Chicago Sports Legends: The Chicago Cubs

To say Chicagoans waited a lifetime for the Cubs to bring home a World Series Championship is an understatement given that 108 passed since the team won it all in 1908. The decades of disappointment were made up for in 2016 when the team beat the Cleveland Indians to shock the world. While different eras of Cubbie history produced a plethora of beloved players, let’s take a look at the standouts from the 2016 team who put an end to the most extended championship drought in sports history.

Anthony Rizzo: Rizzo landed in Chicago in a trade from San Diego Padres in 2012 and quickly showed that he had All-Star potential. The first baseman became the first player in team history to have three game-winning RBIs in his first five games wearing Cubbie blue. A fan favorite with numerous All-Star appearances, Rizzo became the first left-hander in Cubs history to have over 40 doubles and 30 homers in 2016. His amazing fielding abilities led to a Golden Glove Award that same year. Of course, the 2016 World Series saw Rizzo score seven runs and five RBIs to help the team win it all in a series that stretched to seven games. The power hitter continues to be the face of Cubs as they try to reclaim the greatness of a few years ago. Off the field, Rizzo, who was diagnosed with and overcame Hodgkin’s lymphoma, created the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation to help with cancer research.

Kris Bryant: The third baseman solidified his status as a Cub great with crushing outings at bat time and time again. During the magical 2016 campaign, Bryant became the first player in the modern history of the MLB to hit three home runs and two doubles in a single game against the Cincinnati Reds. Also, Bryant hit 39 home runs along with 121 runs, leading the league in runs scored for 2016. That same year, in addition to the World Series win, Bryant took home the National League MVP Award in only his second year in the majors. In 2018, the fan-favorite hit his 100th home run, becoming the 22nd Cub to hit that milestone in team history and the quickest to do so. Bryant continues to play for the team and hopefully will be part of a resurrection to greatness under new manager (and former teammate) David Ross.

The Pitchers: Jake Arrieta and Jon Lester: The Cubs’ dynamic duo on the mound played a vital role in the 2016 season. Arrieta, a dominant pitcher who could send offenses running in fear, came to the team in 2013 ad stayed until 2017. No stranger to pitching complete games and no-hitters, Arrieta was crucial to the 2016 season, winning Game 2 and Game 6, which forced a Game 7, resulting in the team winning the World Series. Lester, who had two World Series wins with the Boston Red Sox before joining the Cubs for the 2015 season, was crucial as well in the 2016 series. The lefty won Game 5 against the Indians and pitched relief in Game 7, leading to the team winning for the first time in 108 years. Both pitchers should find themselves on a Hall of Fame ballot whenever their careers come to an end.

Ben Zobrist: The utility player came up big for the Cubs since signing with the team in 2015. His dominant play at bat during the 2016 playoffs helped the team return to the World Series. Cubs fans will forever remember the 10th inning double Zobrist hit in Game 7 of the World Series. The hit was just what the team needed resulting in Chicago bringing home the championship. Considered by many to be the most crucial hit in Chicago Cubs history, Zobrist was named the World Series MVP for his efforts.

That does it for today. Hopefully, baseball will return very soon. Until then, come back next week, where we will look at the great players from the Chicago White Sox.

ERIC KAPLAN AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO