by Veronika Lazabal

Created on: July 28, 2008

Go, Cubs Go! A Look at Chicago's Finest Ball Players

The Chicago Cubs have come a long way since their humble beginnings as the Chicago Orphans in 1898. As one of the only two remaining charter members of the National League, baseball's "Loveable Losers" have acquired quite a history over the course of the past 110 years. Fans have stood by through wins, losses, and the occasional curse. Hexes and farm animals aside, here is a look at the all time greatest players to ever don the Cubs uniform, in no particular order. Note- These are players that have played the majority of their career for the Cubs, and have worked to maintain the Cubbies' good name.

Billy Williams
1961's Rookie of the Year held the National League record for consecutive games played from 1962 to 1971. With five .300 seasons, five 30 homer seasons, and six all star seasons, this is a guy that was not just good- he was consistently good. 1972 was easily his best season, with 37 home runs collected and 122 runs batted in.

Mark Grace
Often overlooked, Mark Grace holds four Gold Gloves and eight top-ten batting averages. He may not have been a power hitter, but Grace did establish himself as consistent and reliable. Over the course of a sixteen year career, he never struck out more than 56 times in a season. With over 500 doubles, he holds the title of most hits accumulated in the 1990's-1,754. His total number of hits teeters near the 2,500 mark.

Ryne Sandberg
Clearly one of the best second baseman of all time, "Ryno" hit .300 five times. In 1984, Sandberg led the Cubs to the National League Eastern Division title. 84 was also the year of the "Sandberg Game". In a spectacular display of baseball showmanship, Sandberg went 5 for 6 with 7 runs batted in including two game tying home runs against Bruce Sutter, Beginning his run at the MVP for that year. In 1985, he stole 54 bases, and in 1990 he hit 40 home runs. There's a reason he became the highest paid baseball player of all time in 1992. Perhaps his greatest accomplishment? Helping to bring a measure of respectability back to the Cubs name.

Rogers Hornsby
1929 brought 33 year old Rogers Hornsby and the greatest single season in Chicago Cubs' history. 149 RBI, 39 homers, and an incredible .380. One of baseball's all time legends; he averaged over .400 for a five year span. Though he didn't play for the Cubs for very long, he earned his rightful place on this list.

Gabby Hartnett
Considered one of the greatest catchers in the history of baseball, his hitting

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