Top 3 greatest Chicago Cubs players of all time

The Chicago Cubs are one of the most historic franchises in the MLB. Established in 1876, they are also one of the most historic teams in all of sports. When an organization has been around for nearly 150 years, that means some incredible players have come through the organization. The Chicago Cubs have had them all, from great hitters to elite pitchers to top-notch defense.

Ernie Banks, Ryne Sandberg, Billy Williams, Sammy Sosa, Greg Maddux, Anthony Rizzo, Ron Santo, Fergie Jenkins, and Kerry Wood are just a few of the historic names who have played for the home team at Wrigley Field. But who are the three greatest players? Let's dive in.

Who are the 3 greatest Chicago Cubs of all time?

#1 - Ernie Banks

How could the man nicknamed "Mr. Cub" be left off this list? Banks played for the Cubs (and only the Cubs) for almost 20 seasons (1953-1971). The infielder's career was nothing short of spectacular. The 14-time All-Star ranks first in franchise history in plate appearances (10,396), games played (2,528), total bases (4,706), and extra base hits (1,009).

Banks is a part of the 500 home run club (512) and a member of the 2,500 hit club (2,583). He was a two-time NL MVP, two-time NL RBI leader, and a two-time NL home run leader (ESPN Stats Info).

The late, great Banks was inducted into Cooperstown in 1977. His was one of the greatest careers in MLB history and arguably the best in Chicago Cubs' history.

#2 - Ryne Sandberg

Sandberg played 17 seasons in the MLB (16 with CHI and one with PHI). The Cubs second baseman earned 10 All-star trips, nine Gold Glove Awards, and seve Silver Slugger Awards.

He was the complete package for over a decade-and-a-half in the Windy City. The 1984 MVP was voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005.

The man they call "Ryno" led the MLB in runs (1984, 1989-1990), triples (1984), home runs (1990), and total bases (344) at certain points throughout his career.

The career .285 hitter recorded over 2,300 hits, 1,000 RBIs, and 280 home runs (Baseball Reference). Sandberg was one of the most complete players in the MLB and in Chicago Cubs history because of what he could do with his bat and glove.

#3 - Anthony Rizzo

There are other players that might have more hardware, but Anthony Rizzo is one of the greatest Cubs of all-time. He spent a decade in Chicago (2012-2021).

He is the franchise's all-time leader in hit-by-pitch with 165 and sixth in franchise history with 242 home runs. The three-time All-Star always knew how to get on base with the Cubs.

Defensively, Rizzo was a superstar in white, blue, and red. He earned four Gold Gloves (2016, 2018-2020) and a Platinum Glove Award (2016). He also did a lot for the community in Chicago as evidence by his 2017 Roberto Clemente Award.

His ability to get on base and play great defense, along with his leadership, helped guide the Chicago Cubs to their first World Series championship in 108 years (2016). No one in the city of Chicago will ever forget the great Anthony Rizzo.