YOTG's Best Cubs of all-time
By Tony Rusch
In response to recent reports that Ernie Banks will receive the
Presidential Medal of Freedom, we decided to hit the books and rank the top five Cubs players of all-time. Does your list match ours?
Note: No active Cubs players were considered for this list.
5. Ron Santo (3B, 1960-1974)
Ron Santo was nine-time All-Star who played 13 seasons on the north side of Chicago before playing his final season with the White Sox. He managed a .277 batting average during that time with 342 home runs and 1,331 RBI. To date, he is the only third baseman in history to record eight-consecutive seasons with 90 RBI. He was especially known for his keen eye at the plate, leading the big leagues in walks four times, and was equally impressive on the diamond, receiving five-consecutive Gold Glove awards.
After his retirement, Santo built another legendary career in the broadcast booth in 1990, serving as one of the best color commentators in the history of Cubs radio. Santo considered himself to be the "single biggest Cubs fan of all time" and was known for his accentuated moans and groans when the tides would turn against the Cubs.
Santo struggled in his later years with diabetes, a disease that he concealed during his playing days, and had both of his legs amputated at the knee in 2001 and 2002. He eventually succumbed to his condition in December of 2010.
In 2011, Santo was elected to the MLB Hall of Fame and his retired #10 jersey flies atop a flagpole in left field.
4. Ryne Sandberg (2B, 1981-1994, 1996-1997)
Ryan "Ryno" Sandberg played most of his 16-year major league career in Cubby blue. He is remembered for dominating both offense and defense during his playing days, setting an MLB record for home runs by a second baseman (277) in addition to nine-consecutive Gold Glove awards and an almost-perfect .989 career fielding percentage (an MLB record). Sandberg was a 10-time All Star and was elected to the MLB Hall of Fame in 2005.
After retirement, Sandberg and his wife founded the "Ryno Kid Care" foundation - a charity that assisted kids and families who were struggling with childhood illnesses. The organization focused on providing help by any means necessary, including free meals, big brothers, and even entertainment.
In 2010, Sandberg returned to the Phillies, the team that he played his first MLB season with, and is now the active third base coach.
His #23 jersey was retired by the Chicago Cubs.
3. Ferguson Jenkins (P, 1965-1983)
Ferguson "Fergie" Jenkins is a Canadian-born pitcher who played on the north side of Chicago from 1966-1973 and later 1982-1983. Fergie was automatic on the mound during his heyday, throwing six-consecutive 20-win seasons, setting multiple MLB records for complete games, and winning the illustrious Cy Young award in 1971.
Jenkins was often over-shadowed during his playing days by pitching legends
Sandy Koufax,
Bob Gibson, and
Tom Seaver, but his numbers have reserved him a spot in baseball history. Over his career, Fergie posted a record of 284-226 with a 3.34 ERA and his 3,192 strikeouts place him 12th on the MLB's all-time strikeout list. Further, Jenkins was no easy-out at the plate. During his Cy Young season in '71, Fergie hit six home runs, seven doubles, and knocked in 20 RBI. He was a three-time All Star and was inducted in the MLB Hall of Fame in 1991.
Ferguson, who was an all-around athlete, even played during the off-season with the Harlem Globetrotters from 1967-1969.
In consideration with pitchers
Kerry Wood and
Greg Maddux, Jenkins will most likely go down in history as the greatest Cubs pitcher of all time and his #31 jersey has been retired by the Cubs organization.
2. Billy Williams (LF, 1959-1976)
Billy Williams is currently the best all-around hitter in Cubs history. Over his career, Williams batted .290 with 2,711 hits, 426 home runs, and 1,475 RBI and was named the National League Rookie of the Year in 1961. His finest year would be in 1972 when he was named the National League batting champion and MLB Player of the Year after hitting .333 with 37 home runs, 122 RBI, and a .606 slugging percentage. Williams would go on to play in six All-Star games.
Williams played his last MLB season for the Oakland Athletics, and was rewarded with a trip to the post-season after knocking-in 23 home runs and 81 RBI as a designated hitter. He was elected into the MLB Hall of Fame in 1987 with over 85 percent of the vote and he was later named a finalist on the MLB All-Century team in 1999.
In 2011, Williams was elected to the "Golden Era Committee," whose focus is to consider golden era candidates, nominated by the Baseball Writers Association of America, to be elected into the MLB Hall of Fame. In his first year on the committee, Williams was instrumental in helping to elect former teammate Ron Santo to the Hall of Fame.
The Chicago Cubs have retired Williams' #26 jersey and in 2010 the organization immortalized him with a statue that sits just outside Wrigley field.
1. Ernie Banks (SS//1B, 1953-1971)
Who else could take number one on our list but Mr. Cub himself?
Ernie Banks is widely considered the greatest Cub player of all-time. His unusually sunny disposition and heart-warming smile were paired with explosive power at the plate, helping him to 512 career home runs, 2,583 hits, and 1,636 RBI.
Banks would go on to be a
14-time All-Star over his 19 seasons with the Cubs. Along the way he would pick up two National League MVP awards, two National League home run champion titles, 2 National League RBI champion titles, and a Gold Glove award. From 1950-'55 he spearheaded the Major Leagues in home runs with 238 - that was more than baseball legends
Mickey Mantle,
Willy Mays, and
Hank Aaron at the time.
Ernie is often recognized for his contributions on and off the field and was awarded the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award in 1967 in addition to other awards that commemorate his service to the game and to his community. Banks is also set to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the most prestigious civilian medal in the U.S. later this year.
In 1977, Banks was elected to the MLB Hall of Fame on his first ballot with over 83 percent of the vote and was later named to the MLB All-Century team in 1999. His #14 jersey was the first jersey to be retired by the Chicago Cubs and his bronze statue stands triumphantly outside Wrigley Field.
