Come to Think of it: Top Ten Chicago Cubs of All-Time

We all know that picking a top ten list of players in any sport must contain some subjectivity. Sure, one could simply use statistics to support their choices, but how do you compare the relative worth of a pitcher versus a hitter, for example?

Players we remember from our childhoods often have special meaning for us, and it can be difficult to block out those emotions when rating players on your favorite team. We may have looked up to these players as heroes at the time.

Well, we are older now and smart enough to understand that you shouldn't use athletes as role models. Still, it's a fun trip down memory lane and hey, it always raises some debate.

What else do we have to do right now anyway, right? So, without further ado...

No. 10: Gabby Hartnett

The long-time Cubs catcher is considered one of the greatest catchers in NL history on the defensive side of the ball, and his hitting numbers were solid also. He finished his career with a .297 batting average, smacked out 236 homers, and batted in almost 1,200 runs, all records for catchers at the time. He won an NL MVP award, and had one of the most famous home runs in baseball history, belting out "The Homer in the Gloamin'" during a key game in the 1938 pennant drive.

No. 9: Adrian

Admittedly, it's difficult to compare players from one generation to another, let alone from one century to another! In fact, "Cap" played for Chicago before they were even known as the Cubs. He played and managed the team, leading them on and off the field. He led the league in RBI on seven different occasions, won two batting titles, and was the first player in baseball history to hit three consecutive home runs. While his reputation as a racist is something none of us should be proud of, he does make my Top Ten list.

No. 8: Greg Maddux

Sure, it's a bit of a stretch to call Maddux a Cub, since he's played more seasons in other uniforms than in Cubbie blue, yet his career was so damn fine that I just couldn't ignore Mad Dog. Maddux spent his first seven years with the Cubs, posting a 2.18 ERA and a Cy Young award in 1992. We all know that he went on to have a Hall of Fame career (first ballot as soon as eligible) after he left the team, but he did come back for parts of three more seasons later in his career. He is the best pitcher of the past 20 years.

No. 7: Fergie Jenkins

Ferguson Arthur Jenkins was one of the best pitchers in Cubs history, although he had what was perhaps his best season in a Texas uniform. Although W-L certainly isn't the best way to judge a pitcher, the fact that he went six consecutive seasons with 20 or more wins is remarkable considering he lost more 1-0 games during that span that any pitcher in baseball. He led the league in complete games nine times. Perhaps his most notable feat, however, was his percentage of strikeouts to walks. He is one of only four pitchers in baseball history to have more than 3,000 career strikeouts while allowing fewer than 1,000 walks.

No. 6: Mordecai Brown

Mordecai "Three Fingers" Brown was a starting pitcher for the Cubs between 1904 and 1912, a span that included their only two World Series titles in 1907 and 1908. Brown was one of the most dominant pitchers in MLB history, and his 2.06 career ERA is third lowest in the history of the sport. Brown pitched 20 innings during the 1907 and 1908 World Series, allowing zero earned runs.

No. 5: Ron Santo

Yes, I admit that I value modern ballplayers over oldtimers, and hitters over pitchers, which is why Santo comes in ahead of Fergie and "Three Fingers". Still, Ronny belongs because of his power, and his defense at third base. Santo was the first third baseman to hit 300 career home runs, won five consecutive gold glove awards, and was a nine time all-star. He accomplished all this while struggling with diabetes.

No. 5: Ron Santo

Yes, I admit that I value modern ballplayers over old timers, and hitters over pitchers, which is why Santo comes in ahead of Fergie and "Three Fingers". Still, Ronny belongs because of his power, and his defense at third base. Santo was the first third baseman to hit 300 career home runs, won five consecutive gold glove awards, and was a nine time all-star. He accomplished all this while struggling with diabetes.

No. 4: Sammy Sosa

OK, I know, Slammin' Sammy was a cheater. But technically, his steroid use has never been proven, and since there are plenty of other players who used performance enhancing drugs that we don't even know about, I feel that Sammy deserves a place on this list. Yes, even recognizing the corked bat incident. However, I won't delve into his numbers out of respect for the others on this list.

No. 3: Billy Williams

Full disclosure: "Sweet Swingin'" Billy Williams was my favorite player growing up. Still, I think his performance speaks for itself. Not only did he make the Hall of Fame as a fine hitter, with 426 home runs and a .290/.361 slash, but he was an iron man. Billy set a National League record for consecutive games played with 1,117 between 1962-1971.

No. 3: Billy Williams

Full disclosure: "Sweet Swingin'" Billy Williams was my favorite player growing up. Still, I think his performance speaks for itself. Not only did he make the Hall of Fame as a fine hitter, with 426 home runs and a .290/.361 slash, but he was an iron man. Billy set a National League record for consecutive games played with 1,117 between 1962-1971.

No. 2: Ryne Sandberg

" Ryno" helped bring the Cubs back to respectability in the 80s, appearing in 10 consecutive all-star games, while winning nine consecutive gold gloves along the way. His .989 lifetime fielding average is a major league record for the 2nd base position. Sandberg stole over 30 bases on five occasions and had the major league record for homers by a second baseman at the time of his retirement. Ryno is simply one of the greatest second baseman in major league history.

No. 1: Ernie Banks

No surprise here. Look, he is not named "Mr. Cub" for no good reason. Ernie Banks' name is synonymous with the Chicago Cubs' franchise, and won back to back MVP titles in 1958 & 1959. He was a fine shortstop before switching to first base, where he actually ended up playing more games in his career. He holds team records for games played, at bats, and total bases, and he smacked 512 home runs during his time with the club, including 277 as a short-stop, a major league record at the time of his retirement. Simply put, Ernie is the greatest Cub of all time.

No. 1: Ernie Banks

No surprise here. Look, he is not named "Mr. Cub" for no good reason. Ernie Banks' name is synonymous with the Chicago Cubs' franchise, and won back to back MVP titles in 1958 & 1959. He was a fine shortstop before switching to first base, where he actually ended up playing more games in his career. He holds team records for games played, at bats, and total bases, and he smacked 512 home runs during his time with the club, including 277 as a short-stop, a major league record at the time of his retirement. Simply put, Ernie is the greatest Cub of all time.