Ranking the Most Iconic Cubs of All Time

Few sports franchises in the world have as rich a history as the Chicago Cubs. As one of the founding members of the National League all the way back in 1876, they've had scores of players proudly represent the city of Chicago. Across over a hundred years, these players have exemplified what it is to be a player on one of the most iconic teams in baseball. With Major League Baseball paused for the time being, it's important to look back at some of the greatest Cubs of all time. But where do they rank?!

5. Billy Williams

The second Cub to get his number retired is the fifth person on our list. Billy Williams is a six-time National League All-Star, and officially became a Hall of Famer in 1987. He was a finalist for the All-Century team in 1999, and with his numbers, it's no wonder why. He racked up 2,711 hits in his career, and in 1970, he led Major League Baseball with 205 hits on the season. He spent 16 years with the Cubs, and he helped define their identity in the 60s and early 70s.

4. Ferguson Jenkins

Fergie Jenkins still has the greatest single-season performance by any Cubs pitcher. In 1971, he racked up 263 strikeouts with only 37 walks, earning his first Cy Young award with 24 wins and 30 complete games. With 49 career shutouts, he's easily the greatest pitcher the Cubs have ever had.

3. Sammy Sosa

Regardless of the way his tenure ended and the way he's viewed in the game, it's tough to leave Sosa off a list of the most iconic Chicago Cubs. In his 13 years with Chicago, Sosa stacked up 545 home runs and 1,985 hits. He'll always be controversial, but his insane numbers made him the face of the Cubs in the modern era.

2. Ron Santo

Ron Santo had 90 RBI in eight consecutive seasons. He's the only third baseman in MLB history to do that. He also racked up five Gold Gloves in his 14 seasons as a Chicago Cub. Off the field, Santo battled diabetes, and even after several amputations, he continued his support of Chicago baseball in the broadcast booth. One of his prosthetic legs even had a Cubs logo on it. The man delivered all-time performances for the Cubs, and he exemplified the pride Chicago has in their team.

1. Ernie Banks

Let's play two for the No. 1 spot! Ernie Banks is the greatest Chicago Cub of all time. The slugger was the team's first Gold Glove winner, and by the time he was out of baseball, he was the first Cubs player to have his number retired. After 11 All-Star nods, an NL MVP, 512 homers, and an induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, the biggest testament to his greatness was his 1968 Lou Gehrig Memorial Award, which honors a player who not only plays great, but demonstrates morals everyone can look up to. Above all else, he's Mr. Cub.