The Top 10 Greatest Chicago Cubs of All-Time

By Oliver Wiener January 07, 2024 23:32

The Chicago Cubs are one of the oldest and most storied franchises in Major League Baseball. With a history that spans over a century, the Cubs have had their fair share of iconic players who have left an indelible mark on the team and the sport. From legendary sluggers to dominant pitchers, here is a list of the top 10 greatest Chicago Cubs of all time.

1. Ernie Banks

Ernie Banks, also known as "Mr. Cub," is arguably the greatest player in Cubs history. A two-time National League MVP, Banks was a consistent force in the lineup and a fan favorite. He hit 512 home runs during his career and was the first player in Cubs history to have his number retired.

2. Ron Santo

Ron Santo was the heart and soul of the Cubs during the 1960s and 1970s. A nine-time All-Star, Santo was known for his exceptional defense at third base and his clutch hitting. He spent 14 seasons with the Cubs and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2012.

3. Ryne Sandberg

Ryne Sandberg is widely regarded as one of the greatest second basemen of all time. He won nine Gold Glove Awards and was a 10-time All-Star during his career. Sandberg was known for his power and speed, hitting 282 home runs and stealing 344 bases. He was also a key part of the Cubs' success in the 1980s and 1990s.

4. Billy Williams

Billy Williams was a consistent offensive force for the Cubs during his 16 seasons with the team. He hit 426 home runs and had over 2,700 hits in his career. Williams was a six-time All-Star and won the National League Rookie of the Year award in 1961. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1987.

5. Ferguson Jenkins

Ferguson Jenkins was a dominant pitcher for the Cubs during the 1960s and 1970s. He won the Cy Young Award in 1971 and was a three-time All-Star. Jenkins had six consecutive 20-win seasons and finished his career with 284 wins. He was the first Cubs pitcher to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

6. Sammy Sosa

Sammy Sosa was one of the most exciting and polarizing players in Cubs history. He is best known for his prodigious power and his historic home run race with Mark McGwire in 1998. Sosa hit 545 home runs as a Cub, the most in franchise history. He was a seven-time All-Star and won the National League MVP award in 1998.

7. Greg Maddux

Greg Maddux is widely regarded as one of the greatest pitchers of all time. While he played the majority of his career with the Atlanta Braves, Maddux had two successful stints with the Cubs. He won the Cy Young Award in 1992 and 1993 as a Cub and was a three-time All-Star with the team. Maddux finished his career with 355 wins and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014.

8. Gabby Hartnett

Gabby Hartnett was a standout catcher for the Cubs during the 1920s and 1930s. He was known for his exceptional defense and his ability to hit for power. Hartnett hit one of the most famous home runs in Cubs history, the "Homer in the Gloamin'" in 1938. He was a six-time All-Star and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1955.

9. Andre Dawson

Andre Dawson played for the Cubs from 1987 to 1992 and made an immediate impact. He won the National League MVP award in his first season with the team and hit 49 home runs. Dawson was known for his combination of power, speed, and excellent defense. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2010.

10. Mordecai "Three Finger" Brown

Mordecai Brown was one of the greatest pitchers in Cubs history. Despite losing parts of two fingers in a farming accident, Brown developed a unique grip on the ball that made his pitches extremely difficult to hit. He won 20 or more games six times and had a career ERA of 2.06, the lowest in Cubs history. Brown was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1949.

The Chicago Cubs have a rich history filled with legendary players. From Ernie Banks to Mordecai Brown, these players have left an indelible mark on the team and the sport. Their contributions to the Cubs have made them some of the greatest players in baseball history.