Chicago Cubs: The 4 players who are on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore

Sitting at the corner of Clark and Addison, Wrigley Field, despite a lack of championships in the last 100-plus years, has seen plenty of MLB stars wear the Chicago Cubs uniforms throughout the years.

And certainly while the Cubs’ history goes beyond the Friendly Confines, it is within those hallowed walls that we find the careers of the four players who make up what we believe to the team’s Mount Rushmore.

While the magical 2016 season will reverberate throughout Cubs history as the one that finally brought the franchise another World Series title, several players had Hall of Fame careers while playing for the Cubs without ever tasting victory in the Fall Classic. While they may never have won it all, those players still had careers worth celebrating, something that has been done in recent seasons with the statues being placed along the exterior of Wrigley Field.

Go to any Cubs game (home or away) and you’re likely to see a jersey of one of these four players being worn by a present-day fan. They are the names that are etched in the Cubs record book and perhaps even fly on the flags that are on the foul poles at Wrigley.

With that, let’s dive into the four players who make up the Mount Rushmore for the Chicago Cubs.

Chicago Cubs: Ernie Banks belongs on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore

The man known as “Mr. Cub,” Ernie Banks is a perfect representation of the sport of baseball. Banks was a true professional, and the face of this organization for 19 seasons. The 14-time All-Star never played for another team and logged the most games for any Cub in history, appearing in 2,528 of them. The shortstop-turned-first baseman finished his career with 512 home runs (one of only 27 MLB players who have ever accomplished that feat) and 1,636 RBI.

Banks led all MLB players in home runs and RBI twice, including the 1958 campaign when he bashed 47 homers and drove in 129 runs on his way to winning the first of two consecutive NL MVP honors. The following season (1960), he won his only Gold Glove honor, showing his value at the plate and in the field.

He is a member of the MLB All-Century Team. Banks also won the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award in 1968 based for his leadership abilities and respect for the game.

With all of his attributes, there is no doubt that Ernie Banks is an all-time Cub great and worthy of the title, “Mr. Cub” … today, tomorrow and forever.

Chicago Cubs: Ron Santo belongs on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore

Ron Santo had a profound and lasting impact on the Chicago Cubs, both on and off the field. As a legendary third baseman, he was a big part of the heart and soul of the Cubs for 14 seasons from 1960 to 1973. His exceptional defensive skills, powerful bat, and unwavering passion endeared him to fans and made him a cornerstone of the team’s identity.

Santo’s contributions on the field were remarkable. He was a nine-time All-Star, consistently delivering stellar performances and earning widespread respect from opponents and teammates alike. His glove work at the hot corner was nothing short of exceptional, setting a standard for defensive excellence as he earned five Gold Gloves.

Beyond his athletic prowess, Santo’s impact extended off the field as well. His dedication to charitable work, particularly in support of diabetes research and assisting those with diabetes (a disease he battled himself) showcased his generosity and commitment to making a positive difference. His engaging and spirited personality, both on the field and in the broadcast booth for more than 20 years, endeared him to fans, forging an unbreakable bond between Santo and the Cubs faithful.

Ron Santo’s legacy remains deeply ingrained in the Chicago Cubs’ history. His induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2012, long overdue, solidified his place among the game’s greats.

Chicago Cubs: Billy Williams belongs on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore

For 16 seasons between 1959 and 1974, Billy Williams defined excellence as an outfielder for the Chicago Cubs, setting the standard for anyone playing left field in the future for the franchise.

Williams possessed a sweet and powerful swing that produced 392 home runs for the Cubs as well as consistently high batting averages. His offensive prowess earned him the National League Rookie of the Year award in 1961 (a season where he slashed .278/.338/.484 with 25 home runs and 86 RBI) as well as a batting title in 1972, a year he finished second in MVP voting with an NL-leading 1.005 OPS.

He finished second in the MVP race in 1970 and 1972, a pair of seasons where he led all MLB players in total bases (373 and 348, respectively).

In 1987, the Cubs honored Billy Williams by retiring his jersey number 26, forever cementing his legacy in the franchise’s history.