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. As the Cubs look to succeed in the future, we look back at the players who made the Chicago Cubs organization.
Here is the Mount Rushmore of the Chicago Cubs:
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 games. 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 on 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.
Ron Santo
Ron Santo always loved being a Chicago Cub, 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.
Billy Williams
In the 1960s, the Cubs possessed a star-studded roster led by Ernie Banks, Ron Santo, and Ferguson 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.
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. He was selected to ten All-Star games, 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, leading the NL in home runs in 1990.
