Every MLB team’s Mount Rushmore

Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs are no longer the lovable losers, ending their World Series drought. Their Mount Rushmore consists of some of the best MLB players of all-time.

Ernie Banks is perhaps the most famous Chicago Cubs player ever. Once a shortstop and later a first baseman, he won consecutive NL MVP Awards in 1958 and 1959. Banks is the franchise leader in games played and at bats. He spent his entire 19-year career with the Cubs and is the first shortstop to join the 500 home run club.

Ron Santo, had it not been for Brooks Robinson and Mike Schmidt, might be known as the greatest third baseman of all-time. His 72.0 bWAR ranks second in franchise history among position players. Santo’s 70.9 fWAR ranks ninth all-time among hot corner occupants. This jumps up to seventh if you don’t include Cal Ripken and Alex Rodriguez. Santo led the National League in walk four times.

Ryne Sandberg didn’t have the best of departures from the Cubs organization but remains a fan favorite. His 67.7 bWAR ranks third in franchise history among position players. All but 13 of his 2,164 career games came with the Cubs. Sandberg won the NL MVP in 1984 and won eight Gold Gloves.

Fergie Jenkins gets the nod for the last spot as a Hall of Famer who spent 10 years with the Cubs. He is the 1971 NL Cy Young Award recipient, sandwiching the accomplishment between two third place finishes.

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Honorable mentions: Cap Anson was one of the first MLB stars, but people rarely associate him with the Cubs. The entire 2016 team nearly got a spot for breaking the curse. Sammy Sosa‘s alleged PED use damaged his reputation, but it’s worth noting he helped save baseball in 1998. Kerry Wood has a pretty special place in franchise history, returning as a reliever to redeem his injury ridden career as a starter.