Who Is The Best Cubs Player

So, there I was, at the local sports bar, game 7 of the 2016 World Series playing on the big screen. I turned to the guy next to me, a Cubs jersey-clad die-hard fan, and asked, "Who's the best Cubs player ever?" He looked at me like I'd just asked if the sky was green. "Are you serious?" he chuckled, "That's like asking a parent to choose their favorite kid!"

And that, my friends, is how I realized I'd stumbled into a conversation that's been going on among Cubs fans for decades. It's a debate as heated as a Chicago winter, and as passionate as a Wrigley Field crowd on a sunny afternoon. So, let's dive into this, shall we?

Ryne Sandberg: The Original Mr. Cub

You can't talk about the best Cubs player without mentioning Ryne Sandberg. This guy was the heart and soul of the Cubs in the '80s and '90s. He was a 10-time All-Star, 9-time Gold Glove winner, and a 7-time Silver Slugger. He was so good, they named a street after him in Chicago - Ryne Sandberg Avenue. That's some serious street cred!

But here's the thing, Ryne was more than just a great player. He was a leader, a mentor, and a symbol of hope for Cubs fans during some pretty lean years. He was the original Mr. Cub, and his number 23 is retired by the team. So, why isn't he the consensus best Cubs player? Well, that's where things get interesting.

Ernie Banks: The Optimistic Powerhouse

Enter Ernie Banks, the other Mr. Cub. Ernie was a 14-time All-Star, 2-time National League MVP, and a 5-time Gold Glove winner. He hit 512 home runs in his career, which was a record at the time of his retirement. Oh, and he did all this while being one of the most optimistic and cheerful guys you'd ever meet. I mean, the man once said, "It's a beautiful day for a ballgame... let's play two!" Can you imagine your boss saying that?

Ernie's positivity was infectious, and it's a big part of why he's so beloved by Cubs fans. But here's the kicker - he never won a World Series. And in Chicago, that's a big deal. So, while Ernie's a sure-fire Hall of Famer and a Cubs legend, some fans might not put him at the very top of their list.

Best Chicago Cubs Players Of All Time | Detroit Chinatown

The Case for the Modern-Day Cubs

Now, let's talk about the modern-day Cubs. The 2016 team that ended the curse was led by a bunch of guys who could make a case for being the best Cubs player ever. There's Kris Bryant, the 2016 MVP and a 3-time All-Star. There's Anthony Rizzo, the heart and soul of that team, a 4-time All-Star, and a Gold Glove winner. And let's not forget Javy Baez, the flashy shortstop who's already got 2 Gold Gloves and a World Series ring under his belt.

These guys are incredible talents, and they've got the hardware to prove it. But here's the thing - they're still playing, so we don't know where their careers will end up. That's a big factor in this debate. After all, it's easier to judge a player's legacy when their career is over.

So, Who's the Best Cubs Player?

Alright, let's get back to that sports bar. The guy next to me, after laughing at my question, said, "You know what? There is no best Cubs player. There are just a bunch of guys who, at different times, have meant a lot to this team and this city." And you know what? He's right.

This isn't a debate that's going to be settled anytime soon. It's a conversation that's going to keep going, season after season, as long as the Cubs keep playing. And that's okay. Because at the end of the day, it's not about who's the best. It's about the passion, the hope, and the love that these players inspire in Cubs fans. And that, my friends, is what makes being a Cubs fan so darn special.