Originally founded in 1869, the Chicago Cubs became a charter member of the National League in 1876. Over the next 150 seasons, the Cubs have played more than 22,000 games, scored over 103,000 runs and recorded more than 200,000 hits, more than any other team in baseball history. Nearly 2,300 players have worn a Cubs uniform, earning eight division titles, 17 NL pennants, and three World Series championships.
Fans have witnessed generations of unforgettable players, from historical heroes like Joe Tinker, Gabby Hartnett, Ernie Banks, and Billy Williams to more recent stars like Ryne Sandberg, Derrek Lee, Kerry Wood, and Anthony Rizzo. The team has called Wrigley Field home for 110 of those 150 seasons.
To celebrate this milestone, the Cubs are holding a fan vote to select the franchise’s anniversary team. Each week, we will go through the provided options for each position and declare who should, and, if different, who will, win the fan vote. We continue today with the eight selections for third baseman.
Kris Bryant was selected by the Cubs as the second-overall pick in the 2013 draft. An injury to Mike Olt early in the 2015 season got Bryant called up to the big leagues and he did not waste time making his presence felt. Hitting .275 with 26 HRs and 99 RBIs, Bryant won the Rookie of the Year award while leading the surprising Cubs to the NL Wild Card and an appearance in the NLCS. Things were even better the following year, as Bryant won the NL MVP and the Cubs ended their 108-year title drought by defeating Cleveland in the World Series. Unfortunately, neither Bryant nor the Cubs could replicate the highs of that year. He was traded to the Giants at the trade deadline in 2021, finishing his time on the north side as a four-time All-Star and winner of the 2016 NL Hank Aaron Award.
Stan Hack spent his entire 16-year career with the Cubs, becoming the full-time third baseman in 1934. He appeared in four World Series for the Cubs, losing efforts in 1932, 1935, 1938, and 1945. When he retired following the 1947 season, he ranked second in team history behind Cap Anson in games played, at bats, and hits. He twice led the National League in stolen bases and was a five-time All-Star selection. He is a member of the Cubs Hall of Fame.
Randy Jackson spent parts of seven seasons across his two stints with the Cubs. He debuted in 1950 and earned All-Star nods in 1954 and 1955. Traded to the Dodgers following that 1955 season, he returned in 1959 for a final season after a knee injury derailed the trajectory of his career.