubs history: Cap Anson
Today’s Major League Baseball is totally different from that of the late 19th century. However, Anson’s accomplishments are undeniable, and that is why he is considered one of the best players in Chicago’s history.
Since 1876 Anson played 22 seasons with the organization. During that period he won four batting titles, led the circuit in runs batted-in on eight occasions and has practically unbreakable records for the franchise. For example, in addition to leading in WAR for a position player (84.8) and offense (82.2), he is the leader in runs scored (1,722), hits (3,012), doubles (529) and RBIs (1,880).
Anson, the first player in history to hit 3,000 hits, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1939.
3.- Best players in Cubs history | Ron Santo
Santo is considered one of the best defenders to ever wear a Cubs uniform, as well as one of the most respected players by both the fans and his teammates.
The former third baseman won the National League Gold Glove five times, in addition to being called to the All-Star Game on nine occasions. Santo was also a headache for opposing pitchers, and on five occasions finished as the old circuit’s leader in innings pitched.
Sadly, Santo passed away prior to being inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012 and his number 10 is retired by the organization.
2.- Best players in Cubs history | Ryne Sandberg
Sandberg is arguably the best second baseman in Cubs history, and is considered among the best lifetime second base in the major leagues.
“Ryno” was capable of doing everything: running, hitting and fielding with excellence. Proof of this is that on nine occasions he stole at least 20 pads, finished his career with nine Gold Gloves, and in 1984 he won the National League MVP award. Sandberg was also first in home runs in 1990, hitting 40, and on three occasions no one scored more runs than he did.
The 10-time All-Star was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005 and his historic number 23 is immortalized by the organization after wearing his uniform for 16 seasons.
1.- Best players in Cubs history | Ernie Banks
When we think of the Cubs, the first name that should come to most people’s minds is Banks. Number one on our list of the best players in the history of the organization and, in his case, in the history of baseball.
“Mr. Cub,” as Banks is nicknamed, played all 19 of his seasons with the Chicago franchise and while he was never able to make a postseason appearance, no one can deny that he did everything he could to make it happen.
Banks was crowned in consecutive seasons (1958 and 1959) as the National MVP, in addition to finishing twice as the leader in home runs and runs batted in. In addition, he played 14 All-Star Games and once won a Gold Glove.
Within the franchise, no one has played more games (2,528) in that uniform than he has, in addition to being the leader in at-bats (9,421), total bases (4,706) and extra bases (1,009). Banks’ number 14 was retired by the organization and in 1977 he was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
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