Top 10 Chicago Cubs of All Time

So the best way to start the questioning, is to start local. So let’s start with the Northside of Chicago, where I have spend many summers at Wrigley Field. Let’s ask ChatGPT who the best Chicago Cubs of all time are.

The Chicago Cubs, one of the oldest and most storied franchises in Major League Baseball, have seen numerous talented players throughout their history. While opinions may vary on the exact ranking, here is a list of 10 notable players who have left a significant impact on the Cubs organization:

  1. Ernie Banks: Known as “Mr. Cub,” Banks is one of the most beloved figures in Cubs history. He played his entire career with the team (1953-1971) and became a Hall of Fame shortstop and first baseman.
  2. Ron Santo: A dominant third baseman, Santo spent 14 seasons with the Cubs (1960-1973) and was known for his exceptional defense and offensive production. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame posthumously in 2012.
  3. Ryne Sandberg: Sandberg was a second baseman who played the majority of his career with the Cubs (1982-1994, 1996-1997). He was an exceptional defensive player and a consistent offensive threat, earning him a spot in the Hall of Fame.
  4. Billy Williams: Williams, an outfielder, played 16 seasons with the Cubs (1959-1974). He was a consistent hitter and a fan favorite, earning six All-Star selections and the 1961 NL Rookie of the Year award.
  5. Fergie Jenkins: Jenkins, a right-handed pitcher, had two stints with the Cubs (1966-1973, 1982-1983) and was the team’s first Cy Young Award winner in 1971. He recorded over 3,000 strikeouts during his career and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1991.
  6. Greg Maddux: While Maddux played the majority of his career with the Atlanta Braves, he had two separate stints with the Cubs (1986-1992, 2004-2006). Maddux was a highly skilled pitcher, known for his incredible control and ability to paint the corners of the strike zone.
  7. Gabby Hartnett: Hartnett was a catcher who played for the Cubs from 1922 to 1940. He was a strong offensive player and a respected team leader. Hartnett famously hit the “Homer in the Gloamin'” in 1938, securing a crucial win for the Cubs.
  8. Sammy Sosa: Sosa played for the Cubs from 1992 to 2004 and became one of the most electrifying players in the game. He is the franchise’s all-time leader in home runs, hitting over 600 during his career, and won the NL MVP award in 1998.
  9. Hack Wilson: Wilson was an outfielder who played for the Cubs from 1926 to 1931. He had a remarkable 1930 season, setting a single-season record with 191 RBIs—a record that still stands today.
  10. Andre Dawson: Dawson played for the Cubs from 1987 to 1992 and made an immediate impact, winning the NL MVP award in his first season with the team. He was a power-hitting outfielder known for his strong arm and defensive prowess.

It’s important to note that this list is subjective and based on various factors such as overall performance, impact on the franchise, and historical significance. Other notable Cubs players, such as Phil Cavarretta, Charlie Grimm, and Mordecai “Three Finger” Brown, could also be contenders for a top 10 list.