5 in 50- The Chicago Cubs

Continuing my 5 in 50 series, today’s team is the Chicago Cubs. This will be a list of the top 5 greatest players for the Cubs since in the 1972 season. The criteria are as follows: Player must have been part of team for at least 5 full seasons. Both regular season and post season success will be measured (statistical leaders, awards, et). Players on this list can be from any position. Multiple players at the same position can be included. I’ll list the major accomplishments for each player only for the team they are selected.

Here is my list of the top 5 greatest Cubs players in the last 50 years.

5.  Kris Bryant (2015-2021) 2016 NL MVP and 2016 World Series champion.

4.  Andre Dawson (1987-1991) 1987 NL MVP. 2-time gold glove winner.

3.  Greg Maddux (1986-1992, 2004, 2005)- 1992 NL Cy Young award winner. 5 gold gloves.

2.  Sammy Sosa (1992-2004)- 1998 NL MVP. Finished 6 times in top 10 MVP voting. 2 time home run leader.

1.  Ryne Sandberg (1982-1997)- 1984 NL MVP. 9-time gold glove winner.

Honorable mention to Rick Sutcliff, Rick Reuschel, Anthony Rizzo, Carlos Zambrano.

Notes.  This is a list of award winners. Bryant was MVP and was instrumental in leading the Cubs to their first championship in 108 years. Dawson signed as a free agent and won an MVP his first season with the Cubs, while the team finished in last place. Maddox had his greatest success with Atlanta, but still had some terrific seasons with the Cubs winning a Cy Young award. Many will be upset with the Sosa pick being so high, but steroids or not, he had some of the greatest seasons ever by a Cubs player in their history. Hard to leave him off this list.  Sandberg’s MVP in 1984 season goes down as one of the best. He single-handedly led the Cubs to their first post season in 39 years.

Next up is the Cincinnati Reds