Top 5 All Time Best players for the Chicago Cubs

There has been a number of incredible players who have worn a Chicago Cubs' jersey since the team was founded way back in 1876. Everyone has their personal favorite, but what about the best of the best? The five players that not many can compare to, players that truly stand out in Cubs' history? We've put together this short list to pay homage to the greatest players to ever call Wrigley Field home.

5. Billy Williams

Back in the days when players weren't multi-millionaires, clubs used to honor them with their own special 'day' to give them a chance to receive attention from the fans and, in some instances, gifts from the club to thank them for their achievements both on and off the field.

Billy Williams’ Day took place on June 29, 1969, which just so happened to be the day that the left fielder broke Stan Musial's record of 895 consecutive games in the National League. This impressive streak lasted until September 2, 1970, when Williams took himself out of a game after an amazing 1,117 consecutive games.

Williams was a National League All-Star for six seasons when he played for the Cubs. With a total of more than 400 home runs throughout his career, including 30 or more in five seasons, Williams was one of the most dangerous Cubs players ever. He also hit above .300 in five seasons at the Cubs.

4. Lee Smith

A seven time all-star, Lee Smith's most notable achievement was his Major League Baseball record of the most saves which he held for over 13 years. His time at the Cubs was the most successful time in his career and he still holds the Chicago Cubs' career saves record of 160.

In his heyday, the 6-foot-6 Louisianan was one of the most fearsome sights on the field. When he was called up by the Cubs in 1978, he was the last player drafted by the original Wrigley owner to make it all the way up to the major leagues - and it couldn't have happened to a better player.

Smith saved over 30 games while the Cubs had losing records in 1985, 1986 and 1987. Smith became only the second pitcher in Major League Baseball history to achieve this. It was this impressive feat which cemented his place as one of the most feared relief pitchers in the game.

3. Andre Dawson

Andre Dawson hit an incredible 438 home runs during his time with the Chicago Cubs, and his eight Golden Gloves - the league's award for outstanding work across the outfield - has led Dawson to be ranked at a respectable third on our list of all-time best Chicago Cubs players.

Dawson joined the Cubs in 1987, when he left Montreal and signed a blank contract, simply requesting that the Cubs paid him what he was worth. That season, he more than proved his value when he led the league in home runs, with a total of 49, and batted .287. It was this first season at the Cubs where he won a Gold Glove and was named as the MVP even though the team finished in last place in the National League East - the first player to receive this accolade on a last-placed team.

The rest of Dawson's time at the Cubs was just as illustrious as his first season there. He rapidly became a fan favorite even when the rest of the team weren't performing their best, Dawson could always be counted to provide an impressive display on the field.

2. Mark Grace

Mark Grace was undeniably a great Chicago Cubs player. His consistency was arguably one of his strongest points and his 7,156 at-bats while wearing a Cubs uniform, ranking him among the most prolific Cubs players ever. He comes in at 7th on the all-time franchise list of most at-bats and third on the list of Cubs first basemen.

The man who chalked up more hits than any other baseball player in the 90's deserves such a high spot on this list of greatest Chicago Cubs players. With an impressive 1,754 hits, he cemented his place as one of the greatest players of the decade in the whole of Major League Baseball, not just with the Cubs. He also holds the distinction of getting more doubles than anybody else throughout the 90's.

Grace was an ever-present figure for the Cubs during the 90's and was only the second player in the team's history to be the Opening Day starter at the same position for an entire decade. He was an All-Star on three occasions during his time with the Cubs - in 1993, 1995, and 1997.

1. Ron Santo

Ron Santo is a nine times All-Star, with five Gold Glove awards and 342 home runs who is widely considered by many baseball fans, not just Chicago Cubs fans, to be one the greatest third basemen of all time. Santo returned to the Cubs in 1990 as a commentator, where he was fondly adored by fans. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012, around two years after his death.

Santo played for the Cubs for 13 years after he was signed as a free agent in 1959 - although, he didn't make his debut until 1960. By his second season at the Cubs he was already breaking records. He smashed the old record of 33 double plays at third base set by Bernie Friberg way back in 1923 with an incredible total of 41.

From 1963-70, Santo averaged almost 29 home runs and a respectable 106 RBI per season. Santo also has the highest number of walks in the National League on no less than four occasions between 1964 and 1968, and was also at the forefront of the league in on-base percentage twice in that same period of time.

It is obvious with all these achievements, that Ron Santo, Mark Grace, Andre Dawson, Lee Smith, and Billy Williams are statistically the greatest 5 players to ever wear a Chicago Cubs Uniform. It just goes to show that because the overall team may not be the best, that individual players can still have peak performances.